The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone
January 2013
Walking the Road / Seeking the Light
In this issue: A Thought for the New Year The Appeal of Masonry 1st Edinburgh Rifle Volunteer Corps Sir Walter Scott Thoughts from a US Past Grand Master An Unusual Stance Madness? Chamber of Reflection Moveable Lodges Cross Keys January. 2013
Number 163
A Thought for the New Year Once there was a little lodge. It wasn't always little. It was little when it was started years ago, and then it grew some and then it got little again. The members - those who came to meetings - were all good fellows. There wasn't a bad thing to be said about any of them. Some of them came regularly (they liked to think of themselves as the "faithful few"). Coming to Lodge was a pleasant way to spend an evening. The coffee was good, you sat in the same seat, and you always knew how things were going to come out. You never had to worry about surprises, or strange ideas, or strange people for that matter. Of course, a lot of the members had moved away, and there were names on the roll that only those with the longest memories could remember. But these folks paid their dues and that helped keep the Lodge going. There wasn't much work any more because petitions were few and far between. There had been some black-balling one time, some of the members had demitted because they didn't like it, and after that the petitions fell off. Even when there was work, there wasn't always a full crew of experienced men to fill the stations, but the old heads who didn't work were full of comments about those who did. When it came to the stated meetings, the main topic was how to avoid spending money. A couple of times over the years the question of relief of a brother came up. Each time the Lodge decided that what the brother needed the Lodge couldn't provide, and what they could provide wasn't really enough to do any good, so they didn't do anything. Another time the Lodges in the district decided to have a picnic on a Sunday. But, the brethren here decided that it wasn't right to have it on Sunday and they couldn't have a part in it. Well, it was the fact that nobody was really interested. So they didn't make it. There was one thing about this lodge though. The Worshipful Master never had to worry too much about actually running the lodge. The secretary and some of the Past Masters saw to that, and all the Master had to do was fill the station. That way, anybody who could learn to make good coffee as a Junior Steward and was willing to persevere through "the line", would get to sit in the East. If he was wrong, he could count on some experienced brother to set him right - right in front of the lodge. Some real nice fellows got to be Master this way. Well, this is the way it went. The lodge used to conduct a good Masonic funeral, but it got to the point that the brethren were too busy and they couldn't make it. They decided that some of the retired brothers ought to look after this anyway since they had nothing better to do. It wasn't too many years before there was nobody left to deliver the funeral service, and then one day the lodge was asked to bury a brother and had to say that it Cross Keys January. 2013
A Thought for the New Year (ctd) couldn't. The years went by and nothing changed and nothing happened. The coffee was still good, but there were more vacant seats at every meeting. The faithful few regularly rose and deplored the fact that Masonry was no longer like it used to be in its golden age; the young men aren't interested and the old men no longer care, but the lodge - thank God remains the same forever! Then one day the members awoke to the fact that their once genteel neighbourhood had become a slum, and there was much talk about selling the old property and re-locating. But there were those who noted in quavering voices that the lodge had met in this place for all these years past: to move would somehow violate tradition. So no decision was made and the lodge didn't move because it couldn't. Finally, the dwindling membership, the lack of petitioners, the lack of funds forced the lodge to the point of painful decision. And there were among the few who came to decide the lodge's fate some who solemnly wagged their heads and said, "We can't make it." And sure enough, they couldn't. By L.L. Walker, Jr; P.M. Anson Jones Lodge; Fellow in Masonic Research, Texas Lodge of Research in 1972.
1st Edinburgh Rifle Volunteer Corps In the History of the Queen’s City of Edinburgh Rifle Volunteer Brigade (1881), William Stephen mentions that Edinburgh freemasons started No.12 Company which would consist of only freemasons. All members would provide their own uniform, arms and accoutrements. The first captain was Alexander Lawrie who would become the Grand Secretary. Unfortunately, support lagged and the company opened up to non-masons. This is an example of a rather strange form of military masonry—in most cases regiments were formed and lodges opened within a battalion rather than the other way round. However, all was not lost and the brigade formed a lodge of its own which eventually became The Rifle Lodge No.405 meets in Scotia Regia Hall, St Clair Place, Edinburgh. Cross Keys January. 2013
The Appeal of Masonry After we have taken our first regular step we find in the Masonic Ritual many elements that are pleasing, and fill us with a strange wonder and satisfaction, leading us never to forget the bow which we drew at the venture. The stately old-world phrases, the dignity and harmony of movement, of colour and of euphony, gratify the senses and the minds of men wearied by the stress and distractions of worldly affairs. The broad, homely philosophy of life, the simple declaration of brotherhood, the ethic of fidelity and friendship, truth without dogma, religion without sect, reverence without sacrifice of dignity, love without sentimentality; all these are important elements contributing each its quota to the appeal of Masonry in the heart of the Mason. The joy of relaxing to the congenial atmosphere of the fraternity, the opportunity to put away the armour which must be worn on the battlefields of the world outside the Lodge, the free exchange of brotherliness, without fear of misunderstanding or of rebuff, these are valuable elements in the appeal of Masonry. It is a fact which cannot be gainsaid that there is scarcely a man or woman, and certainly not a child, who does not harbour a secret love of ritual. Instances of this are to be found in the way in which the general public clings to such institutions as the Life Guards, with their quaint costumes and trappings, Lord Mayor’s processions, the wigs of the law courts and so forth. This then, is undoubtedly one of the principal appeals which Masonry makes to most of its initiates. In the outer world of today there is so much turmoil, hurry, bustle and unseemliness, so much pushing, self-assertion and personal advertisement, so little consideration for the feelings of others, so little true dignity, restraint, or courtesy springing spontaneously from the over - flowings of kindly hearts, that it is exceedingly pleasant to enter the totally different atmosphere of a Lodge, where dignity and order are found in place of the undignified turmoil to which we are so accustomed in the outer world. It is a wonderful tonic for nerves strained by the tension of ordinary life to come into the precincts of a Masonic Lodge, where all is quiet, orderly and peaceful. Continued over. Cross Keys January. 2013
The Appeal of Masonry (ctd) Where every officer and every brother has his allotted place and his prescribed duty: where none encroaches on another, where, once the cast of the drama is selected and appointed, all co-operate in willingness and harmony to perform the ceremonies in such a way as to create an atmosphere which shall, some day, characterise even the outer world, when men shall cease their quarrels, shall learn the lesson of faithful brotherhood, and shall co-operate with the Supreme Will in evolution to order all things beautifully, strongly and wisely. These are the words of Bro. Major Arthur E Powell in his book The Magic of Freemasonry published in 1924 by The Baskerville Press.
Glasgow Herald 1925 Page 6 of the edition published on 27th October, 1925 gives a history of Lodge Queen’s Edinburgh Rifles No.1253A and then the following snippet advertising a BiCentenary, a PGL meeting and a PM association meeting. Some lodges still advertise in the Evening Times (no longer a cheap option). Although less than 100 years ago, the PM Association of Glasgow no longer exists and the West Regent Street premises have gone. What has changed? Perhaps we didn’t? WW2 certainly produced a huge number of candidates that altered the Craft for many years.
A:
For a full history of the lodge click here to go to the GL website.
Cross Keys January. 2013
Sir Walter Scott Sir Walter was the son of Walter Scott, Writer to the Signet, and member of Lodge St. David No.36 in Edinburgh. In 1767, he affiliated to Canongate Kilwinning No.2 which was also his uncle’s lodge. Sir Walter and his two brothers joined the Craft—Sir Walter in 1801 in his father’s lodge. Both Sir Walter’s son and son-in-law joined the Craft—one in St David’s and the other in Canongate Kilwinning. As a result of ihs connection with the Craft, it is not surpassing that Grand Lodge participated in the laying of the foundation stone of the Scott Monument in Edinburgh.
A letter was sent out inviting Freemasons
to attend the official ceremony of the Laying of the Foundation Stone of the ‘Metropolitan Monument’ - the Scott Monument.
The text of the ticket reads: Grand Lodge of Scotland Foundation Stone of the Metropolitan Monument in memory of Sir Walter Scott to be laid on Saturday 15th August by The Right Honourable Sir James Forrest Bart., MW Grand Master Mason of Scotland Admit Brother George Pearson of St Johns Lodge Inverkeithing to join the Masonic Procession from the Quadrangle of the University of Edinburgh On 15th August 1840, the 69th anniversary of Scotts death, the official foundation stone was laid. Edinburgh declared a public holiday and large crowds gathered. In the foundations were deposited a glass jar 'time capsule' and two bronze plaques - one from the Freemasons, the other celebrating the author. This silver trowel with a mahogany handle was used during the ceremony for laying the foundation stone of the monument. It has an engraved border of a rolling thistle flower and leaf, and on it is written:
Cross Keys January. 2013
Sir Walter Scott (ctd) To Commemorate the Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Monument at Edinburgh in honour of the Immortal Scott. This trowel to be used at the ceremonial was presented to the Right Honourable Sir James Forrest of Comiston Bart., Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Most Worshipful Grand Mason all over Scotland.
Some thoughts from 1859 Why are not Master’s more emphatic that the examination questions for the degrees are not answered by candidates as they should be? In many instances the examination is a farce, and the prompting of the deacon can be heard all over the room. Masters should insist that these questions be properly answered, and also inform the candidate that, on visiting a strange lodge, many of these questions would be put to him. Today, many do not test inside the lodge room, but prefer not to embarrass the candidate by testing in the adjacent. Expect less and that is what you get! The degree factory, says the "London Freemason," is the curse of Masonry today. It makes the conferring of degrees the end and aim of Masonic existence. It afflicts the Fraternity with the blighting spirit of commercialism. It puts a discount on Masonic knowledge, and even makes more difficult of practice our great principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. Its agent is degrading, dishonoring solicitation—a means of advertisement which de-serves to be branded as a Masonic crime in every jurisdiction. We are not without hope that the day will come when the lodge that has the temerity to boast of a record in num-ber of degrees conferred will be looked upon as the most unworthy amongst us. A Grand Master, who wishes to render his jurisdiction a notable service, cannot do better than inaugurate a campaign which will end in the abolition of these machines that grind out Masons by the cart-load. Some things don’t change.
Cross Keys January. 2013
From the Columns In December, Mr Scott William Graham was initiated by Lodge Thistle & Crown No.1167 while after Christmas, Bro. Grant Macleod PM 242 presented a lecture on Military Lodges.
Cross Keys January. 2013
Thoughts I was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason 45 years ago. I have spent more than 2/3 of my life trying to understand the essence of Freemasonry. At first I was overwhelmed by the mystery of it all. Then I felt that the ritual was what separated us from every other fraternal organization and that was why it has lasted so long. I then went through a phase when I thought that our charities were what held us together. I then came to the conclusion that the Craft's success comes from the fact that it has room for every man with integrity. My opinion changed and changed. I sought further input from other orders. I became more confused than ever. I studied our history as well as our philosophies. I explored our place in society's network and wondered what we, as a fraternity, want to achieve and how we could achieve it. Along my journey I have been privileged to meet many Brethren who were in the same pursuit. They too were seeking the essence of the Craft. They too had changed their opinions throughout the years. I have now come to perhaps my final conclusions and I feel that I have served my love for the fraternity long enough to be able to state my opinion. Here are my conclusions................... The real reason for us to prosper is brotherhood. The glue that binds us together consists of two things. The first is the fact that we investigate each applicant as to integrity with no other judgments. The second is our obligations in the 3rd degree and with those obligations of the five points that obligate us to each other. These allow us to instantly trust each other and bring us together. I believe that this trust makes us better men if only through the concept of "group think". I'm convinced that our ritual, our charities, our histories, and our philosophies help us bind ourselves together, but they fall short of being the true answer. What really matters is that we meet with other Brethren who we can truly trust because of every Brother's promises. True Masonry is at the individual blue lodge level. Here is where Masonic trust is not only enjoyed, but also practiced. This I believe.
By MWBro Neil Neddermeyer is a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, Past President of the Minnesota News Council, and Past Chair of the Masonic Renewal Committee of North America.
Cross Keys January. 2013
GL News The Museum and Library is closed for most of January for cleaning and maintenance and there will therefore be no tours until week commencing 28th January 2013.
PGL News Tuesday 8th January, 2013—PGL will conduct the Ceremony of Re-Dedication for new regalia at Lodge Prince of Wales No.426 in Renfrew. Saturday 26th January, 2013—PGL Installation of Elected Office Bearers to be held in Lodge Craigends No. 1042 at 2.30pm: installing will be Bro. Willie Fleming a good friend to 242 and it a good attendance from 242 brethren would be greatly appreciated. REMINDER—the PGL Charity for 2013 will be The Army Benevolent Fund. The PGL would appreciate any donations or a note about donations made directly to the ABF in order that a total can be compiled. This will be updated on the front page of the website:
Cross Keys January. 2013
An Unusual Stance? The Grand Lodge of Florida has issued a directive against ‘other religions’ although many would classify them as a type of witchcraft. This appears to be the first GL to have issued such instructions.
Cross Keys January. 2013
Madness? Connecticut Freemasons were surprised by the actions of their new Grand Master, MW Gary William Robert Arseneau, a brother who had previously been known for his temperate character and his prudent decisions. “While in the past it may have been up to the individual to choose how to wear their Ma-sonic ring, it is the decision of the Grand Master that Freemasons under the Grand Lodge of Connecticut should only wear their rings with the points turned inward, i.e., pointing toward their wrist. This is no different than the rules and regulations pertaining to the wearing of one’s aprons or jewels in public. Members with the points described in any other fashion will now be considered as subversive, and will be liable to be reprimanded, suspended, or expelled.” Further communications were just as surprising, both for their content, and for their unusual bluntness in language. On Ritual Seminars: “Due to the costs involved with hosting the various ritual seminars around the state, the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education will mail DVD copies of the various National Geographic and History Channel specials to new lodge officers so that they can study on their own time.”
On Officer Training: “The Grand Lodge can not be expected to fund the coffee and do-nuts for a few dozen half-awake officers that show up a couple of times a year.”
On the Grand Lodge website: “We have been wasting money on this website for years. It is my plan to scrap the entire thing, sell off the servers, and move everything over to Facebook and Google Documents. They’re free, the uptime is better, and if there are any problems, then the members can complain to Facebook or Google for support.”
It’s unlikely these decisions could have the backing of the brethren under the GL. Is big brother really watching? Perhaps there’s more in a name after all?
Cross Keys January. 2013
Film: The Masonic Map On an Indian Reservation there is a secret....A powerful Relic Jews, Muslims and Christians have killed for...Brought to America by the Freemasons in 1502..... Hernand Cortes searched for it... Outlaw Porter Rockwell almost found it....he died with a secret... A Masonic map passed down through his Masonic bloodline...The CIA will kill for it.. hundreds of innocent people have died because of it. Now, college students will recover one of the most controversial relics of all time..... History will never be the same.
The Freemasons have hidden the Ark of the Covenant on an Indian Reservation in Utah. The CIA has murdered one of outlaw Porter Rockwell's family bloodline with the hope that he would give them the a historic map. A Masonic Map passed down through his Masonic bloodline. Now a group of College students are forced into a world of conspiracies, legends and one of the most powerful relics in in the world. Click on the picture to go to a trailer.
January Events in 242
Thursday 10th 窶認CD by 1042 Thursday 24th 窶認CD by OBs Visit: Tuesday 15th窶認CD at Kilbarchan No.156 at 7.30pm
Sir William Wallace RAC 17th January窶燃A & PGRAC Visit at 7.30pm
Cross Keys January. 2013
Loyalty—Australia 1883 We have heard a great deal in some quarters about loyalty and ‚ cutting the painter." As Masons we are loyal only to Masonry and its best interests when we follow the example of our parents and regulate our own actions by forming a Grand Lodge of Victoria; and the term ‚cutting the painter" (ie. severing ties) is a phrase coined by politicians for political purposes, with which, as Masons, we have nothing to do. Take, for instance, other dependencies of Great Britain, and Gr eat Br it ain it se lf. The Masons o f S cot land, Ireland, Canada, Nova Scotia, India, and other portions of the British Empire who have formed Grand Lodges cannot be accused of disloyalty. And, assuming that this term does not apply to Masonry, how can it apply to our position towards the Crown? It cannot. Instead of that, we know that Masons are bound by obligation to pay duo allegiance to their sovereign, and to obey and respect the civil powers and authorities. Published by authority of the Masonic Union of Victoria, formed for promoting a Victorian Grand Lodge (April, 1883).
An Outdoor Degree Every October, the members of Amelia Lodge No. 47, perform a Master Mason Outdoor degree at Fort Clinch State Park, in honour of George W. Call, First Master of Amelia Lodge No. 47, F & AM 1859,1860, 1861, 1862 The degree is performed at Ft Clinch , Fernandina Beach, Florida with a 'Civil War' atmosphere. All Master Masons are welcome to attend this degree. There will be a dinner prior to the degree at Amelia Lodge, 1101 South 14th Street, Fernandina Beach. The dinner will start at 3 pm featuring our famous "Country Style" dinner. This dinner is Fried Chicken, BBQ Brisket and all the fixen's. Cross Keys January. 2013
Moveable Lodges? The Twin Lakes Lodge No. 141 in Texas is a lodge that has a most interesting history. When chartered in 1894 the Lodge was comprised of 14 charter members. As meetings were organized the charter members came together in a two-story building, where they met the second floor. The Lodge remained and active part of the Twin Lakes Community for the next 8 years. It was decided by the end of 1901 that rather then build a new Lodge they would move the old one, this was likely decided at the 1901 annual meeting. Moving the large two-story building wasn't an easy task. With a team of horses and mules the two-story building was chained up and pulled along pine trees that had been striped, acting as rollers. The team of horses pulled the two-story building for nearly 5 miles crossing the county lines, when finally they reached the small town Trilby where the new building would be set back on its foundation blocks. When built in 1894 the Lodge building sat in Hernando County, after the move in 1902 the Lodge building was now located in Pasco County. To the right is a photo of how the Twin Lakes Lodge No. 141 looked in 2007. While the Lodge was renamed and relocated the members remained loyal and continued to attend meetings now in Trilby. The Lodge continued to conduct their meetings on the second floor the large twostory building, while the down stairs was occupied by a dry goods store. The photo to the left shows the upstairs rooms where Lodge No. 141 meetings were conducted, it was in this room that the original charters members met in January of 1984 at Twin Lakes. Sometime in the mid-1960's the Trilby Lodge No. 141 constructed a new building, which was located just down the road from the old two-story building. The new building was a single story building constructed of block, see photo below. Today the Trilby Lodge No. 141 remains an active part of the Trilby community .
Cross Keys January. 2013
A Masonic Artist There is a new Masonic graphic artist on the scene and he is on fire! Brother Ryan Flynn, Senior Deacon of Ancient York Lodge No 89, Nashua, New Hampshire has designed two stained glass windows for his Lodge building. Bro. Flynn has been an artist since childhood and has the credentials, the education and the experience to spread his wings now in this new found Brotherhood of Freemasonry. It’s one thing to be an artist but it’s another to have the knowledge of the Craft to actually create something that is relevant. Flynn is not a one dimensional person. He combines a knowledge of history, numerology, religion, ancient symbols and sacred geometry with his art and design. And he has the ability to manufacture art, a person of great creativity who also has the abilities of practical application. How many artist’s do you know who can also make a stained glass window?
Bro. Flynn is already looking ahead to the next project for his Lodge, multidimensional and multi talented because he is also a student of hieroglyphics. And that expertise will translate into 3 large clay tablets depicting the 3 Degrees in Freemasonry stylized to mimic Egyptian hieroglyphics. But first he must get the stained glass design made into actual stained glass windows. And that is going to take money. If you would like to contribute to this endeavour, this labour of love, please visit http://www.thedigitalmason.com/ and consider purchasing a masonic stained glass print!
Thought of the Month In 1860 in Limerick, Ireland, there as found a stone in a small chapel, dated 1517, with the following inscription: "I will serve to live with love & care, upon the level, and by the square."
Cross Keys January. 2013
50th Year Certificate Bro. Robert McGregor Past Depute Grand Master of the GL of Victoria (in Australia) is one of the Cross Keys’ readers and it is a great start to 2013 to show his presentation of his 50th Year Certificate and jewel for his dedication to the Craft. Bro. Robert is seen on the left being present with the jewel by his master Bro. Keith Brown. Dress is an we would expect, but this is only permissible in the ‘daylight lodge’ as most lodges which meet at night must have brethren in dinner suits.
In Memoriam The dead are like the stars by day … withdrawn from mortal eye… yet not extinct that hold their way In glory through the sky… .Spirits of bondage thus set free… .Vanish amidst immensity… While human thought… .Like human sight… .Fail to pursue…. Their trackless flight.
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. David Rankin Bro. William McIntyre Cross Keys January. 2013
To submit an article, contact the Editor: Grant Macleod E-Mail:
sec242pm@yahoo.co.uk
Lodge Website
www.lodge242.co.uk
Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo WSW for proof reading.
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Cross Keys January. 2013