Freemason NSW & ACT – March 2019 by APM Graphics Management

COMMUNITY RADIO R ALEXANDER FLEMING R WHEN THE GUNS FELL SILENT

v51 n1 March 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

Travels in

Jordan

Contents

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

12 16

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

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

Editorial 3 Quarterly Communication

Locals on the wireless

Famous mason

The Grand Secretary’s desk

From the Grand Chaplain

What’s on

Helping schools in Fiji

Armistice 1918

Associated orders – Secret Monitor 14 Associated orders – Great Priory

Set in stone

Watch your health

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

The GM’s Task Team

World Hearing Day

Travels in Jordan

Letters to the Editor

Eastern Star donates

Grand Master’s theme

Masonicare 32 Whiddon awards

Art scholarship

Regional Roundup

Initiates 44 Crossword 45 Service Certificates

Freemason is published in March, June, September and December. Deadline for copy is 1st of the month preceding month of issue. All matters for publication in the journal should be addressed to: 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

EDITORIAL POLICY

Photo courtesy of Diego Delso.

COVER IMAGE:

El Deir, or ‘the monastery,’ is Petra’s largest monument.

Aims of the Freemason magazine RR To uphold and promote those values, morals and virtues which Freemasonry believes are universal and enduring. RR To foster a better understanding of Freemasonry within the general community. RR To provide a forum for discussion on masonic issues. RR To publicise the charitable works of Freemasonry. RR To provide articles of interest and education and to disseminate masonic news and views. RR To recognise masons who make significant contributions to the Craft and the wider community.

March 2019

ISSN 1836-0475 or ISSN 1836-0513 (Online) Print Post Approved 100007316 © 2019 Copyright: It should be noted that copyright for all text, photographs and illustrations (except where otherwise indicated) rests worldwide with Freemason.

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

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Editorial

By RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM

Reaching for the stars Just to refresh and check how good your memory is – when would you say was the first rocket launched from Earth?

o the moon, or the upper atmosphere after World War Two did you ask? Sorry! The first recorded rocket was a three inch missile which was launched from a site near London in April 1750 – that’s right 1750 – and it went about two thirds of a mile in height. Rocket or missile attempts had been made since the 1200s but this was the most successful.

The next official notification was a German rocket in April 1931. The beginning of space flight as we know it now began well after World War Two and the first actual satellite was the Russian Sputnik in October 1957. That was an earth orbit, the first moon orbit was in March 1966. Seems like a long time ago now, wasn’t it.

GENERAL DOUGLAS MACARTHUR R MASONIC KNOTS R TERCENTENERY

v50 n1 March 2018

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

v50 n3 Septe

GRAND

FAUNA R FIERCE

E R STROK

The friendly

Our

Grandr Maste

There are still wars in progress, terrorism, droughts and floods which continue year after year but humanity still manages to survive because of faith and commitment. Enjoy your Easter time and remember life can be good if you look on the bright side and approach the future with confidence.

Get your own!

mber 2018

RECOGNITION

Games

Which brings to mind another question to test your memory. Do you realise that it will soon be Easter and do you have any special plans. Do you really remember what Easter stands for, what it means and why we have special services for it.

Easter should remind us of the need to take care of each other, to be kind to friends, to seek ways of making life better for people in difficulty, to teach children and to try to make the world, or at least our area, a better place in which to live.

v49 n4 December 2017

www.masons.org.au INSTALLATION

...humanity still manages to survive because of faith and commitment.

Are you borrowing someone else’s copy of the Freemason? Did you know that you can receive your very own copies delivered to your door without being a mason?

Sydney’s

Sandstone

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

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March 2019

Quarterly Communication

DECEMBER COMMUNICATION It was a night of historical importance for the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT when the December Quarterly Communication was streamed live to NSW country centres

ome Quarterly communications in the past have been held outside Sydney and the move follows recommendations to Grand Lodge to stage a trial run to see

OUR NEXT

COMMUNICATION The Grand Lodge Quarterly Communication will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre on WEDNESDAY 13 March 2019 at 7:30pm. USE CASTLEREAGH ST ENTRANCE ONLY. Live stream available at select locations. For full information, see page 9.

The Communication is open to all members of Grand Lodge, which includes all Master Masons. The Grand Master extends an invitation to all other brethren to attend as observers. Brethren attending as observers are not entitled to vote on matters being considered by Grand Lodge.

GRAND LODGE CLOSURES:

Grand Lodge is closed for renovations, and is scheduled to reopen in May.

March 2019

whether regional centres can be linked with the proceedings. The Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM welcomed those in attendance including brethren from England and India. ‘This is a very special communication because for the first time, tonight’s proceedings are being live-streamed across the jurisdiction, to Tweed Heads, Taree, Newcastle, Parkes, Wollongong, Bega, Canberra and Broken Hill. I certainly hope that more masons are now able to witness our proceedings and feel part of this significant event,’ he said. ‘To those brethren, and their families, gathered in the regional centres, welcome to the Quarterly Communication of our Grand Lodge. You will have already witnessed the dignified manner of the ceremony whereby the senior Grand Lodge Officers enter the room, slightly different, but no less purposeful than the normal lodge meeting we are all used to.

...the media is showing interest in what we are doing.

‘Inside the Grand Lodge room, you will note the setting is very much the same as in your local lodge rooms. We have the usual pedestals, occupied in the East by the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and the Assistant Grand Master while in the West, sits the Senior Grand Warden, and the South, the Junior Grand Warden. ‘On my left, in the front row, in order of seniority, proudly sits our revered Past Grand Masters. The remainder of this space is occupied by many distinguished Past Grand Officers and your elected District Grand Inspectors of Workings are seated in front of them. ‘I encourage you to support your Grand Lodge whenever the opportunity arises, and take your part in the decision making processes that happen here. ‘In line with your principle that all elections for Grand Master should be conducted right across our Jurisdiction, the Board of Management is pleased to now be able to test the capacity of our communication links with this selected number of Regional Centres, so that we can be confident of meeting all of your wishes in regard to future election processes.’ The Grand Master said his visits in the past three months had taken him to many locations from Bega in the South, Moree in the North West, Young and Harden in the South West, and many other stops in between where he has spoken on local radio and provided interviews with local newspapers which enabled him to extol the virtues of the Craft. He also announced the commencement of the new ‘Training the Mentors’ course. All lodges must be actively involved in the personal development

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

and proper instruction of new and existing members and we must be satisfied that Freemasonry is relevant and expressive for the personal development of all members. The mentoring course has started well, with confirmed schedules from December to February already rolled out across the jurisdiction. ‘I am pleased to note the level of attention paid to the new Task Team as it quietly makes inroads into the issues put before it and I am pleased with the manner in which lodges are accepting proposed improvements being offered to them. ‘By openly talking about what we are doing, our revitalising activities have engendered a great community response and the media is showing interest in what we are doing. The media is now asking genuine questions and seeking genuine and appropriate answers from us,’ he said. Task Team members have made many visits to lodges in the jurisdiction who have asked for assistance on building the Freemasonry brand of image, recruitment and retention of members. More than 60 banners and flags depicting the Grand Master’s theme have been circulated throughout NSW to facilitate lodge involvement in the brand awareness of Freemasonry within their lodges and communities. Many lodges have used the banners at BBQs and local festivities, furthering the Masonic image. Masonic centres such as Narromine and Guyra have benefitted from activities including external painting of buildings, new illuminated signage and fencing, demonstrating the fitness of a well-maintained building. The team has also collaborated with lodges at Nambucca to assist in the refurbishment of the Masonic Centre at Macksville. The Grand Master also said it is important that we acknowledge the significant contribution of a mason. Each year, the Premier Research Lodge, ‘Quatuor Coronati’ 2076 EC, accepts entries for the Norman B. Spencer Essay Prize. In 2018, VW Bro David Slater, after more than five years of study, submitted an essay entitled Revisiting John Brown’s Ciphered Masonic Works. At the September meeting of the Research

www.masons.org.au

...good fortune favours the brave and this success is all about commitment...

Lodge, Bro David was announced as the winner of the prize and he will now have an opportunity to present his paper to that lodge in May next year. ‘This is the second time the prize has been awarded to an Australian, and in both cases the winners were members of this jurisdiction. ‘In 2017, as President of the Australian and New Zealand Research Council, VW Bro Neil Morse presented a lecture at the first international conference of Research Lodges in Toulon. He has been invited to address the second conference in June next year in Bordeaux, France. Brother Neil also lectured at the Quatuor Coronati American conference last September in Washington DC. Both of these masons are officers of the Linford Lodge Research and the Discovery Lodge of Research and I warmly congratulate them on these significant achievements.’ On a recent visit to Lodge Galileo at its meeting at the SMC, the Grand Master was delighted to hear that two of its members have undertaken the new mentor’s course, and several others were expressing interest. ‘I particularly noted that they were blessed with six Entered Apprentices and three Fellowcrafts as members of their lodge, plus two visiting Fellow crafts,’ he said. ‘On retiring to their banquet in the South, they were joined by four more prospective candidates. I also noted the lodge was intending to make a formal visit to The Sir Walter Scott Lodge later this month to host a visiting brother from Italy. ‘Clearly brethren, some lodges do it better than others, but seriously, good fortune favours the brave and this success is all about commitment to their lodge and the Craft.

‘Perhaps this example also gives us a reminder to make more of visiting as a group, such that we actually create more twinning arrangements and close contact with other lodges for mutual benefit. ‘And finally, on behalf of Gael and myself, may I wish you and your families a very safe Christmas period and a particularly healthy and prosperous New Year.’ The Executive Council reported that work commenced on the upgrading of the Sydney Masonic Centre during December and is scheduled to finish in May. Most of the work is centred on renovating the obsolete air conditioning system to provide all rooms with individual temperature control. It also said it placed great importance on social media and the protocols that are required. Accordingly, it has agreed to the appointment of one full-time staff position to manage all social media communications of Grand Lodge from one source within the Grand Secretariat. In its report, the Board of Manage ment stated that the Sydney Open day handled approximately 750 visitors to Grand Lodge, especially the Museum. There were 23 volunteer masons and their wives on duty, including the Grand Master and Gael Knox with great interest shown and many questions asked. The Deputy Grand Secretary advised the Board was currently looking at further development of the 3D tour of the Museum so that sound could be incorporated with the present viewing only so that visitors could then hear explanations of the exhibits. Masonicare reported the hospital wheelchair program had been completed with a total of 254 wheelchairs being delivered to 26 different hospitals and aged care homes across NSW. The chairs carry the Square and Compasses logo of UGL as well as the Masonicare logo in a visible promotion for the Craft. The proceedings ended with the Grand Chaplain, RW Bro Rev Peter Kilkeary OAM delivering a talk on the first Christmas and MW Bro Ron Johnson AM, PGM, CMH extending Christmas wishes to the Grand Master and his partner Gael on behalf of all the brethren.

March 2019

Locals on the wireless

By RW Bro Richard Dawes

Community

Radio

‘Good morning! This is Two Triple H on 100.1 FM and I’m Richard… you’re listening to Friday Breakfast with Richard’

even o’clock on a Friday morning, a sweltering summer morning and over two hours until the bacon and eggs.

How on earth did this all come about?

Let’s start at the start. The earliest radio presence in Australia was in the hands of the radio pioneers. Technical whizzes who could achieve wonderous things with primitive equipment and probably chewing gum and string! And then radio went commercial. Well, the government tried really hard to keep this technology to themselves, but the commercial imperative was too strong. The technology was primarily in the hands of vested interests. Until the 1960s when Music Broadcasting Societies formed in Sydney and Melbourne seeking permission to broadcast as independent FM services. In 1972 the University of Adel aide was offered a licence to broadcast educational content for 12 hours a week but not allowed to broadcast music! In 1974 experimental licences were eventually issued to 2MBS in Sydney and 3MBS in Melbourne. Thus, public radio, in its early incarnation launched the FM band and 2MBS became the first new radio station in Sydney in 40 years.

2 Triple H is a typical community radio station. Weekdays start with a Breakfast session which covers 6.00 am to 9.00 am. A breakfast program is usually a mix of music, paid announcements, community announcements and news. The style of music is a mix of the station’s style and the personal taste of the presenter. From 9.00 am onwards and until mid to late afternoon the station allocates time slots to community and ethnic groups who broadcast material to suit their particular audiences. A typical day might see a Business segment that promotes clever ways of maximising your business. A segment touching on motoring Issues and a broadcast in Mandarin. A quirky program that promotes some style of alternative music – definitely not ‘mainstream’. At 5.00 pm Drive Time ‘book-ends’ the day after which focussed programs attract specific audiences through to the late-night programs. Weekends tend to feature live coverage of local sport and shows focussed on segments of the community that do not listen during the working week. At 2 Triple H such a program is ‘Show us your motor’. The weekend also features niche programs of perhaps a religious nature.

In 1975 a further twelve public stations were offered licences and in 1976 another nine. By 1988 there were 79 licences. By 2000 there were approximately 300 licences.

By its very nature community radio is not going to please all of the people all of the time. It has to cater for a broad range of tastes and is never going to be the station a listener can hear all week.

Most contact by the average listener is with a local radio station on the FM band. The content varies but most community radio stations play a variety of material to suit their local audience.

Does involvement in community radio hold an attraction for you? If so, then why wait? Community radio relies on volunteers and there are many aspects of radio that might attract you.

March 2019

A typical community radio station encompasses the whole gamut of roles that one might find in the ‘bland’ commercial world. Nothing happens until somebody sells something so there are roles selling the station’s time to local businesses. And the bills have to be paid and the money collected – a role in general administration. The station will have a website and it will need to be managed. The Production side of radio only seems to be visible when something goes wrong or does not appear to happen. It’s a world of technical expertise and involvement in community radio’s Production arm is an established path to the commercial communications world. And then there is the ‘On Air’ work. Community radio can provide training, experience and most of all opens a door the average person does not know exists. It sounds glamourous but most of all it calls for confidence and the ability to be oneself when under pressure. Certain segments of on-air work call for specific skills. Obviously, a program in Azer baijani calls for specific language skills while a live sports program on a Saturday afternoon demands highly specific knowledge and the ability to comment on changing circumstances even when everything, or nothing, is happening! Your local community radio station can both challenge you and satisfy your longing to be more than you really are. Don’t wait, contact your local community radio, now! Remember, Community Radio; we’re live and we’re local!

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

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Famous mason secretions which he called Lysozyme. He also devised sensitivity titration methods and assays in human blood and other body fluids. Continuing his research and study of influenza, in 1928 Fleming noticed that a mould had developed accidentally on a set of culture dishes being used to grow the staphylococci germ.

Alexander

Fleming

Scotland has produced many remarkable and noted men and women and Nobel Prize winner Sir Alexander Fleming rates highly among those who have made a major contribution to the world of medicine with his discovery of penicillin.

leming was born at Lochfield in Ayrshire, Scotland on 6 August 1881, the son of a farmer. He attended two local schools and Kilmarnock Academy before moving to London, where he spent four years in a shipping office before attending St Mary’s Hospital Medical School.

Early in his medical career, Fleming became interested in the natural bacterial action of the blood and in

March 2019

Fleming continued his research and wrote numerous papers on bacteriology, immunology and chemotherapy, including original descriptions of lysozyme and penicillin which were published in medical and scientific journals. Awards flowed to Fleming as he continued his work. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in England in 1909, elected Professor of the medical school at St Mary’s in 1928, a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1943 and the College of Physicians (London) in 1944. He was also made emeritus professor of bacteriology at the University of London in 1948 and knighted in 1944 and was honoured for his work in other countries apart from England. He was given doctorates and degrees from almost 30 European and American universities. Fleming, Florey and Chan shared the 1945 Nobel Prize in medicine. Fleming died on 11 March 1955 and is buried in St Paul’s Cathedral.

He trained as a doctor and qualified with distinction in 1906 and began research at St Mary’s Hospital Medical school and at the University of London. One of his teachers was Sir Almroth Wright, a pioneer in vaccine therapy. In World War I he served as a captain in the Army Medical Corps and was mentioned in dispatches and in 1918 he returned to St Mary’s.

This mould had created a bacteria-free circle around itself and further experiments led him to name the active substance penicillin. However, scientists Howard Florey (Australia) and Ernst Chan (a refugee from Nazi Germany) developed penicillin further so that it could be produced as a drug. Initial supplies were limited but by the 1940s it was being mass-produced in America.

antiseptics. He continued his studies during his military career and back in civilian life, he worked on antibacterial substances which would not be toxic to animal tissues. In 1921, he discovered an important bacteriolytic substance in tissues and

In his younger days he was a keen member of the Territorial Army and served from 1900 to 1914 as a private in the London Scottish Regiment. He married Sarah McElroy of Ireland who died in 1949 and their son is a general medical practitioner. He married again in 1953 to Dr Amalia KoutsouriVoureka, a Greek colleague at St Mary’s. Sir Alexander Fleming was initiated into Sancta Maria Lodge No 2682, London in 1909 and was a Past Junior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1942.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The Grand Secretary’s desk

By RW Bro Stephen Green

By RW Bro Robert Moore

Long-distance

election

Election for

Grand Master

For the first time the proceedings at the Grand Lodge December 2018 Quarterly Communication were live streamed across the jurisdiction to Masonic Centres at Tweed Heads, Taree, Newcastle, Parkes, Wollongong, Bega, Canberra and Broken Hill.

Brethren please be advised that the upcoming March Grand Communication will be held in the Grand Lodge room at the Sydney Masonic Centre on Wednesday, 13 March 2019.

ue to the current renovations taking place at the Sydney Masonic Centre only the Castlereagh Street entrance will be open. This entrance is only accessible via stairs, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. The Grand Master will enter the Grand Lodge room at 7:30pm and all attending brethren are requested to be seated by 7:15pm.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available on arrival at the Centre. There will be no supper/banquet after the conclusion of the Grand Communication. As part of the Communication procedures there will be an election for Grand

Master. The election will also take place at regional Masonic Centres directly connected to the Sydney Masonic Centre via an electronic stream as detailed in Clause 6.1.5 (a-d) of the Book of Constitutions. You should also pay heed to Clause 3.1.9 concerning canvassing for election. The nominations for the position of Grand Master are (in alphabetical order) Green, Glen and Robson, Derek. The candidate who has received an absolute majority of votes, will be declared the Grand Master for the following masonic year.

In line with the principle established at the March 2018 Grand Communication that all elections for Grand Master should be conducted right across our jurisdiction, the Board of Management was pleased to be able to test the capacity of our communication links with this selected number of Masonic Centres. The Streaming Guys were selected to provide the live streaming of the December Communication and all of the feedback received demonstrated the communication links were a success. Brethren at the Centres some for the first time were able to witness the dignified manner of the ceremony and the entrance of senior Grand Officers into the Grand Lodge room.

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March 2019

From the Grand Chaplain

By RW Bro Robert Searle

One duty yet remains... “We are told that Freemasonry is a philosophic system comprised of allegory and symbolism.

he three degrees, Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, reflect the stages of our birth, life and eventual demise and rebirth. Our beautiful ceremonies are filled with philosophic truths and are times to quietly reflect upon our lives and responsibilities to ourselves and to others. Much of our quiet and dignified ceremonies is hidden in allegory. The use of allegory to hide meaning from the unqualified or undeserving goes back well into ancient times. By veiling spiritual truths in poetry or symbols, man has found that some of the highest truths could be placed out in the open to become part of history, while

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March 2019

Education takes many forms.

protecting their hidden meanings from people who would denigrate or ridicule things that they were not ready to understand. As the Freemason candidate circles the lodge – making the same allegorical journey as the sun, moon and stars and marking the passage of time – we are allegorically reminded of our own journey through life; marking time, and passing from one stage to another. One of the most beautiful illustrations of our life journey is familiar to all brethren and is taken from the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes. This beautiful and allegorical poem is said to have been written by King Solomon and depicts the last stages of our journey here on earth. It is a stark and hauntingly realistic account of our passage through the stages of old age.” These words, from Bro Tavit Smith, remind us how sacred and mysterious life is, and how reverently each day that we have been given should be treated. As Freemasons, we are reminded in symbol and allegory that life is precious, and that we are continually on a journey to the east, to light, back to the GAOTU. This brings us to our headline, one duty yet remains. That is to live out our remaining days with due regard to eternity, ever mindful of the fact that none of us knows how long we have.

Many men join our wonderful Craft but one must ask how many members really become Freemasons. It is a sad fact that many of our members fail to see beyond the allegory and discover the true beauty of Freemasonry and the way in which our lives can be transformed by our teachings. There are many reasons for this. Some men join simply for the fellowship, others to be able to help their fellow man. Most join so that they may be able to grow to be better men because one of our catch cries is that Freemasonry takes good men and makes them better men. A sad fact is that there are lodges where education is not a principal, or driving, force which motivates the membership. This is a shame because the education of men’s minds is a large part of the ethos which should motivate us all. Education takes many forms. It involves a thorough knowledge and understanding of our ritual. It is not sufficient to be able to recite the words parrot fashion. We must firstly understand the lesson behind the words to be able to instruct our brethren in a meaningful manner. Then, with a full knowledge and understanding of what we are imparting, we need to be able to present this in a meaningful, and instructive fashion, all the while ensuring that our manner and personality imparts interest and enthusiasm. The one duty which yet remains is to then go and live out what we have learnt within the lodge room meaningfully, enthusiastically and with pride in our Craft.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Helping schools in Fiji

Farewell to Fiji Twelve years of helping schools all over Fiji has finally ended for W Bro Geoffrey Ferguson and his wife Judi.

hey were on a visit to the Fijian islands when they became involved with the local population, particularly schools and began a campaign to help overcome the shortages of equipment. In the past decade, they have provided hundreds of books and other articles to help the children in their studies. ‘Travelling into the hinterland was particularly tough going by four-wheel drive, crossing rivers and dirt tracks that get washed away regularly. But the rewards have been greater for us than the money we have spent on these schools,’ he said. ‘We were in Fiji last year for Fiji Day celebrations and I had the honour of being named as Chief of Malolo Island for the day. I was met outside the bure by two warriors with clubs and escorted to the stage where the ceremony was to

be held and up to 90 guests waiting.

On Fiji Day, Bro Ferguson was named Chief for the day!

‘I spoke about the early days when Fiji was a nation of cannibals and then the coming of the British and missionaries developing Fiji as they had other countries and also the work done by the Freemasons. ‘This was followed by dancing, games on the beach, a magnificent lunch and cutting a very large cake to make the day most enjoyable and memorable.’ He is now 82 and had a walking stick made in Fiji with beautiful carvings and coconut bindings and has been told this type of stick is only made for Ratus, one rank below chief. W Bro Ferguson affiliated with Lodge Fiji several years ago and he and Judi have been consistent in their work over the years to help the Kuri children but

Geoff and Judi with students of Batini Public School

believes the time to slow down has now arrived. The past 12 years have been more a labour of love for Geoff and Judi Ferguson but their actions reflect the highest principles of the Craft and their efforts to give aid to others.

Dr. Dion’s Brainteasers Q: Why are manhole covers round? A good lawyer looks beyond the surface! Want to know the answer? Ask Dr. Dion Accoto next time you see him at Lodge, or email him. Contact details are on the inside back cover of this issue!

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

Liability Limited by a Scheme Approved Under Professional Standards Legislation

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March 2019

Armistice 1918

By W Bro Stephen Dally

When the guns

fell silent

With Anzac Day approaching, memories stir, tales are told and people once again turn their thoughts to what happened at the end of World War I.

hen the guns fell silent, the shooting stopped and the word was Armistice and the fighting stopped – except for at least one US Company that still fought not having received the word! The Armistice was signed in a railway carriage at Compiegne at 5 am on 11 November to take place at 11 am.

Sadly between 5 am and 11 am at least 3,000 soldiers died! Strangely a false armistice was announced three days before, mainly due to over enthusiastic reporters sighting the German delegation arrive to discuss the armistice arrangements. Not all the Allies were happy about the Armistice, General ‘Black Jack’ Pershing felt that the Allies should completely destroy the German army ‘as we will be back here in 20 years time!’ Although when the Armistice was declared to the world and everyone wholehearted rejoiced it was a different

March 2019

The front page of The New York Times, dated from 11 November 1918.

circumstance in the trenches! For some soldiers it was hard to believe as many thought that it would go on forever. Pte Gillman was on the march when a Staff Officer on a horse stopped the column

Sydneysiders cheer the news of Armistice. Photo courtesy of the National Library of Australia

and read from a scroll telling them that the war was over. William Collins remembered that it was very foggy when the Armistice came, ‘the silence almost as if you could feel it.’ People acted in a different way, Tom Arnold a British Officer wrote that the outcome had never been doubted or some like 7th Dragoon Guards when they heard the news they assumed it was cookhouse gossip, mounted up and rode off into action. One soldier, Clifford Lane was too physically and mentally shattered to celebrate, his unit was too far gone, too exhausted to celebrate, it was too much of an anticlimax. Although for many, both allied and Axis troops in the trenches, the news was an anticlimax but when the news of the Armistice reached capital cities it certainly was not! In Paris, Parisiennes gathered at the Ministry of War and cried ‘Vive la France’. In London crowds went to Buckingham Palace and called for the King and Queen Mary, who both appeared on the famous balcony waving. American soldiers invaded Downing Street and celebrated outside No 10, the home of Britain’s Prime minister. Australia celebrated as a nation and in Sydney a large number of

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Sydneysiders gathered in Martin Place to hear the Governor and Lady Davidson inform the crowd that the war was over. His announcement was received with tears, clapping and cheering. For the German people the armistice was shock and riots in Berlin. It was plain that the German people were not informed about the process of the war even after the disasters of August and September; General Ludendorff said in September that Germany had lost the war. The leader of the German delegation Matthias Erzberger during the Truce negotiations was informed that the German Kaiser had abdicated and fled to the Netherlands. It was after the signing that Erzberger was called a traitor in Germany. By December 1918 countries formally under Russian, Prussian or Hapsburg rule were declaring their independence. In Germany there was continual upheaval, riots continued in Berlin and Christmas Day became known as the ‘Bloody Christmas’ or ‘Christmas Uprising.’ British, US and French troops marched into designated zones in Germany. In Russia the Bolsheviks had murdered the Royal Family while there was also confusion about when Christmas Day should be celebrated as the Lenin Government had returned to the Julian Calendar.

The French Marshal Foch (second from right) and representatives from other countries after reaching agreement for the Armistice.

The allied countries that fought the war were celebrating their first Christmas since 1913; local councils in England were holding parties for children whose fathers were still away and in many cases would never return! In France Military Hospitals, the nursing staff, even though they too were far from home, ensured that the wounded and sick soldiers were not forgotten at Christmas. In Australia people sat down to their first Christmas lunch since before the war, wondering when their families will be together

again. In Sydney, Boxing Day saw the first day of first class cricket (NSW vs Victoria) was held since the war began. The four years of total war and the end of 1918 saw a complete change in the European scene with the demise of three Royal families, the German, Russian and Austrian Dynasties and the birth of new countries. And in our Grand Lodge building there is a Memorial Plaque to the 364 masons who gave their lives in service to their country.

Parading through Martin place. Photo courtesy of the National Library of Australia

www.masons.org.au

March 2019

Associated orders – Secret Monitor

Order of the

Scarlet Cord The Order of the Secret Monitor has made further progress, under the umbrella of the Grand Council, with the development of ‘The Order of the Scarlet Cord’.

his consists of Six Grades which have various requirements for membership. The ceremonies of Grand Council and the Scarlet Cord are based on stories taken from the first (old) testament of the Bible.

The Grand Council has authorised the Scarlet Cord Conclave No 30 to work the Scarlet Cord Grades. This conclave has a travelling charter to facilitate conducting the ceremonies in regional areas to ensure all Monitor Masons have the opportunity of joining the Order of the Scarlet Cord. During 2018 ceremonies have been conducted in Bateman’s Bay and Artarmon which was to conduct the First and Second grades (the Fifth and Six grades are conferral and can only be conducted in limited circumstances which

...unlike the Craft there are preparation grades needed to be taken...

usually means travelling overseas). In May 2019 two Past Grand Supreme Rulers are travelling to London to receive both the fifth and sixth grades, MW Bros Michael Shearer and Allan Uner. The Scarlet Cord Order is charitable with a member required to make a

monetary contribution for each grade taken. Similar to the Craft there are other qualifications required, one of which is that beyond the Second Grade the member has to be installed as a Worthy Supreme Ruler in a Secret Monitor Conclave. Also like the Craft the ‘rulership’ of the Scarlet Cord revolves around three principal officers. However, unlike the Craft there are preparation grades needed to be taken as evidence of being ‘prepared or ready’ to be installed as the President (WM equivalent) of the Consistory. At the December meeting at Artar mon three members were proved to be qualified by the preparation ceremony. They were MW Bro Mark McDonald, the current Grand Supreme Ruler of the Order of the Secret Monitor, MW Bro Bert Gude, a past Grand Supreme Ruler, and RW Bro Douglas James, the current Grand Recorder of the Order of the Secret Monitor. The ceremony was conducted by the President of the Consistory RW Bro Michael Bow. Additionally, Bro Jas Siyan of Sidney Holland Conclave was admitted to the First Grade. Formed in 2011 the Scarlet Cord Conclave has a membership of 120 within the Jurisdiction. All members retain their membership of their Monitor Conclave. The Order is a recognised Order in Masonry and has a concordat with the United Grand Lodge of NSW and the ACT. There are 15 metropolitan conclaves and 14 country conclaves spread across the jurisdiction. When attending the various conclaves, Grand Council members are accompanied by their partners. Over the years many friendships have been formed within the membership and their partners. The Order makes donations to various charitable groups. A previous donation of $15,000 was made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and a similar donation is likely this year.

Rt Worthy Bill Bryne and Grand Supreme Ruler Mark McDonald

March 2019

In October 2018 the Grand Supreme Ruler was proclaimed for his second year and during the Grand Installation a number of brethren were recognised for their service including the Deputy Grand Recorder RW Bro Bill Byrne and Assistant Grand Recorder RW Bro Michael Bow.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Associated orders – Great Priory

Knights in Milan An Australian delegation of Knights Templar, led by the Grand Master of the Great Priory of NSW & ACT, M Em Kt Richard Pickering attended the 11th Triennial International Synod of the Knights Templar and Knights of Malta in Milan, Italy.

Em Kt Pickering was accompanied by his wife Helen and other members of the Order – Mike and Val Hanwood, Philip and Kerry Young, John and Diane Craft, Don Beal, John Clark and Gaille Bowe, whose husband Michael (a Past Preceptor of Sydney Preceptory) had died only a few months before.

This gala event began with a banquet at the Hotel Melia in Milan and magnificent tours of the city, surrounding areas and Venice. Other Great Priories which attended included Brazil, Benin, Togo, Austria, Spain, England, Scotland, Queensland, Greece, and of course, Italy. The official business began with a conference of the Grand Masters, who discussed ways in which the various constitutions of the Order could cooperate more effectively and better contribute to the universal family of Freemasonry.

...a sword was entrusted to the Great Priory of Greece, the hosts of the next Triennial Synod...

Later, the Grand Master of Italy, the Most Eminent and Reverend Antonio Catanese, ritually convened a meeting of the Gran Priorato d’Italia where official visitors were formally welcomed with ceremonial, colour and fraternity. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a sword was entrusted to the Great Priory

of Greece, the hosts of the next Triennial Synod on the island of Corfu. A highlight of the dinner was the compassionate gesture of the Italian Grand Master in offering condolences and making a kindly presentation to Gaille Bowe which was deeply appreciated by Mrs Bowe and the Australian Knights present. After many heartfelt goodbyes, members of the Aussie delegations then travelled to some fantastic places – northern Italy, the Southern Alps and (because of our ties to the Knights of St John) a trip to Malta. This included a visit to the Grand Master’s Palace, St John’s Co-Cathedral and various historic fortifications of the Knights of Malta. Members of the United Orders of the Temple and St John of Jerusalem really do get opportunities to see the world! For more information on membership, please contact us at rawson_5@aol.com.

Many members of the delegation took the opportunity afterwards to visit Templar sites like Fort Saint Angelo in Malta. Photo by Frank Vincentz

www.masons.org.au

March 2019

Set in stone

By Bro Joe Sleightholme

The ashlar and lewis

The ashlars Within the body of a lodge there are three representations of the ashlar. In the north east, we find the rough ashlar, in south east the perfect ashlar, and finally we have the perfect ashlar in conjunction with the lewis.

ll have symbolic meaning and moral instruction on which to ponder and I wish to share my insights and learnings gleaned in my journey through the three degrees of Masonry. To best provide insight to Master Masons and those of a lower rank, this talk is in three parts so that it can be presented in each of the three degrees.

First Degree As an Entered Apprentice we are given some instructions in relation to the ashlars within the first degree ritual as well as in the presentation of the first tracing board. We are told in the North East Charge that ‘at the erection of all sacred and stately edifices it is customary to lay the foundation stone in the north east corner of the building’ and as a newly admitted mason we are placed in the north east corner to represent that stone. This is because it is the beginning of your journey as a mason. You have proven yourself to be a good and moral man. The tongue of good rapport has been heard, otherwise you would not have been accepted. It is said that the rough ashlar as quoted from the first tracing board ‘is a stone, rough and unpolished, as taken from the quarry’. However if you look at the rough ashlar, you can see that this stone does not appear to be something

March 2019

just taken out of a quarry, but has the basic structure to that of a finished stone. It has rough edges, and still needs much work before it can be considered a perfect ashlar. But it is still in the shape of a cube. You are also told that ‘The Rough Ashlar is for the Entered Apprent ice to work, mark and indent on.’ But why is it already a cube? The clue lies in the same charge ‘It represents the mind of a man in its infant state, rough and unpolished as that stone, until by the kind care and instruction of his parent or guardians in giving him a liberal and virtuous

The rough ashlar

education, his mind becomes cultivated, and he is rendered a fit member of civilised society’. So the reason the stone is a cube, is because it represents a man who is taught to live a good and moral life and embodies those principles. He has the basic principles or structure of what it takes to be a mason, and thus representative of a cube. He has a good foundation from which to build. He is then entrusted with the tools of this degree to further hone and work his own unique ashlar and take away those imperfections we all have, to always aspire to that of the perfect ashlar.

Second Degree As we progress in Masonry, the teaching method changes. We are given directions, but not all the answers. We are instructed to seek out the hidden mysteries. However all we know of the ashlars is only taught to us in the first degree. As masons we are charged to speculate and to gain further insight by contemplating those lessons. As the Entered Apprentice, you were placed in the north east corner of the lodge, and then placed as a Fellow craft in the south east corner. You were told this was to mark your progress in the science, but it also symbolises your journey from the rough to the perfect ashlar. This is not to imply you have obtained the characteristics of the perfect ashlar but merely aspiring to them, because in the first degree it is said that you represent the rough ashlar. However in the second degree you are not told you represent the perfect ashlar, but merely of your progress. Besides the journey within the body of the lodge, the Fellowcraft is also presented, as in the former, with a set of tools. These tools are to assist in working with your ashlar but their function has somewhat changed. They are no longer implements to shape and form, but rather to test and align. You are placed in the south east corner with the perfect ashlar, so that you may use it as a guide for your work. This is to ensure the tools with which you are to work can be tested to be accurate. This is also symbolic of the experienced master, who has been assigned to you as a mentor. He is there as your guide, and to make sure your progress is straight and true.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Third Degree Masonry being a progressive science and a teaching method that relies heavily on discovering hidden and deep meanings, we find that each subsequent degree calls us to look even deeper. It also gives us better insight into the preceding degrees. Each lesson builds on the previous and uses its learnings to allow us to better understand new concepts. Just like the saying ‘you better learn to crawl before you can walk.’ A great Masonic example is the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences which are considered progressive, because without understanding the former lessons, you cannot achieve the next. The seven liberal arts and sciences are broken into two parts. The first three are called the trivium, and the last four the quadrivium. The first refers to language and the latter to mathematics. For the trivium we have grammar, rhetoric, and logic. Grammar is how we structure language. Rhetoric is the ability to be persuasive through language and logic is the use of persuasion to convey both reasoning and deduction. For the quad rivium we have arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy. Arithmetic deals with the properties and manipulation of numbers. Geometry is the ability to use those numbers to form calculations to work out distances in relation to earthly objects and literally translates to earth measurement. Music is the expression of numbers by use of pitch and rhythm, which is basically length with the addition of time. Finally, astronomy which encompasses the whole by use of distance and time, while adding the

lewis is the son of a mason who is there to support his father in the declining years. But one must take this further and I believe it is our duty to support all those who do not have the strength to do so but not at the detriment of yourself, family or connections. Everyone’s cable tow is unique as is the ability or resources of the individual varies.

The perfect ashlar

relationship of multiple celestial bodies to expand beyond the linear plane. So now you understand that the ideas and lessons in Masonry are progressive in nature, we can apply this same reasoning to that of the ashlars. In the first degree we are shown the basics of how to work with the ashlar, and in the second we are taught how to measure it in reference to a greater plan or perfect aspiration. Finally in the third degree we are stood on the very brink of a grave and called to question what is it all for. How do we as masons fit into the greater picture of it all? We only have a limited time for which to toil on our ashlar, and we need to be able to measure up to that divine plan set out for us. The third representation of the ashlar is depicted hoisted up on a lewis, which brings many symbolic revelations. The

It is also symbolic of us being raised to the third degree, not only as the representative of our Master Hiram Abiff, which gives us a stark reminder that our time here is limited and must be used wisely but also the raising of our thoughts and actions to that of a divine nature, so that our deeds will be worthwhile for the time we have been allotted. The tools within this degree give further insight into the final ashlar. We are presented with the skirret, the pencil and the compasses. These tools are used to plan and design and are no longer concerned with the individual blocks. As Master Masons we need to look at where we fit into society, how we can better help our fellow man, assist others to fit into the greater society and how we as masons can better work together. But if we draw more on speculative teachings, we can interpret it in a slightly different manner. The tools teach us laws to live by, that the Great Architect observes all that we do, and whilst He has given us free will, we are in turn responsible for our actions. So if we render our stone fit for that Grand Lodge above, we may ascend to that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, where the world’s Great Architect lives and reigns forever.

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www.masons.org.au

March 2019

Watch your health

Health matters When holiday times occur or there is a family or other function where people gather together, caution often gets thrown to one side because good company and the temptation of food and drink overcomes common sense. Parties on the beach or backyard BBQs are also other temptations.

he result can be unwelcome extra weight, loss of sleep, little exercise, a lack of incentive and health problems.

Past history and surveys have shown that men are less likely to have regular health checks with a doctor than women and that males also have a shorter life span than females. It was the attitude of the past that, as the breadwinner, the male had to continue working, irrespective of any pain and to “grin and bear it.”

In today’s world, the advances in medicine and health checks are finding many ways to save lives and relieve pain but it’s necessary for men with a problem to go to a doctor and have a check which could lead to saving their life. Here are some suggestions for men which might help and if successful to keep on the list of ‘things to do’ during the year.

Blood pressure High blood pressure is a good indication that you are not taking care, either at home or at work. It does not have any symptoms and is a major risk for stroke, heart disease and heart failure. If you suffer any chest pains, see your doctor. Arrange at least one full check-up during the year. Many chemists and big stores now provide free blood pressure tests. Next time you see one, use it. A report from the Heart Foundation said 98 men have a heart attack every day and one in seven will die. A check could make all the difference.

Cholesterol and blood sugar Another silent enemy that doesn’t show any symptoms but can be picked up by regular tests. It can lead to a stroke, heart attack and diabetes Type 2. High blood sugar levels could indicate diabetes and the resultant heart disease, blindness and stroke. It’s always advisable to

be on the safe side and keep a regular check through your doctor.

Skin cancer Australians love spending time on the beach, in the pool or even in the back yard soaking up the sun. If care is not taken in protecting the skin, the result is often a skin cancer. At least 95 percent of skin cancers can be treated successfully if discovered early. Anyone who spends time in the sun can do selfchecks to catch any changes in their skin such as lumps or spots that change in size or colour, become itchy or painful and don’t heal after a couple of weeks. Men are far more likely to die from melanomas than women so be smart and check with your doctor.

Eyes Another area that is often overlooked and blamed on being tired or the result of a head cold. And rubbing your eyes to relieve pain or clear fluid could just transfer another problem via your hands. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in Australia and it can be controlled if picked up early. Diabetes can affect the eyes and can be revealed in an examination. Cataracts and macular degeneration are problems which can affect driving or work safety but all can be controlled if picked up early. Every person should have a full eye check at least every two years. Further tests which can be carried out by your GP and should be considered are for the prostate, liver and bladder, all of which are essential parts of the body and contribute to good health. These suggestions can also be acted upon by women but apply more frequently to men in what was described in earlier times as a male-specific world. But it is their broader health behaviours and use of health services that contributed to men’s health problems. It’s never too late to see your doctor for a check and possibly, add years to your life!

March 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The power of

relationships Meet Aub, a resident at Whiddon Laurieton and lover of anything that drives fast. He was a mechanic in his younger years and for his Best Week, went for a cruise in a Mustang Convertible. This was a very special event for him, albeit in the passenger seat, as he had stopped driving a year earlier and had missed it greatly.

Research and years of experience tells us that meaningful day-to-day relationships are at the heart of great care. Whiddon’s award-winning model of care, MyLife, sees our staff truly getting to know the people that we care for, by ﬁnding out what matters most to them, discovering their unique life experiences and building strong and deep personal relationships. One of the features of MyLife is Best Week, a program where our residents and clients enjoy special experiences tailored to them at least twice a year. This ranges from big or small treats and events, to dreams and goals they may have never thought were possible. We love to get creative and team up with families and local communities to make Best Week wishes come true. From a ﬁshing trip for a resident who hadn’t been out on the water in 30 years, to a motorbike ride of a lifetime for a 99 year old resident who hadn’t been on a bike since she was a teenager, there are many great stories emerging of our residents and clients achieving incredible things at any age.

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The GM’s Task Team

Showing-off the newly re-painted Twin Towns Masonic Centre

Getting down to

business At the Grand Installation the Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM, introduced ‘The Grand Master’s Task Team’ – the GMTT.

hy does the GM consider such a group important? Our statistics show that the number of initiations closely matches the number of call-offs and exclusions – NOT including the number of deaths. Just as significant, the number of Initiations in the last ten years is approximately double our current membership!

Where have they gone, and why have they gone? The GMTT has been set up by the Grand Master to examine all aspects of recruitment, retention and regaining of masons. While considering how social media can be implemented in the recruitment process it will, at all times, be mindful of considering the Freemason

March 2019

‘brand’. The initiatives will examine the recruitment process with firm deliberations across the Board of Management portfolios of membership, private lodges, education and buildings and will examine all recruitment forms and the progression of individual masons. The GMTT initiatives will restore quality meetings. The GMTT observes that young men are joining us with high expectations and we must provide them with a high-quality experience to match those expectations.

Who are the members of the GMTT? RR RW Bro Bruce Arnol PDGM RR VW Bro Paul Buchtmann PDGIW RR VW Bro Roman Cholawinskyj DGIW

RR RW Bro Richard Dawes PAGM – Lodge Wahroonga – Northern Sydney RR RW Bro Les Hicks PSGW, Chairman of Operations, Image and Communications and GMTT RR RW Bro John Jacobson PJGW RR RW Bro Graham Moon PJGW RR VW Bro Tom Muir PDGIW RR RW Bro Jason Plumridge PJGW RR RW Bro Tony Punzet PDGM – The Cobar Lodge – Far Western NSW The GMTT works with, not for, the Board of Management and reports direct to the Chairman BOM and the GM. Some of the issues being addressed include:

Membership Application Scheme (MAS) MAS interviews, the Lodge Nomination Committee and the Ballot are intended as legitimate selection gates and should be used as such. The recruitment forms and mode of questions need to be reviewed, so that we can learn more about each MAS Candid ate to ensure that his lodge experience will match his unique expectations. Along with the new mentoring system course we will develop a personal plan for each new member and will match his needs, wants and experience with those of the respective lodge of his choice.

Buildings The general public must be able to notice us and to identify our Masonic Centres as buildings where masons meet. The GMTT is evaluating illuminated square

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Narromine’s lodge building has been spruced up with a new fence.

and compasses on the outside of buildings; notice boards with meeting times and contact details etc. The GMTT will identify at least one lodge per region that can become an example of a really well-presented meeting place. To date one illuminated square and compasses and over 30 promotional banners and flags have been distributed throughout the jurisdiction. Square and compasses sets and banners are currently being distributed throughout the state.

The project was initiated by RW Bro Les Hicks PSGW after he had represented the Grand Master at Lodge Narromine’s installation. RW Bro Hicks said it was hoped the new look would assist the Lodge to be more recognised within the local community and be more noticeable and presentable to its members and the general public.

Lodge Guyra

Mentoring The GMTT will encourage the development of mentoring approaches that will match the unique circumstances of a lodge with the unique expectations of a Candidate. The emphasis will be on the Candidate from his initial interview through to his Raising – and beyond. Bookings for the new Mentorship System Courses which are being held in major centres throughout the state indicate that in excess of 400 brethren will have been trained either as Accredited Mentors or Trainers. The courses are being coordinated by RW Bro Richard Dawes and the objective is to have at least two Accredi ted Mentors in every lodge and at least one Trainer in every District. Other issues to be addressed by the GMTT will be covered in future editions of Freemason and these include: RR Rehearsals RR Lodge Business

www.masons.org.au

The new illuminated square and compasses being installed at Lodge Guyra

RR Lodge Work RR Ceremonial and Ritual RR The Festive Board RR Generating Enquiries about Freemasonry RR Conducting Open Days Quoting the GM, ‘We are not reaching for unrealistic goals. Simply we wish to restore what once existed.’

Narromine fence Work has been completed to enhance the lodge building and surrounds at Narromine with painting and the installation of a new steel picket fence.

Like many lodges, Lodge Guyra blended into the background of the scenery in Guyra. One had to know that the lodge was there to see it! Everything has changed! A floodlit square and compasses sign provided by the GMTT now proudly announces Freemasonry’s presence to the people of Guyra and passers through. Reaction from both has been splendid!

Twin Towns Masonic Centre Freemasonry has been a presence in Tweed Heads for decades but in recent years it has been almost an invisible presence. At the urging of the Grand Master the GMTT has provided and installed a ‘led’ illuminated square and compasses to augment the tastefully floodlit portico of the Twin Towns Masonic Centre. The local masons love the visibility that it provides, and the local community are enthusiastic about the rejuvenated presence of the Craft.

March 2019

World Hearing Day

Diagram courtesy of Chittka Brockmann

Check your

hearing

World Hearing Day is held on 3 March each year to raise awareness on how to prevent hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.

his year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) draws attention to the importance of early identification and intervention for hearing loss and urges everyone to check their hearing and practice safe listening. Audiological scientist Dr Elaine Saunders, co-founder of Blamey Saunders Hears – an award-winning Australian hearing health company, shares this advice. ‘Hearing loss is the second most common health condition experienced by Australians, ahead of asthma, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. In fact, one in six Australian adults has hearing loss,’ she said.

‘Untreated, hearing loss can cause a broad range of issues, including poorer mental health and brain function,

reduced employment, and relationship breakdowns. That’s why it’s important to find a solution sooner rather than later. ‘But hearing loss is a silent thief – it usually happens so gradually that you don’t notice any change to your hearing at first.’ These are the common signs of hearing loss: RR You find it hard to follow a conversation in a crowded room or restaurant.

These days there are hearing tests you can take online...

3 2

Sections of the ear 1. Outer ear – catches the sound waves and directs them into the middle ear to strike the eardrum. 2. Middle ear – transfers sound waves in air into mechanical pressure waves that are then transferred to the fluids of the inner ear via three bones (ossicles) within the middle ear. 3. Inner ear – turns pressure waves into sound signals that our brain can understand. The vibrations move through the fluid in the spiral shaped inner ear – known as the cochlea – and cause the tiny hair cells in the cochlea to move. The hair cells detect the movement and change it into the chemical signals for the hearing nerve. 4. Nerves communicate – the hearing nerve then sends the information to the brain with electrical impulses, where they are interpreted as sound. To hear naturally, each part needs to work properly!

Find out how well you hear. Online. On your terms. In your terminology. It’s important to catch hearing issues early. Now you can measure your hearing at home with the clinically validated Speech Perception Test. It only takes 10 minutes and you receive your results instantly.

Take a free hearing test at blameysaunders.com.au/freemasons

March 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Did you know? RR One in six Australians is hearing impaired, deaf or has an ear disorder. Worldwide, approximately 466 million people live with disabling hearing loss; of these, 34 million are children. It is expected that these numbers will rise considerably in the coming decades, unless action is taken to prevent and treat hearing loss. RR Damage to your hearing is often a gradual process – the effects of noise exposure are permanent.

You could have a hearing loss, if:

RR What is excessive noise? When you must raise your voice to be able to speak to someone at an arm’s length. RR The level of hearing loss can be defined as mild, moderate, severe or profound. The level of hearing loss in an individual is determined by performing a hearing test to discover the quietest sound the person can hear.

Check your hearing!

Poster courtesy of the World Health Organization

hearWHO Download the app

RR You feel like people are always mumbling. RR You get lots of complaints about the volume of your TV or radio. RR You find it easier to understand men’s voices. Finding deeper voices easier to detect means your hearing is likely deteriorating in the upper registers of sound. RR You hear buzzing or ringing in your ears. This is called ‘tinnitus’and is usually a sign of hearing damage caused by exposure to loud sound.

...hearing loss is a silent thief...

What to do if you think your hearing may have worsened: Once you’ve seen your GP to make sure your ears aren’t blocked with wax or

that your hearing loss isn’t a secondary complication of an undiagnosed illness, you should take a hearing test. These days there are hearing tests you can take online, in the comfort of home, without a specialist appointment.

Dr Saunders regularly posts about hearing at www.elainesaunders.com.au. You can learn more about her company Blamey Saunders Hears on their website: www.blameysaunders.com.au.

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Mariann, from New South Mariann, from New South Wales, has come out of Wales, has come out of hibernation after five years hibernation after five years

Mariann, from New South Wales, has come out of hibernation after five years

www.masons.org.au

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1. Runge et al, Clinical Outcomes of the Cochlear TM Nucleus® 5, 2016. 1. Runge et al, Clinical Outcomes the Cochlear TM Nucleus® 5, 2016. 2. Gaylor et al, Cochlear implantation in adults,of2018. 2. Gaylor et al, Cochlear implantation in adults, 2018.

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March 2019

Travels in Jordan

By RW Bro Neil Atkins

A taste of

History The ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ rock formation, named for Lawrence of Arabia’s autobiography.

It was September, the first month of autumn. My two companions and I had arrived in the tiny Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan just 11% the area of New South Wales.

ordered by Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Palestine and Israel it is a haven of peace in a troubled region.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has been subject to human habitation since the Stone Age. Over a period of almost 2.5 million years what is now

March 2019

Jordan has seen the presence of nomadic tribes such as the mysterious Nabateans, ruled by Romans and Greeks and subject to invasions by the Mongols and Ottomans. Each has left visible signs of their presence on the landscape. It became a protectorate of Britain in 1921 and in 1946 became an independent

self-governing country known as Transjordan. In 1949 the name was changed to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, more commonly now referred to as Jordan. With such a rich history, some of which is recorded in the Bible, a landscape ranging from arid to forest regions

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

and an inland sea marking the lowest point on the earth’s surface it is not surprising that Jordan has an abundance of attractions for tourists.

SYRIA WEST BANK

In researching our trip the above passage from the King James Version of the Bible resonated.

So our first stop on our travels was to be the River Jordan. However there are approximately more than 51 fords across the Jordan River and as none has been definitely identified as the place where Jephthah, the leader of the Gileadites, and his army routed the Ephramites we had to be content with visiting that part of the Jordan River which formed the border of the former tribal area of the Gileadites. We then travelled by road southwards along the Jordan River to Bethany beyond the Jordan, a wilderness heritage area recognised as the site where John the Baptist baptised Jesus of Nazareth. It is now a place of pilgrimage for Christians. When we arrived, pilgrims dressed in white robes were taking it in turns to be baptised by immersion in the river to a background of gospel music. A moving and interesting spectacle! Just nine kilometres south of the baptismal site is the northern shore of

Jerash

Bethany

‘The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a survivor of Ephraim said, “Let me cross over,” the men of Gilead asked him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he replied, “No,” they said, “All right, say Shibboleth.” If he said, “Sibboleth,” because he could not pronounce the word correctly, they seized him and killed him.’

GAZA

Amman Mt Nebo

Madaba Dead Sea ISRAEL

IRAQ

Wadi Mujib

SAUDI ARABIA

Kerak

JORDAN Petra

EGYPT

Wadi Rum Aqaba

the Dead Sea, the surface of which is approximately 431 metres below the level of the Mediterranean Sea. The Dead Sea marks earth’s lowest point on land. We were informed by a guide that the level of the Dead Sea drops around one metre each year because of the reduced flow of water from damming of the Jordan River and the harvesting of salt at evaporation sites on the Dead Sea. There is a plan to construct a pipeline from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea to ensure the level does not fall any further. Arriving at our hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea we did what almost all tourists do. We took a dip in its salty waters which are about nine times more salty than that of the oceans. However

before entering the sea I asked a local if it contained anything which would sting us and did it have sharks? He regarded me quizzically and then responded ‘No. That is why it is called the Dead Sea.’ We were advised however to just float on our backs in the sea to avoid the dangers of ingestion of extremely salty water and to avoid contamination of our eyes. The following morning we commenced our journey southwards towards Mt Nebo. It is here that Moses is said to have visited shortly before his death to

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March 2019

Travels in Jordan

Portion of a mosaic map found in The Church of Saint George

view ‘the promised land.’ The views from Mt Nebo are spectacular, being able to see Jericho in Israel to the West and the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. For almost a quarter of a century this site has been owned by the Franciscans and

The shores of the Dead Sea

is home to a Franciscan monastery. A memorial church to Moses has been built on the former site of a Basicilia abandoned in the 16th Century. Our next stop was the city of Madaba dating from the Byzantine period. It is

known as the city of mosaics because of the discovery of a number of early Byzantine mosaics during building activities taking place over the years. The best known mosaic is on the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St George which dates from the 6th Century and is the earliest known map of Palestine. Leaving Madaba we stopped at a mosaic workshop, an initiative of the Government to provide employment for local people. Continuing on we arrived at Wadi Mujib, known as the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Jordan. Measuring four kilometres across from one edge to the other and more than 900 metres deep it provides an impressive view as you wind your way down to the dam and river below which continues on its way to the Dead Sea. Shortly after travelling along the Kings Highway with the trees bending towards the east from the continual force of the winds blowing from the far distant Mediterranean we reach the town of Kerak dominated by the remains of a massive Crusader Castle dating from 1140. After working our way through the traffic of the bazaar near the castle we paid our entrance fee and were permitted

March 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

to wander through the remains. Views from the Castle were spectacular and it was obvious why this was one of the main Crusader Castles on the Crusader’s route from the Red Sea to Jerusalem. Leaving Kerak, we soon reached the sandstone Shara mountain range, the location of the rose red remains of the city of Petra. We first visited Little Petra, thought to have been a ‘suburb’ of the former nearby Nabatean capital Petra. Both were built during the 1st Century BC. Petra is reckoned to be the major tourist attraction of Jordan whilst Little Petra has less tourist traffic. Both have remains of the carved facades of tombs in the almost sheer walls of the canyons in which they are located. Our guide, a specialist in ancient civilisations, informed us that there are more than 20 different interpretations of the history behind the ruins. His opinion was that the man made caves were the burial chambers of the Nabiteans, a Semitic Tribe that settled in the area around the 6th Century BC. Finding Petra so fascinating we stayed two days to enable us to explore the canyons to our satisfaction. Finally, leaving Petra, as we headed south on the Desert Highway to Wadi Rum, we passed the 117 megawatt Tafila Wind Farm, currently the largest in the Middle East, providing an estimated three percent of Jordan’s energy requirements. Wadi Rum is the largest of Jordan’s desert landscapes and was the home of TE Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. He joined with local Arabs in

Tombs at Petra

Wadi Rum during 1916 to 1918 to fight the Ottomans. Its spectacular sandstone mountains rising around 700 metres above the red sands of the desert floor, which is about 1000 metres above sea level, has provided the location for many films. It is a World Heritage site, one of several in Jordan. On our entrance to this desert valley we were surprised to see a sign prohibiting hunting. Striped hyenas, wolves and Ibex roam this barren land as well as numerous Dromedary camels. Short of time we elected to use the services of a Bedouin guide with his four wheel drive to take us to some of the sites of this wilderness area. These included several named after TE Lawrence, notably the remains of his house, a

spring in the desert where the animals of the desert gathered and the seven pillars of wisdom named after his book. From the parched landscape of Wadi Rum we travelled to Jordan’s only sea port, Aqaba. On the Red Sea, Aqaba is a thriving tourist centre for nearby countries as well as travellers from Europe. It was in Aqaba we saw the Prince Hashim hospital. It is a state-of-the-art hospital providing complete medical services for the south of Jordan. The hospital has its own solar farm providing some of its energy requirements.

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St George Masonic Centre 480 Forest Rd Bexley – lease or hire today! After an extensive modernisation, the historic St George Masonic lodge room and dining room facilities are now available for approved masonic lodge meetings. • Lodge and dining room accommodates 100 guests • Modern air-conditioning • Off-street parking • Fully disability access compliant • Modern lift to first floor

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

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

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March 2019

Travels in Jordan

Letters to the Editor

Have

The rock formation known as ‘Lot’s Wife’.

your say Guyra lights up Lodge Guyra wishes to sincerely thank the Grand Master, his newly established Task Team and Grand Lodge Board of Management, for the donation and installation of the new Masonic Square and Compasses on the lodge building at Guyra.

The next day it was a 7.00am start to travel the Dead Sea Highway 327 kilometres to Amman. For some time we followed the shore of the Dead Sea from south to north, passed the salt pillar said to be Lot’s wife, saw Lot’s cave and passed the numerous salt harvesting plants situated on the Dead Sea arriving that evening in Amman. It was another early start the next day when we travelled north to Jerash, reportedly having had human habitation continuously for more than 6,500 years. It is better noted for its well preserved remains of a Roman City. Although it was autumn and temperatures hovered around 41°C we entered Jerash through Hadrian’s gate, walked along the 800 metre long street of pillars and sheltered from the sun in the colosseum where we watched a re-enactment of Roman Chariot races. Later we returned to the comfort of our air

conditioned hotel in Amman where we topped up our fluid levels in a restaurant surprisingly named Murphy’s bar. Our final day in Jordan was to visit some of the many attractions of Amman. We walked around the Roman colosseum in the old town, wandered through the souks with their rich aromas of coffee and spices assaulting the senses, visited the Mosque of the Martyr King Abdullah bin Al- Hussein which has a capacity for around 10,000 worshipers and gazed over the city from the nearby citadel. The Jordan Museum was our final stop where Jordan’s past, present and future are linked and helped to tie together all we had experience over the past days We left Jordan with the distinct impression that this country of friendly people relished its past but was embracing its future with equal measure.

We have now had enough time to gauge the reaction, which has ranged from shock to brilliant. There have been reports of travellers pulling up and taking photographs at night and commenting on the wonderful exposure it gives the lodge building. Most of the shocked are brethren, locals and others who have unexpectedly found the brilliant sign lit up at night. Even the neighbours reckon that it is great. The sign appears slowly through the trees as you approach the lodge site until revealed in all its splendour and it certainly has announced that we are still in town. RW Bro Ray Weston Lodge Guyra

Send your Letters by:

The Secretary Freemason Editorial Committee The Secr etary The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT Freemason PO Box A259, Sydney South, NSW 1235 The Unite Editorial Committe d e PO Box A259Grand Lodge of NSW The&Sec , Sydney ACT retary South, NSW Freema 1235 son Edit The Uni orial Com ted Gra mittee PO Box nd Lod A259, ge of NSW Sydney & ACT South, NSW 123 5

Email to: freemason@masons.org.au Post to:  PO Box A259, Sydney South, NSW 1235

The spectactular red desert of Wadi Rum.

March 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Eastern Star donates

Healing hearts The Order of the Eastern Star, Grand Chapter of NSW & ACT Home Fund has stepped forward with a donation of $4,543.50 to the Centenary Institute for Molecular Cardiology research at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

he donation enabled the purchase of a cell counter machine which is used to investigate gene cells in people born with genetic heart disease.

Prime mover in getting the donation was Sister Joan Gillmore, Past Worthy Matron of Wollongong Chapter who said when she was Worthy Matron of the Chapter her charity was Molecular Cardiology Long QT Syndrome which affects young people between 20 and 35 years of age.

Australia Day

‘The reason I chose this was that my niece’s husband died of the disease. He was a very fit man and had no symptoms until it was too late and he had a massive heart attack. He was 29 years of age and it now seems that the onset age is getting younger,’ she said. Wollongong Chapter members also attended to present a further donation cheque for $1,500.

1947 - 2017

VW Bro Colin Flatters OAM Lodge John Williams No 148 For work with veterans and families.

MAKERS OF FINE REGALIA SINCE 1947

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Honours The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT extends congratulations to the following members of the Masonic community who have been recognised in the Australia Day Honours:

Members toured The Centenary Institute and met with Professor Chris Semsarian and his team, who showed the work they were doing. They also gave a demonstration of the Cell Counter Machine which is making their research efforts easier and more accurate with the aid of the remarkable results from this piece of equipment.

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March 2019

Grand Master’s theme

Lessons from Kipling The Grand Master’s theme was laid out in the December edition of the Freemason. The theme Integrity, Loyalty and Respect should now appear prominently in the notice papers of all lodges throughout the jurisdiction.

ollectively the theme pillars what it means when a person takes the step so to speak to become a Freemason. The embodiment of the theme lies in the Charges and Obligations we take on ourselves when we enter the Order – obligations which entail collective as well as personal responsibilities. Obligations which call on us to apply the principal virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity: Obligations which call on us to apply the cardinal virtues of Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude, and Justice: to be prudent in our deeds and thoughts; to temper our actions with wisdom; to accept life’s tribulations and burdens with equanimity; and above all to be

just in our dealings with others, but not to be judgemental. The Grand Master’s theme makes so much reference to what should be the daily practice of masons and masonic philosophy, and every line, bar one, of Kipling’s poem, If–, summarises the qualities to develop the hearts and minds of every Freemason.

If– by Rudyard Kipling If you can keep your head when all about you A mason should be a calm, thoughtful, strong person able to cope with adversity and panic and hold together those who are succumbing to the pressure. Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, A mason will be ‘big’ enough to understand that others will place blame where it best assuages their consciences and feelings – to cover themselves from that blame, recognising that it is human nature to try to protect one’s self, and be prepared to assist them through their own difficulties. If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you A mason will have confidence to continue on the path he knows is correct. But he will understand that others do not necessarily have that same confidence and is prepared to accept that his path may well be questioned by others.

Rudyard Kipling wrote If– as a tribute to Leander Starr Jameson. It is a popular example of Victorian-era stoicism.

March 2019

But make allowance for their doubting too, A mason will be just but not be judgemental about how others are acting and reacting, giving them the benefit of doubt and lack of understanding, or even, misunderstanding. He will not surrender his moral values. If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, A mason will be patient and prepared for however long it may take for understanding and acceptance to emerge in others. He will use his patience and time to assist others. Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, A mason will remain true to his values and will never use the tactics that others may adopt: ensuring that he remains truthful at all times and striving to preserve his integrity – no matter how much others may impugn him. Above all, he will not reduce himself to their level. He is a mason and he will not be ashamed of feeling elite but he will remain humble. And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise: A mason will retain a sense of humility and not yield to the temptation of thinking that he is ‘better’ than his brethren or anyone else: to be humble can also be considered a virtue, but not to the extent that his values are prejudiced in any way. He will recognise the difference between humility and submission. If you can dream – and not make dreams your master, A mason will dream, but he will ever be pragmatic about those dreams. He will not allow them to dominate him or

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

supplant the reality of his life. He will have a firm grip on reality and will be comfortable with his life and surroundings.

faith to repair and, if necessary, to rebuild upon the ruins of our former temple, understanding and learning from our past mistakes.

If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings and risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

A mason will think clearly and rationally and ‘outside the square’ should it prove necessary. But he will not allow his thoughts to deflect him away from the reality he finds himself in. He will not allow his thoughts to become dreams which have no real chance of coming true. If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; A mason will understand that life will always present him with a mixture of good and bad – a dichotomy of opposite conditions and yet he will be able to balance his life and treat both success and failure with equanimity: ‘… turning neither to the right nor to the left from the paths of virtue; …’ If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, A mason will know and understand that sometimes others will take what he has said, and which he truly believes to be true, and twist it often through ignorance but sometimes with deliberate malice. But he will be able to bear it with fortitude and will have the courage to endeavour to correct the misapprehensions and damage. Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, A mason will be able to view with equanimity and acceptance his treasured values torn apart. He will be keenly aware of that corollary to ‘Murphy’s Law’ – ‘If it isn’t broke, someone will fix it until it is.’ And stoop and build ‘em up with wornout tools: A mason will have the fortitude and courage to rebuild or to start again, even if the ‘tools’ at his disposal are not in the best condition or necessarily suited to the task. The Great Architect never intended that our masonic Centres should remain damaged or composed of imperfect material, but has given us the

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A mason will be brave enough and prepared to risk much for the things he believes in. We do not look to lose our lives in support of Freemasonry but we also know that we risk much in standing up for our principles. Courage, is continuing when fear would have us turn away.

...the philosophy of Freemasonry should be so strong that a mason will be able discuss, or even debate, with others without getting upset...

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, The emphasis we place on the various virtues in the philosophy of Freemasonry should be so strong that a mason will be able discuss, or even debate, with others without getting upset about the attitudes, values and thoughts they express. Or walk with kings – nor lose the common touch, Despite any ‘greatness thrust upon him’, or being invited to mix with those in authority a mason will be able to preserve his humility and will not lose sight of his origins and the source of his support and friendship. If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you; Without abandoning his humanity, a mason will be able to ‘… suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune …’and as a virtuous man not allow himself to be seized by a lust for retribution. If all men count with you, but none too much, A mason will view all men as equals never forgetting that ‘… we are all brethren, for he who has placed his foot on the lowest step of fortune’s ladder is as fully entitled to our regard as he who has achieved the summit.’ If you can fill the unforgiving minute

And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breath a word about your loss; But, even though a mason may lose the ‘skirmish’, he will not complain about it, but quietly start to rebuild. He will ever have eternity in view knowing that if his heart is right and his principles sound, eventually his moral convictions will win through. If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, and so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’ A mason will be able to apply his courage to situations which require moral strength and fortitude to the very end, even though his external support has long left him.

With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, A mason will be keenly aware that life is running out – not only for himself, but for all he considers precious – and he will endeavour to make the best use of the time available to him. Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, A mason will succeed because he has given of his best not just for himself and those dear to him, but to those who depend on him in some way. Kipling’s words are advice from a father to his son. They are a recipe for a life lived well and he could well have written the last line as: And which is more you’ll make a mason, my son!

March 2019

Masonicare

MASONICARE

Your Grand Charity

Interaction

behind the Grand Charity Many will recall that in times not long past, Freemasons supported and worked with the community in a highly interactive way, to support those less fortunate and to raise funds to support the running of schools, aged care homes and hospitals. While some of these activities have been left to those better placed to run them, the intent to work with our communities to support them is still the very bedrock of our goal as a grand charity. Since 1920, the Grand Charity in its various forms has managed funds raised and donated by various activities to further support the communities across our jurisdiction. As Masonicare for the last two decades we have made a majority of

our contributions through the interaction program. Masonicare as the Grand Charity has a goal to not only support and guide brethren in fundraising activities in support of their communities but also to enable outreach to the members of those communities in a positive way, furthering the tenets of the craft in general. In achieving this goal Masonicare is seeking to ensure that when interaction grants are applied for that they involve those communities in both large and small ways, all charity is good but charity where the community has the opportunity to be involved and contribute is better.

Masonicare will seek to ensure that all interaction grants come with a genuine interaction with the community. Activities such as a dinner could be advertised locally for non-masons to buy tickets. Raffle tickets could be sold in a way wider than just the lodge and of course the classic and ever lucrative Bunnings BBQ is not only interactive, but an absolute necessity for anyone being forced by their partner to look at lawn furniture or light fittings. When you next seek to fundraise for your local cause, look for a way to interact with the community to gain a greater level of support and in doing so open up our order to the communities we have supported for so many years.

$4,000 to Jenny’s Place refuge It has been estimated that Freemasons worldwide contribute two million dollars per day to charitable causes. The Freemasons of Lodge Enterprise No 400, who hold their meetings at the New Lambton Masonic Centre, have played their part to make this grand total by conducting a fund raising project each year in aid of a recognised local charity. This year, as in the previous two years, Jenny’s Place Inc, a refuge for

March 2019

victims of family violence in Newcastle, was the recipient. On Monday 17 December, at the Lodge’s Christmas Party, Ms Jill Evans, the Assistant Manager of Jenny’s Place was the guest of honour. She was present to receive a cheque towards the work of the refuge. The funds raised this year by Lodge Enterprise totalled $2,000 and this amount was matched by Masoni care, the charity arm of Freemasonry in NSW to make a total of $4,000.

VW Bro Arthur Rolph, the Worshipful Master of Lodge Enterprise, presented the cheque to Ms. Evans and she thanked Lodge Enterprise for its continued support over the past three years and explained how the funds would be spent. After the presentation all 60 in attendance enjoyed a wonderful night of carol singing and the annual Christmas party, including a visit from Santa Claus.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Masonicare

Benevolence Masonicare provides valuable assistance and care when it is needed most – the annual Benevolence Appeal has so far received $8,322 from 57 lodges. With the worthwhile support of so many Freemasons, Masonicare is able to provide financial grants and access to financial advice and counselling services to masons or their families who are in financial distress. The Benevolence program has a trusted and deserved reputation for providing relief and assurance to brethren and our communities. When life throws a curveball, it is reassuring to know that Masonicare can provide support during challenging times. Our published goal this year is to raise $20,000 to support the Benevolence

Fund which will enable Masonicare to help brethren with immediate needs in times of desperation. During our annual Benevolence Appeal up to 5,000 lapel pins are distributed amongst lodges via the Masonicare Caring Officers, Lodge Secretaries and Worshipful Masters. This year’s blue lapel pin is part of the ‘One Brother to Another’ initiative and wearing the pin shows that you have supported the Masonicare aims of providing care and guidance to a brother in distress and helped them to find their feet. These lapel pins can be purchased by the brethren for $10 and proudly worn to show their support for the Benevolence Appeal. It’s one of the most effective ways you can help us prepare for the future.

An application for a Benevolence Grant can be made through an application form, which can be downloaded from the new website at: www. masonicare.org.au. Make a difference today. Your commitment allows us to give real support that reflects the values and priorities we all share in Freemasonry. Purchase a pin and wear it with pride to demonstrate your personal pledge to create real change today and for the benefit of future generations. Above: the design of the new lapel pin.

Yet more chairs! The members of The Peel Lodge in Tamworth fundraised, with the assistance of Masonicare, to provide wheelchairs to Quirindi Hospital, Werris Creek MPS and the Tamworth Rehabilitation Unit. In October, RW Bro Reg Potter presented a wheelchair to Leigh Schalk, manager of the Quirindi Hospital. Leigh said she and the staff were grateful for the donation of the wheelchair from the masons and commented on how light and easy it is to manoeuvre. On Tuesday 30 October, RW Bro Potter and W Bro Derek Brown presented three wheelchairs to Sue Simpson (Nursing Unit Manager), Dr Rebecca Morrissey and the

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staff at the Tamworth Rehab Unit. Sue said they were very appreciative of the donation and support received from The Peel Lodge. Cr Paul Moules commented: ‘What a privilege and pleasure it was as the LPSC Deputy Mayor and as a local resident to be invited to the Werris Creek MPS to have Lodge Master Reg Potter and my son Steve present a brand new state of the art wheelchair to the MPS Manager, Robyn and other staff members. These items are not cheap and can make a huge difference as to whether family members are able to take their relative out somewhere for the day. Thank you to your members for thinking of the Werris Creek community’.

Members of The Peel Lodge presenting three Freemasonry-emblazoned wheelchairs to the staff at the Tamworth Rehab Unit in October last year.

March 2019

Whiddon awards

Deborah is the top Aged care employee Deborah Fitzpatrick from Whiddon Temora has beaten a high quality field of 22 nominees to become the winner of the 2018 prestigious Whiddon Board of Directors Award.

ow in its 12th year, the Whiddon Directors Awards recognise and honour aged care employees from across the homes and services in NSW and Queensland who go the extra mile to truly make a difference in the lives of those in their care. Deborah, a Registered Nurse at Whiddon Temora, received her award at a special dinner in front of invited guests and workmates from around the State. She was nominated for her work in introducing a palliative care pathway at the aged care home and working in collaboration with health specialists and staff in its development. She also

included information sessions for staff and families about advance care planning and palliative care processes which she organised in her own time and arranged for guest medical professionals to attend and speak. ‘I am overwhelmed because I didn’t think I had a chance of winning,’ Deborah said. ‘It’s hard to think about being rewarded when you are passionate about your work. We all worked on the program together and I hope to see it rolled out to all Whiddon centres.’ Deborah, who is planning to continue the information sessions, was also nominated for her innovative approach to care, dedication to aged care and drive

to make a difference in the lives of the residents. Caring and compassionate, Deborah has been described as warm, welcoming and approachable and someone that staff at Whiddon Temora look up to as well as her relations with families and staff. She is on several committees at the Home and within the local community and staff often seek her opinion and advice. Whiddon Temora Director Care Services, Gail Lynch, said that everyone at the aged care home was delighted to see Deborah recognised through this award. ‘Deborah is a gem and always goes above and beyond in her role. She is highly respected for her fantastic work, passion for residents and for always being there to help others learn and grow in their own roles. She is an incredible mentor and gives her time freely to others to achieve best outcomes for all.’ ‘I congratulate Deborah on being named this year’s winner. The Award is a competitive selection process as we have so many incredible people that work for the organisation and to be named the winner is an amazing achievement,’ Ms Lynch said. At the function, long service awards were also presented to Tracy Allen (Easton Park), Paul Kumar (Casino), Mary Mensink (Grafton), Diane Ninham (Easton Park), Pauline Nuttall (Easton Park) and Sandra Osborne (Grafton).

L–R: Whiddon Board Chairman Len Kearns, Whiddon Temora Director Care Services Gail Lynch, Award-winner Deborah Fitzpatrick of Whiddon Temora and Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis.

March 2019

Scholarship recipients for 2019 were Grainne Tylor (Laurieton, Woollam), Siobhan Tierney-Jones (Belmont, Planix), Katie Kennedy (Easton Park,

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

An artist’s impression of the new expansion being undertaken at Kyogle.

Triforce Group) and Alex Drysdale (Easton Park, CPS). The Scholarship program offers a range of tertiary scholarships every year for employees to study at certificate, undergraduate and post-graduate levels. This sponsorship enables employees, many of whom are unable to access tertiary study, to develop their professional skills and grow in their chosen careers. Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis also announced he was delighted to have successfully secured close to $5 million in funding from the Australian Govern ment’s Regional Jobs Investment Package to enable a $10 million aged care growth project in Kyogle, a rural town in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. ‘This aged care expansion project is fantastic news for the Kyogle community. It means we can deliver a 23-place extension to our Kyogle home to help meet the needs of the local region for high quality aged care places,’ he said. ‘I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the community members who supported our funding application, and the Member for Page, Mr Kevin Hogan, who has supported Whiddon to achieve a number of important aged care growth projects in the region. ‘This project will help us further invest and grow in this region. It will provide more jobs, including new

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She is highly respected for her fantastic work...

Aged Care Services Organisation Award and received a Better Practice National Innovation and Excellence Award. He added the hospitality, catering and leisure teams were also recognised with three national awards.

positions at our aged care home in nursing care, hospitality and hotel services, along with 94 construction jobs during the building phase and an annual $1 million contribution to the region following its completion.” ‘The project will include construction of a new wing at Whiddon Kyogle with the 23 new aged care places that were allocated in the 2016 Aged Care Approvals Round with a range of accommodation options, including single and double rooms with ensuites, dementia specific and high care, secure courtyards to promote outdoor living and ready access to gardens, a new servery to service two dining rooms and a new laundry to service a larger aged care home with additional residents.’ Mr Mamarelis also pointed out that Whiddon Group in 2018 were listed in the Australian Financial Review’s Top 50 most innovative companies for the second year running, named an Employer of Choice for the third successive year, won the inaugural Leading

March 2019

Art scholarship

Ulladulla student wins scholarship

Emily Cadle is presented with the scholarship by W Bro Went and W Bro Bond of Lodge Milton

Ulladulla High School student Emily Cadle has won the 2018 United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT Grand Lodge Trustee’s scholarship for 2018.

ach year for many years, the Trustees of the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT award two scholarships in NSW, for either year 11 or year 12 students, one scholarship for a male student and one for a female student to assist with future education expenses. The Trustees were most impressed with Emily’s performance and positive outlook in assisting others. Emily intends next year to attend the National Art School in Sydney or University in either Sydney or Melbourne to commence a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Emily is extremely talented artistically, having last year won the Ulladulla

March 2019

Emily has been described by Ulladulla High School as an outstanding art student

High School art prize for a portrait she did of her Maths teacher. The winner of this competition is selected by votes

from the Teachers and Students of the Ulladulla High School. Last year she also won a first prize for portraiture at the Dunn Lewis Centre art competition in Ulladulla. Emily has been described by Ulladulla High School as an outstanding art student. Emily Cadle was crowned the Ulladulla Blessing of the Fleet Princess in 2016 at the tender age of just fifteen years. The Worshipful Master of Lodge Milton, Allan Went, stated Emily has done herself and Ulladulla proud with her achievements to date and on behalf of Lodge Milton wished her every success for the future.

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

Australian Lodge of Fidelity No 101

Fraternity renewed Mobile Masons Caravan Rally

Mobile masons drop in The annual Mobile Masons Caravan Rally this year was held in the South Coast picturesque town of Huskisson on Jervis Bay. Members from NSW and ACT travelled for what was described as an enjoyable and fun ten days of activities. Caravans soon started arriving at the caravan park and it wasn’t long before old friendships were quickly renewed. The committee organised a full program of games and social events for the members but there was also plenty of free time to explore the many wonders of the South Coast. The Mobile Masons when they meet at their annual destination, keep a record of money spent including accommodation,

A greeting card Assistant Grand Master John Armfield enjoyed the company of five brothers during a recent visit to the USA and Canada. The six brethren from five jurisdictions enjoying exchanging Masonic experiences during a voyage from New York to Montreal.

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The Mobile Masons Caravan Rally congregated in Huskisson this year.

fuel, meals etc and this year we’re proud to say the Mobile Masons brought close to $29,000 into the Shoalhaven District to help boost their economy. The happy hours are not only a time to relax and enjoy the company of others, but it is a time when they dig deep and have chocolate wheels which this year resulted the Mobile Masons presenting a cheque for $1,000 to the charity called SALT which is a non-profit organisation aiding the needy and homeless.

Fraternal ties between Ireland and New South Wales were strengthened in August at Australian Lodge of Fidelity’s Installation night. This event also marked the 175th Anniversary of the lodge, having been founded 9th August 1843, which then was granted Warrant No 267 from the Grand Lodge of Ireland. This Warrant was returned to Ireland in 1882 and subsequently was granted to Lodge St George in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, where it resides, being active to this day. Gifts and letters from Ireland helped celebrate this occasion and re-establish fraternal ties across the seas. Lodge St George No 267, sent a letter and a gift of a Master’s Maul which was beautifully carved with the names of both lodges, emblazoned with the bowed-arm and trowel on one side, and the square and compasses on the other. An inset brass disk at its base states: ‘Presented to Australian Masonic Lodge of Fidelity No 101 to mark their 175th Anniversary by the St. George Masonic Lodge No. 267 Irish Const. 2018.’ A letter was received from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ireland from their Grand Master, MW Bro Douglass Grey noting that, ‘I have no doubt that the foundation stones of Lodge of Fidelity No 267 under the Irish Constitution have contributed to its success of the 175 years’ and concluding with, ‘I am delighted to offer the brethren of the Australian Lodge of Fidelity No 101 my best wishes and congratulations on the 175th anniversary of the lodge and wish you every blessing for the future.’

March 2019

Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT The Cedars Lodge No 1041

Party time! The Cedars Lodge celebrated its annual Christmas party with the Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM and his partner Gael as Guests of Honour.

The Maroubra Lodge No 725 and Lodge Kensington No 270

Honours at Kensington

There were smiles and congratulations galore at Kensington in December when The Maroubra and Lodge Kensington combined for a Christmas Ladies Night and also to recognise three long serving members. The Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson, accompanied by a 20-plus delegation, presented certificates to VW Bro Ron Stracey (70 years), VW Bro Warren Finlayson (40 years) and VW Bro Vic Lunney (40 years) to celebrate between the three members 150 years of Masonic membership. VW Bro Stracey was initiated in The Maroubra Lodge in November 1948, VW Bro Finlayson in Lodge John T Jennings in July 1978 and VW Bro Lunney in Lodge Kensington in October 1978. VW Bro Stracey served as WM of The Maroubra in 1961 and is currently Treasurer of The Maroubra and Lodge Kensington. VW Bro Finlayson served as WM of Lodge John T Jennings in 1984 and of Lodge

VW Bro Stracey receiving his certificate from the Grand Master

Kensington in 2002 and 2003 and is currently Caring Officer for Lodge Kensington. VW Bro Lunney was WM of Lodge Kensington in 1984 and 1985, was DC of Lodge Kensington from 2007 until 2012 and now serves as Chaplain. Both lodges held abbreviated meetings before admitting the Grand Master. The meeting then adjourned to allow the ladies and visitors to enter and watch the three presentations during which MW Bro Robson paid tribute to the service of the three members and their commitment to the Craft. The lodges adjourned to the Festive Board where the three men were further honoured and responded. About 20 ladies were among the 60-plus attendance at what was a highly enjoyable night for all.

A research donation The brethren of Lodge Blacktown Kildare and Masonicare have donated $6,000 to Nepean Hospital Urology Research Group. According to Professor Khadra, Head of the Research Group, in terms of current research, most of it is in prostate cancer. The brethren raised the funds through golf tournaments. A similar donation of $6,000 was made to Carevan Blacktown

It was a wonderful event with non-stop music and the amazing Santa Claus who danced his way into the room bearing gifts for all the guests. One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of a cheque for $5,000 from The Cedars Lodge to Masonicare. Another highlight was the major raffle prize of two return tickets to Brisbane by Qantas won by Barbara Conlon.

Lodge Sawtell Twilight No 741

A haggis for Sawtell The Lodge Sawtell Twilight Robbie Burns night for 2019 was the usual rollicking good time. The lodge meeting, brief as it was, was well attended with welcome visitors from other lodges. The haggis was ceremonially piped into the South, the entourage comprising Bro Ray Ellington (Piper), Carmel Robertson (Custodian of the Haggis), Bro Paul Breen (Custodian of the Athol Brose) and guarded by VW Bro Owen Purdon, armed with a drawn sword. The Address to the Haggis was delivered by Sawtell’s own burly Scot, Bro Alex Pattie and the night was topped off with Ray’s bagpipe recital and historical anecdotes.

with the funds raised from sausage sizzle drives within District 25A and District 25. Carevan Blacktown is a small charity group that supports the disadvantaged in Lalor Park to demonstrate that ‘Community Cares’ and that a local network of volunteers and partners can fight hunger, poverty and isolation. The haggis piped into the south

March 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Lodge Bland No 337

The Royal Empire Lodge No 613

Lodge Bland, which was consecrated on 16 October 1919, is celebrating 2019 as its Centenary Year.

The Royal Empire Lodge hosted a magnificent luncheon at the NSW Parliament House in December attended by the GM MW Bro D J Robson AM and hosted by RW Bro Andrew Fraser DGM

Helping Soldier On

Centenary for Bland The Centenary Year began on Saturday 19 January with a ‘Back to Bland’ meeting where 54 brethren were astounded and delighted by a surprise visit from the Grand Master. After an impressive initiation ceremony, the Grand Master presented to the lodge a banner commemorating the lodge’s 100 years of Masonic service to the community. The banner’s design incorporates, on a surrounding blue ribbon, the Lodge name and number and the Latin motto ‘Scio Te – Dabo Tibi’ which translates as ‘Know Yourself – Give Yourself’ and epitomises the fundamental principles and objectives of Freemasonry – self development and service to others. The main industries that enrich the Bland Shire are depicted by a head of

The Grand Master presenting Lodge Bland with a banner commemorating the centenary.

‘golden grain’, a merino ram (golden fleece), and a gold mine poppet head. The design is completed with a sprig of golden wattle and the Square and Compasses. The banner was designed by local artist Dorothy McCaskie and made by Tom Bell of ‘Aussie Banner & Flag’. It will be a feature of all of Lodge Bland’s centenary year celebrations which will include the installation on 16 March, the Centenary Masonic Debutante Ball on 11 May and Centenary Commemoration meeting in October.

Manning River District

Aid for palliative care Masons of the Manning River District have supported the Manning Valley Push for Palliative Care. VW Bro Wayne Broome and VW Bro Ron Woodward attended the November AGM of the MV Push for Palliative and were able to learn about the valuable work done by this group in extending care to those people in need. Speakers, Dr Colin Rose and a supervising nurse from Manning Base Hospital gave detailed accounts of the services provided and their needs. They were presented with cheques for $4,000 with the funds used to extend the services offered by government provisions. They include home and personal care, gap funding and funding for extra equipment such as oxygen concentraters.

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The donation included $1,000 raised by a raffle supported by members of the five lodges – Greater Taree, Cowper, Gloucester, Laurieton Haven and Forster Great Lakes United.

This Lodge had previously held a very successful Black Tie Winter Banquet at Cellos in the Masonic club to raise money for Soldier On. At Parliament House, the luncheon was held to pass to Soldier On a cheque for $6,000, being made up of The Royal Empire’s $3,000 matched by Masonicare on an intergrant basis. Soldier On does not give financial grants or handouts to Veterans and their families, but does arrange, and pay for specialist services to assist returned ADF veterans to again reintegrate into the community, after having served overseas. As fortune would have it, and to prove that out of small acorns massive trees grow, The Royal Empire/Masonicare cheque was eligible for a fund raising effort Soldier On had negotiated with a group of well-known companies to match their raisings which brought the donation to a total of $12,000. Mr Barry Kenyon, the Soldier On representative advised the gathering, that the money, more especially at this time of the year will be most welcome, and very helpful to the ADF veterans.

An extra $1,000 came from an Inter Action Grant from Masonicare and a further $2,000 was donated from funds accumulated by the new op shop, Shop 44, situated at the Taree Masonic Centre. MV Push for Palliative was most appreciative of our support and look forward to extending and continuing their services. District 44 Masonic Charities Inc thanked the brethren, Masonicare and Shop 44 for their support, and wishes MV Push for Palliative a successful future in providing services of care and comfort.

W Bro Tom Hitchcock presents the Masonicare cheque to Mr Barry Kenyon, Soldier On Representative.

March 2019

Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT

Presenting the $5,000 cheque

Lodge Commonwealth of Australia No 633

Commonwealth does a double Lodge Commonwealth had two meetings of great note in December. The first was the installation meeting on 1 December at which W Bro Stan Massey , a recent affiliate to the lodge but a great supporter over recent years, was installed by RW Bro Graeme Moller AM who had taken the role in the previous year when the lodge was facing difficulties. Under his direction the lodge has been revitalised and will remain a central part of the lodges of Canberra. The Grand Master attended the meeting which was at the Canberra Masonic Centre.

The Grand Master and gathered masons installed W Bro Stan Massey as Master of Lodge Commonwealth.

The second meeting three days later was an emergent meeting held in Goulburn in conjunction with Lodge William Ross. This was a double initiation and Lodge Commonwealth welcomed Bro Carol Manga and Bro Nicholas Hill into the Craft. This was a very significant and enjoyable occasion as both lodges normally meet on the same night in the two cities.

St George Masonic Centre

A special ceremony There was tremendous support for the 2018 Open Day and Remembrance Service held at the St George Masonic Centre Bexley to promote Freemasonry in the St George area and to honour three past senior grand lodge officers for their life time commitment to the principles of Freemasonry. Short Addresses of Welcome were given by RW Bro Patrick Medway AM and President of the St George Masonic Museum Society Inc, RW Bro Christopher

March 2019

Blaxland-Walker, the WM, W Bro Wayne Greenwood and Councillor Bill Saravinoski, the Mayor of Bayside Council. The Mayor thanked the members of Lodge Bexley No 328 for their dedication and commitment to the local community and especially their charitable contributions before unveiling a plaque to commemorate a Centenary of Service by the brethren of the lodge to the St George community. The Grand Chaplain RW Bro Leon Carter OBE led the Service and dedicated

Children benefit A group of Freemasons joined forces with the Association Regione Lazio to celebrate its end of year dinner dance in November with a donation of $5,500 to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Association president VW Bro Rolando D’Arcangeli, said he wanted this special occasion to acknowledge raising the funds on behalf of the Hospital. Guests included Bro Paul Wilson, representing the Hospital, many masons as well as members and friends of the Association. Entertainment for the 115 guests was provided by maestro Lucio Ventresca, and everyone was thoroughly delighted with how the evening unfolded.

memorial plaques to three former senior Grand Lodge officers of the lodge: RW Bro Peter Scascighini, RW Bro Harold Allen and RW Bro Donnell Thomas. Many family members were present and heard the reply by VW Bro John Scascighini, secretary of Lodge Bland and a member of the lodge. Appreciation was expressed to all who attended especially the Kogarah RSL Youth Group who provided the wonderful Afternoon Tea facilities and a special Centenary Cake was then cut by the Mayor to mark the centenary of the dedication of Lodge Bexley No 328 in Rockdale Masonic Centre on 28 October 1918.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Lodge Saratoga No 937

A big birthday Bro Noel Sweatman, aged 20 years, continued the family tradition by being initiated into Lodge Aberfeldie (Victorian Constitution) on 7 September 1948, with his father and uncles in attendance. L–R: RW Bro Neville Simpson, RW Bro Tony Punzet, W Bro Mock Parker, W Bro Michael Parker, RW Bro Hugh Laird, VW Bro David Finlay and RW Bro Rob Finlay.

Lodge Central Australia No 88

The not so common On 25 August 23 masons attended Lodge Central Australia’s Installation in Bourke. W Bro Michael Parker travelled from Hillston to re-install his father, W Bro Maurice Parker as the WM of his adopted lodge. Maurice or Mock as he is known, lives just over the Queensland border in Hungerford and has a nearly three hour

journey to get to his lodge in Bourke each month, depending on the road conditions and the same the following day to return. Both Mock and Michael Parker and their family had a long assosiation with Lodge Hillston. The installation, banquet and breakfast next morning at Pam and RW Bro Neville Simpson’s, was one of great harmony and fellowship.

Masonic Care Tasmania

Award for Tasmania Masonic Care Tasmania Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Daniel Findley has been named the national winner for the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Lynda Gratton CEO Award. The award recognises CEOs who achieve positive results for their organisation through best-practice people management. A gala ceremony was held at the Melbourne Town Hall where more than 80 national finalists were joined by some of Australia’s top business leaders and professionals. Daniel Findley says he is proud and overwhelmed to be named the winner. ‘Winning this award is a true reflection of the 500-plus people I work alongside

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every day across Tasmania. Our staff are the key to the success of Masonic Care Tasmania,’ he said. ‘MCT is one of Tasmania’s largest aged care providers, having undergone an amalgamation in 2017 of three aged care homes, 12 retirement living locations, and community support services. Our staff have become one state-wide organisation and we have experienced some great success, achievements and challenges over the past 18 months together.’ Finalists were acknowledged for their initiatives which contributed to the business sector of their organisations and the contribution these organisations have through outstanding leadership and management of their people.

In 1950, he moved to Sydney, joining Lodge Frank Whiddon No 739 at Haberfield and upon retiring to the Central Coast, joined Lodge Gosford No 742 which in turn became The Central Coast Lodge No 2001. In 2015, Noel affiliated with Lodge Saratoga. On locating to Sydney, Noel joined the NSW Fire Brigade, rose to be a Training Officer based in the city and whilst based there joined the Lodge Fire Brigades No 940. Brethren from Lodge Fire Brigades, led by their WM, W Bro Gary Williams, joined Lodge Saratoga in congratulating Noel on his rare achievement of 70 years in Freemasonry. Before receiving his certificate from VW Bro Chris Matthews, Noel spoke of the two pleasures he had received from Masonry – joining the fraternity in the presence of his father and the friends he had gained and the initiation of his son, Les, who is a member of Lodge Saratoga. At the South, it was further celebrated with a birthday cake (but no candles), together with a video from Bro David Mumford on Lodge Kilwinning.

Mentors at Coffs Candidates for Freemasonry come in all shapes and sizes – and so do mentors! The course at the Coffs Harbour Masonic Centre was well attended and the brethren were enthusiastic about the highly personalised mentoring concepts that were presented. It all bodes well for significantly improved retention rates on the North Coast!

March 2019

Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT Sir Frank McDowell Sovereign Council

Help for farmers

The Sir Frank McDowell Sovereign Council at a recent meeting decided to donate an amount of $500 for drought assistance for those in need in our western areas To avoid funds being lost in expenses and overheads, the cheque was forwarded to the Macquarie Valley Council which meets at Dubbo for distribution.

Liverpool Plains Lodge No 191

Bruce turns one hundred

Macquarie Council decided to direct the $500 to the Dubbo and District Preschool which has many rural clients who are experiencing difficulty meeting the cost of fees, uniforms, shoes and travelling expenses due to the reduced farm income and lack of work in associated industries. Some are reducing the number of days their children attend the School which has a flow on effect to the Preschool and many will benefit from the donation.

Bro Wilmott receiving the GM’s Congratulatory Lettter from RW Bro David Robertson.

Bro Bruce Wilmott, a member of Liver pool Plains Lodge since his initiation on 17 November, 1951, has celebrated his one hundredth birthday. Bruce is a resident of the RFBI’s Tamworth Masonic Village. The staff of the

Village provided a celebratory morning tea which was attended by Bruce’s two daughters and a number of masonic brethren. Bruce received many congratulations including a letter from the Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM.

Lodge Celebration of Fairfield No 345 and The Central Coast Lodge No 2001

Seventy years long According to statistics, the average Australian marriage now lasts up to 12 years before it ends. But that has not been the case for Central Coast couple RW Bro Burnet

March 2019

Presenting the cheque to Dubbo Preschool

had three children, built a house at Terrigal and retired there.

Mudge and his wife Elaine who have posted a remarkable 70 years together.

During World War II, Elaine worked in the city and Burnet served in heavy artillery from July 1941 to June 1946, mainly in Papua New Guinea and carried the banner on the Anzac Day March until about ten years ago.

They met at a dance hall in Cabramatta in 1946 and were married two years later. They built a house at Fairfield,

Burnet is still interested in Freemasonry and is a member of Lodge Fairfield and the Central Coast.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Presenting the defibrillator to the CWA

Coast Freemasons Association Lodge Federal United No 193 and Lodge Young Burrangong No 20

Young’s cherry float Members of Lodges Federal United and Young Burrangong taking part in the parade

The town of Young in the NSW Riverina district celebrates the National Cherry Festival on the first weekend of Dec ember, traditionally at the height of the cherry picking season. Young and districts receive thousands of visitors from Australia and overseas during the festival, providing the opportunity for the community to celebrate the cherry season and promote all that the district provides to its community. The highlight of the festival is the Street Parade which has over 100 entries. Lodge Federal United (Harden-Murrumburrah)

and Lodge Young Burrangong joined the parade to promote Freemasonry to the district. RW Bro Geoff Bunn, who was re-installed in November as WM of Lodge Federal United, allowed one of his company’s vehicles to be used as the Freemasonry Float and it was duly decorated by members of both lodges.

Coffs coast defibrillator President of the Coffs Coast Freemasons Association RW Bro Phil Robertson recently presented Urunga CWA branch President Margaret Grice-Little with a new defibrillator for their rooms. He said the CCFA’s objective was to help the community to function better and added how pleased they were to assist the CWA, a helping group started in 1922.

Freemasons in the District have received great support from the local media with a photo of the float in the newspapers.

W Bro John Harrison (centre) recieved his 60-year certificate

Lodge Milton No 63

Widows recognised

Lodge Westlake Daylight No 997

Members of Lodge Milton accompanied by their wives provided the masonic widows of the district with a free Christmas luncheon held at the Lodge Centre in Milton.

The WM of Lodge Westlake Daylight, W Bro David Prowse and the DGIW, VW Bro Stephen Brown presenting W Bro John Harrison with his 60 Years Certificate and Medal.

The widows of the district were most appreciative of the day conducted in their honour which it is intended will be an annual event.

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During the luncheon, VW Bro Ronald Millikin was presented with a certificate and jewel to honour his 70 years membership as a Freemason. The presentation was made by the District Grand Inspector of Workings for District 31, VW Bro Peter Conelius and VW Bro Millikin then suitably replied on his time as a Freemason.

Westlakes At the meeting, Bro Garrie Henry, a NSW Paramedic, gave instructions on how to use a newly presented defibrillator.

March 2019

Initiates

United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT

Welcome to our new members ADRIEL, Criss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hawkesbury Heritage Lodge 150

DAVIES, Greg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lachlan Macquarie Lodge 1042

AFAGHANI, Nadeem. . . . . . Bankstown Daylight Lodge 996

DIMARCO, Michael. . Lodge Southern Cross 91

AGUILAR, Joshua. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Epping 390

DRAKE, Dave. . . . . . . . . Lodge Warragamba 541

AL-RABABAH, Lawrence. . . . . . . . . . Bankstown Daylight Lodge 996 AMSOMS, Michael. . . Lodge Southern Cross 91 ANDERSON, Dan. . Lodge Canoblas Lewis 806 APOSTOLOU, Steve. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Ethos 963 APPLEBY, Daniel. . . . . .The Australian Lodge Of Harmony 5 APUYA, Medel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Brundah Endeavour 429 ATCHISON, Todd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes 247 BAILEY, Matthew. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Scone 183 BARBER, Jason. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Phoenix 1034 BARKER, Darcey. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Camden 217 BASNER-CHURCHES, James. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Warringah 83 BLANCHARD, John. . Lodge Pennant Hills 905 BRAATZ, Giovanni. . . . . . Lodge Balgowlah 392 CAMPBELL, Iain. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Camden 217 CARLOS, Hernan. . . . . . . Lodge Merrylands 479 CASEY, Pat. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Germania 1036 CIERPIATKA, John. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Fitzroy 248 COLEBROOK, Ross . . . . . . . . Lodge Oberon 355

DORWARD, Justin. . . Lodge Southern Cross 91 DUONG, David . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Honour 1054 EDEJER, Ferdie. . . . . The Hawkesbury Heritage Lodge 150 EDWARDS, Mat. . . . . Lodge Sawtell Twilight 741 EMAD, Ali . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sutherland 585 ENDERSBY, Scott. . . . . . . . . . Hunter United 246 ENWIYA, Simon . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Aviation 688 FALCONER, Ben. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes 247 FERRIS, Michael. . . . Lodge Benjamin Pryor 709 FINCH, Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Prince Charles Edward Stuart Lodge 1745 FINLAY, George. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Scone 183 FOATE, Neil. . . . . . . City of Newcastle Lodge 170 FRAGA-MATOS, Frederico. . . Lodge Wyvern 813 GARDNER, Shannon. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Canberra Unity 465 GEMST, Silver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Australian Lodge of Fidelity 101 GOLDTHORPE, Ian. . . . . . . . . . . . Parramatta City Daylight Lodge 1014 GUILAS, Ace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parramatta City Daylight Lodge 1014

CUNICH, Mitch. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Hastings 69

GUNES, Greg. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Guildford 321

DAVID, Mathew . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Honour 1054

HADDAD, Charbel. . . . . . . . . . Elysian Lodge 418

Lodge Saratoga donated $4,000 to the Central Coast Riding for the Disabled branch at Somersby. L–R: President Garry Kirkby, W Bro Andrew Kfoury, Lucas Kfoury, and handler Gerhard Schreiber.

March 2019

HALL, Scott. . . . Lodge Gowrie Of Canberra 715 HANNA, Jack. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Mark Owen 828 HANNA, Johnny. . . . . . . Lodge Emu Plains 860 HILL, Nick. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Commonwealth of Australia 633 JEFFREE, James. . . . . . . . Lodge Germania 1036 JOVANIC, David. . . . . . . . . . . . Elysian Lodge 418 KATRIBOUZA, Chris. . . The Queen’s Lodge 229 KEATING, Drew. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Camden 217 KINCL, Troy. . . . . . Coeur De Lion - Narooma 84 KORN, Daniel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Camden 217 KORN, Nicholas . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Camden 217 LAVELL, Nathan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Dawn 511 LEONARD, Grant . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyvern 813 LOCKWOOD-McCANN, Jack . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Thespian 256 MADDERN, Beau. . . . . . . . . . Lodge St James 45 MANGA, Carol. . . . . . Lodge Commonwealth Of Australia 633 MEASEY, Connor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bundaleeah Daylight Lodge 992 NEWTON, Jeff. . . . . . Lodge Horace Thompson Ryde 134 PARKER, Joseph. . . . . . . . Lodge Narromine 236 PASCUAL, Jordan. . . . . . . . . Lodge Guildford 321 PEEBLES, Gregory. . . . . . . . . Lodge Camden 217 PFOEFFER, Adrian. . . . . . . The Goulburn Lodge of Australia 58 PORTER, Simon. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Caledonia of Canberra 938 PROT, Lachlan . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Aviation 688 REBLORA, Medell. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Brundah Endeavour 429 RUSSELL, Pete. . . . . . . . Lodge Nowra Unity 60 SAEED, Daniel. . . Lodge Blacktown Kildare 393 SHARIFI, Nassir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Kiama 35 SHEPPARD, Ron. . . . . . . . . The Jubilee Southern Highlands Daylight Lodge 162 SIUPAN, Tristan. . . . . . . . . . . . . Elysian Lodge 418 SLYMAN, George . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Nepean 29 SOHAILEE, Bayan. . . . . . . . . Lodge Guildford 321 SREEKUMAR, Vinod . . . . Lodge Kellerman 1027 SUNNASSY, Bervin . . . . . . . . Lodge St James 45 TAOUK, Wade. . . . Lodge Sir Joseph Banks 300 WASHINGTON-KING, Jason. . Lodge Ethos 963 WHYTE, Andew. . . . . . . . . . .Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew 56 WILD, Matthew . . . . . . The Schools Lodge 639 WILSON, Greg. . . . . . . Lodge United St Andrew Singleton 34 YU, James.Lodge Horace Thompson Ryde 134 ZAABALAWI, Ron. . . Lodge Rudyard Kipling 143

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

v51 n1 March 2019

COMMUNITY RADIO R ALEXANDER FLEMING R WHEN THE GUNS FELL SILENT

INVICTUS GAMES R CHIVALRY R LODGE INDUS IS FORMED

v50 n4 December 2018

v50 n3 September 2018

GRAND INSTALLATION R FIERCE FAUNA R STROKE RECOGNITION

Crossword

March 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

8 Our

On the Grand

GhanMaster

Travels in

Jordan

10 11

Thank You

to all who made this edition possible: ACT Deafness Resource Centre

Blamey Saunders Hears

Celestial Funerals

Cochlear

17 18

Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes of NSW

George H Lilley Regalia

International Order of the Rainbow for Girls NSW & SA

Lodge Mayfield Daylight No 493

Lodge St George and St Andrew No 7

NSW Masonic Club

Rembrandt

23 24

Insert

Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution of NSW donation envelope

Terry McCallum Photography

Across

26 Lewd jeans changed in another part of the interior of the lodge (3, 6)

1, 3 Across and 8 Down Ovate impeachments form part of 9 Across (3, 6, 8)

27 For example large size clothing caters for those with self importance (4)

3 See 1 Across

28 Roof tradesmen and guards we hear you say (6)

6 The Freemason waives term fees for this Arkwright (4)

If you wish to become a sponsor, or would like a rate card, please contact:

9 None smart enough to arrange collection of 1, 13 & 26 (9)

Phone: 1800 806 930 or email freemason@apmgraphics.com.au

10 Dept of Ag is to provide internal pasture for stock at a cost (5) 12 Proprietor on a downer doesn’t start (5)

DECEMBER SOLUTION

13 Ruin fourteen less one forming part of the interior of the lodge (9) I

O E

T I

R E M O R

D T

A R T

14 Sequence or instruction of some other form of Freemasonry (5)

R A R

15 It’s sensible to adapt a valid base (9)

N G

O S

C A R

M A S O N

H U N D R E O

G T

I N C R E

B E

K A A

T O O L

B A R

R E

A D Y

S O P R A N O

A U D Y

N O T I

S L

N V A

C H W E

www.masons.org.au

Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution of NSW

O N

11 & 47

DA Amaton Lawyers

R I

D E

E J R D O

V E

18 These town characters come up with a sharpening tool (9) 20 Most leave a humorist to deal with Mr Heep of Dickensian times (5) 21 O I’m sharp enough to come up with succinct dictums (9) 23 Central explorers in extremes of Germany receive exaltation (5) 25 City and town duties expressed either way with Roman numerals (5)

29 One of 13 across initially (1, 1, 1)

Down 2 Excessive admiration for horse whipping without a note (5, 10) 4 Frank unzipped (4) 5 Aunts do flabbergast when they’re upset (7) 6 A dreadful thing at the end of the day (5) 7 Unilateral Assur. Provide cover for football code (10, 5) 8 See 1 Across 11 Found at Tubal Cain’s workshop in some clan village (5) 16 Streamline objectives created in edited ‘Foils War’ (8) 17 Moral principle covered by Nazareth icons (5) 19 No, Min has nearly all the letters and is insignificant (7) 22 Leaves out a moist arrangement (5) 24 A good abrupt jolt leaves a door just open (5)

March 2019

Service Certificates

United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT

Congratulations to our masons

YEARS SERVICE

BORHAM, Geoffrey. . . . . Lodge Enterprise 400 EVANS, Keith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Bega Remembrance 220 GODDARD, John. . . . . . . . Lodge Frenchs Forest United 249

WEISMANTEL, Colin. . . . Lodge Gloucester 291 YOUNG, Reginald. . . Lodge Middle Harbour 85

YEARS SERVICE

BARSLEY, Warren. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Gowrie of Canberra 715

HOWARD, William. . . . . . . . . . . . Port Macquarie Daylight 991

BRYANT, Thomas. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Cowra 33

LEMCKE, Basil. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Independent Lewis 346

BYRNES, Melvyn. . . . . . The Schools Lodge 639

LEWIS, Frederick . . . . . . . Laurelbank Kuring-gai Daylight Lodge 230 MILLIKIN, Ronald. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Milton 63 PATRICK, John . . . . . . Lodge Leeton – Yanco 131 POTTER, Brian. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Silver City 141 RADCLIFF, Frank. . . . . . . . Lodge Harold Herman Unity 428 TRODDEN, William. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Balmain 23

Comedy corner How old are you?

I very quietly confided to my best friend that I was having an affair. She turned to me and asked, ‘Are you having it catered?’ Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman:

CLIFFORD, Ross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes 247 FANNING, Warren . . . . . . . . Lodge Courallie 235 GRAY, Alan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Tomalpin 253 GRIFFIN, Alfred. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Silver City 141 HADLEY, William . . . . . . Lodge Blackheath 370 HENNESSY, Ernest . . . . . . Lodge Macquarie 53 HENNESSY, Maxwell. . . . . Lodge Macquarie 53

fought prostate cancer and diabetes, I can’t hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications, have poor circulation; can’t remember if I’m 85 or 92, have lost all my friends. But, thankfully I still have my driver’s license! I feel like my body has got totally out of shape, so I got my doctor’s permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I took an aerobics class for seniors where I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over! My memory’s not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory’s not as sharp as it used to be.

‘And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?’ the reporter asked.

Know how to prevent sagging? Just eat till the wrinkles fill out!

She simply replied, ‘No peer pressure.’

The senility prayer: Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference!

I’ve sure gotten old! I have outlived my feet and my teeth. I’ve had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees,

BURKE, Leon. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Macquarie 53

March 2019

HYLAND, William. . . Lodge Lake Macquarie 243 LANNIGAN, John. . . . Lodge United St Andrew Singleton 34 LUSTED, John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes 247 MOORE, John. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyvern 813 OATES, Ronald. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Gymea 796 ROSE, Owen . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Silver City 141 RUSSELL, Graham. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Ophir 17 SIMONS, Alan. . . . . . . . The Schools Lodge 639

YEARS SERVICE

ANDERSON, Robert. . . . . . . . . The Yass Lodge of Concord 27 AYNSLEY, David. . . . . . The Schools Lodge 639 BRAMBLE, Lex. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Macquarie 53 BROWN, Graham. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Resurgo 223 BURKE, Ronald. . . . . . . . . Lodge Nambucca 271 CROWTHER, Kevin. . . . . . . . Lodge Forster Great Lakes United 994 DENT, Athol. . . . . . . . . The Mountain Lodge 190 FIELD, Robert . . . . Port Macquarie Daylight 991 FIELD, Terence . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Illawarra 59 FRENCH, William. . . . Lodge Nambucca Heads 922 GREEDY, John. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Resurgo 223 HERIOT, John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Farrer 93 HURLEY, Phillip. . . . Lodge Lake Macquarie 243 LEVI, Christopher. . . . . The Schools Lodge 639 MCNEILL, Russell. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Illawarra 59 OXMAN, Dennis. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Illawarra 59 PITT, Alan. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Southern Cross 91 RULE, Anthony. . . . . . . . . Lodge Nambucca 271 USHER, Neville. . . . . . . . Lodge William Ross 76

Got old

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

Funds raised go to local charities! Contact VW Bro Brian Samson: Email: bsamson@optusnet.com.au Mobile: 0414 704 807

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The Law Offices of Dr. Dion Accoto

DA Amaton. Just. Smart.

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LAWYERS & ADVISORS

WHAT WE DO: Dr. Accoto advises businesses large and small on how to maximise success. He also advises on serious and complex court matters. Dr. Accoto has a degree in law, and a doctorate in business (leadership). He has advised government, corporates and other lawyers.

* Over 25 Years in the Legal Profession * Call one of our friendly team on:

(02) 9020 5122 web: www.dalaw.com.au | email: dion@dalaw.com.au Liability Limited by a Scheme Approved Under Professional Standards Legislation *Admitted to practice in 1999, working in the profession from 1991

SYDNEY:

13th Floor 111 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000

MELBOURNE: 11th Floor 456 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000 BRISBANE:

10th Floor 239 George Street Brisbane QLD 4000

Make a difference to those in need Royal Freemasonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Benevolent Institution (RFBI) is a not-for-profit aged care organisation dedicated to helping those in need since 1880. In addition to providing residential care, retirement living and care at home services, RFBI takes great pride in demonstrating charity in action by providing grants and annuities to families and individuals in financial distress. This work is only possible through your generosity and we welcome all donations. It is now our Appeal Quarter and we once again ask for your help to enable us to continue this important work. To make a donation, please use the envelope provided. Donations of $2.00 and over are tax deductible and every dollar we receive goes to helping people in need.

DONATION APPEAL | DONATION APPEAL

DONATION APPEAL | DONATION APPEAL | DONATION APPEAL | DONATION

To donate please use the envelope provided or visit rfbi.com.au to make a donation online.

Monumental masonry â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

mpasses garden The Square and Co morial in 1999. me e th was added to Ben Schumin

The Memorial includes this large bronze statue of George Washingto n.

Photo cour tesy of Sandra

C Meyer

Photo courtesy of

The original design model from 1922.

The altar in the Knight s Tem chapel on the eighth floo plar r.

Photo courtesy of Ben

Schumin

The memorial is located in Virginia, and is dedicated to George Washington, who was also a mason. The tower is fashioned after the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt, and was dedicated in 1932. Photo courtesy of Joe Ravi