The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone Walking the Road / Seeking the Light April 2012
In this issue: Irish Royal Arch Masonry What is an Intendor? Change in the Craft Canadian Working Tools Installation of PGM Less Well Known Scottish Masons No.XII Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Lost Temples SAS and the Craft Sierra Leone and the Gambia
Cross Keys April. 2012
Number 157
Irish Royal Arch Masonry Irish RA development can be viewed in three eras. The first period refers to a system first described by Pennell in his 1730 Constitution where three grades or degrees were worked thus: 1. Apprentice or Brother , 2. Fellow Craft , 3. Master's Part, not confined to the chair . Numbers 1 and 2 seem to have embraced ceremonies up to and including the Hiramic degree. That is Pennell's agreeing with our present Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft: and his Fellow Craft with our current Master Mason Degree. Indeed if one thinks about it, in to-days M.M. degree we are really a lodge of Fellow Craft. Number 3, Pennell's Master's Part apparently comprised the essentials of a ceremony subsequently elaborated into our present Installed Masters degree, the Royal Arch and the Red Cross Mason Degree (Perhaps better known to Scottish and English Masons as the Red Cross of Babylon or the Red Cross Knight or Babylonish Pass) . As the royal arch grew in importance in Ireland, the above degrees were maintained, but their names were changed. These changes are first noted in Dublin between 1750-1760, slightly later in the more rural areas. The names of the degrees were as follows: 1.
Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft (one degree)
2.
Master Mason,
3.
Royal Arch.
The purport of the degree which in Ireland, is called the Installed Master's Degree, must have been a portion only of Pennell's 'Master's Part' and appears to have been merged in the ceremony known by the general name Royal Arch. The third period only came to an end in the late 1840s with four major groupings of Irish Degrees. These developed as follows. I will deal only with the first three as they are germane to, to-day's paper: 1. Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Master Mason 2. Past Master Excellent Mason, Super Excellent Mason, Arch Mason RA Mason , 3. Ark Mason, Mark Fellow Mason, Mark Mason, Link Mason or Wrestle, Babyl nian Pass (or the Red Cross of Daniel ), Jordan Pass, Royal Order (or Prussian Blue) 4. High Knight Templar etc. Of the degrees named in the above table, the the Past Master, now known as the Installed Master, is only conferred upon a Master Elect of a Lodge as he is installed. In the chair of a Lodge. The degrees of Excellent and Super Excellent are now incorporated into the veil Cross Keys April. 2012
Irish Royal Arch Masonry (ctd) ceremony of our Royal Arch Chapter Degree. Of the third series only the Degree of Mark Master Mason is still worked, all other degrees have long ago fallen into disuse, however some have found their way into the Black Institution which constitute the Higher Degrees of the Orange Order. The above appears to bear out the conclusion of Brother Revd. Neville Barker Cryer that, at one time the Royal Arch Degree may have formed part of a more elaborate 'Chair' degree. To-day the Mark Master Mason Degree is still the precursor to the Royal Arch Degree The workings are similar to those used in the other two Home Constitutions. From 1991 the Supreme Grand Chapter of Ireland made a change in the ritual, whereby a separate ceremony and night was introduced for the working of the Mark. Let us now consider the Irish Royal Arch Chapter as worked today. The only qualification is that the candidate has been a Master Mason of at least twelve months. The Irish Royal Arch Chapter as worked to day, is set at the repair of the Temple under Josiah, about 620BC, and is thus more true to the Biblical text of 2nd Chronicles Chpt. 34 Verses 1-14. The other two Supreme Bodies set the degree some 100 years later when the Jews having received their freedom from Cyrus (King of Persia), return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel (this episode of Jewish history is worked in Ireland under the Grand Council of Knight Masons). It is common to hear the Chapter referred to as the red, as the regalia as worn in the Chapter is all red (unlike Scottish with red/blue) and consists of an apron and sash worn from right shoulder to left hip, and in certain Chapters white gloves. As in the two other Home constitutions a member Jewel on a white ribbon may be worn but it is more usual to see the Past Kings one on a red ribbon and since 1991 a past V. W. Masters jewel is also permitted in Chapter but it is not permitted to wear Chapter jewels in Craft Lodges although most people would be too polite to pass comment on a visitor doing so. Adapted from an article by Bro. James Penny (IC) Conclusions regarding Scottish RA Masonry—many orders open and close in the degree to be worked, but the Scottish RA has a peculiar system due to the Mark. Why does a candidate have to affiliate to a mark lodge and why can a lodge of Excellent Masters not open immediately? All other orders assume membership of Craft or RA without affiliations. This detracts from a very colourful and interesting ceremony. Perhaps now is the time to look at ceremonies and eliminate the long winded approaches in some degrees or grades which clearly put brethren off as can be seen with the numbers attending chapters. Cross Keys April. 2012
Congratulations To Bro. Grant Macleod as the new Provincial Grand Secretary of Renfrewshire East. Bro. Grant was master of 242 in 1996—97 and then served as secretary from 1997 until the 200th Anniversary last year—a period of 14 years. He is also the author of the lodge history. It was good to see that both the Secretary and Treasurer of the lodge be recognised for their hard work over the years.
What is an Intendor? The term "Intender" comes to us direct from the old operative Lodge of Scotland. More than 119 years before the first Grand Lodge was formed the Intender was an important official in the Lodges in Scotland, entrusted with the instruction of new candidates. At that time the word "intend" meant: to stretch out, extend, expand, increase, intensify. Therefore, the Intender was a faithful companion and teacher whose duty it was to stretch out, extend, expand, increase, and intensify the knowledge and understanding of the younger craftsman in the Science of Masonry. The Schaw Statutes, an elaborate code of organization first drawn up in 1598 by William Schaw, Master of Work and General Warden of the Masons of Scotland, are found in the minutes of the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel) No. 1. These Statutes provided that an Intender be chosen by each new Fellowcraft, while the Lodge of Aitchison's Haven provided Intenders for both new Entered Apprentices and new Fellowcrafts. In time the office of Intender became so important that the youngest Master was chosen for this exacting service. Recently, the emphasis has been changing from merely producing Masons proficient in the rituals to that of producing educated Masons – Masons who not only love their ritual and know how to present it effectively, but who also have an ample knowledge of the background, the aims, and the purposes of the Fraternity. It is here that the Intender becomes an important factor in developing an intelligent membership and a capable leadership to sustain and advance Freemasonry throughout the coming ages. An intendor is more than a proposer and seconder. Should lodges utilise this to encourage young masons to seek more knowledge and through a real interest in the Craft, stay a member for longer? This is an area that PGLRE will review in its Commission.
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Australian Lodge Retain Scottish Connections The Senior newspaper for retired people comes out monthly. The paper is widely circulated in Queensland. Nambour, where this lodge is, is about 75 miles north of Brisbane.
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Change in the Craft Today you have in your pocket a device that has more computing power than the computer system that put men on the moon. It combines a telephone, computer, camera and internet access all in one small 5 ounce package. Communication is almost entirely by email, texting, Facebook, Twitter and other social internet sites. Paying your bills by a cheque in the mail has almost disappeared. Information, communication and news from around the world is instant. You, like me, are living in the world of a 25 year old. The world has changed exponentially, and I, for one, refuse to let it get ahead of me! You must not either! Our Craft, like a lumbering giant, has been notoriously slow to adapt to this changing environment. Our young people have grown up and are living comfortably in this fast paced world. If we are to survive, we must quickly adapt and appeal to their interests. I charge both our younger and our older members to embrace the change, both societal and fraternal, which we see happening all around us. We are blessed with a Grand Master Mason and some forward thinking members in our Grand Lodge, who are dedicating their lives to the survival of this fraternity. I am proud to be associated and working with these men and will support them until I am no longer able. I simply refuse to sit on my laurels – oak or ivy, and let our beloved Craft fail! Adapt or die! What about you? Common sense, and our leadership, tells us that our events and meetings must be Inspirational, Convenient and Enjoyable. Yet, we have those in our fraternity who actively or passively resist this important concept, stating the old canard: “We’ve always done it that way!” or “We never did it that way before!” If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got, and you’ll always feel what you always felt. President Ronald Reagan once said. “I’m not a great man, I just believe in great ideas.” You should believe in great ideas. Listen to what our younger members and society are telling us. In 1903, Henry Ford set out to produce a car that everyone could afford - the Model T. Prior to this time, cars were individually assembled, each one a custom made creation. In order to achieve his goal of an affordable finished product, he needed to reduce his labour costs. In 1908, Brother Henry Ford had a great labour saving idea – instead of having the unfinished car sit in one place while workmen built the car piece by piece, why not move the car to the workers, where they could perform their work specialty and then move the car to the next worker? Thus was born the assembly line and revolutionized the way that automobiles were built. “It was never done that way before!” The fact is Brethren – We haven’t always “Done it that way!” Do you think for one minute that, William Schaw, James Boswell, Alexander Adam, Alexander Drummond, Robert Burns, James Watt, Robert Adam, Sir Walter Scott and Adam Smith tolerated this “We Always Did It That Way” attitude? They obviously were inspired by the wonderful principles, fellowship and ideals of our fraternity in the development of Scotland that, despite the recession, is still the greatest wee nation in the world. In spite of a humble beginning Masonry thrived, and became a driving force in this great country of ours. Maybe they knew something that we are just now rediscovering! We are again at a crossroad in the history of our country, society and our fraternity. Freemasonry must adapt or we will cease to exist. Fortunately, we are seeing signs that some in our younger generation embrace our history and our principles, and are hungry for our rich heritage. They are discovering for themselves what we take for granted. They are discovering Masonry on their own terms, in their own way, using communication methods that we have yet to master. They are Cross Keys April. 2012
Change in the Craft (ctd) good men. They may not dress the way we do. They may not care for formal attire, useless speeches or boring meetings, but they believe in the same values and principles as we do. We must embrace this generation of young men as our brothers and allow them to exercise their talents. Some might just have the spirit of our enlightened forefathers in their blood, and may have a great idea. When looking for employees, Henry Ford once made the statement– “I am looking for a lot of men who have an infinite capacity to not know what can’t be done.” So are we Brethren! Our new Brethren don’t know or care that “We never did it that way before!” and neither should you! Brethren you have in your heart and hands, the power and the influence to bring this fraternity to the greatness it always has been. We are without equal as an organisation, so go forth from this auditorium today and use your influence to make a difference. By Bro. Alex Galbraith Sub GMM - installation toast to the daughter lodges, November 2011 Brethren, many interesting points are raised by Bro. Galbraith in his toast. A Cambridge mathematician (G. Hardy) once said that criticism is the work of second rate minds—indeed, it is easy to pull ideas apart than to have the ideas in the first place. Some may work and some might not, but they should be tried. If they do, tell other lodges, it might help them too. Let’s encourage our brethren to think about new ways forward and not brow beat them every time so that they are uninterested in looking forward. Our beloved Craft has survived when most organisations of the 18th Century have not—why? We changed, we adapted and we have brethren with ideas on how to succeed in a constantly changing world.
Old Tradition Changed A photo of the masters’ board of Royal Cumberland Lodge (Time Immemorial) which meets in Bath. Note the title, nothing unusual to Scottish masons, but not the usual English term of WM. While Scottish lodges still use RWM, some time England changed its rules. Can anyone enlighten us as to why and when this change took place?
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From the Columns On 9th March, Bro. Richard Caldwell received his FCD at the hands of our good friends from Lochwinnoch. On 22nd March, the PGL Annual Visit took place and the new PGM Bro. John S. Miller headed the deputation. Bro. John was delighted to give a clear minute of inspection and thanked the brethren of the lodge for their assistance with transporting lodge furniture to and from the Town Hall.
Working Tools of a Canadian Freemason The Working Tools of a Canadian Mason are the snow brush, the common shovel, and the hockey stick. The snow brush is the first implement put into the hands of the Canadian, in order to brush the snow off his vehicle and to scrape the ice off his windshield. The shovel is used to move snow off the driveway and sidewalk and throw it into heaping piles on the lawn so you can drive your vehicle in and out of the garage; and the hockey stick is to play hockey with friends and family on your nicely shaved driveway, or on the street in your neighbourhood in the cold snowy weather. Your choice, really. But as we are not American, but rather freezing and freaking cold Canadian Masons, we apply these tools to our morals, eh? In this sense, from the snow brush we learn a daily lesson of accumulation and instruction, for as it is divided into two parts, it recalls our minds the division of the year into two seasons — construction and winter — and directs us to apportion them to their proper objects, namely golfing and skiing. From the common shovel we learn that bad backs are more prominent than we thought; for the heart may stop and the head-cold throb with pain if the hand be not prompt to lift the snow. From the hockey stick we learn that perspiration is necessary to establish hypothermia, that the icy material receives its slippery finish from repeated melting and freezing alone, that nothing short of inflatable exertion can induce the habit of puck handling, enlighten your behind, and render the goals pure. From the snow we deduce this moral; that igloos, grounded on accuracy, aided by seal skin and prevented by collapse will finally overcome all wind chill factors, raise the body temperature from despair and establish happiness in the paths of clear, sunny skies.
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GL News POLICE are investigating a brazen raid on a Masonic Lodge which saw "irreplaceable" ceremonial jewellery worth thousands of pounds stolen from a display cabinet. The robbery took place at the Roman Eagle Lodge on Johnston Terrace, with gold masonic chains dating back to 1920 being taken from the case in the lodge committee room. The missing chains - similar to costume jewellery worn by mayors - were presented to founding members of the St Giles' Chapter of Masons, now an extension of the Roman Eagle Lodge.
PGL News Sunday 1st April, 2012—Divine Service in Rutherglen West & Wardlawhill Church, Rutherglen at 3pm Saturday 21st, April, 2012—Re-Dedication Ceremony in 242 at 2pm Saturday 28th April, 2012—Chairmanship Seminar in Nitshill at 10am until 12noon Monday 30th April, 2011—Tri-Annual Communication in Rutherglen 116 at 7.30pm
Would you want to be a Freemason? The Craft makes it to the BBC. Dogged by conspiracy theories, Freemasons insist theirs is a modern, open organisation. But can this male-dominated body cast off its secretive image and win over a sceptical public? Click on:
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GRAND MASTER MASONS CONDUCTS CEREMONY IN JOHNSTONE
The leader of more than 29,000 Freemasons worldwide visited Johnstone, Renfrewshire, on Saturday (17th March) to conduct a colourful ceremony. Grand Master Mason Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont carried out the installation of the new Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire East, John Miller, who will head the Province for the next five years. The ceremony - carried out at Johnstone Town Hall – was attended by 371 members of all 37 Masonic Lodges in the Province of Renfrewshire East which stretches from Lochwinnoch to East Kilbride and includes Rutherglen and the South of Glasgow, along with members of other Provinces throughout Scotland and visitors from England, Ireland, Canada and India. The Grand Lodge of Scotland – founded in 1736 - provides administration for lodges that come under the Scottish Constitution all over the world including many in Australia and New Zealand, Africa, the Middle East, South America, India and Canada. During the ceremony, the Grand Master Mason reminded those present that Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest, secular fraternal societies whose members are taught to show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and to practise charity and care for the community as a whole. John Miller said that he and his office bearers were looking forward to encouraging members to continue with the charity work that resulted in £43,000 being raised for non -Masonic charities within the past year by lodges within the Province.
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Installation of the new PGM
The Installation of the new PGM, Bro. John Samuel Miller took place on Saturday 17th March, 2012 in Johnstone Town Hall. Being such a superb day all round, it was decided to have the photograph taken outside in Ludovic Square. In the background is the old fountain which was laid with masonic honours over 130 years ago and further in the background is the old Headmaster’s house when the high school was situated to the right of it (on the site of the present doctor’s surgery). Bro. John is seen in the centre with Charles Wolrige Gordon GMM to the left David Reid IPPGM to the right. PPGMs Bro. Dixon Drye and Frank Johnstone can be seen to the left and various dignitaries from the Grand Lodge of Scotland are scattered about.
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Less Weel Kent Scottish Masons
George Murdoch was Provost of Glasgow from 1754-1755 and again from 1766-1767. He was a merchant primarily trading in wines from Madeira, but became involved in related enterprises such as becoming a partner in a glass bottle works in 1742, and forming Murdoch & Warroch to build and operate the famous Anderston Brewery. He had children only by the first of his three wives. One of his sons, James, went to work in Madeira at the age of thirteen and another, George, ended up in Grenada. In 1767, while in his second term as Provost, Murdoch laid the foundation stone for the new Jamaica Street Bridge. A mason, in 1769 he became "Provincial Grand Master over the Counties of Lenrick, Renfrew, Air, Dumbarton and Argyle". Murdoch is depicted here wearing a red coat and one of the wigs which were so fashionable in 18th century Glasgow.
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Diamond Jubilee Celebration A special meeting of Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No. XII RWM Bro Bob Bain cordially invites you to a (very) special meeting on Thursday 7th June at 7.30pm in The Saloon of The Town Hall, Greenock. The purpose of the meeting is to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The main agenda item is a talk by Guy Clark, Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire entitled 'My Role as the Queen's Representative in Renfrewshire'. Guy is the grandson of the late Bro Sir Walter Guy Shaw Stewart, former Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire West and member of Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No XII. He will be introduced by a short talk from Bro Iain White PM entitled 'The Shaw Stewarts and No XII'. There will be a light supper after the meeting during which patriotic songs will be sung by Bro Alan Beck WSW. Brethren are encouraged to wear red, white and blue. The evening will be in aid of Help for Heroes and will be the culmination of No. XII's 2011-
April Events in 242
FRIDAY 13th April—FCD by 1443 (St. Andrew, Annan) at 7.30pm SPECIAL Saturday 21st April—Re-dedication Ceremony by Provincial Grand Lodge at 2pm Thursday 26th—FCD by Union & Crown 307 (Barrhead) at 7.30pm Sir William Wallace RAC 19th April—EM at 7.30pm
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Lost Temples Ann Arbor masonic temple in Michigan was a magnificent structure over 5 floors built in 1925 at a cost of $324,000. The first floor even housed a circus at one point along with a huge pipe organ. Unfortunately, in later years, the lowers floors were divided to accommodate renters and in 1977 it was pulled down to make way for a car park. Such a tragedy and something that is common in large Scottish cities as well.
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Lost Temples (ctd) The replacement lodge built in 1978. Quite a difference.
Found Temples
Freemasons' Hall, Sunderland, circa 1935—see over about this hall.
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Found Temples (ctd) The Grade I-listed Masonic Hall in Queen Street opened its doors to the public last month – returning the building to its former role at the heart of the community. “The Lodge Room was used by local drama, operatic, music, debating and poetry groups when it first opened in 1785,” said Colin Meddes, director of Queen Street Masonic Heritage Trust. “We believe the future of the hall lies with being part of the community once again, which is why we are opening up on Saturday for people interested in learning more about its history. Sunderland was a bustling sea-trading port, George III was midway through his reign and William Pitt the Younger was Prime Minister when plans for Queen Street Masonic Hall were drawn up.” The location – a former bowling green owned by the Golden Lion Hotel, surrounded by 27 pubs, five breweries and dozens of timber-framed houses – was not, however, the first choice. Members of Phoenix Lodge, which was constituted in 1755, originally met in hotels and taverns until Captain George Thompson, Master of the Lodge, built a hall in Vine Street in 1778. “This hall served the Lodge well until a disastrous fire in November 1783, which destroyed the building, most of the furnishings and several valuable paintings and books.” Down, but not out, a group known as the Gentlemen of the Committee was formed – under the chairmanship of surgeon Dr William Tipping Brown – to help Phoenix Lodge rise from the ashes. And it was to Golden Lion innkeeper William Irvine, a prominent Lodge member known locally as Willie the King, that they turned to for help – after he offered to sell them some land. The £600 cost of the new hall was raised by donations, subscriptions and £20 shares, with some of the original shareholders including Dr Brown, grocer John Brown and painter Edward Smith. Builder John Bonner, a member of the Lodge, was invited to lead the project, and it is believed second-hand ship timbers may have been used – as a tax made new wood prohibitively expensive. “It is a testament to Bonner’s skills that a structural survey in 1996 concluded the only problems after 211 years were that the ends of a few of the floor joists were rotting,” said Colin. Queen Street Masonic Hall opened on April 5, 1785, just 17 months after the fire. It was a day of pomp and ceremony, with 176 Freemasons from across the North East gathering to celebrate. “The building consisted of the Lodge Room or Temple when it first opened, with pents reminiscent of lean-to extensions on the east and west ends,” said Colin. “The east one still stands and is used as the bar area. It was originally the main entrance, with a portico doorway. “The west pent is known to have comprised of two rooms in 1812. Records show these were let to the caretaker rent-free. The pent was removed in 1923.” Original Masonic symbols still adorn the walls of the Lodge Room, which were carved and gilded by Newcastle Freemason Mr Pears for the opening – a service for which he charged £30. The work of Phoenix Lodge still continues, however, although the freehold interest of the hall was transferred to Queen Street Masonic Heritage Centre in 1997, with the aim of restoring the building. “The Trust is committed to ensuring it continues to play an important role in the regenerated and revitalised East End for generations to come, expanding its newly rekindled community ties. We are grateful for the foresight of Dr Brown and the Gentlemen of the Committee, who gave us the hall and passed on the responsibility to preserve this Ancient Monument to Freemasonry.”
Cross Keys April. 2012
Visit to 5005(EC)
Last month, three brethren from the lodge attended the regular meeting of Selsdson Park Lodge No.5005 (EC) in Croydon.
The RWM Bro. Graham B. Scott, Peter Smolarek PM
DoC and Jim Taylor DM witnessed a MMD conferred by Bro. Fraser Lees of 242 as WM of 5005 who then presented the brethren with cufflinks with the 242 crest. Following the meeting, Bro. Peter then won a pink shirt at the festive board—will he wear it, however or will it appear in one of our raffles?!!!
Lodge History makes Paisley Daily Express
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SAS Legend Robert Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne was born on 11 January 1915 in Newtownards in County Down, Ireland, and showed an early love and aptitude for sport. Excelling in many areas, Mayne not only became the Irish Universities Heavyweight Champion in August 1936, but was also capped playing rugby for Ireland six times, and in 1938 was selected to play for the British Isles Touring Party of South Africa. Mayne was already a member of the Territorial Army when the Second World War broke out in September 1939 Major R B (Paddy) Mayne commander of the “Special Raiding Squadron”
and he soon received a commission in the Royal Artillery. In April 1940 he transferred to the Royal Ulster Rifles before volunteering for the newly formed No. 11 (Scottish) Commando, with whom he saw his first action, attacking Vichy French forces in Lebanon. For his courageous and clear-minded leadership, Mayne was mentioned in despatches. However, he soon lost interest in the Commando and in August 1941 joined a revolutionary new outfit that was being formed in North Africa by former Scots Guards officer David Stirling.
242 Assists SAS Vets During the anniversary year, 242 decided to donate £500 towards the new memorial for SAS Vets. In September, 2011 the SAS Regimental Association once again ventured to Stirling en-mass to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the formation of the Regiment and to dedicate the new plaques of the WW2 casualties. This will probably be the last the Association can take so many vets due to their age of this group and the donation was appreciated greatly. The weather held and a magnificent time was had by all with a flypast, by two RAF Hercules, completing the service. A plaque and the David Stirling Memorial are seen below.
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Sierra Leone & The Gambia teps towards the construction of a masonic temple within the township of Makeni has commenced with the laying of the foundation stone by the Right Worshipful District Grand Master of the Scottish Constitution Bro. Johathan Admire Thomas past Sunday. Before the foundation stone laying ceremony, the Leader of the Wusum Lodge Planning Committee Bro. Samura M W Kamara, who is the Finance Minister declared to the District Grand Secretary, Bro. Arthur B.C. Jones the intention of setting up a structure in the headquarters of the Northern Province, Makeni Town, which would represent a Temple of The Mind and also house the proposed Lodge to be named Lodge Wusum. At hand to assist the District Grand Master were Paramount Chiefs P.C. Bai Sheborah Kassanga and PC Masayalie Tham II accompanied by their subjects, who performed the traditional rites, as well as the Resident Minister, Alex Kargbo. Speaking at the site, PC Bai Seborah Kassanga expressed his delight at the inception of freemasonry in his jurisdiction, while the District Grand Master, lauded the stance of Bro Samura Kamara, for the erection of the masonic temple, as well as for the formation of Lodge Wusum. He gave the assurance that the District Grand Lodge of Sierra Leone and the Gambia would render the necessary assistance towards the erection of the temple. One significant aspect of the foundation stone ceremony is the fact that Freemasonry worldwide is a universal brotherhood and in Sierra Leone therefore, it should not appear to be restricted to Freetown alone as this conveys the incorrect picture that it is a society for Freetonians only. It had already started in the Provinces (Delco, Rokel, Blue Diamond Lodges) but unfortunately, these had to relocate to Freetown for various reasons chief of which were the closure of the companies/mines, and the rebel war, coupled with the declining economy. The establishment of the proposed Lodge Wusum in the Northern Province Headquarter Town – Makeni will help to bring initiates from the area especially as the initiative for its creation is from the indigenes of that area who are staunch Masons. The Wusum Temple will house the meetings of Lodge Wusum when it is created but it could also serve to host other Lodges if convenient, especially so for Lodges that originally were meeting in the provinces. Furthermore, it should be noted that this initiative is under the Scottish Constitution and quite encouragingly, there is also another initiative under the English Constitution to set up a Lodge in Bo, the Headquarter Town of the Southern Province. These two initiatives are both timely and complementary for while the Scottish Constitution is addressing the Northern Province, the English Constitution is also addressing the Southern Province thereby spreading Freemasonry over at least three provinces and regions.
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PGLRE Education Dinner The Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire East will hold another Education Dinner which will take place on 18th May, 2012. Although slightly early, please note the date in your diary. The first dinner a couple of years ago with the Grand Master Mason as the only speaker was a great success and it is hoped to continue this format. The only speaker is WBro. Dunlop, Grand Master of Ireland. The event will take place in the premises of our lodge and we are honoured to host this popular event.
The Freemasons’ Legacy http://presstv.com/Program/227828.html But what is freemasonry in today’s society? It now exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around six million, including over a quarter of a million under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England and just under two million in the USA. Members are obligated to abide by the rules of the fraternity, to keep the "secrets of Freemasonry" and to act towards others in accordance with Masonic tradition and law. Why is it so secretive? What are they hiding? Click above to hear some interesting views from the public as well.
Congratulations To Bro. Frank Johnstone Past Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire East who received a certificate of Distinguished Membership from his Mother Lodge, The Royal Stuart No.141 on Monday 26th, March, 2012. Bro. Frank was caught completely by surprise when he was given the certificate by Bro. John Miller PGM. See pglre.org for the group photo.
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Cross Keys April. 2012