December 2017
Cross Keys December 2017
Number 205
From the Editor This month starts with some thoughts about the whole masonic system which at best is confusing to new members who often receive wrong advice. The second article by Bro. Kenny Jack related to an seldom know, but very authoritative freemason in Scotland. This is followed by a short family tree of a PM of 242— appropriate this month as his family’s business (Paton’s Laces) has just been demolished in Johnstone and now nothing remains except the excellent records in the Johnstone History Museum. Finally, a very Merry Christmas to all brethren and a Happy New Year from everyone at 242.
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. 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.
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In this issue: Choices……………………….3 Anthony Haye PM 145……... 4 The Paton Family………….. 8 Russian Freemasonry………. 9 The Royal Art ……………... 11 Lodge Buildings…………… 12 Who cares? ………………... 14 Greenock Kil TBs ………… 15 San Antonio Building …….. 16 TB in 21st Century ……….. 17 Fama Docs ………………… 19
December Meetings Thursday 14th FC (1 Candidate) by Thistle & Crown No.1167 Thursday 28th FC (1 Candidate) 7.30pm start
Choices Today, young people expect choice, whether it be from the internet or just the huge range of products from across the globe. Many people go into shops to try things out then shop on the internet for cheaper alternatives. That’s how we work now. Should the Craft be similar to address the needs and expectations of this new generation? I hear a resounding NO, but should we avoid change if the basic Craft degrees are not altered? If it is only the administration of degrees that change then perhaps it won’t affect many brethren at all.
ious “masonic” bodies spoke and maybe occasionally had meetings where everyone could attend. Is this far too unreasonable to expect? Possibly at this moment in time. However, I believe a drastic re-think of where we are going is required now. The days of a lodge being judged how good it is by the amount of free drink it gave have long gone and I doubt will ever return.
The social club era of the 1970s and 1980s has gone. Many lodges with a drinking culture are now struggling because they foAfter all, choice is what a consumer wants. cused on this aspect and not other aspects of So in terms of the Craft, the Craft. Unless this what would this mean? Should more than one system of the changes, they have a Craft be available to potential New candidates might finite time to exist. members? expect to ‘shop about’ However, many lodges for a lodge if applying that focused on masonry are not and have through the internet rather than just joining not noticed a huge change. Does this tell us a lodge near your home. Many lodges cater something….? for tea and coffee after meetings due to changes in the Laws so driving to a lodge is Of course it does. Freemasonry is about no longer seen as a negative. Freemasonry. The social side is important, but lodges must not allow this to be the main If they can shop for a lodge, can they shop aspect of its workings. for a system of freemasonry? By that I mean, British freemasonry really only has Within the next ten years due to the aging one type of masonry—regular which allows membership, we will see the demise of a membership of other Orders and visiting number of lodges, unless lodges address overseas. However, if other systems were their future which is in their hands. recognised then this might be a bonus. Of course, I hear the numbers are declining In Europe and elsewhere, there are compet- and we could not support extra systems with ing Grand Lodges, Co-Masonry, The Recti- current numbers. True, but it might attract fied Rite and the Swedish Rite of Freema- many more candidates in the long term. sonry which is more Templar orientated. How many brethren today would have This might appeal to many. joined a different Mother lodge had they been able to shop about with better inforIt is also possible that current orders could mation on various lodges? Many brethren revert to their original workings such as the affiliate to lodges still in their vicinity for this Supreme Council. Rather than conferring reason. drees from 4 they could re-institute their original three degrees. One thing is clear—a change is necessary now. Assuming no one has had a heart attack at this point, it would make sense if all the var-
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Bro. Anthony Haye PM 145 There have been many influential and illustrious Scottish Freemasons throughout the centuries, ever since Speculative Craft Masonry first took shape and cast its wise and benign influence over Scottish society. Indeed, there are that many, it is probably not possible to do each and every one of them justice; and perhaps the only time we ever hear of them is when a Brother, or some other interested outsider decides to make them the subject of their research interest. Anthony O’Neal Haye is one such Freemason of whom very little - if anything at all, has been written, which is a great pity, because as well as being a senior and highly respected Freemason in his time, he was also a respected journalist and author who wrote a number of history books and books of his own verse, and indeed; for a time, was Poet Laureate of Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No. 2 in Edinburgh. It is fair to say that his Masonic and Literary interests often went hand-inglove, as his Poetry was published by his Lodge or the Grand Lodge of Scotland. His history books also centred on the history of the Knights Templar, and he himself was a member of Lothian Preceptory No. 4 of that Masonic Order. The first time this writer became aware of Haye was when reading an Encyclopaedic Entry concerning the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis by the Grand Archivist of that society, in which he writes:
‘In 1878 a group of senior U.S. Masons (Daniel Sutter, and Charles W. Parker) led by Charles E. Meyer (18391908) of Pennsylvania travelled to England and on July 25th, 1878 were initiated into the grade of Zelator at Yorkshire College at Sheffield. They applied for a Charter, but getting no response, turned to Scotland and received a Charter from the College in Edinburgh in 1879. Scotland’s Society is actually the oldest as Walter Spencer is recorded as having been initiated into the SRIS by Anthony O’Neal Haye in 1857 and there are documents in the SRIA Archives that show that both Robert Wentworth Little and William J. Hughan were initiated in 1866 and 1867 by Anthony O’Neal Haye, Magus Max; Ros. Soc. Scot. - With H.H.M. Bairnfathur, signing as Secretary. The Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia was formed in England in 1866 by Robert Wentworth Little. The SRIA later felt the need to Charter the current SRIS on October 24th, 1873’. This excerpt suggests that Haye was head of a Masonic Rosicrucian Society in Scotland which was a forerunner to the present-day society, and that he effectively fast-tracked Robert Wentworth Little and William J. Hughan through the requisite Grades in order that they could return to England to institute a Society in that country. It is very likely that these men became acquainted through their other Masonic interests, and it is known that both Haye and Hughan particularly, shared an interest in Masonic literature. This fact alone, confirms Haye to have been a very senior and
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respected Rosicrucian and Freemason. However, the Rosicrucian Society headed by Haye appears to have been an independent body which he often said stemmed from an earlier English society which had no requisite of Masonic membership to join it. Details of the earlier group appear lost to the mists of time. The name of his society was the “Edinburgh Grand Council of the Rosicrucians of Scotland”. Haye was styled ‘Magus Maximus’ - a title not used by later Masonic Rosicrucian groups. It is known that at that period, many individuals held an interest in Rosicrucianism without necessarily being allied or affiliated to a particular body; although from time to time groups with common aims and interests were formed into societies such as the later
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Records show that Anthony O'Neal Haye was born Anthony O’neil Hay on 17th May 1838 in Edinburgh, to Robert Hay, a Brushmaker, and Mary Hay (nee Kay). He married Emma Louisa Kennett in Edinburgh on 26th April, 1865. His wife Emma was born in London in around 1843. The couple had a daughter Edith Annie O’Neal Haye who was born on 29th October, 1868 at Queensferry Street, Edinburgh. Edith married the German- Carl Adolph Hermann Besser in around 1890. Anthony and Emma also had a son George, who was born on 30th June, 1866. Anthony had two brothers: Alexander Tuck Hay, born 1st April, 1828 and William Hay, born, 11th August 1834, both within St. Cuthbert’s Parish, Edinburgh. Anthony Haye died prematurely in 1877 but was survived by his wife until 1891. Haye’s father’s occupation of Brushmaker, whilst to some extent no doubt a skilled-trade, suggests the family were of a working-class background, and in the census of 30th March, 1851 we find 12 year old Anthony Hay described as a pupil at George Watson’s Hospital School, within the Parish of St. Cuthbert’s in Edinburgh, and evidently boarding away from home. George Watson was an Edinburgh Merchant and Banker who founded the school in 1741 for the edu-
Bro. Anthony Haye (ctd) cational advancement of the underprivileged sons and grandsons; and being the son of an Edinburgh Brushmaker, clearly qualified Haye to benefit from this charitable enterprise. Interestingly, one of his fellow pupils and recorded alongside him in this census is: James Bairnsfather; a fellow 12 year old, born in Banff, and who is highly probably the brother of the aforementioned John H. M. Bairnsfather. Here we see an early connection between the Hay and Bairnsfather families which ultimately led to their collaboration in the Rosicrucian Society of Edinburgh. James Bairnsfather went on to become a highly regarded medical doctor and emigrated to the United States of America. Another very interesting fact which highlights the closeness between the Haye and Bairnsfather families is that in July 1883, six years after Haye’s death, John Hugh Mackintosh Bairnsfather - then a Solicitor with the Supreme Court in Edinburgh, sought and obtained a Decree of exoneration and discharge in the Court of Session, Edinburgh, in his favour, as: factor loco tutoris (Agent in the place of a tutor) to Haye’s children: George Irvine O'Neal Haye and Edith Annie O'Neal Haye. Details of Haye’s Masonic affiliations went largely undocumented for some time, and much of what was known relied heavily on information contained in the books he wrote during his lifetime. However, we now know that he was initiated into Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No. 2, Edinburgh, on 19 th January, 1859. He was Passed and Raised on 2nd February, 1859, and in April of that year we find him affiliating to St. Stephen’s Lodge, No. 145, Edinburgh. He does not feature in the main text of the History of the Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No. 2, written by Past Master Allan Mackenzie in 1898; but he is recorded in an appendix listing the Poet Laureates of the Lodge. He was Master of St. Stephen’s Lodge No. 145, Edinburgh in 1865/66. Haye was appointed Poet Laureate of Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No. 2 on June 25 th 1860 and he produced a considerable amount of work in his lifetime. The first work we will look at is ‘Songs & Ballads’ which were published in 1861 by Henry W. Finlay, Stationers to the Grand Lodge of Scotland and Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland. A preface to the book states:
‘The Laureateship of ‘Canongate Kilwinning’ instituted to do honour to Robert Burns, was, after his death, conferred upon James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, who again, was succeeded in the post by William Pringle. The author of the following pieces succeeded Mr Pringle on 25th June last and to entitle him to retain the envied wreath (too high an honour for so
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young a brow) he publishes this little rhyming attempt - St. John’s Chapel, January, 1861’. Haye was made Poet Laureate of No. 2 shortly after his 22nd Birthday, and the reference above shows that he was only too aware of the fact the honour had been given to him at an early age, something he mentions on several other occasions; indicating selfconsciousness about it. Interestingly, Hayes’s signature is prefixed with a double-barred cross, indicative of his Templar interests:
This book appears to have been privately circulated by Haye and his Masonic brethren. The fondness, respect, and admiration for Catherine Sinclair held by Haye and the Masons of Edinburgh was certainly not misplaced. Catherine Sinclair was born on 17th April, 1800 at Canongate, Edinburgh, the daughter of Sir John Sinclair of Ulbster, and his wife Diana (nee MacDonald). The family were descended from the Earls of Caithness, and John Sinclair was a noted Lawyer and Politician of the day who was responsible for the collation of the 28 volumes of the Statistical Account of Scotland. Catherine, who never married, worked as a secretary for her father for a time, but when he died she turned her hand to writing novels; children’s novels at first, the most notable being ‘Holiday House’ (1839). She also wrote romantic novels and travel guides, the latter covering Scotland, Wales and Shetland and was the first to identify Sir Walter Scott as the anonymous writer of the Waverley Novels. She was a noted Philanthropist who instituted workers canteens in Edinburgh, pioneered the first Volunteer Brigade for the boys of Leith, and also financed the first drinking fountain in Edinburgh. She is commemorated today by a Gothic-style monument at the West end of Queen Street in Edinburgh. Haye and the Freemasons of Edinburgh were clearly drawn to Sinclair because of her altruistic qualities, but for Haye there were likely other aspects of her character that he liked. There was of course the fact she was a fellow author. There is also the fact that being descended from the Earls of Caithness, Sinclair was a descendent of the Sinclair (St. Clair) family who are closely bound to the history and legends of Rosslyn Chapel in Edinburgh and the Knights Templar. As indicated earlier, Haye was a member of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar and had a deep and abiding interest in those figures of legend. Another of Haye’s works was another book of verse entitled ‘Poemata’, sub-titled ‘The Mirage of Life and Other Poems’. The edition consulted by this author
Bro. Anthony Haye (ctd) was a 2nd edition, published on an unknown date, by William P. Nimmo, Edinburgh and in the title pages of the book Haye is referred to as being a member of: Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No. 2; Knight Templar; Member of the Grand Lodge and Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland; Lodges Edinburgh St. David’s; Eskdale Kilwinning; Edinburgh St. Stephen’s; Edinburgh and St Andrew’s Royal Arch Chapters. A 1st edition of the book was published by William Paterson, Edinburgh in 1859. Haye dedicated this book to the Grand Master Mason of Scotland at the time; George Augustus Frederick John, the 6th Duke of Atholl. As with Miss Catherine Sinclair, it is perhaps not too unkind to suggest that Haye knew how to ingratiate himself with the rich and powerful people of the day. In the preface to the book, Haye displays a selfdeprecating reverence to the elder members of Freemasonry; almost apologising for having the temerity to issue a book of poems at all:
“ While presenting these poems in a collected form to the notice of his Masonic brethren, the author feels that he labours under the disadvantage of being a total stranger to most of them, and those who do know him may be prejudiced on account of his youth. Readers are for the most part, not unlike connoisseurs of wines- choosing their authors according to their age and market merit, and apt to view the aspirations of unknown twenty, with something akin to pity, if not with downright contempt; the author only has these excuses to offer - that the brethren of his Mother Lodge have desired him to publish them; and that his Grace, The Duke of Athole, with his usual liberality, has kindly allowed the musings of an untried author to be dedicated to him” Haye goes on to describe the ‘principal’ and the other poems in the book, and how many of the latter appeared previously in various magazines, journals and newspapers. Haye was at one time Editor of ‘The Scottish Freemasons’ Magazine, a sort of forerunner to the present-day ‘Ashlar’ magazine, and undoubtedly; many of his works would have graced the pages of the former magazine. Again, Haye exhibits humilityperhaps doubt, about his talent as a Poet, and appears to be at pains to avoid giving the impression to his elder brethren, that he is some young whippersnapper, acting above his station in life, and in the Lodge. He continues:
“The Author is conscious of the demerits of his work, and he relies more upon that kindly feeling which prompts one Mason to overlook the faults, and aid the endeavours of another, in coming to maturer light for its success”.
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Haye was a member of the Masonic Order of the Temple, but in addition to this, he was seriously interested in the history of that Chivalric Order of warrior monks. He first became interested in the Order of the Temple around 1856 whilst studying the history of the Crusades and learning how highly regarded the members of the Order were held by various historians. Haye was intrigued by the AbbeDe-Vertot’s work on the rival Order of the Knights of Malta and sought in vain through various works for a similar treatise on the history of the Knights Templar. He was frustrated to find only minor sketches on the Order in the likes of Charles Addison’s ‘Knights Templar’ or in a work entitled ‘The Secret Societies of the Middle Ages’ as well as other treatments in the French and German languages. Haye’s thirst for knowledge of the Knights Templar was wetted by descriptions of their ‘derring- do’ and seemingly superhuman feats, such as: “One of whom
had put a thousand, and two of them ten, thousand of the Infidel to flight” and who had been: “the best bulwarks of Christianity in the east and whose magnificent and glorious career was only equalled by their terrible and undeserved end”. Haye set out to plug this gap in Templar history, carrying out extensive research work over a lengthy period, eventually putting pen to paper and producing his first book on the Templars in 1862 entitled:
“The History of the Knights Templar from Their Rise to the Third Crusade”. As the title implies, this book covered the period from the rise of the Order in 1119 up until the death of the Grand Master Gerard De Ridefort at the start of the 3rd Crusade. His second book on the Knights Templar was published by Thomas George Stevenson, Edinburgh, in January 1865. He entitled this book: ‘The Persecution of the Knights Templar. He dedicated the book to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh- the Right Honourable Charles Lawson. Haye’s reason for conducting research of this magnitude on the Knights Templar, stemmed from his failure to find any books on the subject in the English language during his intensive researches years earlier; but his ambitions did not end with the publication of his second book on the subject, and he indicated his hope and intention of producing a full and complete history of the Order some time in the future. This author is not aware of him ever fulfilling that ambition, although it seems clear that he had amassed vast amounts of material on the subject. His first book ran to some sixteen chapters, and the later work consisted of twenty chapters over 280 pages along with 4 appendices. The appendices included: St. Bernard of Clairvoux’s letter in praise of the KT’s; a list of Grand Masters; a letter in Latin
Bro. Anthony Haye (ctd) from the Pope to King Phillip of France; and the Bull of Pope Clement V. In his work on those holy warriors, Haye took great pains to differentiate between the Knights Templar and those “holiday Knights” who went to the Crusades for the purpose of “junketing”; before tiring of the enterprise and the risks it entailed, running off back to mainland Europe to seek ill-gotten gains there; leaving the Eastern Christians, Knights Templar and other Religious and Military Orders to:” bear the brunt and suffer
all the consequences of wars they had not provoked and which they deplored”. He clearly had a huge regard and admiration for the Templars; and believed they might have held the Holy Lands for longer.
Haye had an idealised view of the Templars and recent histories in book and film have not portrayed them quite as benevolently; but there is no doubt that the notion of humble warriors fighting for and protecting poor and oppressed Christians, for purely altruistic reasons, would have resonated strongly with this humble Christian Philanthropist and Freemason. Here is the opening paragraph from the first chapter of Haye’s second book on the Knights Templar; which provides an additional example of his treatment of the subject:
“Nine gallant and pious Knights who had taken part in the first Crusade, to protect the poor pilgrims journeying to the shrines of the Holy land, formed themselves in 1119 into a religious and military body. From their residence near the temple at Jerusalem, they were called the Knights of the Temple, or “Templars”. Attracted by their distinguished gallantry and usefulness, numbers of Knights had joined them, so that within a few years after their institution, they became a most powerful confederacy, rivalling in numbers and wealth, the greatest monarchies of the middle ages”.
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There were three completed volumes of twelve issues of the magazine and four issues in a fourth volume, so the periodical was very shortlived. The magazine contained many of Haye’s own works; and also included news from the various Masonic bodies in Scotland, including the Craft, Royal Arch, Great Priory, Royal Order of Scotland and the Supreme Council. Haye was a complex character; a working-class lad from Edinburgh; educated in an exclusive boarding-school, who at an early stage in his life acquired and developed an interest in esoteric subjects - including Freemasonry; who eventually found himself rubbing shoulders with nobility and high-society, but who in his writings, occasionally betrayed what might be described as an inferiority complex; and who in the final analysis, was probably uncomfortable in such rarefied circles. The fact that he apparently felt the need to change his given birth name to something more anglicised or “posh” - Anthony Oneal Haye - is perhaps significant and informative. However, he was undoubtedly a brilliant man, who made an indelible mark on the Scottish Craft, and despite his brief life, left behind a wealth of literature which can be enjoyed for years to come. This writer has only scratched the surface of the life and career of this great man; it is a work in progress, and it is hoped that this biography can be expanded upon in the future. It is a study which could provide rich rewards.
My thanks to Bro. Kenneth C. Jack; Master, Lodge St. Andrew, No. 814, Pitlochry for this updated article.
The Paton Family Connection with 242 William Paton
Hugh
Col. James 19/12/1882
James Sheddon 25/9/1913
David 26/10/1886
William Alex 14/3/1912
George Clazy 19/12/1882
John Sheddon 1/12/1876
George Jnr 26/11/1925
The partial family tree for the Paton family shows the interest in the lodge for two generations (242 members in red). The first to John was the elder brother John Paton followed by his other brothers Colonel James who would become master and George who also helped him run the mill on the death of their father William in 1880, the founder of Paton Ltd. The last brother of the first generation was David who is better know for his line drawings of various places around Johnstone—he was indeed an artist and not involved in the mill. Of the next generation, only James and George’s sons joined. Hugh had moved to Canada at an early age (to work with his uncle on his mother’s side) on the railroads and made a real fortune so much so that Isle Paton (Paton’s Island was named) and contains some of the most expensive property in Canada. John Paton moved to the other family home in Tignbruich with his children while David had no issue. Two questions arise from Col. Paton PM: (a) was he the only master to receive his MMMD while master? I believe so. (b) On 2nd April 1915, he received a PM jewel (and his wife a silver salva) by the PGMRE Bro. Glen—this appears to be the first time one was presented and three years after he was in the Chair. Is this the reason the ribbon was blue and is the only PM jewel with a blue ribbon? Bro. James Sheddon Paton served in WW1 and his letter regarding the Bedford Camp was in September’s Cross Keys. None of William Alex’s sons joined—the final owner of Paton’s Ltd was Roy after a spell in the RAF. Although this only outlines the immediate family, there were many members of the management team in 242, not to mention the vast number of employees of the company. Sadly not even the building is left of this once great Johnstone family that employed thousands of Johnstonians.
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Russian Freemasonry 1790s—1822 In 1796, on the death of Catherine, Paul freed all captive freemasons including Novikov. However, only a year later an edict had been set banning secret societies. Although the Craft wasn’t mentioned, Paul did get all masters to promise that ni lodges would be opened—so they were not banned, just not allowed to meet.
hann V. Boeber as the first Grand Master in 1810.
Paul’s portrait in masonic regalia had been circulated to all lodges, but his membership has never been confirmed. It was generally accepted that he was a mason and often signed letters with “write to me as a brother.” During this period the Rosicrucians were develAfter Paul’s assassination in 1801, Alexander I oping under Alexander F. Labsin, a Russian arisannulled this decree and soon after was initiated tocrat, with Order of the Rosy Cross. Admission into a lodge. New lodges were formed, ‘higher’ into this group was strict. A ‘Scottish’ lodge degree freemasons active under Novikov became called Bethlehem with Labsin in the chair used active again ad the Craft had a new lease of life. the Russian ‘Theoretical Degree’ which mainRussian freemasonry confusing—very simplisti- tained the Russian traditions of the 18th C of self cally, tow main systems worked—the English improvement, philanthropy and Christian mystiversion of three degrees with many young mem- cism. bers and the Swedish system of extra degrees preferred by older brethren. The Craft must have been in a good place—the defeat of the Napoleonic armies with so many high ranking officers being freemasons must have made a positive impression on everyone. Once again another division took place with the formation of the Grand Lodge of Astrea in 1815 (only lasted 7 years) had a more German than Russian outlook and covered the three degrees only. Thus its members were free to search for other degrees with no guidance. However, they deviated to include the English system and also Yelagin’s system. Masonry was beginning to work in opposite directions. Conservative masons dominated Moscow and St. Petersburg, but French masons were increasing and were deemed liberal. The third group were the Swedish Rite masons who were Christian under Lodge Pelican. This later group formed the Grand Directorial Lodge (renamed to Provincial) in an attempt to find unity with Jo-
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Shortly after, another German element in Russia introduced the Schroeder System which has been considered a second period under Alexander. This system was also only three degrees with other degrees being rejected. In 1817, both Grand Lodges signed an agreement
Russian Freemasonry 1790s—1822 (ctd) concerning the mutual relations. By 1824, Astrea had 24 lodges working and the Grand Master was answerable to the Government thus indicating a lack of trust. This might have been due to the huge variation of rituals practiced by its members. This is confusing for freemasons so who knows what the Government thought about it. During this time, much of the old traditional aspects of Russian freemasonry was lost— membership standards deteriorated. The educated and aristocratic were replaced with ordinary middle class who were poorly educated. The national character that Russian freemasonry always had was being replaced as well—the foreign influence due to traders, physicians, teachers, artisans changed the dynamic of many lodges to the point that some degrees were worked in other languages. Membership of Masonic lodges, both in Russia and abroad, enabled Russian noblemen to socialise with foreigners of various origins and to build networks. Already in the 18th century numerous Russians, many of whom subsequently became eminent, are known to have belonged to or visited lodges across Europe. For example, we find Princes Gavriil Gagarin (1745-1808) and Aleksandr Kurakin (1752-1818) in lodges situated in Stockholm, one of the Vorontsovs (it is not clear which) in Warsaw, Mikhail Kutuzov (1745-1813, who would become commander-in-chief of the Russian army during Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in 1812) in Ratisbon, the dramatist Vladimir Lukin (1737-94) and others in Berlin, Andrei Bolotov (1738-1833, the agriculturalist and writer) and Aleksandr Suvorov (1729 or 1730-1800, the future generalissimo of Russia’s ground and naval forces) in Konigsberg, Vasilii Nikitin (17371809) and others in Oxford, Vasilii Lanskoy (1754-1831, cousin of one of Catherine’s favourites and a future Russian Minister of the Interior)
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in Naples and Sergei Pleshcheev (1752-1802, a future writer and vice-admiral) and Aleksei Spiridov (1753-1828, also a future admiral) in Livorno. Unfortunately, some lodges had a revolutionary element and Deputy Grand Master Kushelev (a Lt General and Senator, and one of the ‘old school’) filed a report advising the Emperor that Masonry should be closed down. Not surprisingly on 1st August, 1822 (nine months after the report) Alexander decreed the closing of all masonic lodges in Russia. Sadly Alexander’s successor, Nicholas I, confirmed the decree on 21st April, 1826 and this really finished off Freemasonry in Russia for the foreseeable future. Even the word freemason was erased from dictionaries. As an aside, some of the lodges working the so called higher degrees appear to have continued to function. These ‘Rosicrucian’ or mystical lodges were perhaps not on the Government’s radar as they knew very little about. Indeed, only active freemasons knew much and their activities were always low key to avoid the wrong publicity and wrong type of mason from joining. Bro. Telepneff’s paper at Quatuor Coronati Lodge in London sites three reasons for the downfall of Russian freemasonry: The introduction into Masonry of political aims The admittance of unworthy persons An attempt to combine all masonic systems An edition of the Cross Keys next year will have an article relating to Russian Rosicrucians and the last article will be the situation today.
The Royal Art!!!! After seven years in the making, TriCoast Entertainment and Praetorian Motion Pictures, in conjunction with the Grand Lodge of CA Freemasons, hosted the red carpet, world premiere of Johnny Royal’s enticing and eyeopening feature length documentary, “33 & BEYOND: THE ROYAL ART OF FREEMASONRY” at the Masonic Theatre Grand Lodge of Freemasonry in San Francisco last October. But Friday the 13th was nothing by lucky for the California Freemasons. Director Royal and his celebrated cast left hundreds of Freemasons and non-Freemasons walking out of the Masonic Theatre Grand Lodge of Freemasonry with excitement and anticipation for the film’s nationwide theatrical run which will begin in this month. The director was aksed why a film on the Craft and this was his answer: In 2010, as I was going through the rituals of the Blue Lodge degrees, I felt a calling to share the depth of the emotional experience I had while going through the work. My dad died when I was 14 and I searched for answers and until I encountered Freemasonry, I was looking for answers on spirituality. The film is the hero’s quest and is a love letter to our fraternity. Expanding on the hero’s journey play out in the Masonic traditions, Royal told Stewart, “The idea of the hero’s quest in the film aligns with the thinking of Joseph Campbell. In Masonic rituals we have all of these characters who represent heros and villains. This leads to the idea that we have the individual ability to either be the hero or villain in our daily lives.” With such success, “33 & BEYOND: THE ROYAL ART OF FREEMASONRY” will soon be featured in several cities, including: Nashville, TN, Los Angeles, CA, Phoenix, AZ, Guthrie, OK,
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From left to right: Variety’s Adrian Fulle, Producer Robert Doan, Director Johnny Royal, and Past Grand Master of California Bro. Stephen Doan
Alexandria, LA, Charleston, SC, Philadelphia, PA, New York, NY, Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, and dozens more.
Watch the “33 & BEYOND: THE ROYAL ART OF FREEMASONRY” trailer here:
Lodge Buildings As chairman of the Masonic Properties Committee– a past master of Sunset Lodge No. 369 as well as a licensed engineer, real estate broker, contractor, and attorney – helps hall associations navigate the complexities of property ownership and maintenance. All property improvements of $25,000 or more must be pre-approved by the committee, whose members help hall association managers make well-informed decisions. Committee members offer a wealth of professional experience in real estate-related fields, and unlike private-sector advisors, their professional advice comes at no cost. The Masonic Properties Committee helps mitigate one of the most common challenges of hall improvements: More often than not, the brothers who serve their hall association don’t have formal property management experience. The committee is a resource to help well intentioned lodges meet their goals having dealt with selling property, rentals, dealing with repair ordinances, etc. Last year, Grand Lodge extended the Masonic Properties Committee by introducing new real estate services to help lodges better prepare their property improvement proposals before submitting them to the committee for approval. Lodges can leverage the expertise of Director of Real Estate Services Burt Hirschfeld, who has more than 25 years of experience in real estate services such as these. Peter Cloven, a member of Live Oak Lodge No. 61 and president of the Oakland Masonic Center recently worked with Hirschfeld regarding a complicated lease negotiation. "Burt knew the process," he says. "He came in with open eyes, a clear heart, and no bias. It was really helpful to have a third party come in and give us input. His real estate background was extremely beneficial." "My value comes from serving as a resource for a hall association to utilize as it sees fit," Hirschfeld says. "In some cases, my involvement starts before a plan is developed; in others, I help facilitate applications to the Masonic Properties Committee." Now a year into his role, Hirschfeld has helped many lodges maximize their building’s potential while minimizing risk – acting as a source of guidance and wisdom. Masonic halls have become lodges’ most financially important asset and the future of real estate in California looks bright. In Sacramento and Pasadena alone, today’s Masonic halls have an estimated value well into the millions. Even in rural California, the appreciation is notable. Hartley Lodge No. 199 in Lakeport, for instance, built their modest two-story hall in 1907 for less than $20,000 (a price that would have been signifi-
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cantly less, had the 1906 earthquake not destroyed the half-built structure). In the 1980s, the building was estimated to be worth over $125,000, and today, if the local commercial real estate market is any indication, it is worth closer to $500,000. Despite the long-term value offered by property appreciation, the cost of maintaining a hall has led some lodges to question the need for owning an actual building. When The Downtown Masonic, U.D. opened in Los Angeles, members chose to meet at the L.A. Athletic Club, rather than purchasing a building. Master Chris Holme explains that the fledgling lodge sought "a less burdened approach" to Freemasonry, one in which brothers could focus on the more meaningful aspects of their membership. Holme is not alone. In 2016, Grand Lodge issued dispensations for eight new lodges – the most created in a single year since 1958. Not one of those lodges purchased a building in which to meet. "They are all renters, either from existing Masonic halls or other venues," says Jordan Yelinek, director of member services and lodge development. Still, not many lodges that currently own a hall plan to part with it; the hall experience still looms large in our idea of Freemasonry. "The Masonic Properties Committee are helping lodges that struggle with their hall’s expenses to come up with creative solutions to reduce costs. One is collaborating with another lodge to share the responsibility of owning a building. For lodges with buildings that have been standing for a century or more, it can be very difficult to give up a landmark structure that has long been an integral thread in the fabric of their neighborhood. Registering these halls as historic landmarks is a solution that can yield tax benefits and a sense of security for the building’s future. Ultimately, there is not a "one-size fits all" solution for lodges to determine whether to rent or own the building in which they meet. But, through it all, the Masonic Properties Committee and Grand Lodge real estate services will remain valuable tools for lodges as they navigate the road ahead. What is certain is that wherever good men continue to meet – in familiar circumstances or new ones – the vitality of the Masonic fraternity will endure. Thanks to the California Freemason editor for allowing the publication this article from July/August 2017 by Antone R.E. Pierucci.
The PGM of Renfrewshire East Bro. George Glen died in 1917 and a replacement was sought. On 22nd February, 1917 the lodge read the letter requesting a nomination for a new PGM. As the brethren could not think of a suitable nomination at this time, it was decided that the master consult with other masters and find a recommendation for the next meeting. The office of PGM appears to be different from today where it is part of a natural progression in most provinces although there are many where a new set of Commissioned OBs has taken place. Today, in Renfrewshire East, it is normal for non-commissioned OBs to progress through to Senior Warden unless they do something disastrously wrong, and even then…….
This was exemplified with Bro. William Kirkwood PM 242 who became Depute PGM in 1919 as part of the normal progression of PGL OBs—the Senior Warden would be a later change to make DPGM a Commissioned OB. Bearing in the mind the Province was much smaller than today, it was possible for the PGM to attend every PGL Visit and the Depute was required on very few instances. Another noticeable difference was the minute engrossed in the Lodge’s Minute Book. Unlike today where each one is a carbon copy with a different date and head of deputation, each minute written by PGL was unique to that year and therefore personalised to the master and the lodge.
PGL of Cornwall Welcome to 'Bro. Rowan' Guide Dog and companion extraordinaire at St. Andrew Lodge No.1151 meeting in Tywardreath, Cornwall. As numerous Brethren gathered from across the County for an Initiation ceremony on Thursday this week, the majority of visiting Brethren were met with a very special surprise. Rowan an extremely intelligent Guide Dog who supports his severely sight impaired companion, Bro. Mark Hunter. Rowan is prepared prior to each Lodge meeting in an exceptional manner by Worshipful Brother Mark, who has made him his own unique morning suit complete with Collar, Apron and Jewels. The skills, dedication and patience of both is incredible to watch as a man who is almost completely blind dresses his companion with remarkable sight limited abilities. Cross Keys December 2017
Who Cares? I sometimes despair on where Freemasonry is going as so many Lodges are closing. If your lodge were to close tomorrow, who would know? I suggest that the overwhelming response to this question would be very few, possibly only those directly involved. We could then ask, Why? Why would a lodge that has been there, in some cases for over a century, suddenly not be missed? Questions that come to mind. Are there enough members to hold stated meetings? What happens at those meetings? Is it sufficient to entice a man away from the telly? Are the ideals of Freemasonry being practised? To make a good man better. To learn from the lessons of the Ritual. To delve into the meanings of our symbols. Masonry is not a charity, nor is it a service organization, it has never been. The purpose of Masonry is to make its members better than they were. Our rituals are pretty specific in what we as Freemasons are obliged to do. Help, aid and assist poor distressed worthy brothers, their widows and orphans, treat others as you would want to be treated. What about our tenants of Brotherly Love Truth and Relief? Is relief charity? But charity has an original meaning of
Love generous love. So, masonic charity is to promote love, to all mankind, but more especially a brother Freemason. Charitable giving, is important, and we as masons should give as much as we are able, but, and this is important, charity is not the purpose of masonry, charity is the result of masonry. The teachings of masonry and the type of men it attracts, make charitable giving a natural extension of our fraternity. Should we seek enlightenment? Should we then apply the above to our members, Should we welcome them with generous love when they attend Lodge? Should we programme our meetings to provide interest and learning? Should we make the keeping of our members a priority? Should we not provide information on what we do and more importantly why we do it? Should we not provide a social outlet for them and their family? What do you think? Thanks to Heredom magazine who used this as the Editor’s comments. The lack of replies might indicate true feelings within the lodge.
Rangers Presentation In 1923, one Rangers player was to move onto new pastures after 154 appearances. Tommy Muirhead, the nippy midfielder, was joining the new cash rich team Boston Wonder Workers in the US as player/manager. The Club had arranged to meet in the City Cafe in West Nile Street in Glasgow and Tommy was presented with a “handsome masonic apron together with a wallet of treasury notes.”
horseshoe. Luckily, he didn’t settle and returned after 14 games to re-join Rangers making another 125 appearances. After retiring from Rangers he managed St. Johnstone then Preston North End.
He set sail on the Cameronia for a new life in the States and on the morning of his departure, some fans presented him with a lucky
Bro. Tommy died in 1979 in Helensburgh.
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Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No.XII (February 1874) Bro. Capt. Shanks of the Royal Marines Light Infantry had returned to the lodge after serving his majesty. He was able to continue visiting lodges wherever he served and became master of a Devonshire lodge. He stated “for everyone who understands freemasonry properly, who goes deeply into its teachings must see the privileges conferred upon us at initiation and should ask what can I do for this lodge which has done so much for me?” A refreshing approach indeed, but Bro. Shanks after a long consideration felt the lodge need tracing boards for its instruction of candidates. He then presented the lodge with tracing boards and the master, Bro. Cunningham, asked him to deliver the lecture on the EA board which was done in a most proficient manner. It is believed this is the first time the lecture was delivered in No.X11.
Masonic Orders Mixing
Two distinguished Orders were chosen as a guard of honour—should this become a more common occurrence where more than one Order can attend a function? Since many Orders have an overlapping membership, there is nothing wrong with this idea and it might bring about a better working relationship between them. Why have recognition if we don’t make it Cross Keys December 2017
work for us with other Scottish orders? Many brethren join English orders as they’re not allowed here and it works well. Today, GL would have apoplexy if another brethren wore regalia of another Order in a lodge even for a special meeting. Would it make sense to call off the lodge at that point? I’m sure something could be worked out…..
Another Masonic Hotel Last month had an article about a Masonic Hotel which was owned by a member of the lodge. Once again, New Zealand has come up trumps with another Masonic Hotel, this time in Napier, a small town in Hawkes Bay.
single storey building alongside housing the stables and in 1906 a two storey extension was added. The extension had a promenade roof with an area of 18,000 square feet. It was one of the largest and most elaborate, up to date hotels in New Zealand at that time. In the 1931 Hawke’s Bay The hotel is flourishing today and is very popular Earthquake the Masonic Hotel was destroyed, due to its art deco style. It has an open roof mainly by the fire that followed rather than by promenade (below) and one of the most popular the earthquake itself. There were two main bars with its own side entrance earthquakes thirty seconds apart (right). with the biggest reaching 7.9 on the Richter scale. The first Masonic Hotel was opened After the earthquake a temporary on the present site by Joseph Gill on corrugated iron building was erect14th September 1861. In 1875 the ed to serve the patrons while the hotel was extended to cover the comnew hotel was built. The 1932 Maplete section. On May 23 1896 Masonic hotel was designed by Welsonic Hotel was destroyed by fire. lington architect W J Prowse. It is a The fire bell was not rung until 15 simple symmetrical structure, enlivminutes after the fire started, a little ened only by its elaborate upper stoafter 10pm, even though the fire starey wooden pergola facing the sea tion was within 100 feet of the front of the hotel. Tenders were called for within a and it’s conspicuous “MASONIC” in Deco capitals month of the fire and the Masonic was rebuilt in of red lead light in the canopy at the entrance of 1897 by Mr C Fleming McDonald in what was to the hotel. become the grandest hotel in Napier.
The exterior structure remains basically unThe building was originally three storeys with a changed from when it was first built.
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Royal Albert Hall The Grand Master of UGLE HRH The Duke of Kent meets our Grand Master Mason of Scotland, Bro. Charles I.R. Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont (in thistle green) and the Grand Master of Ireland, Bro. Douglas T. Grey (in blue) at the UGLE Tercentenary celebrations in London on 31st October 2017. From below at the Albert Hall, clearly a very ‘colourful’ show was made. Should the GL of Scotland be thinking of a 425th celebration of the Schaw Statutes (the first real constitutions for the masonic craft) in 2023?
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Sad Demise Unfortunately the scene below is an all too common occurrence today. The from cover this month shows a close up of the entrance to Lodge Union No. 250 in Dunfermline, Scotland. The building is now derelict and boarded up. The lodge has been replaced by a much smaller building to the right of this building. The lodge is over 200 years old and I’m sure the brethren would be delighted to see visitors.
Lodge Coupar O’Fife No.19 Continuing the theme of murals, this fine old lodge has a superb mural in the E of the lodge. It was painted by Bro. Stewart McLaren of Lodge Ladywell No.1474, Tullibody. This cannot fail to impress a candidate when it is seen. Thanks to Bro. Dougie Abercrombie, (below) master No.19, for allowing this to be used.
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Fama Documents In 1614 there was published at Kassel a German text with the title of Fama Fratemitatis, dess Ldblichen Ordens des Rosenkreutzes (The Declaration of the Worthy Order of the Rosy Cross) which had been circulating in manuscript for some time, possibly since as early as 1610. The Fama purported to reveal the existence of a fraternity founded by one Christian Rosenkreuz who lived in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It was said that he founded the brotherhood after acquiring wisdom during a journey to the East. The members of his order travelled around healing the sick and acquiring and spreading knowledge, but always working incognito. When Christian Rosenkreuz died his place of burial was kept secret. But recently, says the Fama, the burial vault has been discovered by the brotherhood, and this discovery heralds the dawn of a new age.
mische Hochreit Christiani Rosenkreutz (The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreuz). In it the narrator, supposedly Christian Rosenkreuz himself, describes his experiences as a guest (not the bridegroom as suggested by the title) at the wedding of a king and queen who dwell in a wondrous castle. The wedding develops into an extraordinary sequence of events in which the guests are subjected to tests of their worth and some are killed and brought to life again during an alchemical operation. Occult imagery abounds.
Soon after the Famathere came, in 1615, the Confessio Fraternitatis, also published at Kassel, but this time in Latin. It repeated the message of the Fama with even greater force, holding out the promise of a reformed world and the overthrow of papal tyranny. Like the Fama it boasted of the exalted and powerful knowledge possessed by the secret brotherhood.
It has been suggested that the founders of the Rosicrucian movement, which was initially ultra-Protestant, selected the rose and the cross because these devices appeared on Luther's coat of arms and/or because they were on that of Andreae. This may be true, but the symbol would not have caught hold in the way it did unless it had an intrinsic power. Nor would it have caused a continued growth around this central mythology.
Then in 1616 appeared a third work, the strangest of all. It was published at Strasbourg in German under the title of Die Chy-
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Although the Chemical Wedding was published anonymously its author was almost certainly a Tiibingen Protestant theologian named Johann Valentin Andreae, who was also possibly the author or co-author of the Fama. The authorship of the Confessio is unknown.
This motif is merely the tip of a very large
Fama Documents (ctd) iceberg of symbolism, a symbolism that is capable of speaking to every age with renewed force, using a language that touches off responses deep within us. Whereas our outer consciousness expresses itself in words, our inner consciousness communicates in symbols, and throughout history man has used symbolic systems of one kind or another - astrology, Qabalah, alchemy, Tarot - to enable his inner self to evolve. These systems are like springs welling up
from some deep reservoir which appears to be fed by the totality of man's experience of himself and his universe. Thus, any profound system of symbology has a universal dimension, through its source; a cultural dimension, through the society in which it flourishes; and an individual dimension, through its effect on the person who receives it.
Christmas Presents Looking for a Christmas present. Then how about a 242 lapel badge? Bro. Billy Ward of Ward’s the Jewellers in the High Street makes these badges which are superb (and discrete). At £40 for a gold badge, they are good value. Alternatively, a masonic token from last month’s article about a local VC winner Bro. Capt. Harry Rankin. This is available from the Mother Lodge directly at: http://www.mk0.com/contact.htm
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Some Nonsense A new series on Netflix starts this month and the photo below is the advert. I’m sure someone somewhere will relate it to the square & compasses formed by the tree and branches. Merry Christmas everyone!!
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Website: http://lodge242.bravesites.com/
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