The Cross Keys April 2021
Cross Keys April 2021
The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No.242
Number 236
Page
From the Editor The intro encourages brethren to seek further knowledge of our Craft by thinking about joining other orders. It has often been argued that the Craft survived for to reasons—men desired ritual after the Protestant Reformation made life more stark with no formal rituals in churches. The second reason was that men sought conviviality and friendship—perhaps after the Covid restrictions, this latter point might be relevant for a new era with brethren and new member desiring this aspect of life missing for over a year. On a positive note, the vaccine rollout is a success and lodges etc might be able to result after the recess. However, we will need to wait for the GLoS before anything can be planned.
Grant Cover—what is the certificate on the front? Find out next month!
The Cross Keys is a free magazine distributed across the many countries in order to spread the good (and sometimes not so good) qualities of the Craft. All views are of individual brothers and not any organised body.
In this issue: 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30
What do we Seek? Earls of Buchan Unique Q & A Gilbert & Sullivan Ezra & Nehemiah Orientation of the Temple Red Apron Lodges Jacob’s Ladder Free Gardeners’ Stone French Companionage Jacobite Connection Masonic Miscellany Gihon Sancta Maria No.49 Charters of MK0 Mark, GL and SGRAC Argentina Football DGL of South America Important Degrees Barclay-Harvey GMM Schaw Part 3 Lodge St. John (Kilwinning) Largs Scottish Masonic Orders The Brotherhood Grand Lodge News Additional Comments
Editor: Bro. N. Grant Macleod PM of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No. 242 PM of The Anchor Lodge of Research No.1814 Past Provincial Grand Secretary of the Province of Renfrewshire East. Proof Reader: Bro. Allan Stobo PM of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No. 242 Treasurer 242
All Scottish Constitution.
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 2
What do we Seek? The following continues from a 1960s paper by flashy about the erection of a moral edifice within Bro. Dwight Smith Past Grand Master of Indiana: the heart of a man. It is so simple that many Masons miss the point entirely. Neither is there anyWhat does a candidate really seek? Wy leave the thing easy about it. E….in search of ML. He seeks to improve himself, he says. Not a word about improving anyone else; Why are we so fearful? Because there is a taperno mention whatever of improving the communiing off of the membership curve and a dearth of ty, or the government of the United States, or that interest. Illgotten gains of the nineteen-forties are of any other nation in the world, or of the world not holding up. Once we rushed men through the itself. Note in particular that his expressed motive degrees with reckless abandon; now they are not is not to improve Freemasonry, but rather to imlining up to be loaded onto the conveyor belt. prove as a Mason—and not some other Mason, Temples that were humming with activity in the but himself. 'forties are quiet as a tomb in the 'sixties. Then [Editor—we enter as rough ashlars and work toour Lodge rooms and banquet halls were filled to wards becoming a perfect ashlar which we will overflowing with Master Masons on just about never attain, but it’s important for masons to make every occasion; now we have to bring in the lathat journey.] dies and children to get a crowd large enough to justify the expense of opening the building. [ED: As he progresses through the ceremonies of the 242 used to have queues in the car park waiting to three degrees, he hears a great deal about selfget into a dance—now we don’t have enough interimprovement and in the MMD we are taught to est to hold any.] Our sins are catching up with us. know thyself. BUT ONCE RAISED to the sublime We have found that there is such a thing as Madegree and invested with its emblems, he finds sonic inflation as well as inflation of the currency; that his desire to "improve myself" has been given that the penalty of Masonic inflation is Masonic an entirely different interpretation. No longer is it devaluation —and that the penalty must be paid. the slow, patient process of chipping off the corners and ugly excesses of his own nature to make The reason, I believe, is that we have become vica rough ashlar perfect. Now he is assured that he tims of a kind of brainwashing which protests can improve himself in Masonry by choosing one that our ways are too slow, too quiet, too difficult, or more of several formulae. "Memorize this lectoo old-fashioned. "This is the Twentieth Centuture," one Brother will demand. "Read this bookry," says the New Ideology. "Unless we are inlet," admonishes another. "Come to Lodge," a creasing in numbers and material wealth we are third will plead. "Sign this petition," insists a on the decline; we must have the last word in fourth. Improving oneself in Masonry suddenly temples and institutions; we must make a big has become as simple and as easy as that! noise to call attention to ourselves and get people to talking about us; we must devise means whereHow seldom do we hear the calm voice of dear by we can do things the quick way, the easy way, old Mr. Mason (there is at least one in every and get on to something else." [Ed: still applicable Lodge), and how desperately do we need to hear to the 21st C]. his words of gentle suasion: "My Brother, you have come here to improve yourself, you say. You And unless we want our Craft to pass into that will have countless opportunities for selflimbo where things of no further use or necessity improvement in Freemasonry, yet you may fail to are relegated, we had better learn to shift from recognize most of them. For there is nothing
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 3
What do we Seek? (ctd) overdrive into low gear—to become interested in men as individuals. Then, logically, the next step 2. is to pull out to one side of the road, bring our fast, high-powered vehicle to a stop, and get out and walk—to do the work of a Mason the hard way. The theme of this concluding article should be 3. plain: Freemasonry has no problems that cannot be solved by Freemasonry. Indeed, the only solution to Freemasonry's problems is Freemasonry. Our Craft has adjusted itself before; it can do so again, and it need not lose its soul in the do- 4. ing. 1.
The reason why we now have a plethora of new orders in Scotland and brethren seeking knowledge elsewhere is because lodges
have failed to enthuse and educate. I don’t think Bro. Smith is against change per se, but it is more important to preserve our ancient traditions that have made our Craft distinctive from other organisations and is also one of the reasons why we have survived over hundreds of years. He has argued consistently that we are suffering for years of apathy and allowing many unsuitable brethren to join (hence the reason why GL now deals with more disciplinary cases than ever before). The so called ‘decline’ in numbers is a return to the norm when the mysteries of the Craft we sought after and not gongs and honours and fancy regalia, and this help in the longevity of the Craft.
Old George Town Apron Bro. Andrew Estave was an active member of early Masonic lodges in Georgetown and the District of Columbia. He was a significant participant in the Masonic ceremonies surrounding and laying of the cornerstones of the White House, or President’s House as it was then known, and of the nation’s Capital. In accordance with masonic ritual, Estave would have certainly worn this apron at these and other historic events in the early history of the capital city. In upper centre of apron (under the flap) is the inscription in paint: "Andrew Estave. / George Town. Patowmack. / No 9." Other Masonic images include: beehive and bees; sun, moon and eight stars; ladder; ark and dove; key, square and compass; rule; smaller compass; trowel; Holy Book; pierced heart; gavel; island with olive tree and inscription: "Memento Mori." Now the property of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Cross Keys April 2021
Page 4
Earls of Buchan Last month looked at the Earls of Mar who were involved with the Craft. Another branch of the Erskines are the Earls of Buchan, kinsmen of the Erskines of Mar who also claim an honourable connection with the Craft. Henry David, 10th Earl of Buchan, was Grand Master Mason in 1745, and at that time Lord Lieutenant of Stirling and Clackmannan. David Stewart, 11th Earl, was Grand Master Mason in 1782-83. He was friends with Bro. Benjamin Franklin, originating probably from Franklin's visit to Scotland in 1759 and met him several times in London in 1764. A supporter of the American cause, he corresponded with George Washington and sent him a box made from the oak that hid William Wallace after the Battle of Falkirk. The box was designed by the Goldsmith Company of Edinburgh, and the earl requested that Washington, upon his death, pass it on to the man in his country who he believed should merit it best, and upon the same conditions that induced the earl to send it to Washington. In his will Washington thanked the earl for presenting the box to him along with sentiments which accompanied it; feeling incapable of making the choice asked of him he bequeathed the box back to the earl.
Cross Keys April 2021
In 1780 he founded the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. As he outlined in a letter of November 1780 he wished to create a body to promote antiquarian researches in that part of Great Britain. It drew on traditions that involved Sir John Scot (who preserved the cartographic work of Timothy Pont and others), Sir Robert Sibbald, and Sir John Clerk of Penicuik. The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland was formally constituted on 18 December 1780. Henry David, 12th Earl (below), was Grand Master Mason in 1832— 33 and First Grand Principal of the SGRAC of Scotland 1839—41. He died in 1857 at age 74 at London, England and was buried at Ripon Cathedral, Ripon, Yorkshire. His son, David Stuart Erskine, afterwards 13th Earl, was initiated Lodge of Alloa in 1857 and affiliated to Drummond Kilwinning Lodge (defunct); held the office of Deputy Lieutenant of Linlithgow. In 1894, he was made bankrupt in the sum of £388, having in 1872 made over his Linlithgow estates to his son and probably the reason why he didn’t follow in the footsteps of his forebears as Grand Master Mason. The current Earl lives in England and is 90, while his son, Lord Cardross, is 60. Neither would appear to have any connection with the Craft.
Page 5
Unique Questions & Answers Test Bro. Rabbi Eno Ytneves was the author of The Masonic Instructor published over 100 years ago which contains a number of questions and answers with a slightly different perspective. Over th next couple of editions, I will post a few of these test questions. Bro. Ytneves opens with a great statement regarding publishing a book with such ritual: The danger of non-masons learning anything of Masonry, alarms the souls of many. The danger of masons learning nothing of it, never seems to trouble them. The following is only a selection of Book 2 with a different approach. 1. What did the temple of KS emblematically represent? Nature and humanity 2. What did these represent? The natural world comprising the variegated surface on the centre; also the chequered pathway of human life, the Divine Providence that constantly surrounds it, and the Divine Wisdom and Light that will direct man’s steps if he will but open his eyes to its guiding rays. 3. What did the pillars signify? The equinoxes of nature – spring and autumn, and of human life – youth and age. 4. Why were the pillars adorned with network, L and P? Because between the spring and autumn equinoxes the earth shows forth in its summer adornment the Unity, Purity and Fertility of Nature. 5. What symbolic lesson does this teach us? That the candidate in the glory of his manhood, passing between the equinoxes of youth and (old) age, should learn that the true secret of S.. and S… in human life, as in nature, lies in Unity of plan, Purity of heart and Fertility of mind.
It is worth re-reading these questions slowly and think what the answers mean.
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 6
Bros Gilbert & Sullivan Gilbert and Sullivan refers to the VictorianMasonic Lodge, I am incurring no duties era theatrical partnership of the dramatist W. and responsibilities, and that my personS. Gilbert (1836–1911) and the composal attendance is not expected. er Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900) and to the works they jointly created. The two men col- He never attended the Lodge and it is strange laborated on fourteen comic operas between as to why he did allow it other than he liked 1871 and 1896, of which H.M.S. Pinafore, The the kudos! Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado are among the best known. Bro. Gilbert was initiated into Lodge St. Machar No. 54 in Scotland, while on manoeuvres with the Militia. In 1876 after his return to London he joined Bayard Lodge No. 1615. In 1871 Gilbert first worked with the man who would become his collaborator on what is referred to as the Savoy Operas, Sir Arthur Sullivan. Arthur Sullivan took his first degree in Harmony Lodge No. 255 on 11 April 1865, then meeting at the Greyhound Inn, Richmond, Middlesex. His friend Frederic Clay, the man who was to be instrumental in bringing about the Gilbert-Sullivan duo, was initiated with him. Although Arthur Sullivan limited his Lodge duties to becoming the organist for a few years and took no other office in Lodge or the Province, he was honoured as the Grand Organist of the United Grand Lodge of England for the year 1887. In January 1896, Sullivan joined the United Studholme Alliance Lodge No. 1591. He also gave his name to the Arthur Sullivan Lodge No. 2156, consecrated on 28 June 1886. The Lodge still meets in Manchester.
Sullivan, in accepting to have his name used also justified his absence, and his future intentions, in his letter of 15th March, to the Senior Warden designate Bro A H Williams: ... it is of course thoroughly understood that, in giving my name to the proposed
Cross Keys April 2021
My thanks to the PGL Warwickshire.
Page 7
Scribes Ezra & Nehemiah Continuing the Royal Arch theme, two offices exist which need some explanation. Scribe Ezra, a descendent of Aaron, was well-versed in the Law of Moses and was commissioned by King Artaxerxes of Persia , was born in Babylon, the leader of the second group of Israelites to return to Jerusalem. Much of the building was completed, so his task was to ensure the restoration of the Law of Moses. Lesser known is the Russian connection. The origin and tradition of Russian kabbalist lore is attributed to Ezra who is said to have given back to man the sacred books that were once lost.
Who was Scribe Nehemiah? The name Nehemiah means ‘God’s consolation’. He was the leader of the third group of the Children of Israel returning to Jerusalem. The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah are the key literary sources for the period of the Restoration, the formation of the Jewish religious community after the Babylonian Captivity. An initial group returned to Jerusalem with Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah (1:11). The prophets Haggai and Zechariah also played important roles in encouraging the people of Judah and their leaders Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and the high priest Joshua to return to their homeland and rebuild the Jerusalem Temple following the Babylonian Exile. Later, Ezra restored the Mosaic Law and the liturgical practices of Judaism, while Nehemiah restored the gates and walls of Jerusalem.
The Book of Ezra was originally combined with the Book of Nehemiah and served as a continuation of First and Second Chronicles. Therefore it is quite appropriate that Scribe Ezra is the secretary of a chapter.
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 8
Orientation of Temples Everyone is aware of the East/West orientation with some lodge openings talking about the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. This has appeared even in the earliest catechisms of the 17th century when the usual comparison was with the building of the temple at Jerusalem on an east/west axis. It would appear that this also referred to the tabernacle of Moses which was also built on this direction. Rituals in various countries tend to agree on this point albeit expressed in different forms, but interesting nonetheless.
There has been some discussion about where the east actually lies—the east/west orientation has never been in doubt. The problem arose as to the standpoint of the worshipper entering or leaving the temple. However, it does appear if worshippers were standing at the altar looking eastwards then the entrance would be in the west and the Holy of Holies in the east and therefore perfectly sensible to have the master in the east.
The operatives were aware of this too— Vitruvius’s On Architecture 27BC mentions that “the sacred temples of the immortal gods . . . are so to be appointed . . . That those who come to the altar to sacrifice or make offerings may look towards the eastern heaven. For all the altars of the gods should look towards the east.”
E
W
Rare Photo Described by the Whitehouse as: a distinguished jurist, effective administrator, but poor politician, William Howard Taft spent four uncomfortable years in the White House. Large, jovial, conscientious, he was caught in the intense battles between Progressives and conservatives, and got scant credit for the achievements of his administration. The 27th President of the US was made a Mason at Sight in an occasional lodge (Kilwinning Lodge No.356) called for that purpose on February 18, 1909, in the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Cincinnati, Ohio, by the Grand Master of Masons in Ohio. Only a few photos exist in regalia. Read all about it at and what a mason at sight is at: https://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/william-h-taft/
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 9
Stewards’ Lodges in England Basically, the red apron and collar is a means of crimson aprons and collars. The nomination of identification - in 1721 the Grand Master Elect Stewards remains the right of Stewards’ Lodge. ordered the Grand Wardens to take some stewards to assist at the approaching festival. This Nowadays, the Grand Master annually appoints was the start of the stewards system. By 1734 the 19 Grand Stewards, nominated respectively by 19 numbers had increased from 6 to 12. Interesting- separate lodges enjoying the privilege of recomly, in 1735 Grand Lodge resolved that “for the fu- mendation. These Grand Stewards rank as Grand ture all Grand Officers (except the Grand Master) Officers during their year of Office. Their duties shall be selected out of that body.” In the same are to regulate the Grand Festival under the year the Grand Stewards were granted the right Grand Masters direction and to assist in arranging to form themselves into a special Lodge, which for the Quarterly Communications and other should be represented by 12 members, each hav- meetings of Grand Lodge, under the direction of ing one vote, at each communication of Grand the Grand DC. Past or present Grand Stewards Lodge, instead of the ordinary three members – alone have the privilege of becoming members of the Master and his Wardens – and that Past Stew- the Grand Stewards’ Lodge, which, constituted as ards should wear a particular jewel and the usual a Master Masons’ Lodge, has no power of making, red ribbon.
passing or raising masons. If you are interested in becoming one - The Grand Stewards’ also make
In 1792 the Stewards’ Lodge became the Grand a considerable personal contribution towards the Stewards’ Lodge with the right to head the list of cost of the Banquet at the Annual Investiture ! Lodges without a number – a position it still holds. It has met at Freemasons’ Tavern and Thanks to PGL of Warwickshire. Freemasons’ Hall since 1772. Its members wear
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 10
Jacob’s Ladder Of the many emblems and symbols to be found in Freemasonry, one of the most conspicuous must be Jacob’s Ladder, which we see on the FirstDegree Tracing Board. It represents the ladder that Jacob saw in a dream, recorded in the Book of Genesis: ‘And he dreamed, and beheld a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.’ (Genesis 28:12). The ladder is a symbol found in several other Degrees of Freemasonry and in many other written sources as a symbol of intellectual and spiritual progress, such as in the Biblical stories of Elijah and Samson and in other religions and mythologies including those of Persia and Scandinavia.
quently in many Bible stories. It also features in the notion that that humans are composed of seven substances and have seven natures (and seven deadly sins!). All are derived from the ancient belief in the sacredness of the number seven.
In Freemasonry, the seven rungs symbolise Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, Justice, Faith, Hope and Charity. However, some Tracing Boards depict just three rungs, which are usually longer, or have extra thickness; possibly because the artist found he did not have enough room for seven when he was painting the Tracing Board. In an Irish Ritual of 1796, the ladder is shown with eleven rungs. Early designs on Tracing Boards indicate the three virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, by the In Freemasonry, the story of Jacob’s Ladinitials ‘F’, ‘H’ and ‘C’ between the rungs. der appears in the Lecture on the FirstJosiah Bowring, a famous designer of Degree Tracing Board (and 242’s openTracing Boards in the early 19th century, ing). The Ladder is said to have ‘many introduced three female figures to restaves or rounds’ (rungs) which symbolplace these initials: Faith holding a Bible, ise many moral virtues, of which the Hope holding an anchor, and Charity three principal ones are Faith, Hope and with children nestling at her skirts. SevCharity. Those three virtues are deeral drawings of the late 1870s and later scribed and interpreted at length, and replace these figures with a cross, an anwe are told that the Ladder rests on the chor and a chalice with a pointing hand. Volume of Sacred Law, as it does in most The last of these is a depiction of the Hoillustrations of the First-Degree Tracing ly Grail, which according to early ChrisBoard. his is because the Bible teaches tian mythology, was snatched up to us to believe in the dispensation of Divine Provi- Heaven by God’s hand. dence, and this belief strengthens our Faith, enabling us to ascend the first step. Apart from the three virtues, one more symbol appears regularly on or near the Ladder: a key. Jacob’s Ladder was a prominent symbol in the Josiah Bowring depicts it hanging from one of the early days of Speculative Freemasonry, and fea- rungs of the ladder. The key is also one of the oldtured on many breast jewels in the mid- est symbols of Freemasonry, and is mentioned in eighteenth century. The number of rungs on these one of our earliest Ritual documents, the EdinLadders was generally seven, which has been a burgh Register House Manuscript. of around mystical or sacred number for thousands of years. 1696, and its sister texts. The Manuscript conFor example, there were seven days of creation, tains the following catechism: seven sacred planets and seven ages in the life of man. The seventh son of a seventh son was espe- Q: Which is the key of your lodge? cially blessed. Among the Jews, every seventh A: A weel hung tongue. year was a sabbatical and the number occurs freCross Keys April 2021
Page 11
Jacob’s Ladder (ctd) Many of the early texts expanded the ‘key-tongue’ symbolism, saying that it was lodged in the ‘BoneBox’ (i.e. the mouth) and that it is the key to the secrets of Freemasonry. However, one of the best answers on this point is in the Sloane Manuscript dating from around 1700, which is the earliest Ritual document to contain the words ‘the tongue of good report’. It includes the following catechism: Q: What is the Key to your Lodge door made of? A: It is not made of Wood, Stone, Iron or Steel or any sort of mettle but the tongue of good report behind a Brother’s back as well as before his face.’ As might be expected, Jacob’s Ladder has generated varied and elaborate symbolic explanations. In addition to those already mentioned. It has been
said to symbolise leading the thoughts of the Brethren to heaven; or that each of its rungs represents a moral and religious duty. In Mithraism (a religion based on the worship of Mithra (Mithras in Greek), the Persian god of the Sun, justice, contracts and war, the seven runged ladder symbolised the ascent of the soul to perfection, each rung being called a ‘gate’. In other Masonic degrees, the seven rungs represent Justice, Equality, Kindness, Good Faith, Labour, Patience and Intelligence, or Justice and Charity, Innocence, Sweetness, Faith, Firmness, Truth and Responsibility. There is no doubt that, in Freemasonry, Jacob’s Ladder points to the connection between Earth and Heaven, between Man and God, and represents Faith in God, Hope in Immortality and Charity to all men. (See also below left).
UGLE’s Mosaics
Close ups of some mosaics in UGLE in London taken last year.
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 12
The Free Gardeners’ Stone The stone's carvings draw on the rich sym- ourful parades. bolism of the Free Gardeners, a fraternal society founded in Haddington in 1676 which The carvings on the stone include several grew to have lodges all over the country and Free Gardener symbols such as the compass, set square and pruning knife over 10,000 members in the Lothians alone. The 8ft alongside depictions of the sandstone block was carved tree of life, 'Jock in the Green' and the four rivers of as part of a public art comthe Garden of Eden. Hadmission supported by Persimmon Homes through dington's goat can be seen East Lothian Council’s Perclimbing the tree of knowledge. The former cent for Art scheme. Mitsubishi factory which “I became fascinated with stood on the site is referthe story of the Free Garenced in the form of a beedeners, their rich symbolhive with three oak leaves as ism, regalia and the artea nod to the origins of the facts they left behind. I wonMitsubishi crest. dered how a public artwork The north face of the stone is might make a tangible connection to these ideas while covered in plant fossils from referencing other links to over 300 million years ago including Lepidodendron and Calamites - two local history and folklore.” of the oldest group living vascular plants. The Ancient Order of Free Gardeners, as they Within the fossils are three carvings reprebecame known, bought a tenement in Had- senting these massive tree-like forms which dington as their base which became the Gar- grew to 30-50 metres and were the most imdeners Arms. They functioned like an early portant contributors to the great coal beds trade union or mutual aid society with sup- that fuelled the Industrial Revolution. port for the poor while also holding floral exhibitions, tree planting ceremonies and col- By James Winnett
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 13
The French Companionage This company of masons, carpenters (and various other trades) has been written about by many erudite masonic scholars such as Gould and Mackey. However, the well known Scottish author, Bro. A. S. MacBride, has written an interesting comparison in his Speculative Masonry (1914). I quote some of these:
The name Sons of Solomon reminds us of our own fraternity cf Widows’ Sons
Accepted companions
Passed companions
Every companion was eligible and able to vote for office
Belief in God
Sequence of degrees
Conventional knocks
A living circle (in other orders)
Oath of secrecy and pass words
Use of squares and compasses
Similar regalia
Use of test questions
Possession of the ‘Hiramic legend’
What was unique was their twisted canes and flowing colours round their hats. Today, they function more like an Incorporation or Guild than anything like freemasonry in that they support young craftsmen and women into the various trades. However, a rich history they most certainly have!
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 14
The Jacobite Connection 1 While Charles Edward managed to escape to France, many captured ‘rebels’ were taken to London to await trial. Of the six Jacobite Grand Masters of Scotland and England, Wemyss had worked behind the scenes and avoided prosecution despite his family’s support of the prince. His estranged wife had given a ball for Charles Edward in Edinburgh, where she danced with the prince. His younger son Francis Charteris did not publicly join the rebellion, but he privately provided funds for the prince. He would later serve as Grand Master of Scotland in 1747-48 and secretly participate in the international network of Jacobite Masons who organised the Elibank Plot. His oldest son Lord Elcho, member of the prince’s life guard, escaped to France, where the family continued to send him funds over the next years. Kilmarnock, Cromarty, and Balmerino joined Maclean and Derwentwater as prisoners in London. From the Tower, Kilmarnock wrote to Lord Boyd, advising him to “continue in your loyalty to his present Majesty, and the succession as by law established.” Never let your regard for your family “drive you on the rock I split upon, when on that account I departed from my principles and brought the guilt of rebellion…on my head.” He then urged him to “use all your interest to get your Brother pardoned and brought home as soon as possible, that his circumstances, and the bad influence of those he is among, may not induce him to accept of foreign Service and lose him both to his Country and Family.” The effort to recall Charles Boyd to Hanoverian loyalty was unsuccessful, for he remained in
Cross Keys April 2021
France and continued to support Jacobite invasion plans into the 1750s. Lord Boyd and two younger brothers would join the Stirling lodge in 1749, and Boyd would serve as Grand Master of Scotland in 1751-52. As we shall see, they may have been among “the Whiggers” who covertly supported the Elibank Plot. Kilmarnock’s critics claimed that it was pressure from his Jacobite wife and an aunt, who threatened to disinherit him, that prompted his reluctant support of Prince Charles. He told his former Whig colleague, the 3rd Duke of Argyll, that he cared not a farthing which king prevailed: “but I was starving, and, by God, if Mahommed had set up his standard in the Highlands, I had been a good Mussulman for bread, and stuck close to the party, for I must eat.” This cynical comment makes the overlypious account of Kilmarnock’s last days by the Presbyterian
minister James Foster seem more self-serving than accurate. Kilmarnock pleaded guilty and appealed to George II, Cumberland, and the Prince of Wales for mercy, especially given the misery of his wife and many chil-
dren. According to Reverend Foster, he claimed that his wife, “tho’ bred in different sentiments,” was “now more inclined to Whiggish than Jacobite principles.” Reports circulated that her maid had revealed to Lady Kilmarnock a horrifying vision by second sight, in which Kilmarnock’s bloody head rolled towards her. Despite the emotional pleading of the countess, who threw herself at the king’s feet and then fell unconscious, the earl was condemned for high treason. Horace Walpole reported that Cumberland “interposed for Lord Kilmarnock’s execution,” while the Prince of Wales advocated mercy for the rebel lords. At the trial, Walpole noted that Kilmarnock looked younger than his forty-one years, “tall and slender, with an extreme fine person,” and that he behaved with a “most just mixture between dignity and submission.” Despite his guilty plea, the earl would not accept the charge that the Young Pretender would have imposed popery, arbitrary government, and slavery on the British people. While Foster pressured him to condemn the prince’s autocratic papism, Kilmarnock insisted that in all his conversations with Charles Edward, he never sensed anything but a practical desire to uphold the laws and constitution of England. He vehemently denied that he had received or given orders to treat prisoners or the wounded with inhumanity, a canard that was spread by Cumberland to counter his own growing reputation as the “Butcher of Culloden.” Though many prominent men petitioned for a reprieve, the high rank of Kilmarnock, his position as a lowland Scot, and his
Page 15
The Jacobite Connection (ctd) political apostasy meant there tary service. MacLeod then prowould be no mercy. vided a valuable liaison between Jacobite-Prussian-Swedish miliAlso tried with Kilmarnock was tary planning, while rising to a George Mackenzie, 3rd Earl of prominent position within SweCromarty, Scottish Grand Master dish Masonry. in 1737-38, who similarly pleaded guilty: “I was unhappily se- The third prisoner was Arthur duced from that loyalty [to Elphinstone, who inherited the George II], in an unguarded mo- title of 6th Lord Balmerino on 5 ment, by the arts of desperate January 1746. After his arrest in and designing men,” but no 1716, he escaped to France, sooner did I awake from that where he became close to Mar, delusion, “than I felt a remorse who expressed his full trust in for my departure from my duty; him. He resided in France until but it was then too late.” This 1734, when his dying father was disingenuous, for Cromarty gained a pardon for him, without had engaged to support Charles his own knowledge. After receivEdward in 1740. Cumberland ing permission and financial was determined to destroy him, support from James III, he rebecause of his role in pursuing turned to Scotland, where he General Loudoun after the hu- maintained a low profile and miliating “Route of Moy.” But the periodically visited France. Anpregnant Lady Cromarty’s pas- dre Kervella affirms that Balmesionate appeals to the Prince rino was “a Freemason of high and Princess of Wales won a re- rank,” and some French historiprieve for her husband, who was ans claim that he served as a kept in prison for two years and Grand Master and initiated Mathen ordered to never leave the sons at Avignon in 1736. As notsouth of England. His son, the ed earlier, the term Grand Maseighteen year-old John Macken- ter was still sometimes used in zie, Lord MacLeod, who also France and Britain to address fought against Loudoun, pleaded the Master of a lodge, a usage his youth and duty to his father, that probably pre-dates the and he too was imprisoned for Grand Lodge of England. two years. After his release, MacLeod traveled to Berlin, where In 1745 Kilmarnock’s son Field Marshall James Keith Charles Boyd served in Balmeriwrote Chancellor Tessin, to rec- no’s regiment in Scotland. After ommend him to Swedish mili- Culloden, Balmerino helped
Cross Keys April 2021
Prince Charles escape and then told his Masonic brother Elcho that if the prince’s troops did not reassemble he would give himself up. He knew that he would lose his head, but he was too old to hide out, and he “could meet death with firmness,” which “would gain reputation thereby.” In prison he calmly requested that his friends drink him “ain degrae ta haiven,” which a later Masonic commentator interpreted as a reference to taking his “last degree” as a Master Mason. Unlike Kilmarnock and Cromarty, Balmerino did not plead guilty and defiantly defended his role in the rebellion as a just and honorable cause. He was so disturbed by the allegation that Kilmarnock and Prince Charles had ordered “no quarter” be given to government troops that he interrogated Kilmarnock and continued to reject the charge as “an invention” by the government “to justify their own murder, or murderous scheme.” He was probably correct, for no copy of the letter which supposedly contained the order has been found, and William Lowe notes that “doubts exist about the authenticity of the order that came into Cumberland’s hands.” By Marsha Schuchard
Page 16
Q: What is meant by 'exchanging the Sceptre for the Trowel' ? A: Whilst the trowel is now the Collar Jewel of the Charity Steward, it hasn’t always been so; it was once the insignia of the doorkeeper or Inner Tyler of the Lodge (the Office of Inner Guard didn’t appear officially until 1814). Traditionally, the Office of doorkeeper was given to the most junior entered apprentice. He was armed with a pointed trowel, not with a sword as we have to-day as the sword was considered to be the emblematic weapon of the Outer Guard or Tyler. When a new initiate entered the Lodge in those days ‘on the point of a sharp instrument’, it was not the point of a poniard but on the point of the trowel held by the doorkeeper. The words in the Charge after Initiation - “exchange the sceptre for the trowel” are telling us that, whilst the Monarch holds a sceptre as the highest ruler of the land, he had to, for a time, be ready to become the lowliest member of the Lodge when he entered into Freemasonry – A lesson that all Freemasons must learn as no matter what branch of Freemasonry they may join, we all have to start from the bottom of the ladder on each occasion. Below are a series of questions and answers from an old catechism, the method used before printed rituals to learn about Freemasonry: Q – Where stands the Senior Entered Apprentice? A – In the South. Q – What is his Business? A – To hear and receive instructions and welcome strange Brothers. Q – Where stands the Junior Entre’d ‘Prentice? A – In the North. Q – What is his Business? A – To keep off all Cowan’s and Eaves-droppers. From this text we can clearly see that the Senior Apprentice acted as an early form of Deacon (or messenger) and the Junior Apprentice as the doorkeeper (or Inner Guard). With the introduction of Deacons after the Union and their duties defined as we now know them, it’s surely no coincidence that the address to the Stewards (who at one time also acted as Deacons) now begins – “Your duty is to introduce visitors……..etc a duty which was once the remit of the Senior Apprentice! Thanks to the PGL Warwickshire.
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 17
Gihon Sancta Maria Lodge No.49 There is not much known regarding the first 50 years of Gihon Lodge due to lack of records but the name itself was that of one of the streams which flowed out of the Garden of Eden and was afterwards applied to one of the springs which runs just outside Jerusalem where King Solomon was anointed King of Israel.
the Junior Warden Robert Robinson a taylor. On the 31st March 1818 there was a joining member, Thomas Satterly, who was Grand Standard Bearer in the Royal Arch. He was a member of the Lodge until his death in 1863. His portrait in oils (shown) is the property of
Gihon Lodge is one of considerable antiquity and we have the authority of our Charter that it was founded under the Atholl Constitution in the year 1756. Because of legal restrictions due to the Napoleonic Wars in 1799 a law was enacted forbidding the formation of secret societies including Freemasons Lodges but lodges formed before that date were allowed to continue provided they made a return of all their members to the local Clerk of the Peace. Our warrant has no name specified and the authority therefore devolves on the individuals who from time to time hold offices, a tradition which is jealously guarded. The name “Gihon” was adopted in 1819 which is the date of the earliest surviving Lodge record and by which time the two Grand Lodges had become one.
the Lodge and used to hang in the ante-room of the Guild Hall Tavern. It is loaned by us to the Grand Lodge Museum. Bro. Satterly was one of the members of the Lodge of Reconciliation formed after the union in 1813 to teach and demonstrate a unified ritual to the There are two seals on the warrant one in Antients and the Moderns. white of the Grand Lodge and one in red with a ducal coronet the personal arms of the A brother discovered that the principal collars in regular use were in fact made by the Duke of Atholl. famous Thomas Harper, the greatest of all The twenty original members were in the Masonic silversmiths and hall marked main concerned with the seafaring trades. 1810. They were presumably donated by the There are among them six mariners includ- holders of the respective offices but their ing the captain of the “Amazon” and a China- survival is a minor miracle. When their value man, a brewer, two victuallers, a cooper, a was assessed and their significance realised wharfinger, a landing waiter customs, a pilot, they were placed on long term loan in the an architect, an organ builder and a gentle- Museum at Freemasons’ Hall where they are man. The first meeting was at the house by on display. name or sign the George at George Stairs, In 2009, the lodge amalgamated with Sancta Southwark. Maria Lodge No. 2682 and today meets four The first Master was George Eyre a carpen- times a year in Mark Masons’ hall in London. ter, the Senior Warden John Templeman and
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 18
Charters of Mother Kilwinning • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1677 — Cannongate (Kilwinning), Edinburgh (No.2) 1678 — Old Inverness St. John’s (No.6) 1728 — Torphichen (Kilwinning), Bathgate (No. 13) 1734 — Moortown of Garran, Muirkirk 1734 — St. John (Kilwinning), Kilmarnock (No. 22) 1738 — East Kilbride (Kilwinning) 1746 — Cumberland (Kilwinning), Port Glasgow ((No. 217 ) 1747 — Loudon (Kilwinning), Newmilns (No. 51) 1748 — Cessnock (Kilwinning), Galston 1749 — Paisley (Kilwinning) 1749 — Airdrie (Kilwinning) 1754 — Provan (Kilwinning) 1754 — Beith (Kilwinning) (No. 157) 1755 — Renfrew County (Kilwinning) (No. 370, but restarted) 1755 — Wigtown (Kilwinning) 1756 — Fort George (Kilwinning) 1758 — Tapahannock (Kilwinning) County Virginia, N. America. 1758 — St. David's Edinburgh??? 1759 — Doric (Kilwinning), Port Glasgow, No. 63. (No. 68) 1759 — Partick (Kilwinning), No. 64 1765 — Squareman's (Kilwinning), Ayr, No. 65 1767 — Pythagorean (Kilwinning), St. John's Antigua, W. Indies, No. 66 1767 — Largs (Kilwinning), No. 67 (No. 173) - see Page 26 1768 — Stranraer (Kilwinning), No. 68 (No. 208) 1768 — Riccarton (Kilwinning), Kilmarnock, No. 69 (No. 505) 1768 — Mount-Stuart (Kilwinning), Greenock, No. 70 1769 — St. Bride's (Kilwinning), Douglas, No. 71 (No. 118) 1770 — Erskine (Kilwinning), No. 72 1771 — Tarbolton (Kilwinning), No. 73 (No. 133) 1772 — Lennox (Kilwinning), No. 74. 1775 — Falmouth (Kilwinning), Virginia. 1778 — Sanquhar (Kilwinnning) 1779 — High Knight Templars of Ireland (Kilwinning), No. 75. 1784 — Bathgate (Kilwinning), No. 76. 1791 — St. Andrew (Kilwinning), Paisley, No. 77. 1800 — Montgomerie (Kilwinning), Eaglesham, No. 78. 1803 — Montgomerie-Cunningham (Kilwinning), East Kilbride, No. 79. 1807 — Glasgow Partick (Kilwinning), No. 64. (Renewal of Charter). 1855 — Renfrew County (East)
The above list is by no means complete as there are many lodges with Kilwinning in their name, but have no connection. For example, Johnstone Kilwinning (connected to Glasgow Kilwinning No.4) was a self-starter in 1753—neither lodge had a Kilwinning charter. No written records of St. John's Inverness (1678) exist in the minute books of Mother Kilwinning, but is accepted. The number in brackets is the current number on the Grand Lodge Roll.
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 19
Mark Degree, Grand Lodge and Supreme Why do two bodies confer the same degree?
ond part of the Fellow Craft Degree, shall only be conferred on Master Masons, and the seWhat is generally known as the Mark Mas- crets shall only be communicated in presence ter's Degree was wrought by Operative Lodg- of those who have taken it either from a es of St John's Masonry in connection with Lodge or Chapter entitled to grant it. the Fellow Craft Degree before the institution of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Since then it 3. That the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the had continued to be wrought in the old Oper- Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotative Lodges; but in what may be called the land shall adopt the same Ritual in conferring Speculative Lodges it never has been worked the Degree, being that now adjusted by their at all—or at all events only in a very few. respective Committees. With the exception of the old Operative Lodges , this degree having been entirely aban- 4. That any candidate applying to be admitted doned by the Lodges of St John's Masonry, the to the Royal Arch Degree, if he has received Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter assumed the Mark Degree in a regular Lodge of St the management of it as the Fourth Degree of John's Masonry, shall not be required to take Masonry in order to complete the instruction it a second time from the Chapter into which of their candidates in the preliminary degrees he seeks admission; but in the event of his before admitting them to the Royal Arch. not having received it, he shall be obliged to take it from that Chapter. The degree, however, whether viewed as a second part of the Fellow Craft Degree or as a 5. That as regards the Royal Arch Degrees, the separate degree, had never been recognised Mark Degree shall be reckoned as the Fourth or worked in England, Ireland or the Conti- Degree in Masonry. nent or in America, as a part of St John's Masonry. It, therefore, now being desirable that 6. That nothing contained in these regulations an arrangement may be made which would shall interfere with the Superintendence reconcile the differences between the Grand which the Supreme Grand Royal Arch ChapLodge of Scotland and the Supreme Grand ter of Scotland claims over Mark Masonry out Royal Arch Chapter and admit of the first of Scotland, or with the Lodges holding of it in three Degrees of St John's Masonry being England or abroad. worked in the Lodges in Scotland in a manner similar to that allowed by Sister Grand Lodg- This report was accepted on 20th December, es, resolve to recommend the Grand Lodge of 1860 although many lodges did not confer Scotland and the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland to enact and declare as the MMM until well into the 20th century. follows, viz.: May’s edition will look at Scottish regalia. 1.That all Lodges holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland shall be allowed to work this degree in virtue of the charters which they already possess. 2. That to prevent confusion with Brethren belonging to Lodges out of this kingdom, or with Sister Grand Lodges, this Degree, although held by the Grand Lodge to be a sec-
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 20
District Grand Lodge of South America Bro. Alexander Watson Hutton was born in June 1853 and later studied philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, from which he graduated with a second-class degree. He left for Argentina as a teacher, arriving in 1882, and two years later he founded the Buenos Aires English High School (BAEHS), a bilingual institution where physical education was a key pillar of the curriculum. In 1893 Hutton created the Argentine Association Football League, and is considered the father of football in Argentina. Bro. Hutton was a member of Excelsior Lodge No. 617 (EC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina which was the first English lodge in Argentina now operating under the District Grand Lodge of South America which also covers Uruguay and Chile. Bro. Hutton died on 9th March 1936 in Buenos Aires and is buried in The British Cemetery. The AFA library is named in his honour. Given the perilous present state of Scottish football, it’s ironic that a man from the Gorbals in Glasgow would be credited with introducing the sport into Argentina.
Dodge City Lodge Most brethren will have heard of Dodge City (Kansas) as a cowboy town in films with Bro. John Wayne, etc. It was so and, it had the nicjname of The Wickedest Town in the West. Here is a 1910 photo of the lodge building, only a few years after the ‘wild west’ image of the town. Below is a masonic procession of Knight Templars.
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 21
Malcolm Barclay-Harvey GMM Bro. Barclay-Harvey was born on March 2nd, 1890 in London, England. He was educated at Eton College and Christ Church College in Oxford, England where he joined Apollo University Lodge in 1908. At the age of 19 he joined the Gordon Highlanders where he served from 1909 until 1915. During World War I he served with the Ministry of Munitions and from 1918 to 1919 he served in Paris. From 1939 to 1945 he was an honorary Colonel in the Gordon Highlanders. Barclay-Harvey was first a candidate for Parliament in 1914. He later served in Parliament from Kincardine and Aberdeenshire West twice. Once from 1923 to 1929 and again from 1931 to 1939. He served twice as Parliamentary Private Secretary, essentially a liaison between non-parliament members from other branches of the government. In BarclayHarvey's case it was first the Home Secretary from 1924 to 1929 and the Secretary of State for Scotland from 1932 to 1936. It was in 1924 he affiliated to Lodge Charleston of Aboyne No.281 and then PGM of Aberdeenshire West from 1936.
well. His wife, Lady Muriel, founded the Lady Muriel Nurses' Club, visited numerous Red Cross branches and launched the first ship out of the Whyalla Shipyards. In 1941 she also opened the Pioneer Woman's Memorial Garden in Adelaide. Barclay-Harvey and his wife spent much of their time at Marble Hill, the summer residence for the Governor. There they restored the gardens for the residence. BarclayHarvey, who was an avid railway enthusiast set up a large scale model railway. In 1943, the South Australian Railway Institute named a new locomotive series after him. In 1940, he had a book published called A History of the Great North of Scotland Railway. He resigned as Governor in 1944 due to health issues. After Barclay-Harvey resigned as Governor of South Australia, he and his wife retired to his Scottish Estate which he had inherited in 1924. He served as deputy lieutenant of Aberdeenshire and as a member of the Aberdeenshire City Council.
Barclay-Harvey passed away in London on In 1939, Bro. Barclay-Harvey was appointed November 17th, 1969. as the Governor of South Australia, after Bro. Barclay-Harvey served as the Grand which he resigned from the House of Com- Master of the Grand Lodge of South Australia mons. He moved with his family to Adelaide, during his term as Governor. When he retaking office shortly after the start of World turned to Scotland, he also served as the War II. The principal focus for Barclay- Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland Harvey during his time as Governor was the 1949—53. war effort. His wife was active in that effort as
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 22
M
Important Degrees
any brethren do not progress any further than the three degrees (and Mark) in the lodge and this is absolutely fine. However, many brethren was to expand their knowledge of masonry and their enjoyment of the Craft as a whole. So what then after the MM degree? The obvious answer is the Royal Arch conferred in a chapter rather than a lodge. This set of degrees continues the masonic story to the rebuilding of KST—although different it is a very typical ‘masonic’ degree with colour and more symbolism. Any serious freemason should take these degrees and think where they fit into the three degrees of the Craft. After this many brethren continue with degrees under the Royal Arch control—Cryptic and Ark. The former continues the temple legendary history while the latter refers to Noah. However, it is the Royal Arch which opens doors for many when they are now eligible to join the Preceptory and become a Knight Templar. This is not really masonic, but describes a history of the actual KT. The other chivalric order is that of the Red Cross of Constantine which is much smaller (on purpose) than the KT. This is related to Constantine’s vision, but the second degree of that Order attempts to link the Craft and Royal Arch degrees in a very impressive lecture.
sons after a period of time might be invited to join the Scottish Rite (ie. the 18th degree or Rose Croix as often called). Another invitational order is the Royal Order of Scotland which consists of two degrees with very masonic symbolism along with ‘other stuff.’ This often concludes the journey, but there are many more orders to explore of time allows. A common one for esoteric masons or brethren with an interest in Heretic ideas is the Rosicrucian Society (not an order as it’s to a certain extent independent from the Craft). This is also smaller as only brethren with an esoteric slant are suitable. The remainder are often describes as ‘fun’ orders such as the Order of the Secret Monitor, the Allied Masonic Degrees, Knight Templar Priests, The Operatives, Athelstan, Knight Masons, etc. Although orders on their own, they are not essential to the legendary Craft story, but can provide a great deal of enjoyment for the members. Confused? I’m sure you are and the route you decide is entirely your choice whether planned or through friends. Before you do join, do some research (not all online!), but ask brethren who are members—they will be delighted you have expressed an interest.
The best advice is to seek your daily advance There is no set route after the Royal Arch and in masonic knowledge and this can be done it often depends on friends. Active freema- through other orders.
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 23
Schaw Part 3—Possible Explanation Following on from December 2020, here is Part 3 con- the Strasbourg lodge was given the honour of making sidering some explanations for the statutes. final decisions, perhaps due to the construction of Strasbourg Cathedral. The unification of the lodges In England, after the Norman Conquest, “building of took place in 1459 while their rules were confirmed the eleventh century bears witness to rough tools and by Maximilian I in 1498. These rules were similar to want of training. In the twelfth and thirteenth centu- what Schaw would write with one exception - they ries the number and skill of the masons must have contained a secret. No mason was to teach another increased considerably, more particularly as a result not entitled to receive it, “how to take the elevation of the monastic demand for high-class masonry. It from the ground plan.” Whether this constitutes a real was presumably in the workshops or lodges attached secret or it was taught orally with no written evidence to abbeys and cathedrals that the experience and is debatable. training were gained which turned rough stoneworkers into finished masons capable of achieving the most However, in 1486, Matthaus Roriczer the master masplendid examples of medieval craftsmanship. Even in son of Regensburg Cathedral (below), published a the hey-day of the stone-building era in the twelfth, booklet with the Bishop’s consent claiming to reveal thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries, the number the secret which was related to rotating squares and of highly skilled masons must have been small com- diagonals. These secrets or mysteries were also well pared with the total number of masons.” known problems in mathematics at the time and it was not (and even now) uncommon to hear practitionThe first regulations or Masonic manifesto are the Re- ers being initiated into the mysteries (of mathematgius MS and the Cooke MS both from the 15 th Century are English and have been written less as rules and more as a boost to masons to give them a history they could be proud of as well as a mode of conduct. Andrew Prescott proposed the major periods in the history of freemasonry as 1425 to 1483 (Regius MS to GL No.1 MS and the appointment of Schaw) then from 1583 to the formation of the English Grand Lodge in 1717 – a long period with considerable changes engineered by various personalities, but Schaw is recognised as one of the main influences in the evolution of the Craft. Few, if any, lodges were created in Scotland just after the statutes, possibly as a result of the death of Schaw – lodges were in existence and had to alter their practice in terms of conforming to the new set of rules. New lodges did not really appear until about 70 years after the statutes when there was a bit more interest from non-operatives or from internal disputes causing masons to open alternative lodges to their mother lodge.
ics). It is unlikely if a non-mason would have been able to understand his text being a special case of the generalised method. Did he break his oath? It was probably only other master masons who would be able to read the booklet (excluding the clergy who would not be interested) so perhaps it was written as an aide memoire for masons as this geometry was slightly different from ‘mainstream’ geometry in the Rules or regulations for masons (and other trades) liberal arts. It was used for “the construction and were commonplace by the 16th century and Schaw physical manipulation of simple geometrical forms” would probably have been aware of others in order to found in buildings. write his version for the Scottish masons. For example, in Germany lodges from Strasbourg, Cologne, Vi- Further evidence about a secret is from the ordinances enna and Bern governed most of the country although of the Halberstadt Guild of Masons (which contained Cross Keys April 2021
Page 24
Schaw Part 3—Possible Explanation (ctd) the German Steinmetzen) laid before their prince in 1695. It states that a master shall enjoin a workman in his service whom he has examined according to the custom of the Craft that he “shall keep enclosed in his heart on peril of his soul’s salvation that which has been entrusted to him of words and by no means make the same known to anyone but an honest mason by loss of his Craft.”
unrest between countries in particular Scotland, England and France as well as religious unrest. The regulations would bring stability to many of the workforce such as the apprentices who could not be bought and sold like animals. It can be considered a modern day health and safety policy which was binding by law. Whether it was looked at favourably or not is difficult to say, but it was an important document that carried weight.
The German regulations were a set of rules in every sense of the word and included fines for masons when they were broken. They were unlike the English Old Charges which were written for different reasons and partially fanciful story. As Acaster said, “The English texts breathe spirit; the German, law.” Despite these differences, there are many similarities also echoed with Schaw. Religious duty, loyalty to superiors, honesty, obedience and brotherly love are all common virtues which even today no mason would feel uncomfortable about. Acaster also points out another similarity common to both the 15th and 18th century – ritualised greetings for visiting lodges. He cites ten Old Charges from Scotland, England and Germany where the phrase from the Honourable Company of Masons that I came from greet you well greet you well, greet you well. This triple greeting is unique and common to many Masonic manuscripts. These early writers, in every sense of the word, laid lasting foundations for the Craft for which we owe a huge debt of gratitude.
16th Century Scotland was not as developed as her larger neighbour, but many educated (and wealthy) Scots still travelled to Europe to gain a full education. Many Scots brought back to Scotland new ideas which would influence science, building, etc and many links were made on the continent. For example, Scots traders had settlement in Kazimierz Dolny, south of Warsaw, in Poland. Schaw was also in this category having travelled to Denmark with the King to assist with the arrival of Queen Anne. However, during the period before 1583 when he was appointed Master of Works to the King, there is little information of Schaw and it is likely he travelled with is friend Alexander Seton (later 1 st Earl of Dunfermline) to the continent. Both being Roman Catholics, this would have made travelling in France easier and may have been to strengthen ties with the Auld Alliance. All speculation, but thing is sure, he was well educated had was able to survive in a Protestant kingdom.
Another example is the regulations at York in 1408. In these it was clear that masons unwilling to obey regulations had no to seek alternative employment. The governance of the masons was overseen by the principal with master masons being next in command. They were required to take oath to cause the regulations to be observed, that work started promptly and “to report to the master of the works and the keeper of the counter-roll (who were the clergy in charge of the finances and of the administration of the fabric) any faults and defects of the workmen. Fines for defective work were imposed according to his report, and the hiring of workmen was done with his advice. The master mason of the fabric, in short, stood between the Chapter and the masons, in more or less the same way as a bailiff between a lord and his tenants.”
As a result of all this travelling, many Scottish buildings are unique in architecture around this period and many were being constructed by landowners or the gentry who will have seen such styles on their travels. Hence there was more need for masons. This must have been welcome news to masons as there had been a reduction in the number of buildings and churches leading up to the Reformation and the Calvinist faith had little interest in changing this situation. Could the new Renaissance styling be incorporated with old traditions of the masons? If it could then new regulations must be made to ensure these traditions are not lost completely. Strangely enough, what is known as the Protestant work ethic fits in well to the concept of masonry – hard work and diligence will produce the desired results.
The Schaw Statutes appeared shortly after the Refor- Part 4 in May. mation which was a period of considerable change and Cross Keys April 2021
Page 25
A Lodge with Two Charters After its formation, Lodge St. John (Kilwinning) Largs No.173 received a new charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, dated 2nd November 1789 by Bro. Francis, 8th Lord Napier as Grand Master Mason. However, the lodge already held a charter from Mother Kilwinning dated 21st December 1767. This was given by the master, Bro. Claud Thomson Esq., and is on display on the west side of the lodge room. This is a fantastic piece of masonic history. It would be interesting to see how many lodges hold a Grand Lodge charter and also a MK0 charter.
(below right shows 19th C Tron Place on the left of picture) in 1789. From 1862, the masons of Largs would be based at The Brisbane Arms Hotel (The George), and Mrs Flarty's Freemason Arms was used between 1862 and 1866 for £1 a year. The Baking Society's Hall was the next venue until 1870, and then Hunter's Hall, possibly the same place as Tron Place. The Victoria Hall in Nelson Street was used from 1873. The following year, the lodge moved in with the Good Templars which might have been the old Artillery Hall. In 1875, the new Artillery Hall in Brisbane Road, at the corner of Seamore Street, was used (see bottom with Seamore on the left).
In order to join GL, sponsors were required. In Largs’s case, Rutherglen Royal Arch No.116 and Thistle & Rose in Stevenson No.169 acted as sponsors. Originally numbered 232 then after a re-numbering to In 1910, the current Masonic Lodge at the top to defunct lodges still on the roll, it became end of Frazer Street was built. Next month will focus on the new building. 171, 174 and finally 173 in1836. It is believed that the charter meeting of the My thanks to the lodge for using its history by Lodge took place in a house in Tron Place Bro. Alan Galt PM.
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 26
Scottish Masonic System The confusing path for a young mason after his three degrees should really be thought about more carefully and not jumped into immediately after the Mark. The diagram below shows the serious masonic orders under the control of a Scottish body and should be where a Scottish mason begins his journey.
I have avoided a ‘ladder’ image as Grand Lodge is central to masonry and other orders are additional degrees or grades rather than ‘higher’ degrees. Hence the reason why the MM is called the High & Sublime Degree.
The SRIS is not strictly speaking an order but a society that requires a masonic memberOnly two require RA membership (Conclave ship. All are worth joining, but it is essential and Preceptory—RCC & KT) whereas the re- to talk to a brother from your lodge who is a mainder requires being a MM while a couple member of the order. are invitational only after a number of years.
Great Priory of Scotland
Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland
Grand Imperial Council of Scotland
Knight Templar & Malta
Excellent Master, Royal Arch, Cryptic, Royal Ark Mariners and Knight Masons
Red Cross Constantine, KHS, KStJ
The Grand Lodge of Scotland EA FC (including the MMM) MM
Societas Rosicruciana in Scotia 9 Grades
Cross Keys April 2021
Royal Order of Scotland
Supreme Council for Scotland
2 Degrees
33 Degrees
Page 27
The Lodge Brothers “Die Logenbruder” or The Lodge Brothers was painted by German artist and Freemason, Lovis Corinth between 1898 and 1899 but has been know by many different names over the years, originally “Der Trinkspruch in der Loge In Treue fest” (Toast in the Lodge “In Treue fest”) before “Die Logenbruder” (The Lodge Brothers) and latterly “Firm in loyalty”. He was born in Tapiau in East Prussia, Corinth was the son of a tanner. He displayed a talent for drawing at a young age and went on to study art at the academy of Konigsberg in 1876 before attending the Academy of Fine Art in Munich four years later and at the time, rivalled Paris as the avant-garde art centre of Europe. His studies were interrupted however in 1883 by the so called “one-year volunteer” requirement of Military Service. In
his
lifetime
Corinth's
more than 130 paintings, many more drawings in an almost “cartoonist style” and wrote several books and essays on art and painting. Although he had previously painted portraits for friends and family, “The Lodge Brothers” may be his earliest example of an actual commission. Bro. Lovis Corinth joined Johannis-Loge “Immanuel” in Konigsberg during 1890 and after 6 years moved to Munich where he was a founding member of Johannis-Lodge “In Treue fest” (the Lodge featured in the painting), registering as a Brother Fellow Craft and later being raised to that of Master Mason on 16th October 1896. Holding the office of Deputy Master of Ceremonies in 1897/1898 and then appointed Master of Ceremonies in 1899.
For a full explanation see: The Lodge Brothers created The Masonic Artist’s Tracing Board
My thanks to Bro. Scott Watson WSW Lodge Kelburn No.459 in Millport.
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 28
Bro. M. Speirs has recognised the fact that many Lodges no longer have an organist and, as we all know how much music can add to the solemnity and dignity of a ceremony, he has produced a package suitable for all Lodges. For any lodge lacking an organist he can supply for a fee, all your degree music (hymns, entrance, exit, collection) playable on laptop, tablet, smartphone or CD player in mp3 or CD format. All orders are bespoke and individually recorded to your specific requirements. Click Here to make enquiries: Bro. M. Spiers Although our Lodges have been unable to meet, it hasn't stopped the fantastic work being done around the world by our Members with now well over £1 Million pounds of support being distributed. A 2 minute video can be seen here. More good news from PGL Renfrewshire West who have donated £2000 and iMac PC to 32nd Scouts in Greenock. Bro. Robin McIntyre PGM has the cheque and Bro. Alex Galbraith PPGM the certificate marking the occasion.
Another source of five lecture comes from Greenock Kilwinning No. XII which can be accessed at: (1) No XII Zoom Meetings - YouTube
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 29
Further Comments Further to last month’s leading article (Observations), a brother has written with some additional points regarding recruitment (in no order of importance): (a)
(b)
(c)
(d) (e) (f)
the demise of the large 'works' (steelworks, forges, shipyards, sugar works, factories etc) where large numbers of men worked together and would discuss the Craft at meal breaks; a generation of masons who hadn't encouraged their sons and nephews etc to join. When I became self-employed in 2007, I no longer had to hide the fact I was in the Craft and was amazed at how many mates told me 'My Father, Grandfather and uncles were all masons'. Few could explain why they hadn't joined (to be fair the Councils and Police in the west of Scotland frowned on the Craft from the days of Sir Pat Hammill, Chief Constable). the consequences of (b) where keen young men are invited into other Orders, given a post and then being swamped trying to learn a load of ritual. I was installed into the Chair of a Preceptory in 2003; I was Installed in the Chair of the Conclave (an Order I'd hoped just to admire from the benches when I joined originally) in 2005; and had the Chair of the Royal Arch in 2006. At one time I had seven Obligations rattling around in my head, the saving grace being that neither the Royal Arch nor Conclave did much visiting and I'd only accepted the Chair in the Preceptory on the understanding that other Knights would do the (expected) monthly visits to the seven other Ayrshire Preceptories; clarification that Freemasonry has no links with the Orange Order; that it is the Church of Rome who frowns upon their flock joining the Craft rather than Catholics not being welcomed into it; and lastly many of today's partners/wives aren't prepared to stay at home while the bloke goes out to masonic meetings once (or more) a week.
My thanks to the brother for these observations. Visiting & Ritual In today’s world, points (c) and (f) are more important than ever. Many brethren (young and old) cannot afford the time—whether it’s work, family or other—and to expect visiting lodges 4/5 times a week have past. We must accept time is precious especially since many are now re-evaluating their life under the recent pandemic. We must accept that masters might not be able to visit as before; we might suffer reduced numbers of visitors as a result, but visitors do not keep a lodge functioning, the brethren do. As a follow on from time, this can affect the amount of free time a brother might be able to spend on ritual. So we need an alternative model. Perhaps some long lecture might be better as a lecture which is read by the ‘orator.’ this would allow brethren more time to study the ritual. The argument that memorizing is a way to understand the ritual does not stand up in academic circles. Therefore, what do we deem to be more important—understating or reciting?
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 30
Bro. Billy Reid The funeral of Bro. Billy Reid MM 242will take place on Friday 2nd April. The procession will pass 242 at 10.15 for a 10.30 cremation at Woodside. Brethren are welcome to come to Collier Street to stand outside the lodge or line the route to the Crematorium (top road) or both. Inside Bro. Scott Jeffrey will represent the lodge. Don’t forget distancing.
Born in 1900 Imagine for a moment you were born in 1900. When you're 14, World War I begins and ends when you're 18 with a 22 million dead. Soon after a global pandemic, the Spanish Flu, appears, killing 50 million people. And you're alive and 20 years old. When you're 29 you survive the global economic crisis that started with the collapse of the New York Stock Exchange, causing inflation, unemployment and famine. When you're 33 years old the nazis come to power. When you're 39, World War II begins and ends when you're 45 years old with a 60 million dead. In the Holocaust 6 million Jews die. When you're 52, the Korean War begins. When you're 64, the Vietnam War begins and ends when you're 75. A child born in 1985 thinks his grandparents have no idea how difficult life is, but they have survived several wars and catastrophes. Today we meet all the comforts in a new world, amid a new pandemic. People complain because for several weeks they must stay confined to their homes, they have electricity, cell phone, food, some even with hot water and a safe roof over their heads. None of that existed back in the day. But humanity survived those circumstances and never lost their joy of living. Today we complain because we have to wear masks to enter supermarkets. A small change in our perspective can generate miracles. We will thank you and I that we are alive and we will do everything we need to protect and help each other.
To submit an article or want added to the mail list or Facebook group, contact the Editor, Grant Macleod: E-Mail:
sec242pm@yahoo.co.uk
Website: http://lodge242.bravesites.com/
Cross Keys April 2021
Page 31
