Cross Keys December 2022

The Cross Keys

The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No.242

From

IncasetheTVisawfuloverChristmas,then havealookatthislink. ItistheLondonMuseumofFreemasonrywhichhasmanyfascinatingvideosofabout2minutes.

Looking for Christmas present, try the company So MoteitBe

MerryChristmasandHappy NewYeartoeveryone!

Grant

Cover Past Principal of an Irish Royal Arch Chapter under Ireland (see P.7).

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

Provincial Grand Scribe E of the Province of Renfrewshire.

Proof Reader: Bro. Allan Stobo

PM of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No. 242 Treasurer 242

January Meetings Thursday 12th MM Degree Thursday 26th EA Degree Both by OBs 7.30pm start Full Syllabus (click here)

Ritual Approach

1. WhereistheVSLopenedinyourlodge?

2. Whyarewardens’columnsup/down(notwhen)?

3. Whatordersofarchitecturedothemasteradwardensrepresentandwhy?

4. Thenumbers3,5and7areimportant whatcantheyrepresent?

5. GivetwoimportantpointsyourememberintheclosingchargeofanEA.

6. Whydowehavesignsandsecrets?

7. Whatmoralsignificancedoyouattachtothechisel?

Now these are straightforward questions with the answers in the ritual. However, if you’re struggling to answer at least 5 then perhaps the procedure of expecting candidates and brethren to sit and listen are not working. Ihavealreadywrittenbeforeabout bite size chunks, Twitter expecting less (although they have increased their tweet length), etc but it is a reality and just saying theyneedtolistenmoresimplydoesn’twork. Howmanyteacherswritein reportsthat pupils should listen more but still fail. Empty words!

However,weshoulddosomething! Itusedto annoy me when I asked a PGL or GL OB a question and he was as knowledgeable as I was whenIjoined. ThenIrealizeditwasthe norm and often the response was “listen to the ritual more carefully.” If it was that simple, why could they not give me a response? Becausetheydidn’tknowtheanswer!

Astimemoveson,ourarchaicritualbecomes even more archaic to younger and newer brethren. Having an archaic ritual in many ways is what the Craft is all about it allows brethrentogototheirlodgeandforgetmuch of the outside world. They can sit with like mindedbrethrenandenjoyaceremonysimilar to one that might have been conferred

wellover100yearsago.

So if we don’t change the ritual what do we do? We have fewer degree meetings (which is not difficult with fewer candidates) but moremeetingswiththeritualexplained. I’m not suggesting lectures as some enjoy these, butmanyhavefoundthemtediousafterlockdown. However, there is most defimiately a placeforlectures.

What we need are more meetings where aspectsoftheritualarefocusedupon perhaps a young OB could recite the working tools in a degree and these are then discussed especially in a modern context. The EA tracing boardcouldbegiven(rarelyheardinScottish lodges today) and again this could promote discussion on certain aspects leading to the layoutofalodgeroom.

The possibilities are endless, but brethren need to take the initiative and put more masonry into freemasons. This was actually the reason why the Cross Keys was started way back in 1994. It’s as relevant now as it wasthen.

February edition will have a follow on aboutrituals.

Meeting in a Cavern, not a Tavern!

Last September 2022, Miles Coverdale Lodge No. 5069 held their regular meeting in the caves at Kents Cavern. Miles Coverdale Lodge previously celebrated its 700th meeting in the spectacular underground setting of Torquay’s prehistoric caves at Kents Cavern on 20 October 2016. The cavern is owned by Bro. Nick Powe, Secretary of Miles Coverdale Lodge. His family have been custodians of the prehistoric cavern for five generations since 1880.

This was a regular Lodge meeting of Miles Coverdale with a focus on promoting the benefits of Freemasonry in general and Miles Coverdale Lodge in particular. Members are encouraged to invite prospective

candidates (£25 per person).

Dining will be an informal BBQ in the gardens following the ceremony. Members of the Lodge, representatives from the Provincial Membership and Mentoring Teams, and Masonic Charity Foundation provided a parallel social event to entertain potential candidates during the ceremony.

New War Memorial, Linwood

Bro.RobertBoyd,master1042,andBro.WillieFlemingPM1042HM242layingawreathattheproposed warmemorialLinwood. Thisshouldbeplacedacross fromTesconexttoCandrenRoad. Hopefully,further newsaboutthistofollow.

The Shanghai Tuscan Lodge No.1027 (EC)

Last April, the article on Bro. Robert F. Gould mentioned Shanghai Lodge formed in 1864 in China then moved to London.

In 1864, there were two English Lodges in Shanghai:

 The Royal Sussex Lodge, No 501, founded in 1844 in Hong Kong and transferred to Shanghai in 1863

 The Northern Lodge of China, No 570, founded in Shanghai in 1849.

This was deemed insufficient, and on 5 March 1864, 16 brethren from these two Shanghai Lodges met and discussed creating a new Lodge under the English constitution.

The meeting took place in the house of W Bro Robert Freke Gould, who then occupied the Chair in The Northern Lodge of China. The Brethren petitioned to institute and hold a new Lodge they called Tuscan.

The inaugural meeting took place on June 18th 1864 at the Masonic Hall in Canton Road. Bro Gould, the installing Master, would achieve fame with his History of Freemasonry in 6 volumes. W Bro Cornelius Thorn, a Past master of the Northern Lodge, was installed as Worshipful Master of the Lodge.

The Tuscan Lodge received its regular warrant from UGLE in February 1865. During its first year, the Lodge supported other English Lodges in Shanghai in proposing the construction of a new Masonic Hall in Canton Road. The total cost for the building was split into 40 shares. Tuscan Lodge took 5 of these shares, which in its first year of existence demonstrates a solid commitment to raise a significant amount of funds in a short

time. It was a testament to the ambition and drive of the founding members to grow and support the local Masonic community.

The ceremony of Laying the Foundation Stone took place on 3 July 1865. It was the last Masonic function Bro Gould would undertake in China.

In the ensuing years, the Tuscan Lodge sponsored the founding of three other Lodges in China and assisted various others. It also lent its support to the China Fleet Lodge of Instruction, which had branches in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Wei Hai Wei.

The Tuscan Lodge kept very busy throughout its existence, especially if compared to present-day standards. It was not rare that over ten meetings would be held in a single year. Records show that some of these meetings lasted for several hours, during which all three ceremonies were conducted. Up to 1914, the Lodge saw an average of seven initiates per year. The steady routine continued after the first world war, with an average intake of five initiates per annum.

Peace would not last very long, and in 1927, China was gripped in hostilities against Japan. British troops were sent to the defence of Shanghai. The year 1932 marked an escalation in the tensions between Japan and China. Masonic activities were disturbed once more. Japanese forces took control of the region in August 1937. Despite the severe restrictions imposed on residents, the Tuscan Lodge held its 75th anniversary on 18 June 1939. A reception and dinner followed the meeting. The brethren and their ladies danced until midnight. December 1941, eve-

The Shanghai Tuscan Lodge No.1027 (EC) (ctd)

rything changed. War was declared on Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbour. Within a year, several Freemasons and leaders of the British community in Shanghai were arrested by the Japanese. They were interrogated, and their families interned. So many masons found themselves in Japanese camps that it is said they managed to rehearse some ceremonies by pretending they were playing a game of cards.

Liberation came in 1945, and those who could, decided to return home. The Lodge didn't meet until June 1946. By then, the membership had fallen from 113 to 77. The political instability led to the Communists taking complete control in 1949.

A significant departure of the foreign population immediately started. Membership of the Lodge reduced further, to the point where it could no longer function. In 1954, the Master of the Lodge, W Bro Dean Barrett, started transferring the Charter to England and later that year, the Lodge met for the first time in London.

There was already a London Lodge with the same name, Tuscan Lodge No 14. As a result, the transferred Lodge was renamed Shanghai Tuscan Lodge at its following meeting in February 1955. Five members were present, and a further 34 brethren from other Shanghai Lodges were elected as joining members on the day.

In 1964, the Shanghai Tuscan Lodge celebrated its centenary with a healthy 102 members. It had recovered well. In 1972, it became a member of the Commonwealth Lodges Association which helps promote fraternity among Lodges that originated from the Commonwealth. In June 1996, the Shanghai Tuscan Lodge hosted the 13th Combined Commonwealth Lodges Festival.

From there, the Lodge has continued to meet regularly, but its membership has slowly declined. So much so that its future became uncertain. The 23 members came to realise that organic growth for the Lodge was implausible. In 2020, they voted to petition the Metropolitan Grand Master to approve the Lodge for inclusion as a member of the UGLE Universities Scheme; this happened in June 2021.

It is hoped that over the next three to five years, the transformation of Shanghai Tuscan Lodge into a formidable and growing lodge of young, enthusiastic masons will come to fruition.

The Shanghai Tuscan Lodge, No 1027 regular meetings are held at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London WC2, in the late afternoon on the 2nd Wednesday of February, October, the 4th Monday in November and 4th Wednesday of May (when the new Master in Installed).

Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ireland Certifcates

The certificate to the right is issued to Royal Arch companions in Ireland. The official description is as follows: upon a tessellated pavement, a Pedestal or Tablet in monumental style, evidently copied from the English “Gloria” Royal Arch Certificates, but much fainter in shading. The Tablet stands upon a base formed of five courses of steps, then a dado course, two courses of moulding, and overtheTabletthereisan Entablature. Resting on the top of the latter is a cushion, on which lies a closed Book, back facing outwards,marked“HolyBible,”overwhichisan equilateral triangle “Rayonnant” with eighteenstreamsoflightissuingfromit,andinthe centre a Sun of sixteen irradiations. Over the foregoing,inasegmentofacircleorcrescent, thelettersI.T.N.O.T.G.A.O.T.U.,andsurmounting all the words “Grand Royal Arch Chapter ofIreland,”thewholebeingframedinaplain border consisting of one heavy and one light line. On each side of the Tablet is an ornamentalpanel,thatontherightterminatingat the lower end with the red Seal of Grand Chapter the panel tothe left terminating in a hexalphawithintwocircles.

Companion James S. Heron’s Royal Arch Certificate.ChapterofLodgeNo.88,Belfast.Registered 22nd January, 1855. Dated 19th November, 1857. The Craft Warrant for St. John’s Lodge, No. 88, Belfast, is dated 1811, andtheRoyalArchChapterconnectedwithit waswarrantedin1848.

ThethreePrincipalsofIrishRoyalArchChaptersarestyledMostExcellentKing,M.E.High Priest and M.E. Chief Scribe respectively. There is a separate installation ceremony for each. The First Principal on retiring from office after his year of service, is entitled to a Past First Principal’s or King’s Certificate. In the 18th and early part of the 19th century the High Priest was the First Principal, and many old Chapter Certificates are extant signedbytheofficers,theH.P.rankingfirst.

The Certificate of a Past King is a very hand-

someone,representinganEgyptiandoorway. We are unable to fix the date of its introduction, but it was probably between 1865 and 1872.

Upon a tessellated pavement, a handsome doorway in Egyptian style, cuneiform opening between two sets of pillars, with human headsunderthecapitals.Onthefrontofcapital to the right, is an interlaced double triangleorhexalpha,andonthattotheleftaMark Keystone. At the foot of these pillars and in front of same, are two Sphinxes, both facing inwardtowardsthedoorway.Thepillarsand walls are ornamented with numerous hieroglyphicsandfigures.Overthepillarsrestsan entablature,ornamentedin centrebyaglobe or egg, on each side of which is a bird with outstretchedwing,andoverthisaswordand sceptre crossed under a crown. Sealed in the centre,underneathpavement,withtheprevi-

Historical Aspects of The Royal Arch Part

ous seal and under the Seal is a space for recipient's signature, marked“NeVarietur.”Thewholeis surmounted by clouds, in which in bold letters are the words “Grand RoyalArchChapterofIreland.” The wording of the Certificate occupies thedoorspace,andisinEnglishonly.

The wording is quite straightforward:

To all whom It may Concern Greeting. These presents Certify that our Excellent and well beloved Companion James C. Cunningham who has signed his Name in the Margin hereof, having been duly Installed, served the Office of First Principal Officer (K) of Royal Arch Chapter No. 22 on our Registry in the Year 1884. Therefore all regular Royal Arch Chapters throughout the World are requested to recognize and receive him as such.

Thenewercertificatesareverysimilaralthoughhadthenewsealbelowinthebottomcentre ofthecertificate(seefrontcoverwhichshowsacertificateissuedin1933).

Early Freemasonry in Belgium

Thispaperwaswritten3monthsbeforethestart ofWW1byBro.FrederickFleemananddelivered to Howe & Charnwood Lodge of Instruction, Leicestershire & Rutland No. 1007(EC) and concludestheseries.

Gould says, ‘The history of Freemasonry in Belgium may briefly be divided into four welldefined periods, every political change of status producing a transfer of Masonic jurisdiction. From the Peace of Utrecht (1714) to the French revolution (1795) we have to deal with the Austrian Netherlands, from thence to 1814 with a FrenchprovinceundertheMasoniccontrolofthe Grand Orient, from 1814 to 1830 Belgium was merged in the Kingdom of Holland, and from 1830 Belgium must be treated as a separate and independent kingdom, under its own Grand Orient.’

In1786theEmperorofAustria&Hungaryissued an edict restricting the Craft to three lodges in each provincial capital of his empire and wholly forbiddingitincitieswherenoprovincialgovernmentexisted.Inconsequenceofthis,elevenlodgesinBelgiumhadtoclose,althoughitisasserted that one lodge each in Maastricht, Liege, Tournai andSpacontinuedtomeetsecretly.Theedictwas in no way intended to be oppressive, but, in May 1786,theEmperorbecamealarmedatthenationalsentimentoftheCraftinBelgiumandclosedall the lodges except three in Brussels. In 1787, anticipating the outbreak of the Revolution in France, he resolved to close even these last lodges.Thisbringsustotheendofthefirstperiod.

Ofthesixteenformerlodgesonlysix,oneeachat Namur, Tournai, Liege, Brussels, Ostend and Mons lived through 1793. With 1795 and French supremacy,theBelgianFraternitycameunderthe jurisdictionoftheGrandOrientofFranceandbetween 1799 and 1813 the Grand Orient warrantednolessthan28lodges.Itisnoteworthythatin 1811 the Provincial Grand Lodge of Heredom in France (Royal Order of Scotland) constituted a Chapter at Brussels and that many of the French higher degrees were introduced. In all respects

the Masonry of this period my be considered identicalwiththatofFrance.

In 1830 the Netherlands separated, and Belgium acquired its independence and the Brotherhood followed in 1832 and 1833 by detaching itself from the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands and forming the present Grand Orient of Belgium which has supreme authority and jurisdiction overtheCraftDegrees.Thereareeighteensubordinate lodges, but the total membership is not recordedoratanyratenotavailable.Theclothing issaidtobe‘ofthesimplestdescription.’

The early history of Speculative Freemasonry in Belgiumclearlyestablishesthefactthatitwasan offshoot like much other present day Masonry of the FirstGrandLodge ofScotland. For justas the Mithraic mysteries were spread in the Roman Empire through travellers, merchants, and especially military men, who opened Mithraea (complexsystemofsevengradesofInitiationand communal ritual meals. Initiates called themselves ‘syndexioi’, those "united by the handshake") wherever they stayed, so Speculative Freemasonry was propagated abroad by British travellers,residentsandofficerswhofoundedthe first continental lodges. This was essentially the case in Belgium, where between 1721 and 1788 many lodges were opened under English and Scottishwarrants.ThelodgeatMons,‘LaParfaite Union’, still in full prosperity (and today) claims to have been instituted in 1721 by the Grand Lodge of London under Lord Montagu, and there isproof,atanyrate,thatthisclaimwasendorsed in the Lodge as early as 1749. Among the lodges which went back to their origin to the Grand Lodge ofEdinburgh therewasone lodge at BrusselsandtwoatTournai.

The new ‘statutes’ adopted in 1769 by the Lodge L’unanimiteatTournaistatethatinMarch1765it hadbeenconstitutedundertheauspicesofH.R.H. Prince Charles de Lorraine, Governor General of AustrianNetherlands,bysomeMasonsbelonging to La Grande Loge de Sainte Andre a Edinbourgh (sic).AlthoughthusofProtestantorigin,theTournailodgewasmuchfrequentedbyRomanCatholic Ecclesiastics in spite of the Papal anathema

Early Freemasonry in Belgium (ctd)

already in full force against Freemasonry. One of itsmemberswastheVicar-Generalofthediocese.

Another lodge, Les Amis Inseparables, later revivedafteralongsleep,wasworkinginthesame city towards 1765. Its true origin remains unknown, but its officers were annually elected on thedayofSt.Andrew,andontherollofitsmembers are two Scottish names, Alexander Gordon andJohnCunningham.

The latter was a Captain in the Dutch forces which at thatperiod garrisoned some of the Belgian fortified towns. He must have been a zealous Mason, as, two years later, he petitioned the Grand Lodge of Scotland to obtain a patent for the creation of a lodge at Namur, where he had apparently beentransferred.Thiswas granted, and there sprang into existence in 1769 the lodge which, in point of antiquity, has precedence, with one exception, over allotherBelgianlodges.

This lodge, La Bonne Amitie, fell into inactivity shortly afterwards, and on being revived in 1777, severed its connection withtheGrandLodgeofScotlandandbecameaffiliatedwiththeProvincialGrandLodgeofAustrianNetherlands.

Amongst the members of the lodge at this time wereH.R.H.thePrinceofSohms-Baruth,aFrench duke, the Burgomaster of Namur, a Canon of St. Martin at Liege, several officers including a Colo-

nel, and finally a score of noblemen, lawyers and merchants.

WhenFreemasonryrevivedinBelgiumunderNapoleonic rule in 1808, the lodge reopened with the assistance of its surviving members who had religiously preserved the old records and swore allegiancetotheGrandorientofFrance. Afterthe fall of the French Empire in 1815 (Waterloo) it placed itself under the jurisdiction of the Grand OrientofHolland.

After the revolution of 1830, which parted Belgium from Holland, La Bonne Amitie passed under the jurisdiction of the Grand Orient of Belgium, which it had helped create in 1832, and where it headed the list as the oldest Belgian lodge, till, in 1898, some documents were discovered which assigned a still greater antiquity to the Parfaite UnionatMons.

Bro. Count Goblet d’Alviella,P.G.M.Belgium,writes. ‘It was specially the time when Belgian lodges meddled with politics, perhaps more than was good for them, and certainly more than would have seemed fit to our Anglo-Saxon brethren. But accountmustbetakenofthedifficultieswithwhich BelgianFreemasonryhastocontend,especiallyin country towns, on account of the bigotry and intolerance of the Catholic Church, which, nearly everySundayintheyear,fromeverypulpitinthe land, hurls thunderbolts at the heads of Freemasons,theirfamiliesandtheirsupporters.

Montgomery Mill

This mill was also known as Biggarts, McGregor and then Peockland Mill and was built in 1796 by Bro. Robert Montgomery PM. The complex occupied both sides of the High Street at the bottom of Thorn Brae. Unlike the bigger mills which were powered by the river Cart, Montgomery Mill was powered by the Peockland burn. Given that the Peockland burn was also the main sewer for part of Johnstone you have to imagine what the working conditions were like!

The trade directory of 1850 shows Bro. George Houstoun and Co as owner and Robert Lang as Manager and residing in Peockland Cottage. It has been suggested that the dentist surgery in Leighcartside Street was the same building but maps of the time cast doubt on this theory. Gerry was going to do some research on this subject but I don’t know if he came to any firm conclusion.

July 1856 sees the mill up for sale again as part of the estate of the late Bro. Houstoun who had died in February of that year. The sale appears to cover only the buildings on the south side of the High street so the fate of the buildings on the North is unclear at this point. Shortly after the sale a newspaper report shows that the “Peockland Wee Mill”

was destroyed by fire. 1868 sees the mill up for sale again, this time the North side. The trade directory of 1870 shows the owner to be David Biggart.

A newspaper report from 1873 shows the mills being extended by Messrs D. Biggart and Son and a newspaper report from 1886 boasts that Biggart’s now has the tallest chimney in Johnstone (200 feet). 1888 sees yet another extension so business must be doing well.

The last mention of the mill I can find is in the 1929 trade directory. I assume it closed shortly after that and Peockland Gardens was built in its place.

I have uploaded an early photograph of Peockland Gardens to compare with the photograph of the mill. You can see part of Loudon’s (same building in both) in the background of both photographs so can get some idea of location and scale.

It was a beautiful building and would have enhanced that end of Johnstone had it survived.

From Johnstone History Facebook page

Mark’s Masonic Hall, Glasgow

ThefollowingappearedintheMasonicNews paper in 1871a bout the new masonic hall at 213BuchananStreetinGlasgow.

tic, and, if possible, improved manner, we find only a paltry, gaudy copy of an Egyptian tomb!

What on earth an Egyptian tomb, or templeeither for that matter, has to do with a Freemasonic-hall 1 know not, more especially the hall of a lodge which prides itself upon being such apurely croft lodge. WeretheSt. John'slodgeintendingtorevive the "Egyptian Masonry" of the notorious Cagliostro, which flourished for a short time about eighty years ago, or to practise the rite of Misraim, or some similar tomfoolery, we might see cause why Egyptian symbolism should be copied, and gilded wooden sphinxes, &c., introduced, but as we understand such is not their intention we must consider their innovationa great mistake.

The response by an unknown author to this articlewasasfollows:

Sir, I observed at P. 492 (above) in your lastnumberanoticeanenttheNewHallofSt. John's Lodge, Glasgow, in which are several mistakes. IamnotawarethatsaidHallreally stands"dueeastandwest,"foruponconsultingalargenewmapofGlasgowIfindthat,as itfrontsBuchananStreet,itmusthaveaconsiderable dip towards the south at the east end. ThenthechairfortheSeniorWardenis atthewestend,notatthe"east;"andthereis no"Grand,”butaJuniorWarden.

However, these are only small verbal errors: the chief point of interest is the Hall and its decorations, which in my opinion, are anything but satisfactory. Freemasonry delights in holding by what it calls "the ancient landmarks,"orestablishedusage these,however, have in this case been discarded, and insteadoftheapprovedemblems,symbols,&c., beingemployedinanable,appropriate,artis-

Eventhemannerofcarryingoutthework is anything but good ; the cornice isallexecuted in paint, and is most unnecessarily broken into in six different places, to the height of about nine inches, by six large ventilators, so shown off as if each one had a large poster on itsbreast with the inscription " I am a ventilator!" Thenasa representationof"chaos,”wehavethecircles ofashooting-target withathunderboltstrikingthebull's eye; and for"light" we find a large yellow gowan, or "sun," about two feet indiameter pasted up against a lot of dirty muslin, alias "clouds," I suppose, the effect being rathermore allied to the ludicrous than the sublime. Somuchformasonic artistic decoration and architectural forethoughtandproprietyinGlasgow!

I sincerely hope that any such sham gingerbread work will not be again attempted in Glasgow. It may perhaps please the vulgar andignoranttoseealotofgaudyflamingcolourstuckupallaroundthem,butanyperson ofgoodtasteissuretobedisappointed.

Theproperplantodowouldhavebeentoimprove upon St. Mark's, just as the old thirteenth-century cathedral builders did upon

St Mark’s Masonic Hall, Glasgow (ctd)

the works of their predecessors: any paltry copying, or attempted revival of an old dead style,isseldomsatisfactory.Wemightaswell go back to the old Egyptian style in the carriageofourgoods.

By Masonicus

St.Mark’sHallwasforgeneralpublicusealthough it was mainly the lodges that used it prior to 1900. One example is the first meetingofLodgeDramaticNo.571in1875.Itwas commonlyknownasthe(St.Mark’s)Masonic Hall although may have been colloquial rather than official. Today, a shoe company occupiesthespotwherethehallwassituatedat the top end of Buchannan Street and as can

be seen, the whole building has been demolishedforthenewshopsandflats.

Office Bearers Duties

Belowisfromthe2005syllabuswhichshowsthedutiesofanOBatthattime.Althoughthe instruction classneverreallytookoff,therest ofthedutiesareasrelevanttodayasthen. I willnotdwellonthesebutforthenewteaminstalledlastmonth,let’shopetheyrelishthese dutiesanddoallintheirpowerforthgoodofthelodgeandtheCraft.

The Significance of the Pomegranate

Recently discovered at Shiloh Excavations were directed by Dr Scott Stripling with an archaeological team has completed four seasons of excavations at the site of biblical Shiloh. Among the finds was a ceramic pomegranate (FC tracing board).

A bit of History

When the Israelites arrived in the land, they set up there the ancient wilderness tent shrine (the Tent of Meeting: Heb. Ohel-Mo'ed). There Joshua and Eleazar divided the land among the tribes who had not yet received their allocation (Joshua 18:1–10) and dealt with the allocation of cities to the Levites (Joshua 21:1–8). Subsequently, Shiloh became one of the leading religious shrines in ancient Israel, a status it held until shortly before David's elevation of Jerusalem. Shiloh also significant because in the bible, 1 Samuel 1–3, the sanctuary at Shiloh was administered by the Aaronite high priest Eli and his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. According to this account, this is the temple where Samuel was dedicated to God by his mother Hannah at the steps.

Sacred Pomegranates

Pomegranates adorned the robe of the high priest who entered the Holy of Holies. (The Holy of Holies is a term in the Bible which refers to the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle where God's presence appeared).

Exodus 28:33-34 Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn (well known to Royal Arch Masons) around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe.

Exodus 39:24-26 They made pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen around the hem of the robe. And they made bells of pure gold and attached them around the hem between the pomegranates. The bells and pomegranates alternated around the hem of the robe to be worn for ministering, as the Lord commanded Moses

It is traditional to consume pomegranates on Rosh Hashana (the first of the Jewish High Holy Days specified by Leviticus 23:23 –32) because, with its numerous seeds, the pomegranate symbolizes fruitfulness. Pomegranate are said to have 613 seeds, which corresponds with the 613 commandments of the Torah. Additionally, Pomegranates are one of the Seven Species of fruits and

grains enumerated in the Hebrew Bible (Deuteronomy 8:8) as special products of the Land of Israel.

When Solomon described the decorations of the first temple we read; And he made the pillars; and two rows round about upon the one net-work, to cover the chapiters that (were) upon the top, with pomegranates; and so he did for the other chapiter.. (I Kings 7:18).

The Pomegranate is a Biblical sign of blessing. In Christian theology, the high priest would have put aside the symbolism of the law on the day of atonement as he entered into the Holy of Holies to sprinkle the blood on the Mercy Seat. Christ blood was the fulfilment of the law!

The pomegranate is a fruit that is made up mostly of seeds and contains very little pulp. Therefore, it symbolizes a fruit with the unselfish desire to grant further blessing in the world without being too concerned with itself and its own needs. That is why it has the "crown of Royalty” at the top. Most fruits are made up of pulp and seeds. The pulp of the fruit is what the fruit uses to sustain and "feed" itself. The seeds of the fruit are what the fruit uses to bring new fruit into the world. The seeds, then, are all about granting further blessing.

In 2018, the team discovered a ceramic pomegranate near a large East/West wall dating to Iron Age I, a period when the tabernacle was in operation at Shiloh. It is believed that this is part of a massive building was from the time of Samuel. Amazingly, the Shiloh Pomegranate was discovered in situ (literally "on site" or "in position) at Shiloh excavations 2018 so we do do have a clear understanding of its origin.

Installation 2022 and 1956

Possibly the most noticeable difference is the lack of PMs in office. Secretary was always a commonofficeforPMs,TreasurerlesssoandAlmonervariedovertheyears. Intheory,ifno one droppedout,it couldtakeover15yearstoreachthechairorlongerwhenit wasatwo yearterminoffice.

Lastmonth’sinstallationhas6PMspluspossiblyonetoactasSDandDoC. Changeddaysindeed.

Another University Lodge

The number of university lodges is increasing many provinicaeshaverealizedwhatarichsourceforcandidates. Bro. Tony Harrison PGM of West Lancs has approved participation of Preston Guild Lodge No. 4408 (EC) in the University Scheme, linking with University ofCentralLancashire. That’sthreeUniSchemeLodges nowinvolvedinWestLancs.

Another Masonic Cruise Meeting

There stood six Master Masons, on the starburst side of a cruise line’s top deck, admiring the spectacle of the moon subduing the sun and the silent glow of the celestial hemisphere overtaking the blazing sky. The scene on this warm September evening reminded the brethren of the previous day’ s lecture regarding ancient Polynesian Mariners.

We learned of their highly evolved understanding of seafaring and superior memorization, resulting from a very unique interpretation of the oceans and constellations. As these marvelled at the sky, praising the ancient mariners for their ingenious deciphering of the heavenly bodies, reality began to permeate. In less than twelve hours the six Brothers, along with three others and their Master, were destined to perform in one of the most memorable ceremonies in Masonic memory.

In the history of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of New York, never has there been reported a Degree conferred at sea. Even as the perils of war raged in our nation’s history, no record exists of any Masonic rituals being performed on a traveling vessel. Such an undertaking would require a unique dispensation from a Grand body. When Most Worshipful William J. Thomas, Grand Master, presented the opportunity to confer the Fellowcraft Degree on a cruise ship, Masons responded.

WM Levent Ozkurt and the brethren of Mariners Lodge 67, First Manhattan District in New York City, an historically seafaring, 188-year-old Lodge, fully internalized the gravity of the situation. For the brethren of Mariners Lodge 67, a Degree at sea would epitomize the very history of their

Lodge and simultaneously pay homage to the resolve and resiliency of their founding fathers. Mariners Lodge 67 was chartered on September 7, 1825 and consisted of Masons from the naval armed services, merchant marines and those involved in other mercantile trades. While there were always Mariners traveling abroad, a Degree at sea has never been recorded in minutes of the Lodge.

With plans for the Degree finalized in early summer aboard the Grand Master’s Cruise 2014, the Brothers at Mariners Lodge 67 met several times a week throughout the summer to rehearse the Degree. On the morning of September 10, 2014 the brethren of Mariners Lodge 67 awoke, assembled for breakfast and reflected upon the fact that the Brothers aboard the Explorer of the Seas that day were about to make a new print in the footpath of our collective history. With the pressure to execute perfect delivery of our respective roles in front of the Grand Line, coupled with the fact that this was the very first performance of the most recently elected and appointed officers of M67, the brethren pushed forward and embraced their destiny.

The Brother Masons from various Lodges, of different ages and creeds, converged for this memorable event and began to trickle into the Caribbean Conference Room on deck 2. With two Entered Apprentices awaiting their fate in the anteroom, WM Ozkurt donned his Captain’s hat and proceeded to seat the Lodge. It felt as if dear Mother Nature was in ominous support of our humble endeavour and did all she could to add special effects to the occasion by giving us the strongest display of winds thus far on the trip, causing the ship to rock furiously back and forth.

Another Masonic Cruise Meeting (ctd)

As the ship continued to sway, the officers assumed their roles and opened Lodge. A highlight of the occasion was when MW Thomas took over the East in the second half of the Degree, Captain Philip-style. MW Thomas looked WM Ozkurt squarely in the eyes and said, “Look at me, I’m the Captain now!” and had the whole room in suspense before we all joined in the laugh.

In addition to the honour of MW Thomas leading from the East for the second half of the Degree, he presented to the brethren of M67 the corn, wine and oil used in the Degree to be kept in their historical archives. Another treat for the brethren present was an impromptu opening of a Grand Chapter of the Royal Arch by Grand High Priest ME Piers A. Vaughan for the purpose of appointing MW Thomas as his Grand Repre-

sentative to the State of Florida. With his newhonourinhandandthesatisfactionofa job well done, MW Thomas closed the Lodge. In true Masonic style, upon reaching the pinnacle of one mountain, we find ourselves at the base of the next. Amidst the celebration and after the congratulatory remarks from MW Thomas, we were immediately made aware of next year’s GM’s Cruise. In 2015 our travels will take us to Alaska and we hope you will join us as the Grand Lodge of NY and Mariners Lodge 67 embark on yet another voyage and further solidify the tradition of the Degree at Sea. Mariners, Haul!

My thanks to Bro. Bill Thomas Past Grand Master of the GL of the State of NY.

242 in c1920

I have used this photo before but it’s worth a reminder as some brethren didn’t see it before. The lodge can be seen with the original lamp past above the entrance. Unfortunately, this was removed (date unknown) which is a great pity. To the right (now the lodge’s car park) was the house belonging to Bro. James Galbraith PM only the lodge and the High Parish Church still exists exactly on the fue lines of Bro. George Houstoun in the 18th Century. All the houses to the right were demolished.

Formula One Lodge No.4168

Prior to becoming F1 Lodge, it was known as Jeanne d’Arc Lodge 4168, however, it would not have been in existence if had not been for the original Jeanne d’Arc Lodge No. 5 of France. No. 5 came into being through the activities and stewardship of a number of Freemasons who were serving with the British Military Forces stationed in the Rouen area during the 1914-1918 war. They wished to form a Lodge in that city and the name was aptly chosen as there are many historical associations with Rouen and British history. No. 5 France was consecrated on the 16th December 1916.

In early 1920, several founders of No. 5 France, when realising they would be demobilised from France and on their return petitioned for a new Lodge to be formed in England. The consecration of Jeanne d’Arc Lodge 4168 took place on the 16th December 1920, which was on the 4th anniversary of No. 5 France.

Jeanne d’Arc supported the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn’s appeal for erecting a new Masonic Peace Memorial and in turn it qualified to become a Hall Stone Lodge.

Due to falling membership and the failure to attract suitable candidates Jeanne d’Arc Lodge decided they would surrender their warrant shortly after reaching their Centenary in the latter half of the 2020. At around the same time a group of F1 and motorsports enthusiasts was looking to form a new special interests Lodge.

Expressions of interest in this special interests Lodge grew rapidly and after initial discussion, Jeanne d’Arc Lodge started its association with this enthusiastic group of motorsport fans.

The brethren of Jeanne d’Arc granted its con-

sent for the Lodge to be ‘Overtaken’ and repurposed as Formula One Lodge 4168. The ‘Overtake’ had a few challenges, namely in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the vibrant energy and harmony of the brethren was remarkable. Formula One Lodge allows brethren to share their passion of F1 and practice their Freemasonry together, whilst maintaining the principles and creating new traditions of the Lodge. 4168 celebrated its Centenary on the 16th December 2020 and will be formally celebrated in 2022.

The lodge meets in Freemasons’ Hall in London with the next meeting being Saturday 12th November interested in attending, contact the Secretary: secretary@f1lodge.com

Ayrshire Young Masons’ Association

History was made in the Province of Ayrshire recently. On June 17th, 2022, the Provincial Grand Master of Ayrshire Brother William C. Steel, officially inaugurated Ayrshire’s first ever Young Masons’ Association.

During the pandemic and after several lockdowns, Brother William Rowan of Lodge St. Thomas Kilwinning Dalmellington, submitted a proposal to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire to have a Young Masons’ Association started in the Province. On returning to regular Lodge meetings in September of 2021 Brother Rowan approached the Provincial Grand Master personally to float the Idea and vision. Brother Rowan said “The idea was born out of an observation of dwindling numbers within Freemasonry in Scotland (and beyond), especially with younger generation of men in a fast paced, ever changing and challenging society.”

After the conversation with the PGM, Brother Rowan was assigned a contingent of younger PGL Brethren to assist and advise on the best way forward for the association, two of whom are now age-related qualified members. With a lot of hard work and fine polishing the AYM association submitted the final draft of their Constitution to the PGL, which was accepted at the February 2022 communication. At the same

meeting Depute Provincial Grand Master and Depute Grand Master of Scotland Brother James Bell proposed a £1000 financial endorsement to help kick start and provide the PGL’s support to the association.

Brother Rowan said “The Provincial Grand Lodge’s buy-in and support is something that I wanted to achieve from the outset and has proved to be fundamentally important. This idea could have been fulfilled without their support, but we would not have been able to achieve the scale, professionalism, and status I had hoped for. The constitution, for example, could have been written on the back of a fag packet and it could merely have been a group of young masons In the province getting together with no formal structure to it, but that was not the vision.”

A working committee of Brethren duly elected from the membership, by the membership was then formed to act on behalf of the association alongside the PGL advisory group. The committee takes the form of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer (trustees) and three other elected Brethren to serve as general committee members (shown). This committee will work hard to provide the association with its road map for future events, Lodge visitations, Educational programmes and Charitable work.

The AYM Chairman, Brother Rowan said “The association will primarily function within three distinct spheres, Social, Charitable and Educational, all the while acting under the auspices of the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the bye-laws of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire. This association, however, potentially has the power to achieve so much more. My hope is that it will also help to retain young members of the craft, increase visitations to Lodges in the province and beyond,

Ayrshire Young Masons’ Association (ctd)

and potentially bring a lot more suitable young men through the doors of our Lodges.”

The Ayrshire Young Masons association was officially inaugurated by the Provincial Grand Master, Brother William C. Steel on June 17th , 2022. On this occasion, the constitution was officially adopted and signed off by the PGM, Chairman and Secretary. The membership received their membership cards and new AYM ties. This was also a fundraising occasion with the theme of a “Gala Night, At the Races” and it was a roaring success with funds being raised in excess of £2000 which will later be dispersed to local charities that are in need.

The Chairman, Brother Rowan said “Our Gala Night, At the Races” was a momentous occasion and tremendous success, that marked history in the Province. The success of this event fills us with hope that there are great things to come from the association in the future. We currently have a membership of over 80 Brethren from twenty-seven Lodges in the Province and that number continues to grow, which is a huge positive. It is our hope to have representatives from all Lodges in due course.”

For further information on the AYM association please use the QR code which will direct you to

their information pack or to get in contact via email at ayrshireyoungmasons@gmail.com.

The Chairman’s closing remarks “We have a real opportunity to make a significant difference in our Province with the new generation of young Freemasons coming through. During my term as Chairman, I want to highlight Masonic education, not only the generic history of our Scottish Craft but delve into such things like Masonic etiquette, walk through the degrees and teach them the knowledge that they might otherwise not get in their Lodges. This might take the form of mentorship programmes, Lectures, and interactional talks from senior Brethren of our Craft. In turn, this might turn out to be a method of bullet-proofing them for their future endeavours in Freemasonry and will hopefully instil in our members a confidence that will encourage them to take up offices in their Lodges. This will not only help them, but the Lodges they belong to and our craft in general.”

My thanks to Bro. Will Rowan for the article.

If you’re looking to buy yourself a present or maybe someone will buyyouone,especiallyintheJubileeyeartry,this:

Buy The Royal Family & Freemasonry by Dr John Hawkins | Shop at Freemason's Hall (shopatfmh.com)

The connection between the Royal Family and Freemasonry has beenapopulartopicofmasonicresearchforover100years,butthis isbyfarthemost comprehensiveandprofuselyillustrated workon thesubjecttohavebeenpublishedtodate.DrJimDaniel,Prestonian Lecturer, 2017 John Hawkins is an independent researcher and authorwithinterestsinart,family,local,masonic,militaryandsocialhistory,havingpublished inmostoftheseareasandothers.

Ayrshire Masonic Bursary

The University of Glasgow used to hold Bursary Exams where the top 100 would received moneyfromtheuniversity. Thesebecameconsiderableandoftenusedforholidaysinrecent times(1980s)bystudents... However,wheninstitutedtheywerevitalandtheProvinceof Ayrshiresupplementedthem:

Kenning Masonic

The forerunner of what is Toye, Kenning & Spencer and alsoGeorgeKenning&Son.

Right Bro.GeorgeKenning

Belowleft thedeportat16GreatQueenStreet

Belowright showroominsidethedepot

Kenning acquired Spencer & Co., during 1947, the original manufacturer of masonic Clothing, which was produced in 19-21 Great Queen Street, and moved his branch in that street, number 17, into 19 -21, whilst Spencerhadpreviously boughtouttheirMetalManufacturing high quality manufacturing supplier, WJ Dingley, basedat77WarstoneLane,intheBirminghamJewellery quarter.

Too Much?

Ihavepostedafewphotosofbrethrenwearingtheextraattachment sleave for their jewels, but this ‘takes the biscuit’ andisunusualasthebrotherisfromaScottishConstitution lodge. There are so many jewels from various orders that hisregaliaishidden. ItisobviouswhyGrandLodgeforbids jewelsfromanyordertobewornintheCraftlodge.

The following is from The Freemason newspaperdatedFebruary1870:

“ThebrethrenoftheLodgeGarthlandSt.Winnoch No. 205 met on Friday evening last week, in the hall of the Eagle Inn (Bro. Robertson's), Lochwinnoch to celebrate their annual festival. The above lodge received its charter of erection from the Grand Lodge of Scotland upwards of seventy years ago (the date being 6th August, 1799) and is now in goodhealthandworkingorder,althoughprevious to about four years ago no meetings for election of office-bearers or initiation of candidateshadbeenheld for a good many years.

The lodge is now revivedbytheexertionsofsomeofthe old members, assistedbybrethren ofotherlodgesresidingin the village; and their labours have been well rewarded by the admission of a good many entrants who will be a credit and honour to the Craft. The following lodges were represented by deputations, along with the brethrenaccompanyingthem:

Bros. Wallace, R.W.M. St. Mirren's 129, Paisley; Oliver M'Gregor, R.W.M. 156, St. Barchan's, Kilbarchan; W. Craig R.W.M. 157 St. John’s, Beith; William Guy R.W.M. 242 HoustounSt.Johnstone;JohnOrrR.W.M.399, Royal Blues, Kilbirnie; C. M'Donald 175 St.

Johns’,Greenock. IntheabsenceofBro.W.C. Patrick R. W. M. of Woodside, whose health didnotpermithimtobepresent,thedutiesof the chair were ably discharged by Bro. R. WylieDM,supportedbyBro.LedgerwoodSM on the right, and on the left by Bro. Gemmell SW.

After the loyal and patriotic toasts were disposed of, the various lodges represented were given from the chair, according to seniority on Grand Lodge Roll and replied to by their respective Masters. The Beith Instrumental Band, most of whom are brethren, was in attendance, and paraded the village during the evening, tothedelightofthe inhabitants.

The following brethren contributed much during the evening to the harmony of the meeting by song and sentiment: Bros. Robertson, Guy, Henderson, Wallace, membersofthebandandothers.Thelodgehaving been closed in due and ancient form, the brethren departed to their respective homes highly satisfied with the evening's entertainment.”

The lodge continues to meet in their hall in the High Street on the 1st and 3rd Monday–September to April, at 7.30 p.m.

San Diego Temple

For half a century, there’s been no missing thestrikinglyModernistScottishRiteTemple in Mission Valley. Now, as the building preparesfordemolition,withaHomeDepotslated to take over the space, Masons are saying farewell to the architectural blast from the past.

With its monumental, angular entry and gabled roof, the temple is a classic example of Googie-style midcentury architecture. Openedin1957asBowlero atthetime,the largest fully automated bowling alley in the country the 64,000-foot space initially had 55bowlinglanes,plusacocktailbar,arestaurant and kitchen, offices, a pool room, and a beauty parlor. The bowling alley only lasted until1964,whenthebuildingwassoldtothe San Diego Scottish Rite, which has occupied thespaceeversince.

The Googie aesthetic was a short-lived architectural style defined by bright colors, oversize signage, and exaggerated or abstract shapes typical of the dawning space age. Intended to catch the eye of passing motorists,

Googie elements were most prominent in roadside establishments like restaurants, gas stations,motels,andcoffeeshops.(Thename references the 1949 Los Angeles cafe Googies.)

Now the Mission Valley site is getting ready for a new phase of life. In May, San Diego’s City Council approved plans to demolish the originalbuilding, which willbereplacedbya HomeDepotstore. Aspartoftheplan,anew two-story, 40,000-square-foot temple will be constructed nearby giving the Scottish Rite much-neededrentalincomeandamoremanageable footprint of its own, representatives say.[Good news in the long term:Ed]

Asforlamentingthelossofsuchadistinctive piece of midcentury style, there’s some good news: Developers say they have every intentionofretainingtheGoogiestylinginthenew façade.

Thanks to California Freemason magazine November 2021

Theaboveexcerptshowsboththelodgeandchaptermeetingthe1stand3rdFridaywhereas today it is the 2/4th and 3rd Thursday respectively. The other thing to note is that the lodgemetoncepermonthuntilthemaddaysofthepostwarerawhenitwentintooverdrive tomassproducemasons!

Follow Up on 3bis Jewels

LastSeptember,therewasanarticle about unusual jewels from LodgeSt.JohnNo.3bis.

It would appear that these are members’jewelsbutwhethereverymemberreceived(orbought)a jewelisunknown. Thesymbolism at the top certainly indicates the lodge’s antiquity from before the Craftwasde-Christianisedearlyin the19thCentury.

Thanks to Bro. David Jack RWM 3bisfortheinfoandJanuary2023 toseethecharitybox.

Masonic Hotels

In Nelson at the top of the South Island in New Zealand was built of wood in 1850 but was destroyed by firein1867.Itwasreplacedbyatwo storied brick building. The Masonic Hotelwaslaterdemolishedin1955. Hotelshownin1902.

A further 140 kilometres up the North Island is the city of Palmerston North. The Masonic Hotelwasbuiltin1893,onthesiteoftheformerPalmerstonHotel.

The building has been extensively renovated butremainsanhotel,withbarandaccommodationasseenbelow. AnotherintheBayofPlentyisbottomeleft.

TherearesomanymoreinNewZealandwith theHarashimMagazineofMarch2022showingthemall.

Where is this lodge? It has a splendid engraving above the doorway.

THE FREEMASONS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE, NOV. 16, 1861

To help contain loss and damage from everpresent fires, in the 1700s and 1800s many city dwellers formed groups in which members agreed to help each other extinguish fires and protect property. Bro. Zachariah Stevens, the owner of this bucket, belonged to the Masonic Fire Society of Gloucester, Massachusetts, a group which drew its membership from area Freemasons. Marked with Stevens’ name, this bucket could be easily returned after it had been used to help put out a fire. Over the years, masons have emblazoned anything and everything with symbols.

Right: Knight of the Orient apron which dates from the 18th century is on a leather.

The painting Le combat des Amazones by Rubens, dating from 1617, was the source of inspiration for the creation of this decor. Rather unusual and possibly a one off.

I had two objectives when writing this book; thefirstwastoconsidertheroleoftheRoyal ArchDegreeinFreemasonryasthelastofthe Blue Degrees, and secondly to explain the ultimate spiritual exercise of Daoism, which closelyalignswiththeThirdDegree.Because ofitsspiritualcontent,itwasdecidedtoseparate it out from the explanation of the Third Degreein“Freemasonry:QuestforImmortality”

The book is divided into three sections.Thefirstgivesthehistory and importance of the Royal Arch Degree to not only the Blue Lodge, but also the Scottish and York Rites. It is shown how the ritual corresponds to the secrets of Trinitarianism. Also introduced are several“ChineseMasonic” rituals,andhowtheycametobe.In thesecondsection,theremainingSignpoststhat werenot explained in “Freemasonry: SpiritualAlchemy” becauseoftheir spiritual nature, are explained togetherwiththeArcanaoftheThirdDegree. Another important subject is what Freemasonsofthedaywouldhaveunderstoodabout spirituality, especially given the watchful eye of the Church. What we find is that the Churchitselfwasunabletoexplainmanymiracles that still occurred in the 1700s, and triedtohidetherealityfrombelievers. In the third section, a secret Daoist teaching is explained in detail and is shown to be re-

markablysimilartotheritualoftheThirdDegree. The newly perfected Master Mason has experiencedhisimmortalselfandlearnsthat thisisjustthebeginningofanastoundingadventure, which was explained to a professor attheUniversityofOxfordbyaChinesemandarinandcandidateforordinationin1687as givenin“Freemasonry:InitiationbyLight.”

The four books of the Spiritual Freemasonry series show the objective of the early Grand Masters, they were not concerned with teachingmorality,thisisaVictorian idea, what they wanted to show was that “Freemasonry at its core is a search for immortality.” The First and Second Degree rituals are just preparatory work for the transformation that occursintheThirdDegree,but even more than this is the work that the Master Mason mustdoonhisown.TheThird Degree is not the end, it gives theMasonthetoolstoachieve great things, if he has really understood the degrees. The ritual is both simple and profoundlydeep,thisisbecauseofthesteganography that was employed when it was written. In conclusion, I hope the Brethren will reevaluate the Degrees for the remarkable esotericathattheyare!

Perhaps with Christmas approaching, one or allfourbookswouldbeagreatpresent!

Christopher J. Earnshaw PhD 33° is a British Citizen living in Tokyo and author of the “Spiritual Freemasonry” books. He is a Past Grand Historian, Grand Lodge of Japan, Past Master of the Research Lodge, Grand Lodge of Japan, Scottish Rite 33° IGH, Past-Chairman of Education Committee, recipient of the Order of Merit, Grand Lodge of Japan, for educational activities and a Past Master of Sinim Lodge, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

Social Media Links: Spiritual Freemasonry videos: http://youtube.com/c/spiritualfreemasonry Twitter: @AuthorEarnshaw: https://twitter.com/AuthorEarnshaw Podcasts: Freemasonry in 7 Minutes or Less: https://anchor.fm/earnshaw-christopher Website: http://chris-earnshaw.com

Festival of St. Andrew

At the Festival of St Andrew last month, The Grand Master Mason, Brother William Ramsay McGhee, presented Adam Gaines, director of Prostate Scotland, a cheque for £1.125 million on behalf of Scottish Freemasons.

The money, raised over a 10-year period, has already begun to make an impact on men with Prostate Cancer. Adam Gaines said: "This very generous donation enabled us to complete an appeal to raise funds to help bring about robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery in the east and west Scotland. The £126,000 raised by Freemasons who completed a zip slide in 2016 was specifically used to pay for robotic surgical equipment. This form of surgery is the most advanced technique available and already a few thousand men have been treated in this way."

Bro. McGhee added: "I would like to thank each and every one of the Scottish Constitution Freemasons at home and abroad who have worked so hard for more than 10 years to raise this magnificent sum. WearenowalmosttwothirdsofthewaythroughtheInstallationsandthevastmajority have been very well attended Brethren are once again keen to get out and enjoy theirmasonry.

AswemoveintoDecemberandapproachthefestiveseason,canIextendaninvitation to all brethren and their families to join us at our Carol Service on Sunday 18thDecemberinMaxwelltonRoad,Paisley,6pmfor6.30pm.

TheservicewillbeconductedbyBroGeorgeE.PaulPGChaplain;tea,coffeeandmince pieswillbeservedaftertheservice. MayIalsotakethisearlyopportunityonbehalfof PGLtowisheveryone,aMerryChristmasandaprosperous2023.

On Sunday 13th November the brand new master laid a wreath at the Johnstone War Memorial supported by many brethren. This was Bro. Alistair’s first official duty since the installation on Friday.

Ronnie PGM

PGL Renfrewshire News

Hurricane Ian

I’msuremanybrethrenhaveheardaboutHurricaneIanacrossFloridaandthesurrounding areaalthoughamnymaynotasitdidnotreceivemuchcoverage. However,thedevastation wasshockimgwithmanypeople(andbrethren)losinghousesorhavingseveredamage. One such lodge with some damage was Fort Myers Beach Lodge No. 362. There was significant water damage and the floors are covered in mud. Water made it about 1 foot up into the buildingsoitisnecessarytoopenthewallsandripouttheflooringbeforemouldsetsin. Beinghigherupthantheroad,thelodgewaslucky,ifthat’sthecorrectterm. Withpowerback on after 5 days, the building was “fogged” with mold prevention, and antibacterial. Damage couldbearound$100,000.AcrewoflodgeBrothersasdoneallofthework. Atleastseven brothershavelosteverythingtheyownedandallhavebeenrelocated atleasttheyaresafe.

BrethrenfromtheeastandalsoGrandLodgeprovidedfoodandwaterinTropicalLodgeNo.56tohelptowns. Manybrethrenunloaded the supples and distributed them to the waiting cars. This went on for about week as more food distribution sites opened up. Noah LodgeinNorthFortMyersandTheLodgeonPuntaGordabothlost theroofs.

Thebeforeandafterontherightgivesabetterindicationofthedevastationwithover100deaths. Outthoughtsarewiththemanyfamilieswhohavebeenaffected

Installations

It was great to see Bro. Willie Fleming PM 1042 Honorary Member242beinginstalledastheProvincialGrandMasteroftheRoyalOrderforGlasgowandtheWestofScotland on31stOctoberin theTradesHall.

The Royal Order of Scotland is one of the most historic Orders withinFreemasonryandcantraceitsregalrootsbacksevenhundredyearstoRoberttheBruce.

Congratulations to Bro. Alistair Griffiths as the new master of242. Theinstallationtookplaceon11thNovemberwith over 80 in attendance. Congratulations also to Bros. David BlackPMandAlexStoboPMSecasinstallingmasters.

OnSaturday12thNovember,theknightsofSt.GeorgeConclave No.79inPortGlasgowattendedtheGrandImperialConclavein PerthtowitnessthenewIntendantGeneralofStrathclyde,VIll Kt Grant Macleod, being commissioned. This was unusual in that he was taking over from V Ill Kt Ken Blackie, both from 242.

The Installation of Bro. Des McCulloch PM into the chair of Lodge Captain Spiers No.791 took place last month with a super turn out from his Mother Lodge as shown.

Michael Campbell RWM at schiehallion@gmail.com