The Cross Keys February 2021
The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No.242
Cross Keys February 2021
Number 234
From the Editor How often do we hear about brethren falling away from their lodge, perhaps to another Order or just walking away completely. Feedback shows that the most common causes for disharmony are arguments and politicking among members, the existence of cliques within lodges, and the generational divide between young and old. We must address retention—a smaller number of candidates is a return to the norm, but we must keep brethren. Any ideas brethren? I would be delighted to print them. Grant Cover—the ceiling of Kenton Lodge No. 145 in Portland, Oregon, USA (see page 20).
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: 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 21 22 23 24 25 26
Lodge Buildings Why 3 Degrees? Ben Franklin’s Funeral Cartside House Royal Arch Timeline Aboyne Lodge History Masonic Boys’ School Dr Archd Cameron of Locheil Masonic Miscellany First Masonic Jewels Royal King Lesser Known Mason Ritual: Myth or Magic? How many Grand Lodges? Is there a need for other Orders? EA Tracing Board Kenton Lodge No.145 (Oregon) Masonic Coin as Legal Tender GL/PGL News Table Lodges
Lodge Buildings The following is abbreviated from a 1960s paper by Bro. Dwight Smith Past Grand Master of Indiana: I have no patience with the fenced-in concept of Freemasonry which seizes upon one facet of our Craft and magnifies it out of proportion to its importance. The beauty in a mosaic is in the whole —not in a single, tiny, irregular piece of colored glass. That is the picture we should be always seeking to convey to our candidates and our Brethren. When our single-track minds are able to see in Freemasonry no more than a temple or institution, or a service club whose members wear aprons, or a vehicle for raising funds for someone's pet hobby then we are failing in our job. The history of one Lodge in particular haunts me. During years in which membership averaged about 45, their expenditures for local Masonic relief ranged from $10 to $25 per month —and that, in those days, was a sizable sum. But they did the work of Freemasonry in the community. Then the fat years came. They erected a large temple, and settled down to decades of sleep. Nothing worth mentioning has happened since. Now do not try to tell me the neighbourhood deteriorated, because it has not. And do not try to argue that if the Brethren just had a parking lot, and air conditioning, and no steps to climb, all would be well. It isn't that simple. The unpleasant fact is that the real Lodge died three-quarters of a century ago—only the dry shell remains. It died because the Brethren were interested only in material Things, and when they achieved that which they coveted (ie. their building), there was nothing further to do.
For however pleasant and attractive a new building may be, it guarantees nothing. I have seen temple building projects which served as an open door to renewed interest, activity and zeal, and which gave the Brethren a new conception of the work of Freemasonry. And then I have seen the Brethren nestle down in their comfortable new quarters do nothing except pay the insurance premiums, watch for roof leaks and see that the walls were repointed.
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Most lodges met in rented quarters (ghastly thought!) above the hardware store, with no air conditioning and no paved parking lot. But does it ever occur to us that those modest physical facilities may have had a direct relationship to the prestige and effectiveness enjoyed by the Craft to an extent that never has been equalled? Perhaps the Lodge was doing the work of Freemasonry in those days and not pouring all its energies and substance into the maintenance of a costly plant. A materialistic Freemasonry is a Freemasonry with no message, no challenge, no power. It is our own fault that we have gone overboard for materialism. We tell our Brethren how Freemasonry's grand design is to erect a moral edifice within the heart of a man, and then we assure him that all he has to do is to write a check and that will discharge his personal and charitable obligations to the Craft. Bro. Conrad Hahn states: "The more we have organized Masonic groups and activities, the more we have institutionalized our benevolent projects and charity, and the more we have set up programs and criteria for evaluating them, the more concerned and disturbed we seem to become over the results of our fraternal activities. May it be that we have concentrated our energies so largely on things, on the means for achieving our goals, on techniques rather than ends, that we have bound up the true spirit of Freemasonry to the point of ineffectuality?" Beautiful buildings have not solved our problems; they have only created new ones.
Editor: How many lodge building were erected in the west (and possibly the whole central belt) of Scotland between 1900 and 1920? A great many and today they are causing major financial burdens on lodges to the point that it’s now their major focus. How many lodge histories talk more about the new builds than about what the Craft really is. The materialistic view is difficult o leave, but we must if we want freemasonry to return to its original philosophy and that can be achieved by brethren thinking not about what they get out the Craft, but what they can do for the Craft.
Why 3 Degrees (or not 1)? Initially the Craft was actually two degrees until about the 1720s. The reasons then were straightforward—the first was for young apprentices and the second for more experienced stonemasons who would be paid more and had more privileges. A second degree was necessary to ensure payment was done properly. The third degree has often been stated as an extension to the two degrees becoming too large. For example, this has merit in that the fpof used to be in the FC. However, three degrees followed universities with a Bachelor, Master and Doctor. Unlike today, where it is possible to do a doctorate without a bachelor’s degree if you pay your money (applicable only in the last 15 years in many subject areas, science, medicine, law being exceptions in many universities as previous knowledge is essential), the Craft continues to ensure candidates must progress through each degree. William Hutcheson published his Illustrations of Masonry in 1775 based on three degrees where the EA represented the duties of morality, the FC the rational and intellectual powers and the MM was to contemplate God and the important lessons on how to die. More fully, each degree can be described as:
Perhaps the three degrees have appeared due to the length of the EA/FC, but it’s unlikely. Many lodges could do three degrees in one night still finishing at a good time. The MM was amended over time by brethren such as Hutcheson and William Preston who added charges and lecture to make it the rich source of ritual today.
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Bro. Benjamin Franklin’s Funeral Most brethren recognise Bro. Franklin as one most influential Founding Fathers of the United States, but many do not realize that he was also a freemason. In 1731, he joined the Lodge of St. John in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and helped to create the bylaws of his Lodge. By 1735 his hard work and dedication led him to the highest rank within the organisation: Grand Master. That year, he also published the first Masonic book printed in America, The Constitutions of the Free-Masons, which was produced in Philadelphia. Devoted to Freemasonry, Franklin remained an active member for over sixty years until his death in 1790 at age 84. In 1776, he was sent to Paris to serve as America’s diplomat to France. In France, he joined and became the Master of the Nine Sisters Lodge in Paris. brethren will Lodges (another story before forming the be aware that Bro. Ben Franklin was a very current United Grand Lodge of England). The active freemason. Moderns were brethren of a higher social standing and counted the more prominent Despite being a Past Grand Master, no mason- men of Philadelphia with political power. ic lodge took part in his funeral although indi- The new Ancient freemasons of Philadelphia vidual masons might have been part of the were more popular, open to more and adapt20,000 who watched the procession. The able. lodges of Philadelphia ignored the event completely because of institutional changes over When he returned from England, as a Modern the past 50 years while Bro. Franklin lived freemason he was not able to enter any Pennabroad. sylvanian lodge—in other words, the Grand Lodge he headed had ceased to exist. Unless During this time, a new set of men began to he converted (probably by joining as if he run the Craft in Philadelphia who were more was a gentleman from the outside world), in line with the new Ancients affiliation in this couldn’t change. As he was elderly, he England rather than the Modern of which Bro. was not likely to join! Franklin had been. This was related to the English dispute of the Grand Lodge dividing Sadly, they did not recognise him and they to become the Ancients and Moderns Grand did not attend.
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Cartside House Over the years there have been a number of articles about the Houstoun family in which the lodge has been named after, in particular Bro. William Houstoun, the first master (at least on paper). By that, I mean he must have attended the inaugural meeting, but did not attend anything thereafter. This was possibly due to a number of reasons including his attempt at building the canal from Glasgow to Ardrossan through Johnstone which ultimately failed when the railways took over House in December, 1875. Around 1877 the transport. paper manufacturer Peter McLaurin moved into the house with his family. McLaurin in The original mill partnership, Houstoun, 1849 had founded the Glasgow firm Smith Burns and Company, was dissolved with the and McLaurin, which pioneered the manufacdeath of Bro. George Houston (member of ture of gummed paper. In 1869 he had purGlasgow Kilwinning No.4 & 242) in 1815, and chased the Houston’s Cartside Cotton Mill, the mill, house and 19 acres of Cartside be- which he converted into a paper mill to procame the responsibility of his second son duce a wide range of paper products – William, who operated the business as gummed tape, pasteboards, cardboard and George Houston and Company. Bro. William label cloth paper suitable for envelopes and Houston (1781-1856) lived in Johnstone Cas- books. tle with his elder brother Bro. Ludovic (affiliated to 242 in 1811), who had become After Peter McLaurin’s death in 1909 one of laird in 1815, before moving to Cartside his sons, Duncan McLaurin, returned to join House shortly after his marriage in 1845. His his brothers in the family business. He was elder son George Ludovic Houston (not in the living at Cartside House in 1914 with his widCraft), who was to succeed his uncle as laird owed mother and his brother Alexander. In of Johnstone in 1862, was born at Cartside in 1931 Johnstone Town Council, driven by the 1846, Houstoun extended the mill, making an housing needs of the Burgh, acquired Cartaddition in 1825 which nearly doubled its side House and the grounds for housing, and size. the following year extended the burgh boundaries to include the property. Five Cartside House, with about 8 acres of polices, years earlier it had purchased neighbouring was regularly leased out. From 1862 it was Linn House and policies, and now brought occupied by the Glasgow East India merchant forward proposals to build 220 houses for Archibald Glen. Following losses in his busi- over 900 people on the joint 32-acre site. ness with Singapore, Malaya and the Phili- Cartside House, which had stood at the juncpinnes, Glen went bankrupt in 1874 with lia- tion of Cartside Avenue and Beach Road, was bilities of £150,000, and died at Cartside demolished soon after. Cross Keys February 2021
Biblical Timeline for the Royal Arch My thanks to an anonymous English brother for sending this timeline which puts things in order and makes some of the degree clearer. The dates are rounded to make them easier to remember, should you want to; personally I find it easier to box things with numbers, but that’s my job!
Event
Significance to the RA
4000 BCE
Creation – the symbolic or figurative date representing creation.
Genesis: ‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep’. The first words of the Book of Genesis.
2000 BCE
Abraham leads the Jewish people from Babylon to Canaan (later Israel); the ‘Promised Land’.
Genesis later outlines Abraham’s journey of some 600 miles, from Ur to Canaan. Based upon God’s Promise of ‘land that I will show you’ and of one day being a ‘great nation’; hence the ‘Promised Land’.
1750 BCE
Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, (who Jacob’s 12 sons and grandsons became the later changed his name to Israel) and patriarchs of the 12 tribes of Israel which are his 12 sons move to Egypt because represented by the Banners in the Chapter of the famine in Canaan.
1500 BCE
Moses leads the children of Israel out of captivity in Egypt. It takes 40 years for them to reach the Promised Land; then known as Canaan and later to be called Israel.
Moses, Bezaleel and Aholiab build the Tabernacle in the wilderness of Sinai at the foot of Mount Horeb. We refer to it as The First, or Holy Lodge.
1000 BCE
Solomon, son of David, builds the First Temple with help from Hiram, King of Tyre and Hiram Abiff.
Solomon, Hiram King of Tyre and Hiram Abiff build the Temple during which the genuine secrets are lost due to the untimely death of Hiram Abiff as explained in the Third Degree in the Craft. We refer to it as The Second, or Sacred Lodge.
500 BCE
Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon This is the specific event which forms the conquers Israel, destroys Jerusalem foundation of the Royal Arch story and is a and with it Solomon’s Temple. The major theme in the Ceremony remaining Jewish people are taken captive into Babylon.
70 years later
70 CE
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Cyrus King of Persia defeats the Babylonians and lets the Jewish people return to their native land to rebuild the Temple. Zerubbabel, Haggai, and Joshua lead the Sanhedrin in supervising this work.
Zerubbabel, Haggai and Joshua preside over the building of the Second Temple. This is the backdrop for the Exaltation Ceremony, in which the genuine secrets of a Master Mason are found by the Sojourners. We refer to this as The Third, or Grand and Royal Lodge.
Herod’s Temple is destroyed again by the Romans.
Brief History of the Craft in Aboyne Freemasonry comes in a number of different forms, including Craft Masonry, Royal Arch Masonry and Templar Masonry. All three varieties existed in Aboyne during the 19th Century. George, 5th Earl of Aboyne (and from 1836 9th Marquis of Huntly) was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1802. At least from 1808 there was a Masonic Lodge in Aboyne and Lord Aboyne was the Master. He was still fulfilling that role in 1820. The Royal Arch Lodge existed from a similar date. This variety of Masonry is considered to be complementary to Craft Masonry in that it deals with man’s spiritual nature, as distinct from the more practical matters. In 1818 there was a merger between two Templar Encampments, the St George and the Aboyne to form the St George Aboyne Encampment. However, this Templar Encampment seems to have been an Aberdeenbased organisation, in spite of its name. In 1919 over 100 Masons assembled at Aboyne to celebrate a Masonic Centenary but precisely what centenary is unclear. In 1824 a Masonic Hall was built in Aboyne. It is likely that it was owned by the Aboyne Gordons as part of their Aboyne estate. A notice was placed in the Aberdeen Journal on May 1826, offering the “spacious and elegant hall belonging to the Aboyne Lodge of Masons” for let for a year from June. However, in December of 1826 the Lodge held its AGM in “their Hall”, with a Ball in the evening, so perhaps no let was obtained. In 1827, another notice offered a “large commodious house in the Village of Charleston belonging to the Charleston of Aboyne Lodge of Freemasons will be let for 1 year from Whitsun first and will be let for 1 year from Whitsun next.” In 1828 it was again offered for let “Mason Hall with 8 rooms a small garden and pump well. Well worth the attention of a innkeeper or merchant.” The Aboyne Lodge of Freemasons appears to have run a friendly society for its members from at least 1828, because they agreed a resCross Keys February 2021
olution in that year to dissolve the society and to distribute the assets amongst the members. The dissolution appears not to have occurred because in 1844 dissolution was again moved but was defeated. Again the matter was considered in 1845, when it appears that the scale of benefits was reduced. The option of dissolution was further discussed in 1846, 1847, 1867, 1868 and 1873, when the Society was finally discontinued on and from 1 November. For some years expenditure had been higher than income, though at the time of dissolution there was a sum of £560 available for distribution to members. For much of the 19th century, the Freemason lodge at Aboyne was dominated by the Aboyne Gordons. George Gordon, 5th Earl of Aboyne and, from 1836, 9th Marquis of Huntly, was involved in a senior role, probably from its inception about 1816 until his death in 1853. His position was initially “Master” but was referred to as “Patron” from 1837, when his son, Charles (then Earl of Aboyne but after 1853 10th Marquis of Huntly) was elected to the position of RWG Master. In 1844 two other aristocrats became involved, Hon C.C. Cavendish and Lord Hallyburton, both took on the title of Honorary Master. About 1854 Charles Gordon, 10th Marquis of Huntly, was also elected as Provincial Grand Master Mason for the West of Aberdeenshire. He held the titles of President and Master of the Aboyne Lodge in 1856. After 1863 when the 10th Marquis of Huntly died, Lord JF Hallyburton assumed the role of Master and President. Lord Douglas Gordon, MP, a younger brother of Charles Gordon, 11th Marquis of Huntly MP appeared on the scene in 1877 and in 1879 assumed the role of master dying in 1888 at the age of 36. Charles Gordon, the 11th Marquis of Huntly, assumed the marquisate in 1863 at the age of 16 but he appears never to have had any interest in, or involvement with the Freemasons. After the passing of Lord Douglas Gordon, the Aboyne Lodge appears to have been led by non-aristocrats, starting with Duncan Calder in 1888, followed by Adam Burgess in 1890.
Brief History of the Craft in Aboyne (ctd) The Farquharsons of Invercauld were similarly associated with the St Nathalan Lodge in Ballater. In 1893 “the young laird” of Invercauld was initiated into “the mysteries of the Masonic craft”. His father had been master of the St. Nathalan Lodge for many years. For much of the 19th Century the Aboyne Lodge of Freemasons, No 281, coexisted with the Royal Arch Chapter, No 57. There seemed to be large overlap of membership between the two masonic lodges. In 1853 Lord Hallyburton was the most senior member of the Royal Arch chapter and carried the title “Most E, Principal Z”. The 10th Marquis of Huntly was an adherent of both Craft Masonry and Royal Arch Masonry. For more than 20 years he was Provincial Grand Master of Aberdeenshire (West) and for a similar period he was Provincial Grand Superintendant of Royal Arch Masonry for the whole of Aberdeenshire. Other office-bearers were also members of both codes. The Craft Lodge at Aboyne held its AGM on, or close to, St John’s Day, 27th December, preceded about a week earlier by an initiation meeting for new members. In the times of the 9th and 10th Marquises of Huntly, the AGM was associated not just with the formal business of the Lodge, such as examining the books and electing officials for the coming year, but also with pomp and ceremony, drinking and eating and, accompanied by partners, dancing the night away. The report in the Aberdeen Journal of January 1838 illustrates these features very well but also the sycophancy that tenants felt obliged to exhibit towards the laird. After the election of officers and the examination of the books, “The Lodge then walked in full procession to the Castle of Aboyne and were received by their Noble Patron, the Marquis, in a manner which will be long remembered; no sooner was he appraised of their arrival, than a copious supply of real “Lochaber” was served round, and quaffed to the health of the noble Cock of the North. With his usual condescension, the Marquis accompanied the bretheren to their hall, when another bumper was dedicated to his health, with three times three and Cross Keys February 2021
all the honours of masonry. His Lordship returned thanks; and in the evening the ball commenced, and was kept up with great glee – the Marquis, as usual, leading the dance.” On 27th December, 1855, shortly after the accession of the 10th Marquis of Huntly, when the formal business was over, “The bretheren then, assuming their jewels and robes walked in procession through the village and by the new approach to Aboyne Castle…..A considerable party partook of an excellent dinner at the Huntly Arms, prepared in Mrs Cook’s usual superior style….The Festival of St John has not been kept with such spirit in this quarter for many a year, and never was more heartily enjoyed.” In the mid-19th Century the Freemasons were often involved in ceremonies which did not have an obvious or an exclusive masonic context. In 1856 a ceremony was held to mark the laying of the foundation stone of one of the principal bridges of the new turnpike from Aboyne to Braemar. Freemasons from both the Aboyne and Ballater lodges attended, fully attired and partook in the pomp and ceremony. The stone bore the following inscription “The foundation-stone of this Bridge was laid by James Ross Farquharson, Esq, of Monaltrie, Captain in the Scotch Fusilier Guards, on 28th of November, in the year of Masonry 5860, and of God 1856 and in the nineteenth year of the reign of Victoria, Queen of Great Britain. James Barron, Builder.” Charles Gordon, 10th Marquis of Huntly, died in 1863 and a few years later plans were laid by his tenants and neighbours to honour his memory by erecting a permanent monument. The “Brethren of the Mystic Tie”, who took the initiative in this venture because of Charles Gordon’s masonic role, agreed with the Dowager Marchioness, Maria Antoinetta, to site the memorial on the top of the Hill of Mortlich, about 2 miles north of Aboyne. The monument took the form of a plain granite obelisk standing on a pedestal. The overall height of the structure was 60’ and it was designed by Mr G. H. Smith of London. On top of the obelisk stood an iron cross, similar in
Brief History of the Craft in Aboyne (ctd) shape to the Dagmar Cross of Denmark. Robert Dinnie, a local builder undertook construction and the stone required was quarried close to the site. Eleven masonic lodges were represented at the ceremony and on the day of the ceremony they processed, in full regalia, from the Masonic Hall in Aboyne and up the hill, accompanied by the band of the 15th Highland Depot Battalion and three pipers. The climb proved to be rather taxing for some of the older Masons, encumbered as they were with sashes, batons, aprons, pinafores and silver insignia. At the monument site the party formed a circle and their Chaplain, Rev Andrew Gray, gave a long prayer before the foundation stone was lowered into place and ritually touched by the plumb-line, level and square. It was then anointed with a mixture of corn wine and oil from the cornucopia by the Provincial Grand Master while pronouncing a benediction. After hearing a eulogy to the late 10th Marquis the party returned to Aboyne and in the afternoon met again at the Huntly Arms for dinner and, as was usual on such occasions, many toasts. Rev Andrew Gray gave a toast to “The Marquis of Huntly” (ie the 11th Marquis, then a callow 20-year-old), clearly expressing the hope that he would follow in the tradition of his forebears by becoming a masonic leader. “He is a young man who gives very good promise indeed to walk worthily in the footsteps of his father; and if he does so, you will give testimony by what you have done this day, that he will be following a good example. An excellent example has been set him by both parents, and as he is already wellknown and appreciated in this locality, I hope his character will be only more appreciated when he assumes the full management of his property.” Sadly for Aboyne Masonry, the 11th Marquis appears to have shown no interest in the Craft. After the death of the 10th Marquis of Huntly, Lord Hallyburton took the reins at Lodge 281. His style seemed to follow that of the late Marquis with the traditional merrymaking as part of the celebrations of St John’s Day. However, in 1879, another Gordon, Lord
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Douglas, a younger brother of the 11th Marquis was elected master and an immediate change was apparent. After the business meeting the brethren assembled in the Masonic Hall with their wives and sweethearts “and an excellent cup of tea partaken of”! This was not the usual way that the Aboyne Freemasons enjoyed themselves but they had to endure the sober regime of “the cup that cheers but not inebriates” until 1888 when Lord Douglas Gordon slipped his mortal coil. Reporting on the 1890 AGM of the Aboyne Lodge, the Aberdeen Journal noted that “The Brethren supped in the Huntly Arms after the business.” This return to a more convivial regime also marked the start of a period when the Aboyne Lodge was led and dominated by a comfortable, perhaps self -serving, coterie of the village middle classes. Thanks to Don Fox
Royal Masonic Schools for Boys The origins of the school lie in the charities established in the late 18th century to clothe and educate the sons of Freemasons near their homes. These charities amalgamated in 1852 and established a boys' school at Wood Green in North London in 1857 with 100 boys initially. The premises of the old school form part of the Wood Green Magistrates’ Court. The foundation stone for a new school in Bushey was laid by the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn in 1900 and was completed in 1903 . A Junior School was added on the other side of The Avenue in 1929 due to the war and by 1939 there were 800 boys at the school (see below). Following a decline in pupil numbers the junior school closed in 1970, with the senior school closing in 1977. The site of the junior school is now occupied by Bushey Academy. The Royal Masonic School for Girls, based at Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, was unaffected by the closure (see next month). The site was acquired by Comer Homes in 1998: the buildings were rented out to the United States International University (Europe) until 2009 when Comer Homes began redeveloping the site as Royal Connaught Park. The money from selling the school is still used to support boys. It was once described as the scariest derelict building in the UK!
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Dr Archibald Cameron of Locheil Lieutenant Colonel Doctor Archibald Cameron, younger brother of Cameron of Lochiel and ADC to Prince Charles Edward Stuart (and fourth son of the John Cameron, 18th Clan Chief). He cited "Christian loyalty" as his reason for supporting the 1745 Jacobite cause. After Culloden he escaped to France in the same vessel as Bonnie Prince Charlie and was a great help during his wanderings in the West of Scotland. Archibald Cameron initially attended the University of Glasgow to study law, before transferring to study medicine at University of Edinburgh. He completed further studies at the Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. After Culloden, he was in exile Cameron remained in Prince Charles's service, travelling with him to Madrid in 1748 and returning to Scotland privately in 1749. In 1753 he was sent back to Scotland again to obtain money from Loch Arkaig and to participate in a desperate plot to assassinate George II and other members of the British royal family. However, while he was staying secretly at Brenachyle by Loch Katrine, he was betrayed by MacDonell of Glengarry, the notorious "Pickle the spy", and members of his own clan who by this time were sickened by his Jacobitism.
less than that manifested by Balmerio. The government was greatly blamed for the severity which appeared to be needless. They defended their position in the belief that the death of Doctor Cameron would prevent further attempts to the British throne—he was the last Jacobite to be executed for high treason. It was a move that shocked many after all his work to save lives, not just those on his side but also of the Government. His body was secretly buried in the Savoy Chapel in Westminster. Today a brass plaque marks his grave after two earlier memorials had been destroyed by fire and war. The inscription on the replacement plaque dated 1993 reads, “In memory of Dr Archibald Cameron, brother of Donald Cameron of Lochiel, who having been attainted after the Battle of Culloden in 1746 escaped to France but returning to Scotland was apprehended and ex-
ecuted in 1753. He was buried beneath the altar of this Chapel.”
That he was a freemason is known, but not with any certainty as to his mother lodge. His father was a member of The Lodge at DunHe was executed on the 7th June 1753 with a blane so it all likelihood, he was too. degree of firmness and cheerfulness scarcely
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Q: What is the significance of the Chequered Carpet or Mosaic Pavement? A: An explanation of the Mosaic pavement is also given in the 5th Section of the 1st Lecture: As in the 1st Degree TB - It is described as the beautiful flooring of the Lodge by reason of its being variegated and chequered. This, points out the diversity of objects which decorate and adorn the creation, as well as the inanimate parts thereof. The Indented or Tessellated Border refers us to the Planets, which in their various revolutions for a beautiful border or skirt work round that grand luminary, the Sun, as the other does round that of a Freemasons Lodge.
Q: Why are the knees bared for the Obligations in the 3 Degree's? A: The mode of preparation in all 3 Degree’s is entirely symbolic. In Operative Lodges the candidate was required to kneel with both knees bare on the rough ashlar, so that nothing was interposed between his flesh and the stone. This perpetuated the ancient concept that the strength and stability of the stone would be transmitted to the Candidate, so that an oath taken on a stone in this manner would be inviolable.
In speculative Freemasonry we now have bared left knee in the 1st Degree. The left side has always been regarded as the weaker side of man, the Candidate is taking his first or weakest step when he is being initiated, for which reason he steps off with his left foot. It logically follows that the left side is considered to typify an Apprentice and is the reason why the bare left knee is used in the 1st Degree. Whilst you took it on your left knee, your inherent weakness was strengthened by placing your right hand on the volume of the Sacred Law. Kneeling should also remind the Candidate of the posture of his daily supplications due to
his creator. In the 2nd Degree the mode of preparation is reversed and the right knee is bared. In the 3rd Degree both knees are bare as was the case with our Operative brethren mentioned earlier.
Thanks to the PGL Warwickshire.
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First Masonic Jewels A lodge in Florence struck the Sackville medal in 1733 to commemorate the membership of Bro. Charles Sackville, Earl of Middlesex (later Duke of Dorset). The lodge seems to have been independently created, as no warrant from England exists. The medal was not intended to be worn. It was struck by lodge members in honour of their Master and was meant to be kept as a memento, and as a gift to visiting Freemasons. On the obverse is a classical raised bust of Sackville naming him ‘magister’ (master) and on the reverse sits a figure of Harpocrates, the Greek god of secrecy, carrying a horn of plenty with the inscription ‘Ab Origine’ (to the founders).
More overt is the perfect ashlar surrounded by stonemasons’ tools resting at the figure’s feet. But until research in the early-20th century proved there was a lodge in Florence, there was still debate about whether the medal was even masonic. The mason’s tools here are strewn around and the square and compasses are not yet given prominence. Interestingly, at his request, the medal does not refer to Sackville’s noble titles. Following on from this ‘jewel’ we have the Folkes medal from 1742 with a bust of Martin Folkes, hair short, no drapery on the obverse. A Sphinx with crescent on its side; behind, the pyramidical tomb of Caius Sestius within the walls of Rome: above, the meridian sun on the reverse.
Bro. Folkes was a president of the Royal Society for his mathematical works, a member of various lodges and Deputy Grand Master of England 1724-25. As an aside, Folkes was a noted atheist, but early masonic landmarks did not require a person to have a belief in God. The 1750s onwards opened the flood gates for masonic jewels from anniversaries to emblems of a degree.
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Royal King Bro. King Kalakaua of Hawaii was born into “Privilege” in 1836; this brother was to be the last in Line in his country. He was known for a convivial personality and liked to sing and play the ukulele. During his career he assisted in bringing great prosperity and education to the Kingdom. He was one of the very few monarchs in history, outside Europe, to preside over a Sovereign Country and a Lodge simultaneously.
Education Programmes—1867! These are not new! Two series published to educate brethren. Why did these stop?
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Lesser Known Mason Masonry seeks to foster an inquisitive spirit in all things, and through the application of reason to nature, discover new and profound truths about our world. Science has always influenced masonry, inspiring discoveries, and patronizing scientists so they would be free to discover. One such scientist who was inspired and enlivened by the scientific spirit in masonry was Brother Edward Victor Appleton. Brother Edward Victor Appleton was born in 1892 in Yorkshire, England. Excelling in his grammar school education, Appleton was awarded a scholarship to study at Cambridge. It was there that he would be initiated into Freemasonry, becoming a member of Isaac Newton University Lodge No. 859 in 1922. It was also there that he conducted what would be one of his most famous experiments, using radio waves to prove the existence of the ionosphere, one of the outer layers of the atmosphere. Throughout his life, Brother Appleton lived the Masonic ideal of the well-rounded life,
Hand drawn illustration titled La Chaine d’Union, from J Quantin manuscript, France, 1847 held in the Museum of Freemasonry, London. It is great to see that the artist is ensuring all creeds etc are included which is probably more important these days than ever before.
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serving in the military, engaging in deep scientific and mathematical inquiry, and founding a scientific journal to promote the field of atmospherics. He served as the chair of the University of Edinburgh, and his discoveries were instrumental in mapping the cycles of the Sun, and developing Radar. By the time of his death in 1965, he had successfully laid his mark upon the pursuit of science and knowledge.
:Myth or Magic?
W
hen participating in Masonic Ritual, it’s clear that there is a mysterious significance to every aspect of the heavily structured procedure. Like clockwork, all is orderly, and layered with symbolic meaning. As we become more and more aware of the meanings of the various aspects of it, it becomes clear that the ritual is like a fractal representation of both the cosmos and the individual.
What exactly are we doing when we participate in masonic ritual? Are we living out a myth, reprogramming our own minds, conducting a magical ceremony, maintaining an ancient institution, or all of the above? What is the relationship of masonic ritual to concepts of myth and magic? Without revealing any particular aspect of the ritual, let us consider the import of masonic ritual, and reveal what we may. The origins may be found in the confluence of medieval operative masonry, which, much as a builder’s guild, concerned itself primarily with the literal building of sacred and often monolithic structures and maintaining the arcane knowledge thereof, with the various occult and esoteric traditions of Hermeticism, Gnosticism, Kabbalah, Astrology, and others considered heretical by the church, and therefore persecuted and suppressed. The marriage of these two traditions resulted in a transformation from Operative to Speculative Freemasonry.
sonic path and hierarchy. Freemasonry describes itself as a “Peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.” To any practicing Freemason, it should become apparent that the symbols, movements, pronouncements, and elements of the temple itself can be understood on many symbolic levels. What lies between us and transcendent Truth? There is tremendous advantage in passing down timeless truths in the form of allegory, ritual, stories, and symbolic objects. An odd thing happens when we put Truth into words, particularly static doctrines: it becomes frozen, solidified, and thereby incapable of changing, evolving, and growing with those who read, speak, and understand it. Any change is perceived as a challenge to the old. On the other hand, embodying Truth in symbolism, even those which are locked into a certain form which is maintained down through many generations, can be continually renewed and understood in new ways, because its true meaning is inherently subjective, being unspoken.
As to what, specifically, the symbols of the Lodge and Rituals mean, this is something best preserved for the initiated, for the simple reason that coming into a Masonic understanding of these things can be tainted by being revealed prematurely. Also, they will mean different things to different Masons, and at different degrees. Suffice it to say, the many symbols of Freemasonry carry import What seems most clear is that the temple ranging from the physical, to the metaphysiitself and the rituals which take place within cal, to the cosmic, for “those who have eyes it contain enormous symbolism, which exist to see.” in layers which are continuously revealed in degrees as one progresses through the Ma- Undoubtedly, for many it is a leap to go from Cross Keys February 2021
Ritual: Myth or Magic? (ctd) passing down symbolic knowledge to practicing ritual magic. Yet some posit that at the foundations of every great religion and tradition, there is a magical thread. To bridge the philosophical materialism so prevalent today, among the modern intelligentsia and conventional mainstream culture alike, with the magical worldview is a task for another writing, but certainly many of the traditions which transformed ancient operative masonry into modern Speculative Freemasonry shared some version of this worldview, whatever differences they may have had. Is the average Freemason practicing magic, perhaps without even knowing it? If we accept or entertain the idea that the world is magical, that the fundamental tenets of magic are real, then it becomes clear that any institution and ceremony which conjures and directs human belief, emotion, and intention must necessarily have an element of magic to it. If this be the case, then all religions are inherently magical, the chief difference from other forms of magical practice being perhaps merely the format, wherein the power and intent of the many is directed and conducted by the magical elite, in the form of priests or ministers, although most members and clergy alike would probably be incensed at the re-definition.
passed down or taught, at some point along one’s journey through the Masonic hierarchy, especially in a more mystically oriented body of Masonry. This is not by any means ubiquitous, with many Masonic Lodges, particularly in mainstream masculine Masonry, being focused primarily on simple fraternity and charity. However, this aspect of masonry is both subjective, and subject to all sorts of misinterpretations and misunderstandings, particularly by the uninitiated. Indeed, the chief accusation of many anti-masonic conspiracy theories is that they are secretly practicing “black magic� and satanism. The reason that purveyors of the magical worldview sought refuge in operative masonry in the first place was because of such accusations and misunderstandings, which although less consequential today, still are with us. My conclusion to the title question of this post is that Freemasonry seems to be both, or neither. In the end, Freemasonry is what you make of it. Yet, nevertheless, regardless of how various individuals may conceptualize it, Freemasonry itself does seem to have a certain presence, almost a consciousness of its own. I find that the occult concept of the Egregor is useful to me, in understanding what this might be. Whatever the explanation, it seems apparent to me at least that Freemasonry contains an element which goes beyond the physical and intellectual, into the realm of the magical, though not all Masons may recognize it as such.
We can also reasonably suppose, then, that the Craft which is practiced in Freemasonry may have an equally magical significance and purpose, again supposing that the magical view of reality is true. However, (perhaps) unlike most religions, it seems far more likely that this more esoteric under- By Jonathan Dinsmore standing of Masonry may be explicitly
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How many Grand Lodges? Scotland has been fortunate in that we have had only one Grand Lodge since 1736 which is remarkable considering the number of fallouts in Scotland. The GL of Ireland has had two: the GL of Munster 1726—33 and the Grand East of Ulster 1805—14 (next month). England was not so fortunate. 1.
The Grand Lodge of England formed in 1717 (or 1721 depending on who is asked) had many rivals before the current United Grand Lodge of England was formed in 1813.
2.
The Grand Lodge of All England at York with a list of ‘presidents’ from 1705 in York only to become dormant in 1738. For more info on this GL see Cross Keys February 2019.
3.
The Antients’ Grand Lodge was formed in 1753 by a group of Irish brethren in direct opposition to the original which was then called ‘The Moderns’ as they felt it was losing some of the original practices and also because many unskilled Irish were not allowed in the London lodges.
4.
The Supreme Grand Lodge (1770—75) was formed due to a disagreement over a member not being made Junior Grand Lodge and so the lodge refused to pay fees, but with two other lodges for this new Grand Lodge. All three re-joined the Antient GL.
5.
The Grand Lodge of All England South of the River Trent was another disagreement, this time with The Lodge of Antiquity No.1 in 1777. Bro. William Preston (founded the Prestonian Lectures) was expelled from the Craft was wearing regalia after a procession to a tavern where the lodge would meet. Thankfully, common sense prevailed and this was uplifted and he served as Depute of the lodge under the master, the Duke of Sussex (Grand Master of the United GL).
6.
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) was formed under the guidance of the Duke of Sussex in 1813 and is the current GL at London.
7.
The Grand Lodge at Wigan was formed in 1823 when 6 Lancashire lodges were erased from UGLE with 26 brethren being expelled for insubordination. These six lodges eventually rejoined, the last being 1913.
8.
The Grand Lodge of Stockport was believed to have been formed in the 1830s, but no actual records exist and it faded away by 1843.
9.
The Regular Grand Lodge of England is an irregular body established in 2005.
I have avoided grand lodges with female members of which a few exist today.
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Did You Know? The first recorded Royal Arch degree on the US continent took place in Fredericksburg No.4 in Virginia in 1753. This lodge received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1758.
The first Royal Arch Chapter in the US was St. Andrew’s Lodge in Boston, Ma in 1769.
Amazing Temples Kenton lodge No.145 in Portland, Oregon was founded in 1911 and eventually erected a building of its own, using land donated by a brother and financed via bonds sold by the Lodge to its members. The building is considered to be an excellent example of the Egyptian Revival style, and is a significant part of the development that occurred in Kenton at that time. The Kenton Lodge Hall is one of two purpose-built buildings in Portland that are still being used for Masonic purposes (the other being the Portland Scottish Rite Center, downtown). The first floor is used as commercial space to provide rental income for the Lodge, while the upper two have been home to a variety of Masonic bodies.
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Is there a need to join ‘Other Orders?’ While supporting the Lodge bar and musing over my beverage options, my reverie was interrupted by two young Provincial Officers studiously studying diaries. One had four meetings the next week, the other five. Over the weeks following, their respective diaries again remained obstinately full. Their acceptance of each other’s kindly Lodge invitations must regrettably await the following month. I sipped my Gin and Tonic in silent admiration. Their lives were overflowing with Freemasonry. Clearly, they had employers who tolerated their absence, owned properties with palatial drawer space, knew kindly and generous bank managers, enjoyed Falstaffian digestion, and were blessed with wives of unparalleled patience and generosity, given their enforced nightly isolation; though possibly they both knew divorce lawyers at the ‘top of their game’.
Our 108 Masonic orders and degrees do not and perhaps could never be expected to inter-relate.
So, after the ‘Craft’ and ‘Royal arch’, then why join anymore? If we are seeking a far-flung social club offering great warmth, good fellowship, an amiable dinner after being told a colourful story within a structured moral setting then the more Lodges and orders and degrees we join the more we can achieve an ever-expanding range of friendships and interests. This is an aspect in which many elderly widowers find welcome solace. Some might consider there is a valuable social dimension. For many men, frustrated or working well below their potential in their day job, the broad Masonic structure offers rank and responsibility, colourful regalia, splendid titles and, most importantly, respect from others all within a sound moral environment. Possibly the more orMost Freemasons are able to choose from a ders one joins so the prospects of actually achievwealth of Orders ‘beyond the Craft’, worked in ing one’s level of personal contentment become chapels, chapters, colleges, conclaves, councils, all the greater? courts, lodges, preceptories, or tabernacles within a multitude of Masonic locations. Whilst the two If, however our aim has been to seek that great subjects of my ‘silent admiration’ were certainly moral secret or truth offered by our Masonic remarkably busy, and appeared happy one ques- Founders then do we really need to look any furtion arose in my mind. Did they really get more ther than the basic Craft Degrees and the Royal out of their Masonry than the man who had Arch? In them we are instructed how to live in joined just one Craft Lodge and Chapter, but at- harmony with each other, in harmony with our tended all events it had to offer with loyalty and own nature, and in harmony with our chosen enthusiasm? Does quantity trump quality within ‘Supreme Being’. If we have been able to achieve Speculative Freemasonry? all three of these within one lifetime, is there really anything else to seek or say? Has our solitary The 108 Orders and Degrees known in England Mason within his one Craft Lodge, or chapter realare engulfed by the many hundreds that have ly any need to look further? Reflecting upon the originated in the United States, in France, in Ger- matter, is a diverse Masonic ‘career’ an end-inmany and not least in Scotland. Members confirm itself or a merely the means-to-an-end, that of that each Order tells an often-beautiful story achieving a morally purposeful, rounded and condrawn from the pages of history and reflecting on tented life? Is it the width and range of our Mathe moral lessons of its theme or personalities. sonic experience that matters, or is it the depth to Taken in the round these stories present a loose which one is able to draw out the lessons of each chronological order of events centred on the pag- degree and so apply them to one’s own life? Might es of the Old Testament and with many relating to the time spent exploring those ‘Additional Orders, the building and rebuilding of Solomon’s Temple. possibly be better invested outside Freemasonry, Other themes contemplate early Christian culture offering ‘Brotherly Love’, and the fruits of our rich and a few are drawn towards a wider and more Masonic heritage to benefit the nearby social esoteric global wisdom. If there is just one ‘great community beyond our Lodge buildings? FortuMasonic Secret’ out there does each of these or- nately, has not Speculative Freemasonry ders provide, as in a moral jigsaw, one interlock- equipped us to draw our own conclusions? ing piece with all creating the whole? Sadly, with stories flowing from different authors, different This was an fascinating paper issued by UGLE’s cultures and different nations, any connection Solomon programme last year. between the orders becomes purely accidental.
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The Apprentice’s Tracing Board The East where the master resides along with the sun an moon. As the sun rises in the E …… the ritual explains the thinking behind the statement.
The Doric Column representing strength of the SW.
The Corinthian Column representing beauty of the JW.
The Ionic Column representing wisdom for the master’s pedestal.
These are only some of the features of the Tracing Board. So what do the remainder symbolise? Such as the mosaic pavement, the indented border, moveable & immoveable jewels, the tassels and the figures on the ladder? Well worth looking into if you have forgotten. Cross Keys February 2021
Masonic Coin as Legal Tender & Unusual Certificate In 1794 a Masonic token was minted in honor of the Prince of Wales in England. A son of George III, he later became George the IV. From 1790 to 1813 he served the Grand Lodge of England (Moderns) as Grand Master. The ordinator of the coin was Brother James Sketchley of Birmingham who created the coin to commemorate the election of the Prince as Grand Master. These coins were so superior in their copper content that they readily became tender. In 1817 they they were withdrawn from circulation by government order. Brother Judson L. Parker, editor of Masonic Temple Topics, Chicago, has been collecting these coins and presenting them to distinguished Brethren. More than 350 have been distributed.
18th Century French diploma is very unique in terms of its shape. Coloured ribbons were commonplace at this time, but most diplomas are rectangular.
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Limited Edition Print of Grand Lodge This painting of Grand Lodge was created by local staff nurse, Julie Fitzsimmons, who painted Edinburgh iconic buildings to de-stress in between shifts at the Royal Infirmary Hospital ICU in Edinburgh during the Covid pandemic (the only indication that Grand Lodge is on lock-down is the one open door). She agreed to paint Grand Lodge as one of her subjects and have decided to issue Limited Edition prints for sale in our shop as a fitting tribute to the Year 2020. We only have 250 of these prints - just to keep it a bit special - so if you’re interested in this special Limited Edition, please place your orders as soon as possible via the Grand Lodge Online shop. Sneak Preview—Bro. John Muir is working with Grand Lodge and Poppy Scotland to release this limitd edition token. This is the basic artwork—unfortunately they are sold out. 1/100 will be donated to Poppy Scotland, 2/100 to Grand Lodge of Scotland 91/100 offered to Lodge Elgin at Leven No. 91 the lodge that Earl Haig served as master. However, the same token with a white (instead of red) surround is available from Bro. John (csj195@gmail.com )It is great to see Grand Lodge continue supporting Poppy Scotland.
Mark Masons’ Hall in London now has a virtual tour found by clicking here. Attached with the email was the booklet to accompany the video with a historical background or by clicking here.
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Grand Lodge of Scotland Year Book Our Year Book was started in 1952 under the Grand Master Mason Bro. Malcolm BarclayHarvey (see forthcoming April 2021 for more about him). It contains the names of the master and secretary of each lodge, information about Grand Lodges and PGLs, but more interestingly , there are some masonic articles ranging from histories of lodges to symbolism to current thought. Current and past copies are available from the Grand Lodge Shop.
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St. Mirren No.129 in 1877 A meeting of the brethren of this lodge was held on Wednesday evening 17th Jan., in the Globe Hotel (High Street), for the purpose of entertaining the late WM of the lodge. Bro. J. Gilmour presided and Bro. A. Wallace discharged the duties of Croupier. During the evening, in proposing "The Health of the late W. M. Bro . Edmonds, "Bro. Wallace referred to the eminent services which he had rendered to the lodge during his term of office and also to the cause of Masonry in general for a great many years past. In the name of a number of the brethren, Bro. Wallace then presented Bro. Edmonds with a handsome gold watch which bore the following inscription: — "Presented to Bro. H. S. Edmonds l. P. M. No. 129 , by a few friends who appreciate his past labours, and esteem him as a brother and a man. " Bro . Edmonds appropriately and acknowledged the gift. An engraved watch was before the days of a PM jewel—probably of more use to a brother than a jewel only worn at meetings. Yet this practice died out and jewels, many costing the lodge a great deal of money, become the norm. I am sure this is another instance of regalia manufacturers paving the way with masonic paraphernalia (and making a tidy profit…). Note the name of the lodge (today Paisley St. Mirren’s No.129).
St. John’s Masonry “He should have passed the first three degrees of Freemasonry in a Lodge of St. John or of Melchizedech. It is well known that the Lodges of St John are only for Christians; those of Melchizedech, quite as good and as conformable to the law (toutes aussi bonnes et conformes a la loi), exist in great numbers in Italy, Holland, England, Portugal, Spain, and receive Jews, Turks, Persians, and Armenians". (Cour de Berlin, 1789, iii., 120.) What does this mean? It appears that there was an actual Masonic distinction in the period. This suggests a new meaning for the term St. John which sometimes placed after the name of a visitor in old Masonic Minute Books. It is usually taken to denote a Mason unattached at the moment to any regular Lodge, but might just as well be a description of the Mason who had been made in a non-
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regular assembly of men deriving their knowledge from time immemorial usage— such a Lodge, indeed, as seems to be indicated by the ritual now under consideration. On this head one might put the pertinent question: where did the " Hedge " or irregular Masons, who were plentiful enough up till the end of the eighteenth century and even later, obtain their information if not from some travelling Master Mason who had acquired, or perhaps in many cases assumed, the right to make Masons at sight? So it appears that the term St. John was not just a ‘wee add on’ but was meant to show regularity. Could it be that irregular masons (possibly not in the sense we know now) were allowed into lodges before 1800?
The Table Lodge Table Lodges have become a regular feature in the calendars of numerous lodges overseas, especially in Europe. Some are far removed from the Festive Boards of the UGLE and have little or no resemblance to a Scottish Harmony. In Central Europe, (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland) Table Lodges are very formal with variations here and there. Surrounding countries in The Balkans, Baltic, Scandinavia and Iberia have adopted their own Table Lodge identities. In Central Europe Table Lodges are lodge meetings with a three, or four, course meal in the lodge Dining Room without a Candidate, Minutes or a Tile to sign. The dining tables are prepared in a “U” shape with the meeting usually conducted by the Deputy Master seated in the middle of the East Table, the WSW at the head of the North Table and the WJW seated at the head of the South Table. With a large attendance a Middle Table is set with a seat at its head for the DC.
These Table Lodges are usually held on Saturday afternoons to celebrate the lodge anniversary, other special occasions and the Saturday closest to 24th June. When a new Brother is initiated a Table Lodge is held immediately after the Initiation Degree, also after a Passing Degree, (often referred to as a Vespa), with all Brethren in full regalia as previously described. The new Entered Apprentice is invited to join the East Table with his proposer and seconder. Before the last course he is invited to make his first lodge speech. The Table Lodges for Fellow Craft follow or more casual procedure. In some areas discussions are being held to change these traditions as Table Lodges can go into the early hours of the morning.
During the Table Lodge the ribbon, in the middle, has a special value. Should any of the Brethren not replace any object back on the ribbon the WSW, WJW or DC will hammer on the table to inform the DM that a Brother wishes to speak? Table Lodges are closed in various ways depending on the country or province in which it With all tables correctly prepared and the Office is held. Bearers seated, the DM instructs the DC to call the Brethren to assemble. Outside the Dining Room Having left the Dining Room the Brethren make the Brethren will have gathered dressed for a their way to the lodge club or cigar room. The lodge meeting wearing a hat and white gloves. Officer Bearers are usually the last to vacate the The Brethren move towards the Dining Room Dining Room. door in pairs before individually whispering the password in the ear of the IG. When all Brethren Thanks to Bro. Stuart Saunders have taken their places, behind their chair, the DC informs the DM that all Brethren are present. The ******************************************* Table Lodge is then closed tiled in the usual way and the Brethren invited to be seated and remove Is this something that 242 could do? Perhaps hats and gloves. hold one in June to explain the important of St John? When setting the tables a ribbon is laid the length of each table. On this ribbon are placed glasses, Next month, I will put on the actual format of bottles and other small flower arrangements, in- the table lodge—obviously this can be adapted cluding in some cases candelabra. After the main to suit styles, etc and make it more ‘local.’ course short masonic speeches are presented ending with a toast. As is the norm a reply follows and the lodge moves on to the next course. Before and after each course the DC checks the tiling of the Table Lodge.
. . . can go on until the early hours of the morning
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Old Kinora Film The BBC have revamped an old Kinora flip film of Wick. These are a couple of clips which they think was Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. Click here to see the article.
Obituary—Bro. Robert L. Hunt PM HM 242 Bro. Bobby had been ill for an extended period of time but fought his illness with a strength and vigour that would befit a man many years his junior. It is a source of great comfort to us all that Bobby spent his last moments surrounded by his family; his daughter Karen, and his sons, and Brothers in 275, Kenneth and Gordon. Brother Bobby was a dedicated freemason, and was known to Brethren both near and far, through his endless visiting. He was an example to not just the brethren of our Lodge, but to freemasonry in general. He represented our Lodge with pride and showed it in its best light wherever he went. His visiting resulted in numerous visitors to our Lodge, Brethren from Lodges who would likely have never passed our way had it not been for Bobby, and that contributed considerably to the good name and prosperity that the Lodge enjoys to this day. Brother Bobby joined 275 as a Lewis and was initiated on the 30th January 1963, passed on the 20th February, and was raised on the 20th March the same year. He was advanced to the rank of MMM on the 18th September of 1963, and then took on his first office in the lodge shortly thereafter. Bobby eventually became Right Worshipful Master of the lodge in 2008 and served the Lodge with a distinction that befits the high Office. Bobby was one the very few members who celebrated the lodges recent 200th Anniversary, that had been present at the 150th celebrations in 1968. A tremendous achievement, but they were certainly made of stronger stuff in those days. Bobby's passion for freemasonry also saw him being honoured by the Brethren of Houstoun St. Johnstone
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No. 242, when they granted him Honourary Membership. Bobby was later to be presented with the Ayrshire Passport, after visiting every lodge in that particular Province. He was a gentleman and a good freemason in every sense and was held in the highest regard within his Mother Lodge and beyond. Indeed, he lived respected, and died regretted. We can pay him no greater honour. To the Brethren of The Bridgeton and Glasgow, Shamrock and Thistle Lodge Number 275, let us raise a toast to the memory of our dear departed Brother. When time and circumstance allow us to be together again, we will remember Brother Bobby in a manner truly befitting his memory and celebrate his rightful place in the history of our Lodge. The photo below is the night Bro. Bobby was made an HM along with various masters within and out with the province showing the great respect he was held.
Important Anniversaries 2021 sees the anniversaries of some lodge which hopefully will take place. Here are some local lodges: 250th Anniversary 125 – St. James Newton-Upon-Ayr (Ayrshire) 126 – St. Andrew (Kilmarnock) (Ayrshire) 127 – Thistle (Stewarton) (Ayrshire) 128 – Shettleston St. John (Glasgow) 200th Anniversary 290 – Dalry Blair (Ayrshire) 292 – Rothesay St. John (Argyll and The Isles) 150th Anniversary 505 – Burns St. Mary (Hurlford) (Ayrshire) 510 – Maryhill (Glasgow) 512 – Thorntree (Thornliebank) (Renfrewshire East) 100th Anniversary 1258 – Battlefield (Glasgow) 1259 – Bishopbriggs (Glasgow) 1263 – Moorpark (Renfrew) (Renfrewshire East) 1265 – Eaglesham (Renfrewshire East) 1282 – Alexandra (Dennistoun) (Glasgow) And not forgetting the 25th Anniversary of The Anchor Lodge of Research (Greenock) under the PGL of Renfrewshire West. I was lucky enough to be master on our 10th Anniversary when Bro. Trevor Stewart PM Quatuor Coronati No.2076(EC) presented a paper. Details to follow.
£1,000,000 RSEA—Unbelievable Effort!!!!!! From Bro. Tam Clark PM Prince of Wales No.426 in Renfrew: Thanks to everyone who has helped the Rangers Supports Erskine Appeal since we started raising money for Erskine. We are now delighted to announce we are not just over the million pounds raised but well over it by over £80,000.00. Almost 10% of the way to the next million. We also take great pleasure in announcing that we have invited Gordon Smith to take up the role of RSEA President. Gordon has been a patron and supporter of the RSEA and takes on the role first held by the late great Harold Davis. We are sure that Harry will be looking down proud of what the Rangers support have achieved in supporting Erskine. We even made the press… Times
Times 2
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Times 3
Shop: collecting ongoing for the Erskine Homes
Bro. Jeremy Beadle The name Jeremy Beadle will be known to the generation of 40/50 year olds for his programme Beadle’s About which was shown for 50 weeks per year for 2 years. Once he has finished his TV career, he became a freemason joining Westminster City Council Lodge No.2882 (which also has two actors from Coronation Street). He took to the charitable side of the lodge—his total charitable fund raising prior to joining was around £100 million for which he received an MBE in 2001. On 25 January 2008, it was reported that he had been admitted to The London Clinic, and was subsequently placed in a critical care unit with pneumonia, he died a week later at the age of 59; his ashes were buried in Highgate Cemetery.
Masonic Hall, Adelaide, Australia
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