The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No.242
February 2022
Cross Keys January 2022
Number 243
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From the Editor I hope it’s great news and we are starting after 2 years!!!! Let’s get down to 242! The opening article from the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia is as pertinent to Scotland as any other constitution. Some comments are instantly recognisable and some brethren might take umbrage, but they could then fall into that category! Please take some time to read each comment. Grant Cover—front of Richardson’s book in c 1850 (see page 7). Interesting video: UCM | Masonic Videos: The Legend of Atlantis (universalfreemasonry.org) What does the rise and fall of the civilization of Atlantis, the fabled sunken city of ancient Platonic legend, have to do with modern Freemasonry and its aims?
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
In this issue: 3 4 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 17 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 29 30 31
Thoughts on the State of the Craft A Freemason in the Family Monitor of Freemasonry Further Light on the RA Bro. Lord Inverclyde Bro. Joseph Montfort Freemasons’ Hall, London Masonic Miscellany Bro. Thomas Hyslop Lawrence Dermott The Master’s Song US Presidents Old Masonic Cross The Shriners Grand Lodge & PGL News Wolfe & Montcalm Memorial Freemasonry & Empathy Early History of Quebec Greenock Masonic Bazaar Around the West PGRAC Renfrewshire Update
February Meeting Thursday 10th EA Degree
March Meeting Thursday 10th FC Degree Both by OBs at 7.30pm
Website: Home (bravesites.com) Blog: Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No.242 (lodge242.blogspot.com)
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Thoughts on the State of the Craft The GL of Nova Scotia asked a question: What do you observe as the most disappointing aspect/ aspects of the state of the Craft in this jurisdiction? Responses: The casual aspect of it on almost every level. The apathy that pervades. The general lowering of standards. The “watering down” of degree work, ritual The conduct of some individuals. How embarrassingly cheap it is. The regalia is cheap. The dues are cheap. The mindset of the members is cheap. The few purpose-built Lodge buildings we still have are falling apart. Our emblems used to be made of gold, now they are coloured gold. We used to buy based on quality, now we buy based on economy. Not surprisingly the ranks of our members have responded accordingly. Where are the leading men of our communities? They used to be Freemasons. Why would anyone attend a dinner away from home that is vastly inferior to the meal they could have eaten at home? That is, if a dinner is even offered. Freemasonry is cheap to join, cheap to belong, and we get what we pay for. Freemasonry had always been exclusive and elite. There is nothing the least bit wrong with that. When the costs and the standards are not maintained, you get what we’ve got now. The huge number of absentee members … small number of brothers doing all the work and “carrying” each Lodge. Repeat Masters, Wardens, etc. No real interest in most members to participate beyond showing up for the meal and hurrying through the business meeting. Self-professed Masonic experts who actually don’t know what the constitution says. We’ve always done it this way.” Our dining hall in the Lodge is very, blah. We have these formal meetings and we are eating off paper plates, plastic utensils on plastic tables without a cloth or centre piece. The chronic display of ego. For a group of men who claim to value the internal and not the external, we sure put a lot of stock into titles, ranks, jewels, and levels of degrees. We have become for the most part an Cross Keys January 2022
organization of self-congratulating "backslappers." Masons who are Masons in name only, not character. Unfortunately we have no one who is teaching the basics (explanation of ritual meaning, symbols, allegories.) So, this gets left to interpretation and often goes untouched and unlearned. We have an “open borders” policy as it relates to accepting new brothers. Many lodges are so desperate for new mem bers that they fail to vet them properly. In turn, many new brothers are accepted into the fraternity that are not qualified. They then become the norm and recruit more like them. THE FALSE PROMISE. Most Lodges begin this false promise during their candidate investigation. They tell the story of the fraternity’s great history and how we make good men better. It then goes into the charitable causes they promote. Then the candidate goes through all the degrees very quickly with the promise you will learn everything else later. The realization sets in that those guiding you on your journey have no idea themselves of what Freemasonry should be. 85% of membership never attend lodge (it’s astounding that we never ask why?) But, as long as they pay their dues this is acceptable. The only electable members for leadership at the Grand Lodge Level are the ones that have the ability to travel great distances on a nightly basis, are willing to spend upwards of thousand dollars at gas/hotels and put thousands of miles on vehicles. Individuals who are capable of bringing change, new direction, motivation, and knowledge of the Craft are never considered without doing the above-mentioned format. It would seem that with today’s technology capabilities and the ability to reach brethren at a much more effective rate, it would be much more cost effective than depleting bank accounts, racking up untold miles on vehicles, and losing numerous hours of family time. This would seem to call for change at some point.
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A Freemason in the Family This Article was first published in the 'Family Tree Magazine' Issue of April 2019. Their Editor has kindly given her permission for it to be reprinted here. www.family-tree.co.uk Last Spring, I completed the online Future Learn course ‘Genealogy: Researching your family tree,’ delivered by the University of Strathclyde. Apart from some excellent teaching and guidance, the course also promotes and encourages online debate and discussion among students and one or two contributors sought guidance for finding out more about a relative who was understood to be a Freemason. There were very few replies to these queries so I thought I’d explain the background to this subject. Origins of Freemasonry Scottish freemasonry has its origins in the Stonemasons ‘Incorporations’ (the equivalent of English ‘Guilds): organisations set up in the mid-to late 15th century to establish standards of competence, fix wages and regulate performances. Unlike the Incorporations for bakers, bonnet-makers, butchers, weavers and leather workers and so on, stonemasons tended to move round the country and they developed a system of signs and ‘grips’ (handshakes) – the equivalent of today’s certificates, diplomas, references etc, so that potential employers (usually senior stonemasons) would know immediately how competent and proficient they were at working in stone When a large stone edifice was being built (for example the great abbeys across central and southern Scotland in the 12th and 13th centuries that attracted continental craftsmen) the stonemasons would be allocated a building nearby (called a ‘Lodge’) where they could store their tools, hold examinations to see how far the competence of their apprentices had progressed and if satisfied, initiate them into the next phase of their training, as well as testing the skills and credentials of visiting craftsmen who claimed to be journeymen masons.
(afterwards James l of the United Kingdom) and Schaw set about formally organising the Stonemasons’ Lodges in Scotland, including a requirement in 1598 that they had to start keeping records. Over time, Stonemasons’ Lodges began to admit men (known as Freemasons) who weren’t stonemasons (the first in Scotland was in 1634) and that custom increased exponentially over the years until a time when the main credentials for admission to a Lodge were that the individual was ‘of good character’ and could attest to a ‘belief in a Supreme Being’. This allowed Christians (of all denominations), Muslims, Jews, Sikhs and all other faiths to join Lodges. Religion and politics were the only two topics on which discussion was (and is) forbidden in a Masonic Lodge. New entrants would be proposed and seconded for membership by two Brethren of the Lodge. That arrangement continues to this day. Although freemasonry in Scotland appears to have grown out of the practices of working Stonemasons’ Lodges, it has been argued that it was in part at least ‘exported’ to England possibly after James Vl acceded the English throne as James l in 1603 with the first Lodges there being created by gentlemen for gentlemen. Scotland has the earliest evidence of Lodges, Lodge Records and minute books. In 1736 it was agreed that all the Scottish Lodges be organised under a new Grand Lodge (they were following an English example) and grouped into ‘Provinces’ based more or less on the areas of the existing counties at the time. Lodges were also numbered in order of seniority devised from their (assumed) date of formation. At the time this caused a lot of controversy in Scotland (that wasn’t fully resolved until 1807). Freemasonry today
In recent years, freemasonry has been the subject of controversy with allegations of ‘favouritism’, ‘bias’ and ‘secrecy’. However today, the Grand Lodges of Scotland, Ireland In 1583, William Schaw (1550-1602) was ap- and England maintain websites that advance pointed Master of Works to King James Vl Cross Keys January 2022
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A Freemason in the Family (ctd) their view that freemasonry is ‘a peculiar System of Morality, Veiled in Allegory and Illustrated by Symbols.’ It’s worth noting too that in judgements delivered in 2001 and 2004, the European Court of Human Rights ruled ‘freemasonry is not a secret society.’ Tracing a Freemason So how do you go about finding out if your ancestor or a relative was a Freemason? On joining a Lodge every Freemason is issued with a certificate that records his name, the name of the Lodge and the date he joined. Most Lodges have distinct aprons that often also record the name of the Lodge. If your relative was afterwards elected to office (such as Worshipful Master in England, or Right Worshipful Master in Scotland) he’d normally receive a medal (Freemasons call these ‘jewels’) with his name, the name of the Lodge and the dates he held these offices. Some, if not all, of these items might still be among your relative’s effects. If you have a photo of your relative wearing his apron, a good clue is how it’s worn: Scottish Freemasons tend to wear their aprons around their waist under their jackets while English freemasons wear theirs on top of their jackets. Some Freemason also had masonic symbols (usually the square and compasses) carved on their headstones after their burial.
for a History of 242 1811—2011). and in Scotland, these are accessible using the Grand Lodge website. These histories will tell you when the Lodge was formed and might also help you discover if your relative’s Lodge amalgamated with another since he became a member. Lodge Secretaries might also be able to search their minute books to see when your relative joined but remember they are all volunteers, the quality of the older records varies widely and some are difficult to discern. In several Lodges, some minute books have been lost through time and circumstance. Memberships & minute books
Until a few years ago many Scottish Lodges offered life memberships but this no longer happens and all new freemasons have to pay an annual fee to be able to attend meetings (life memberships in England, however, were extremely rare and annual fees were – and are – the norm. So if a Freemason decides he no longer wants to attend Lodge Meetings, he simply resigns, and his resignation will be recorded in the Lodge minute book. This might cause difficulty if you’re trying to find out if/when your relative was actively involved in freemasonry. Similarly, anyone who has been convicted of a serious crime will immediately be expelled from all Masonic Orders thereafter with the date of his expulsion If you think your relative was a Freemason being recorded in the current minute book. but don’t know the name and/or number of his Lodge then you can search the respective After becoming a Master Mason, your relative Grand Lodge website for Lodges in the area might have gone on to join other Masonic Orwhere he lived and get their contact details. ders (Mark, Royal Arch and so on) and some But remember that if his father was also a that only admit Christians as members. Freemason, it was often customary for sons to join the same Lodge and that might be some Proud histories distance away from his normal residence, especially if the family moved around the coun- On first reading, it might seem very daunting try. It has to be said too that over the years as to start to look for a relative who may or may membership numbers have reduced, a num- not have been a Freemason (and remember ber of Lodges have amalgamated so the Lodge there are a few individuals around who prethat your relative joined may no longer exist tend to be Freemasons). However, Lodges are under its original name and number. Many very proud of their histories and heritage and Lodges have compiled histories of their Lodg- regularly celebrate ‘milestones’ such as the es (See Bros. Alex Stobo or Grant Macleod centenaries of their founding, when commemCross Keys January 2022
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A Freemason in the Family (ctd) orative jewels are struck and available for all current members, so it might surprise you just how much information Lodge Secretaries can provide about their members. For example, last year Lodge Mother Kilwinning No 0 issued a commemorative VC token to record the bravery of one of its members, an Ayrshire Doctor called Captain Harry Sherwood
Rankin of the 1st Bn Royal Rifle Corps who won the Victoria Cross in 1914 at Hautevesnes in northern France for continuing to dress the wounds of soldiers while under fire, despite having been severely wound-
ed in the leg (a wound he’d dressed himself). When he finally agreed to be carried from the battlefield, his own plight had become desperate and he died a few days later. See Cross Keys November 2017 for an article about this brother. If you do make contact with the Lodge you think your relative might have joined, you’ll usually find they are very helpful and will take as much time as possible to assist you in your researches.
About the author John Crawford has been tracing his family tree for nearly 40 years. He’s more or less retired but has spent over 53 years in the Scottish Waste Management Industry. He has been a Brother of Lodge Mother Kilwinning No 0 since 1988.
Mississippi Survey An interesting question by a local newsletter is shown below. Are we surprised by the answers? Probably not.
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Monitor of Freemasonry
Jabez Richardson’s Monitor of Freemasonry: : Being A Practical Guide To The Ceremonies In All The Degrees Conferred In Masonic Lodges, Chapters, Encampments, ... Oaths, And Hieroglyphics Used By Masons was published mid 19th century as an exposure and 35 years after the disappearance of William Morgan in NY who threatened to reveal the secrets. Therefore, it’s not entirely correct even for the time and some artistic licence has been added to fill in possible gaps. It consists of
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the ritual of over 50 degrees (most recognisable) with guides to signs and words using diagrams as well. Many would come to use it, like most exposures, as an aide memoire. What is amazing with many exposures is that so much information is given with a degree of accuracy which is surprising considering there was no internet or other outlets.
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Further Light on the Royal Arch
The RA ceremony focuses on the Biblical story of the return from Babylon, the building of the temple and the ancient legend of the discovery of the vault. The above passage from 1659 was written by Samuel Lee showing that the legend was not an invention, but a religious legend going back to the 5th century.
scribing the sword and the trowel, similar a legend was known. In all likelihood, it was designed for masters of lodges—hence the qualification of having to be a past master of a lodge which continued until 1817 although many chapters continued it until mid 19th century.
It seemed to be during this period It also demonstrates that the holy that many alterations and additions book discovered in the vault was were made to the ritual such as the not the Old Testament, but the Gostau, lectures developed, letters in pel of St. John and explains some the triangle, etc. The latter has Christian excerpts still present in some ritu- been written about in alchemical studies als. since the 17th century and no doubt was ‘borrowed’ by the Royal Arch developers. Now whether this came from England or even How many RA companions can explain its France which had an exposure from 1745 de- meaning?
Sir William Wallace Royal Arch Chapter No.109 Business Meeting to discuss the future of the chapter Thursday 17th February at 7.30pm All companions welcome
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Lord Inverclyde Baron Inverclyde was a relatively short lived title, there being only 4 in total. The title was created in 1897, a few months before the birth of James Alan Burns. It ended with his death in 1957 as he had no children. Baron Inverclyde was a relatively short lived title, there being only 4 in total. The title was created in 1897, a few months before the birth of James Alan Burns. It ended with his death in 1957 as he had no children. Lord Inverclyde’s lineage was:
George Burns, 1st Baronet (1795-1890) George Burns was born in Glasgow, the son of Rev John Burns (1744–1839), a Presbyterian minister. He was co-founder of the Cunard Steamship Co. and made a baronet at age 94 in 1889, the oldest ever recipient of the award. John Burns, 2nd Baronet and 1st Baron Inverclyde (24 June 1829 – 12 February 1901) John Burns was a ship owner and Chairman of Cunard. He inherited his father's Baronetcy in 1890 and was created Baron Inverclyde, of Castle Wemyss in the county Renfrew, on 28 July 1897. He died on 12 February 1901; his wife Emily, dying the next day. They were interred together. He was succeeded by his elder son, George. George Arbuthnot Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde (17 September 1861 – 8 October 1905) By the time George succeeded his father, the Burns's fleet of ships amounted to over 100 vessels, trading between the Clyde, Ireland, Liverpool, and the Scottish Highlands. His father had eventually handed him control of the Cunard Steamship Company, making him chairman. On 6 April 1886, he married Mary Fergusson, younger daughter of Hickson Fergusson, of The Knowe, Ayrshire. However, he died childless in 1905, and the titles and business
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passed to his younger brother, James. James Cleland Burns, 3rd Baron Inverclyde, (14 February 1864 – 16 August 1919) So, James Cleland Burns was the second son of John Burns, the first Lord Inverclyde, and grandson of Sir George Burns, 1st Baronet, the cofounder of the Cunard Line. James Burns succeeded to the title of Baron Inverclyde on the death of his elder brother, George Burns, in 1905. He was the principal Director of the shipping business of Messrs. G. & J. Burns, Limited, and took a strong interest in everything connected with shipping. and was a Director of the Cunard Steamship Co., Ltd. He married on 2 April 1891, Charlotte Mary Emily, youngest daughter of Mr. Nugent-Dunbar of Machermore Castle, Newton Stewart, and had two daughters, Emily and Muriel, and a son, John Alan Burns, who succeeded him.
John Alan Burns, 4th Baron Inverclyde, (12 December 1897 – 18th June 1957) John Alan Burns is ‘No XII’s Lord Inverclyde’ and the title ended with him as he died childless. It would seem that he took no interest in the family businesses. He was born on 12th December 1897 at Castle Wemyss, the family estate in Wemyss Bay. Lord Inverclyde joining No. XII in 1947 and being Installed as Depute Master on 23rd December 1947, the next Regular Meeting after the Annual Installation a fortnight before. While he served in that office for a year, he did not continue in December 1948. We could hypothesise that this was because he knew that in 1949-50, he was to become Lord Dean of Guild in Glasgow. This role made him the Second Citizen of Glasgow, after the Lord Provost, and would have been very onerous in terms of civic duties. In addition to those associated with the office, he would have to
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Lord Inverclyde (ctd) deputise for the Lord Provost on numerous occasions. He was also an ex-officio member of the Council in Glasgow and much time would have to be spent at Council Meetings. The Lord Dean of Guild is an ancient office, elected by the Merchants House of Glasgow which was constituted in 1605. In the 17th and 18th Century, the Merchants formed a majority on the town council and every Lord Provost was drawn from their ranks.
time of reform of Glasgow's local government in 1605. At that time the electorate was essentially divided into two groups: the Merchants and the Craftsmen. The Craftsmen were looked after by the Trades House. Today, like the Merchants House, it is a charitable organisation.
Although he chose not to continue as Depute Master (as noted in his obituary in the Greenock Telegraph of 18th June 1957), Lord InThe Merchants House is now a major charita- verclyde did serve a full Commission as Proble institution and over the past five years it vincial Grand Master Substitute of Renfrewhas committed over £2.5m of grants and oth- shire West from 1948 till 1953. Bro Sir Waler charitable financial assistance, ter Guy Shaw Stewart (No. XII) of principally to third sector organisaArdgowan and Blackhall was RWPG tions operating predominantly in Master and Bro Robert A. ClapperGlasgow and the West of Scotland. It ton-Stewart (Greenock St John’s generously supported Newlands No.175) was RWPGM (Depute). Junior College when I was Principal Lord Inverclyde was replaced in there. 1953 by Bro. J Reid Kerr and Bro RA Clapperton Stewart by Bro. Peter R. The Merchants building is situated Jacobs MC, both of No. XII. at the corner of George Square and West George Street and as well as a Grand After a very full life, Lord Inverclyde passed Hall has six floors of office space. suddenly in his sleep of a heart attack to the Grand Lodge Above in the early hours of 18th Lord Inverclyde’s involvement with the Mer- June 1957 at Castle Wemyss. chants House possibly explains why he chose the Trades House of Glasgow Lodge No. 1241 as his first Scottish Lodge of Affiliation. The Thanks to Twelve Talk produced by Bro. Iain Trades House of Glasgow was created at the White PM Greenock Kilwinning No.XII
Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn Henry (1745–1790), Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn, was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England, one of two governing bodies of Freemasonry in England in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, from 1782 until his death in 1790. The Duke of Cumberland was also Grand Patron of Royal Arch Freemasonry, another branch of Freemasonry, from 1774 to 1790. In this portrait he is wearing the robes and regalia of that office. The office of Grand Patron no longer exists and so this regalia is no longer worn.
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Bro. Joseph Montfort Bro. Montfort was born in Hampton, Warwick County Virginia, where the family had settled in the seventeenth century, and it was from here in 1751 that he left for Edgecombe County North Carolina. The following year Montfort bought 419 acres on Quankey Creek, five miles west of where Halifax would be founded, and around the same time married Priscilla, the youngest daughter of Colonel Benjamin Hill, a deerskin trader and planter. The marriage also brought a connection to her brothers-in-law: Alexander McCulloch, a wealthy trader and planter, the nephew of Henry McCulloh; and John Campbell, described by Governor Arthur Dobbs in 1760 as ‘the most eminent trader in this province.’ Provincial Congress, albeit that poor health prevented him from attending. Montfort gradually amassed land across Edgecombe, Granville and Mecklenburg By this time Montfort had become one of the counties, developing and trading it on his most notable merchants and traders in Haliown account, and in partnership with oth- fax, leading the development of the town ers, including Willie Jones, who later mar- and raising its commercial and social proried Montfort’s daughter. In the process file. This included establishing a Masonic Montfort became one of North Carolina’s lodge, regarded as a mark of social sophistilargest land owners and a successful planter cation and providing a space for elite fraternal association. Montfort became Master of and merchant trader. The Royal White Hart Lodge in 1765 and set Montfort’s public offices included clerk to about ensuring that it maintained an elevatthe Edgecombe County Court and, when the ed status. This extended not only to importcounty was divided in 1759 with the crea- ed bespoke glassware, porcelain, and lodge tion of Halifax County from part of furniture, but also a new warrant. Edgecombe, clerk of Halifax County Court and District Superior Court; Town Commis- Montfort’s visit to London in 1767 offered sioner for Halifax; and Provincial Treasurer an opportunity to obtain a lodge warrant for the Northern District of North Carolina, a directly from the Grand Lodge of England role that gave him considerable influence. under the hand of its grand master, the Politically, Montfort represented Halifax Duke of Beaufort. Dated 21 August 1767, the County in the General Assembly in 1762 and new charter was produced to The Royal 1764; Halifax Town from 1766 to 1774; and White Hart on 20 May 1768, with the lodge in 1775 he was nominated to the Second assigned No. 403 on the Grand Register.
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Freemasons’ Hall, London
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Did you Know?
Interesting Meeting Places The following is the list of the first 15 English lodges and their meetings places in public houses: Time Immemorial 1 Lodge of Antiquity, Freemasons Tavern, Great Queen Street. (formerly Goose and Gridiron, St. Pauls Churchyard) 2 Somerset House Lodge, Freemasons Tavern (shown) which would become the Connaught Rooms in 1909. 1721 3 Lodge of Friendship, Thatched House Tavern, St James’s Street 4 British Lodge, White Horse, King Street, Golden Square 5 Westminster and Keystone Lodge, Horn Tavern, Palace Yard 1722 6 Lodge of Fortitude, Roebuck, Oxford Street 7 Lodge of St. Mary-la-bonne, Cavendish Square Coffee House 8 Ionic Lodge, Kings Arms, Brook Street, Grosvenor Square 9 Dundee Arms Lodge (P. Rm.), Red Lion Street, Wapping 1723 10 Kentish Lodge of Antiquity, Sun Tavern, Chatham 11 Kings Arms, Wandsworth, Surrey 12 Lodge of Emulation, Pauls Head Tavern, Cateaton Street 13 Fraternal Lodge, Mitre, Church Street, Greenwich 14 Globe Lodge, Globe Tavern, Fleet Street 15 Jacobs Ladder, Now London Tavern, Cheapside The full list can been seen on the website Masonic Lodges 1792 to 1813. (deadpubs.co.uk)
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Question What is a Cowan? Answer The Cowan is perhaps the most misunderstood individual in Freemasonry. The word comes straight from Scots operative Masonry of the late 16th Century and was not used in England until after 1738 when Anderson introduced it into his 1st Constitutions. A Cowan is a dry-dyker or dry stone waller who did not possess the skills of a time served Mason. From old records a Cowan was permitted to do much of the unskilled work of a regular Mason, who was thus left free for tasks of a higher order. A Cowan was ‘a mason without the word’, probably a labourer or an apprentice who had not fully served his apprenticeship but had acquired some skills and when in search of work ‘without the word’ was not allowed to affiliate with the genuine craftsmen and had to be content with any class of work that fell to him.
The stringent rules under which he was employed were designed to prevent him acquiring either full craftsman’s skill or any technological understanding of his craft. Probably the origin of the ‘closed shop’ Keeping off all Cowan’s and intruders to Masonry was a way of preserving the skills of those who had completed a 7 year apprenticeship on low wages, from those who just tried to muscle in on the Craftsman’s higher status and pay. Thanks to the PGL Warwickshire.
From Lodge Greyfriars No.1221 which used to meet in Dennistoun is now defunct. The jewel on the left would probably have been on the ribbon of a PM’s jewel while the jewel on the right probably hung from an anniversary medal.
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Bro. Hyslop, Chief Inspector & Hess The following appeared in the Johnstone Adver- 18th General Hospital, Camiers, suffering from tiser, Friday, 11th June 1965: Trench Fever. On recovery he was posted to the 3rd (Reserve) Btn. Cameron Highlanders, D Coy. A former Chief Inspector of Renfrew & Bute Po- at Invergordon, 9th October 1916. On 1st Februlice, Mr Thomas Broadfoot Hyslop, 73, of 3 West- ary 1917, Bro. Hyslop was posted to the MEF, Sawood Road, Thornliebank died in the Victoria In- lonika, embarking at Southampton, 2.2.1917, and firmary, Glasgow. The Chief Inspector, a native of arriving at Salonika, 16.2.1917, being posted to Dumfriesshire, was appointed to the old John- the 2nd Btn. Cameron Highlanders. stone Burgh Police in 1912 and held the rank of Sergeant when the town’s force was amalgamated Selected for a Temporary Commission on 20th with the County Force (Renfrewshire Constabu- October 1917 he was sent to England, being atlary) in 1930. He continued in Johnstone until tached to the 9th Reserve Brigade at Stirling, 1934 when he was promoted Inspector and trans- 6.11.1917 whilst undergoing training. He was ferred to Giffnock where he remained until his commissioned 2nd Lieut. on 26th June 1918 and retiral with the rank of Lieutenant (now Chief In- sent to the 3rd (Reserve) Btn. Cameron Highlandspector) in 1952. ers at Ballyvonare Camp, Co. Cork, Ireland. Thomas Broadfoot Hyslop was born on 3rd October 1891, at Burnbank, Penpont, Dumfriesshire. Thomas joined the Johnstone Burgh Police as a Police Constable in 1912, the police station being located at Collier Street.
Here his other ranks service record ends, but the Army List for Nov. 1918 shows him serving in one of the two Regular Army Battalions, 1st or 2nd, as 2nd Lieut, but does not specify which. He was discharged after the war and returned to duty as a Police Constable in Johnstone Burgh Police (crest After the outbreak of war, 4th August 1914, he over). volunteered for enlistment in the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, joining at the recruiting His Medal Index Card confirms that 2nd Lieut. office in Glasgow on 11th January 1915, with the Thomas Broadfoot Hyslop was awarded the rank of Private, service no. S/16774. Part of his 1914/15 Star, British War and Victory Medals, record as an other rank still survives, and shows and ‘emblem’ (oak leaf cluster) for Mention in that he joined his regiment at Inverness on 13th Dispatches. These were sent to him at 5 Ferguson January 1915, being posted to the 8th (Reserve) Street, Johnstone. On his return home, he joined Btn. Cameron Highlanders, C Coy. His age was giv- the lodge on 27th March, 1919 as Police Constaen as 23 years, 2 months, on enlistment, his home ble. address being 7 Ferguson Street, Johnstone. His next of kin was his father Andrew, Burnhead, Thomas B Hyslop married Jane McGregor MalThornhill, Dumfries. colm , Chapel Farm, Houston, on 26th August 1921 at the Village Hall, Houston. (According to He was promoted L/Cpl, 15th Feb 1915, which the Church of Scotland). was reported in the Paisley and Renfrewshire Gazette, Sat., 20 March 1915 - Johnstone. Constable Thomas B Hyslop was promoted to the rank of Hyslop who recently joined the Cameron High- Police Sergeant, and the 1927 Paisley and District landers, paid a brief visit to the town on Tuesday. Directory shows him with that rank, residing at He has the rank of Lance Corporal and is sta- The Cottage, Hagg Road, Johnstone. On 16th May tioned at Inverness. 1930 Johnstone Burgh Police amalgamated with Renfrewshire Constabulary, and Sgt. Hyslop conBro. Hyslop was transferred to the 6th (Service) tinued in the new force at Johnstone until 1934 Battalion, Cameron Highlanders, embarking at when he was promoted Inspector and transferred Folkestone, 6th August 1915 for France, to serve to Giffnock. During WW2 he became involved with his battalion on the Western Front, his bat- with the Rudolf Hess incident. talion being part of 45th Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division. Further promotions followed - Acting An article appeared in the Daily Mail newspaper, Cpl 27.9. 1915, Cpl 6.10.1915, Sgt 8.12.1915. He Wed.,27th January, 1999, with regards to Rudolf received a Mention in Dispatches (per London Hess having flown to Britain on 10th May 1941, Gazette, Supplement, 15.6.1916). allegedly wanting to broker a deal to end the war allowing Britain to emerge defeated with ‘dignity.’ On 30th June 1916 he was sent to England from A report written by Inspector Thomas B. Hyslop, Cross Keys January 2022
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Bro. Hyslop, Chief Inspector & Hess (ctd) of Renfrewshire Constabulary, details how the drama started with a phone call reporting a German plane, crashing at Eaglesham, Renfrewshire. By the time Hyslop had arrived a Special Constable and a Home Guard Captain were already at the scene - along with 200 or so onlookers. ‘Sentries appear to have been fixed but I could not find anyone actually in charge’ Hyslop wrote. The mystery prisoner flying the plane had been taken to the 3rd Battalion Home Guard HQ at Busby Scout Hut. Hyslop continued ‘I saw that Lt. Col. Hardie had taken charge of the various productions which were found on the pilot’s person, and which included as far as I could see, a number of bottles, a syringe, a large map and part of a map showing the coast of Scotland to Ayr.’
police court. Included was a letter addressed to the Duke of Hamilton. From there Hess, who gave the name Alfred Horn, was transferred to the HQ of the Home Guard in the Scout Hall at Florence Drive, Giffnock. The first person to recognise him as Hess was Captain Graham Donald, DFC, who attended at Giffnock. Donald had been the main partner in the firm of Craig and Donald Machine Tool Company, William Street, Johnstone. Hyslop would therefore have known him.
Hess was subsequently taken to Maryhill Barracks, for his journey south to England, and was incarcerated for the return of the war. He was tried and convicted at Nuremberg for war crimes The author James Leasor in his book ‘Rudolf Hess, and given life imprisonment. The Uninvited Envoy’ , published 1962, actually spoke with Hyslop, and mentioned him in his With regards to Thomas Hyslop, he served in the book—Lt Tom Hyslop, a burly, good natured Of- police after the war. Renfrewshire Constabulary ficer in the Renfrewshire Constabulary, was driv- was amalgamated with Buteshire Constabulary ing home from Dumbarton, in his black Wolseley on 16th May 1949, and Thomas Hyslop continued police car, with his daughter Nan, a Leading Air- to serve in the new Renfrew and Bute Constabucraftswoman in the WAAF, home on weekend lary at Giffnock, as Chief Inspector until his retiral leave. Hyslop had been visiting the Dumbarton in 1952. remand home, about a difficult case and his daughter had gone with him for company.” He died on 5th June 1965 at the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow, aged 73, from cardiac failure and reShortly after 10 o’clock a voice came through on lated illnesses. His usual residence at the time of the police car radio that an enemy plane had been his death was 3 Westfield Road, Thornliebank. spotted in the sky near Glasgow. It was near Most of his police service had been spent in Johnwhere they were and Hyslop stopped the car and stone. turned off the engine. In the silence, they saw a plane fall from the sky a distance away and heard the sound of a crash and breaking metal. A figure dropped out of the plane by parachute, before it hit the ground. They raced up the Eaglesham Road arriving at the crash site . Some policemen had already arrived and Hyslop instructed them to guard the wreckage and keep everyone else away. Hyslop shone his shielded torch into the cockpit and around the engines. Then he saw something that surprised him. The muzzles of the machine guns picking out of the wings were packed tight with grease. They were not intended to be used. Hyslop left the scene and went to the Home Guard HQ at Busby where the pilot had been taken to. When he arrived Hess stood up and bowed gravely to him, and to some other Army and RAF officers who came with him. Someone carried a small table into the Guard Room and each article they found on him was placed on it, like exhibits in a Cross Keys January 2022
Bro. Capt. Forbes PM with his officers. We don’t know which one is Bro. Hyslop.
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Bro. Laurence Dermott Was Laurence Dermott, that most extraordinary freemason? Many believe so. Bro. Laurence Dermott, said that the Holy Royal Arch was “the root, heart and marrow of freemasonry”. He was born in Ireland and became a Freemason in 1741. Dermott served as Grand Secretary of the Ancient Grand Lodge of England from 1752 to 1771. The following is an extract from a lecture from a good friend Bro. Yasha Beresiner who delivered the first James Donald Memorial Lecture in 242 on his 200th Anniversary in 2011.
Laurence Dermot was born in Dublin in 1720 and initiated in Lodge number 26 in 1740. Six years later he was the Master and that same year, in 1746, he is recorded as being a Royal Arch Mason. One of the earliest references we have to the Royal Arch. In 1748 he came to England a poor man and as a journeyman painter joining a Moderns Lodge but very soon transferring his allegiance to the Antients. He was received in Lodge No 5 (now Kent 15) and then number 10 Lodge (now Royal Athelstan 19).
forming the Grand Lodge of England according to the Old Institutions.
It was, however, in 1756 that Dermott really excelled in his standing as a dedicated Antients freemason. This was the year of publication of the Antients Constitutions named ‘Ahiman Rezon’. The meaning and transliteration of the title still remains a mystery. Dermott was, however, very aware of the youth of his own Grand Lodge and that there was little room for an historic introduction of subsequence. In his introduction to the Constitutions, therefore, he proceeded announced These were difficult times for Freemasonry in that he really felt little need to follow in the footgeneral in England. The Premier Grand Lodge, top steps of those who wasted time in irrelevant hisheavy with aristocrats and even members of Roy- torical introduction. alty, was being neglected. Dissatisfaction was wide spread and a minor incident finally broke He did however compose and write a relevant the camel’s back. As recorded in the minutes of and important introduction to which he wished to the Grand Lodge of England, on 11th December, incorporate a summarised review of all the availa1735 the Master and Wardens from a Lodge un- ble information from other sources but found the der the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ireland material so boring that he fell asleep whilst readwere refused admittance to the Quarterly com- ing it. Now he had a wonderful dream of four Somunication of Grand Lodge. To the Irish, this inci- journers from Jerusalem approaching him, praisdent was a major confrontation especially in the ing him for his work and the material written so light of Irish Brethren often being denied mem- far and advising him on matters to add to his bership in English Lodges. There were, by 1750, manuscript, when he was abruptly woken up by several exclusively Irish Lodges and on Wednes- his puppy dog running around the room and unday 17th July, 1751 five of these Lodges finally der his feet whilst chewing the last pages of his joined forces as a General Assembly referring to manuscript. He apologised, therefore not to have themselves as a Grand Committee with a view to an historical introduction and went straight on to Cross Keys January 2022
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Bro. Laurence Dermott (ctd) attacking the Premier Grand Lodge of 1717.
ment he proposed formally that the number of the salutation given to any Grand Officer should be at the discretion of Grand Lodge and the Grand Master. Following a brief discussion he was saluted again 39 times . . . as it happened to be his 39th birthday! All recorded in the minutes.
Dermott needed to justify the formation of a competing Grand Lodge and he did so by attacking and attempting to diminish the standing of the Premier Grand Lodge. He quickly hooked on to the idea of the Premier Grand Lodge have deviated from the Land marks of the order and this con- In March 1771 the 3rd Duke of Atholl appointed tinued as his theme whenever we come across his him Deputy Grand Master after serving nearly 20 comments about the Premier Grand Lodge. years as Grand Secretary. In 1783 he was again appointed Deputy Grand Master and continued They did not recognise the Royal Arch – join the until 1787. Antients and we will make you real masons. They changed the first and second degree words and My last image of Dermott is in March 1789 still signs to supposedly protect the Brethren from the active but now totally unfit with swollen legs that profane who were gaining access into Masonic prevented him from walking; nonetheless he atLodges as a result of the publication of a series of tended Grand Lodge for the last time . . . carried in exposures after 1730. The Antients planned to on the shoulders of two Grand Deacons. Was it revert to the original sequence. foresight that had led him to establish the Office of Deacon when the Antients were first formed? They de-christianised the Order by eliminating references to the Trinity in their Constitutions. Dermot died in June 1791 and we still do not The Antients would revert to a Christian Society. know where he is buried. Much of this, however, was just rhetoric. The 1756 Constitutions overtly included prayers for Christian and Jewish Lodges and the attempts of Dermott to establish the Royal Arch as a fourth degree were frustrated in 1766 when the members of the Moderns Grand Lodge formed the Supreme Grand Chapter under whose authority we still meet today. Dermott began to suffer from gout and we are constantly reminded of his problems with health. None the less he continued in his aggressive and cantankerous involvement with the Antients to his dying day. He won every argument brought forward. In June 1671 he was honoured in Grand Lodge and saluted with 5 and claimed that he should have been saluted with 3. Following that argu-
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The Master’s Song This world is so hard and so stony, That if a man is to get through, He need have the courage of Nelson, And plenty of Job’s patience too. But a man who is kind to another And cheerfully helps him along, We’ll claim as a man and a brother, And here's to his health in a song. And here’s to his health, here’s to his health And here’s to his health in a song. Chorus: And here’s to his health, here’s to his health And here’s to his health in a song. This life is as cheerless as winter To those who are cold in the heart, but a man who is warm in his nature Bids winter for ever depart The ground that he treads on will blossom, Till beauty around him shall throng; God Bless such a man and a brother, And here’s to his health in a song. And here’s to his health; here’s to his health And here’s to his health in a song.
Chorus As clouds that in sunshine are open, And silver’d by light passing through, So men who are generous in spirit, Are bless’d by the good deeds they do; There’s nothing like helping another For getting one’s own self along; Who does this is truly a brother. And here’s to his health in a song. And here’s to his health; here’s to his health And here’s to his health in a song. Chorus There’s something in other men’s sorrows That strengthens a man who is true, They melt him at first, and then mould him, The manliest actions do. There’s lots of both sorrow and trouble, Our poor fellow-creatures among; But God makes the blessings all double To those who help others along.
The Master’s Song was composed by Bro. Richard Rome Bealey in 1866, an English commercial traveller who was initiated into Lodge Operative No.47, Dundee. In the course of his occupation, he sold various chemicals to the jute trade and other industries in Dundee. He never affiliated to any English Constitution lodges as he always believed he should remain true to his mother lodge.
Bits & Pieces Scottish Rite 32nd Degree, Camp Guard Robe, from an US catalogue to the right and a Star Trek night in Honolulu Lodge!
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US Presidents Most brethren are aware that George Washington was a freemason and the list of masonic Presidents is lengthy, but how many are aware of the lodges in which they joined. Here are some Presidents and their known lodges: Andrew Jackson (7th President) was a member of Harmony Lodge No. 1 in Nashville, Tennessee. Seven years before he was elected president, Jackson served as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee from 1822 to 1824. He was an Honorary Member of Federal Lodge No. 1, F. & A.M., Washington, D.C., and Jackson Lodge No. 1, F. & A.M., Tallahassee, Florida.
initiated into Magnolia Lodge No. 20 of Columbus, Ohio. Because of his Civil War service, Garfield did not receive the Master Mason degree until 1864. It was conferred by Columbus Lodge No. 30 of the same city. Committed to Freemasonry, Garfield also became a member of the Knights Templar, the Royal Arch, and the Scottish Rite. In 1881, only months after being elected, an assassin killed Garfield. Masons across the United States publicly mourned his death.
William McKinley (24th President) became a Mason in 1865 while serving as a Union officer during the Civil War at Hiram Lodge No. 21 in Winchester, Virginia. He was a founding member of Eagle Lodge No. 431 in Canton, In 1820, James K. Polk (11th President) was Ohio. The lodge changed its name to William initiated into Columbia Lodge No. 21 or 31 in McKinley Lodge No. 431 after McKinley was Columbia, Tennessee. Polk received the Mark assassinated in 1901. Degree at Lafayette Chapter No. 4, Nashville, in 1825. In 1901, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was initiated into Matinecock Lodge No. 806 In 1817, James Buchanan (15th President) in Oyster Bay, New York. A few months later, was initiated into Lodge No. 43, in Lancaster, William McKinley was assassinated, and RooPennsylvania. Buchanan also served as a Dis- sevelt became the 25th president. Roosevelt trict Deputy Grand Master in the Grand Lodge continued to attend lodges and Masonic cereof Pennsylvania. monies throughout his presidency. In this 1907 photograph of a cornerstone laying at Another Tennessean, An- Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown, Massadrew Johnson (17th Presi- chusetts, Roosevelt stands at the centre dent) was initiated into wearing the apron. Greeneville Lodge, No. 119 in Greeneville, Tennessee, in 1851. Historians have noted that Johnson was also a Knight Templar, a Royal Arch Mason, and a Scottish Rite Mason. In this image to the left, Johnson stands for a portrait in his Knights Templar regalia. In 1861, James Garfield (20th President) was In 1909, at a special ceremony in Cincinnati,
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US Presidents (ctd) Ohio, the Grand Master of Ohio, Charles S. Hoskinson, made soon-to-be-25th President William Taft a “Mason at sight.” Taft later affiliated with Kilwinning Lodge No. 356 in Cincinnati, the same lodge that his father had joined. The fourth president and Freemason from Ohio, Harding was initiated into Marion Lodge No. 70, in Marion, Ohio, in 1901. He became a Master Mason in 1920, one year before being elected 28th president. In 1921, the Scottish Rite Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction elected Harding to receive the 33rd Degree at their annual meeting in Cleveland. Due to illness and his schedule, Harding was unable to attend the meeting. He died in office in 1923, before receiving the degree. The photograph right, shows the 33rd Degree jewel crafted for Harding. In 1911, Franklin Roosevelt (31st President) was initiated into Holland Lodge No. 8 in New York City. He remained an active Mason throughout his life. His three sons, Elliott (1919-1990), Franklin Jr. (1914-1988), and James (1907-1991) were also Masons and members of Architect Lodge No. 519 in New York City. I have come in contact with Brother Masons throughout this country, and I have seen the splendid work that Masonry is doing for our fellowmen.
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Roosevelt expressed this sentiment in a 1935 speech to members of Architect Lodge No. 519 on the day his sons, Franklin and James, were raised as Master Masons. Harry Truman (32nd President) was initiated into Belton Lodge, No. 450 in Belton, Missouri, in 1909. Dedicated to Freemasonry, Truman helped to organize Grandview Lodge No. 618, also in Missouri, and filled the role as its first Worshipful Master. He later served as the Grand Master of Masons in Missouri in 1940. Truman was also a member of the Knights Templar, Royal Arch, and Shrine, and was a 33° Scottish Rite Mason. In 1949, Gerald Ford was initiated into Malta Lodge No. 465 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was raised a Master Mason by Columbia Lodge No. 3 in Washington, D.C. in 1951. Ford continued his lifelong commitment to Freemasonry and joined the Saladin Shriners in Kentwood, Michigan, in 1959. In 1962, he was made a 33° Scottish Rite Mason and Honorary Member of the Supreme Council A.A.S.R., NMJ. Ford is pictured above with Barnett Samuels, Potentate Fred Spencer, and Recorder Harvey B. Leggee (1901-1989), members of Aleppo Temple in Wilmington, Massachusetts, in the 1970s.
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Old Masonic Cross The jewel is dated mid to late 18th Century from France as shown by the cockerel. The six pointed star, commonly associated with the Royal Arch, is shown here before Royal Arch masonry had come into existence. Therefore, we can assume (?) that this symbol came into Royal Arch masonry from France and perhaps strengthens the claim that its origins are actually French rather than being part of the MM degree.
Paisley Railway 1888
The railway station in Paisley, better known as Gilmour Street, looked very different in 1888 than it does today, especially with horse drawn carriages where taxis fly about. That year, 242 held a Grand Ball & Conversazione in the Town Hall for funds, took a deputation to Lodge St. Barchan No.156 for the opening on the new public park in Kilbarchan and the master Bro. Henry Wylie and IPM James Reid instructed the brethren in the “opening ceremony of different offices” and they went “through a great number of questions and answers likely to be put to younger members applying for admission to sister lodges. . .” Our ‘walk through’ degrees have addresses some question, but perhaps an initiative that would work again especially regarding the roll of each office?
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Lodge Ulster No.1486 The lodge was consecrated in 1953 by brethren with a connection to Northern Ireland in 1953. Today the lodge meets in the Masonic Hall in Wood Street, Dennistoun on 4th Friday September to May.
The Shriners Bro. Walter Millard Fleming was born in 1837 in Portland, Maine, USA and obtained a degree in medicine in New York in 1862. He served as Surgeon in the National Guard during the Civil War. After the war he practiced Medicine in Rochester, New York. By 1868 he was a prominent NY City physician and surgeon. He practiced Medicine till 1909 and died in 1913. In 1869 he joined the lodge and together with Bro. William Jermyn Conlin (whose stage name was William J Florence) founded the Masonic Order called the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in 1872. The organisation is known for its hospitals for children costing millions per month. He was raised a Master Mason in Rochester Lodge No. 660 in 1869 and in 1870 affiliated with Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection; Received the degrees of the Consistory 4-32 on 31 May 1871 and was given his 33rd in 1872. In 1872, he affiliated with New York Lodge No. 330 having demitted from Rochester Lodge. He was exalted in Lafayette Chapter No. 207, Royal Arch Masons and became a member of Adelphic Council No. 7, Royal and Select Masters; was knighted in Columbia Commandery No. 1, Knights templar of NYC also in 1872 and was elected Eminent Commander in April 1872 which office he retained for 4 years. He founded and served as Illustrious Potentate of the Mecca Temple, which was originally named Gotham, the first Temple established by the Shrine. Mecca Temple received its charter 26 Sep 1872 and Bro Flemming held his original office from 1872 to 1887. He was elected Grand Imperial Potentate at the 1st session of the Imperial Grand Council of the Order 6 Jun 1876 and retained this office until 14 Jun 1886. From Thomas Harper No.9612(EC) Facebook page. Cross Keys January 2022
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New Token Lodge Neptune Kilwinning No.442 are the latest Lodge to accept the Grand Master Mason's challenge of reaching a target of £1m donated to Prostate Scotland by November 2022 by striking a token, tokens are priced at £6.00 plus p&p, please contact John Muir if you'd like one.
PGL Renfrewshire East Installations & Events A successful PGL Annual Meeting and Installation of elected Office Bearers was held on Saturday 29th January. . Lodge Annual Visitations 2022 begin with Lodge St Barchan No. 156 on Tuesday 1st February and Lodge St John Busby No 458 on Wednesday 2nd February , with the new Commission appointments coming into force on 3rd February along with Lodge Craigends No. 1042’s Annual Visitation. All seats for the Commissioned Office Bearers Installation on Saturday 19th February have been allocated to brethren across the Province and we all look forward to a successful Installation Ceremony by Grand Lodge. Inter visiting between Lodges will be re-accessed in mid February and hopefully the Province will be able to take a further step towards the type of meetings that we’ve
enjoyed in the past. Don’t forget the superb resources we have:
The online library—click here
The lending library situated in the Masonic Temple, Maxwelton Road with hundreds of books—to see the index click here
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Wolfe and Montcalm Memorial 1827 The Foundation Stone of the Wolfe-Moncalm Monument was laid in Quebec in 1827 with Masonic honours. The team was under the direction of Bro. Claude Denechau, Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Quebec and Three Rivers. The Governor, the Earl of Dalhousie (Past Grand Master Mason of Scotland 1804—06) was present at the ceremony. At the appropriate moment the Governor invited the Provincial Grand Master to conduct the ceremony according to Masonic practices. Bro. Denechau approached the stone and proceeded with the ceremony. On reaching the point of striking the three mystic strokes, he addressed James Thompson: “Mr. Thompson, we honour you here as the companion in arms and a venerable living witness of the fall of Wolfe, do us the also the favour to bear witness on this occasion by the Mallet in your hand.” Bro. Thompson then gave the three strokes with the Mallet on the stone. James Thompson was then 95 years old and was one of the last survivors of the Battle for Quebec. He was supported by the arm of Captain Young of the 79th (Cameron Highlanders) whose pencil had produced the chaste and appropriate design used in the creation of the monument.
Bro. James Thompson had been a mason some seventy years in the lodge attached to his 78th Regiment (Fraser’s Highlanders) —he was a master many times and long standing secretary. His association with the Craft in Quebec has been traced from the first meeting in Quebec on 28th November 1759, But the sands of time were fast running out, and he passed peacefully away on August 25th 1830 at the age of 97. The April Cross Keys will reveal more about this genuine freemason, but he is mentioned briefly over.
The obelisk is the oldest monument in Quebec City and the second oldest war monument in Canada. The architect was Captain John Crawford Young of the 79th Cross Keys January 2022
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Freemasonry & Empathy Empathy is often confused with sympathy and compassion, although related, they have three distinct meanings. The feeling which arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering, and you feel motivated to relieve that suffering, is compassion, especially when those feelings and thoughts include the desire to help.
Here is a story which encapsulates the meaning of Masonic Relief: A salesman breaks down in a remote country lane, a farmer in the adjacent field comes over and they discover that they are “Brothers” The salesman is concerned as he has an important appointment in the local town, “don’t worry says the farmer you can use my car, I will call a friend and get the car Sympathy is largely used to convey pity, or feel- repaired whilst you go to the appointment” ings of sorrow for someone else who is experiencing misfortune. By conveying sympathy to others, Off goes the salesman and a couple of hours later lets them know of your feelings toward them. he returns but unfortunately the car is awaiting a These days, it is usually expressed by sending part which won’t arrive until the next morning. cards or letters. “It’s not a problem,” says the Farmer, “use my telephone and re schedule your first appointment toEmpathy on the other hand, is used to describe a morrow, stay with us tonight and we will see that wide range of experiences. Emotion researchers the car is done first thing!” The farmers’ wife pregenerally define empathy as the ability to sense pares a wonderful meal and they share a glass of other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability fine single malt during an excellent evening, the to imagine what someone else might be thinking salesman sleeps soundly and when he awakes there or feeling. Empathy is the logical extension of Ma- is his car, repaired and ready to go. sonic Charity and a demonstration of “Brotherly Love” To a Freemason, it is a device, a mechanism After a full English breakfast the salesman thanks to make the world a better place for all to live in. them both for the hospitality. As he and the farmer The admonition to walk a mile in someone else's walk to his car he turns and asks “my Brother, shoes means before judging someone, you must thank you so much but I have to ask, did you help understand his experiences, challenges, thought me because I am a Mason?” “No” was the reply, “I processes, etc. The full idiom is: Before you judge helped you because I am.” a man, walk a mile in his shoes. In effect, it is a reminder to practice empathy. My thanks to Biggenden Masonic Lodge No.136 in Queensland, Australia.
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Early History of the Craft in Quebec The battle which decided the fate of the City 47th (North Lancs) Regiment, No. 192, of Quebec, to which General Wolfe committed (Irish) warranted 1748 his army, was fought on September 13th, 48th (Northamption) Regiment, No. 1759, it was not until the 29th of that month 218, (Irish) warranted 1750 that the British troops marched into the City. Shortly after, in December of the same year, these lodges along with brethren within Bro. James Thompson, a Sergeant in the 78th Wolfe’s army met to celebrate the Festival of Regiment (Fraser’s Highlanders’), had kept a St. John. record of the early meetings of the Craft in Quebec, as well as copies of letters written Returning to Quebec in the spring of 1760 on and received by him during the years he was board “H.M.S. Vanguard” was Thomas Grand Secretary of the Provincial Grand Dunckerley, who later served the Craft in Lodge of Quebec. From this record it is now England with great distinction and enthusiestablished that the first joint meeting of the asm. He was empowered under a general PaLodges in the garrison was held on November tent of Appointment granted to him by the 28th, 1759, which “was as soon as Convenient Grand Master of the premier Grand Lodge of after the Surrender of this place to England to regulate Masonic affairs where no His Britannic Majesty’s Arms.” Provincial Grand Master had been appointed. It was in virtue of this authority that he inThe huge influence of the military lodges in stalled Colonel Simon Fraser, of the 78th RegQuebec can be witnessed with the other lodg- iment, as Provincial Grand Master of Quebec. es involved with the siege in 1759: Colonel Fraser returned to England in the summer of 1760. 15th (East Yorkshire) Regiment No. 245, (Irish) warranted 1754 The Provincial Grand Lodge of Quebec contin 28th (Gloucestershire) Regiment No. 35, ued to function until 1792, and during its pe(Irish) warranted 1734 riod of existence sixty Lodges, many of which 28th Regiment "Louisbourg, Boston, were military Lodges. Only two of these LodgModern," warranted 1758 es are still in existence – St. Paul’s Lodge, 35th (Royal Sussex) Regiment No. 205, Montreal (1770) still on -the English Register, (Irish) warranted 1749 and Dorchester Lodge, Vergennes (1791) 40th (South Lancs) Regiment, No. 42, now No. 1 on the Register of the Grand Lodge K.R., " Ancient," warranted 1755 of Vermont.
The First Meeting of the Craft in Quebec must have been colourful with the military brethren. Cross Keys January 2022
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Early History of the Craft in Quebec (ctd) The Battalion returned to England in 1787, and while there it’s Lodge purchased the vacant Warrant No. 9. In 1790, the Battalion was again posted to Quebec, and a meeting of Lodge No. 9 is recorded on November 4th of that year. In 1829 this Lodge obtained a Warrant from the United Grand Lodge of England as a civilian Lodge, adopting the name “Albion”. It is now No. 2 on the Quebec Register. Another “Ancient” Warrant No. 241 was
issued in 1787 to an Artillery unit stationed in the City of Quebec. In 1852 it received a “Warrant of Confirmation as St. John’s Lodge. It is now No. 3 on the Quebec Roll. In 1869, at a Convention of lodges, a resolution was adopted establishing the Grand Lodge of Quebec and a year later seven more lodges had joined.
Square & Compass Pub The Square and Compass public house in Dorset began life as a pair of cottages commanding a little bluff known as Lychard (meaning Bank), which overlooked the village and a marvellous view of the Channel. Around 1776, it became an alehouse, owned by Wareham brewer cum clay merchant, under the sign of The Sloop. There were connections with smuggling, including skirmishes with excisemen at St Aldhelms Head. A new tenant landlord, a stone mason called Charles Bower, seems to have changed the name around 1830. He ran the place for more than 40 years, to be followed by his widow, then a series of tenants until 1907, when the Newmans took over. In the interwar years the pub became a fashionable watering hole for a creative set, the artist, Augustus John, cartoonist Low, pianist Harriet Cohen, actors Leslie Banks and Gwen Francon -Davis amongst many signatories of the Visitors' Book.
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Grand Masonic Bazaar in Greenock One way to raise money in the 19th C, was through the bazaar where stalls were set up, often in a the local Town Hall. The Foundation Stone for the new building for Greenock St. John’s No.175 was laid on Saturday 6th February 1897 by the master, Bro. James Reid (see below). In 1898, some seventeen months after the laying of the foundation stone the consecration of the Temple took place. The ceremony of consecration was conducted by the Provincial Grand Master, Brother Michael Hugh Shaw Stewart of Carnock, MP for East Renfrewshire (shown).
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Around East & West
Bro. Bob Bain PM No.XII receiving Honorary membership from Bro. Tom McDougall, master of Lodge Montgomerie Kilwinning Skelmorlie No.624.
In Memoriam It is with deep sadness and much regret that we have to inform you of a loss sustained to the craft in Renfrewshire in the passing to the Grand Lodge above of the following Brother: Bro. James Munro & Bro. Hugh Burnfield
Bro. Jimmy was Senior Steward for many, many years in 242 and was a very well known and liked brother by young and old. He was a regular attender of the lodge both home and away including the many visits to Northern Ireland. Bro. Jimmy was initiated on 11th February 1971 as a machine operator; prior to that he had served in merchant navy for many years. Unfortunately, his health was failing over the last year or so, but his heart was always in 242 and no job was too small or big for Jimmy to do. He will be sadly missed by many brethren. Cross Keys January 2022
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Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Renfrewshire NEW GRAND SUPERINTENDENT & COMMISSION 1st January 2022 Companions, on the first day of a new year and the first day of my term as Grand Superintendent of the Province of Renfrewshire, I am delighted to introduce the Commission: Depute Grand Superintendent Billy Mclarty (Greenock No. 17) Second Principal Graham Manson (Rockmount No. 367) Third Principal Danny Thompson (Port Glasgow No. 900) Scribe E Grant Macleod (Sir William Wallace No. 109) Scribe N John Malcolm (Baron of Renfrew No. 114) I would like to record my thanks to my predecessor MEC Gordon McGregor Renfrew and his Commission for their tenure. It is my intention to build on their endeavours to enhance the profile of Royal Arch Masonry in Renfrewshire. We look forward to working with you all and wish companions everywhere a safe and prosperous 2022. Kevin Pollock Grand Superintendent A clear message is being sent and it is hoped all companions (past and present) will join our journey and help RA Masonry in the Province:
– Leadership – Clear direction, collective responsibility and setting standards
To submit an article or want added to the mail list contact the Editor, Grant Macleod: E-Mail:
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Website: http://lodge242.bravesites.com/
Cross Keys January 2022
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