The Cross Keys January 2016
The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone
In this issue: Masonic Education Social Media Grand Lodge of Texas Membership to all Friend to Friend Monument Installations
Cross Keys Jan 2016
Number 189
The Builder Masons’ Masonic Education GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE PROVIDES AN INSPIRATIONAL METAPHOR FOR SUPPORTING NEW MASONS TODAY. Gothic cathedrals stand as splendid monuments to our stonemason ancestors. These structures are marvels of engineering achievement, and their endurance over centuries serves as a testament to the skills of the men who built them. Gothic architecture is characterized by the use of arches and flying buttresses. Soaring walls are punctuated by windows of stained glass, which let light into buildings in ways unimaginable before the invention of this style of architecture. Arches intersect with one another, spreading the downward thrust of the building’s weight in different directions so that ceilings of stone seem to float upon the light that streams in from the many windows. Building a Gothic cathedral did not simply involve stacking one stone on top of another. To construct these structures, which were often 10 stories high, stonemasons first created wooden forms to hold up the stone blocks. Only when the arches were complete, and the weight of the structure was properly balanced, could the wooden forms be removed to reveal the full splendid glory of the Gothic cathedral. Masonic lodges build up Masons in a similar way. When a Mason enters the lodge as an Entered Apprentice, he does not yet know the principles of Freemasonry, and he must learn the use of the symbolic tools with which he is expected to shape his future life as a Mason. As with the Gothic cathedrals of his stonemason ancestors, the Masonic lodge is where this learning takes place. The process of forming the Entered Apprentice into a Mason is rightly called Masonic Formation. Just as the soaring arches of the cathedral must first be held up by the wooden forms over which they are built, the lodge upholds the new Mason as he learns the spiritual nature of building that “house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” A lodge can forget how important this formation process is for a new Mason, and may neglect its responsibilities to him. Some lodges confer a degree, hand the new Mason a cipher ritual containing work he is expected to memorize, and hope that he will be interested enough to come back for the next degree. Some of these Entered Apprentices return, but many do not. Members of the lodge then wonder what happened to those new brothers who were once so eager to learn about Freemasonry, and who came on their own “free will and accord.” The reason these men fail to advance and are lost to Freemasonry is because the lodge did not understand one of its fundamental responsibilities: It must form and support the Masonic life of its new brethren. We would not expect the beauty of a great Gothic cathedral to spring to life merely by tossing a few stones into the air, and allowing them to fall randomly on the ground. We understand the need to lay a firm foundation for a great building, to erect its walls properly, and, for a Gothic cathedral, to shape the arches and flying buttresses with proper support until the structure can stand on its own. Similarly, we cannot expect a young Mason to stand on his own. We understand the need to lay a firm foundation for a great building Similarly, we cannot expect a young Mason to stand on his own. Welcoming interested men to our stated meetings is a start, but it is not the end. Teaching them our candidate’s lecture is a beginning, but it is not the conclusion. Helping a new Mason complete candidate education is necessary, but it is not our goal; upholding and supporting him in his Masonic journey is. And, a lodge that understands the importance of this Masonic Formation is a lodge that is building Masons for eternity – just as our ancestors built great
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The Builder Masons’ Masonic Education(ctd) cathedrals to endure for centuries. The heart of Masonic Formation is Master Masons working together with Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts as they work to become Master Masons. The best way to do this is to bring brothers at all degree levels together to discuss Freemasonry. These discussion groups are usually taught by experienced Master Masons who become master teachers in their own right. These teachers encourage new Masons to seek further light in Masonry on their own, but they embrace the key concept of Masonic Formation: giving intentional support to each new brother as he begins his Masonic journey and understanding of our ancient craft. This process is not accidental or random; it is purposeful, and the result of careful planning on the part of lodge leadership. It involves a commitment of time and resources. But the result is strong Master Masons who lead lives of impressive commitment to the tenets of Freemasonry.
By Bro. John L. Cooper III Past Grand Master of California
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Social Media
Social Media has now become a more important part of freemasonry with lodges who can sent out details of their syllabus and Grand Lodges who can advertise all their business. It also attracts non members who are able to contact the Grand Lodge if they are interested in joining. Recently, the Grand Lodge of Scotland has used Facebook very effectively and so have many other Grand Lodges. Very recently, the Grand Lodge of Russia opened an Instagram page.
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The Grand Lodges of Texas A Historical event in Texas Freemasonry took place on Friday, 13th November 2015. For the first time Brethren from Local Lodges of the Grand Lodge of Texas visited a Grand Session of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas. The occasion this past Friday was a Grand Raising of 52 Fellow Crafts under the leadership of Grand Master Wilbert M. Curtis. Grand Master Curtis recognized the visiting Brethren from Jewel P. Lightfoot Lodge No 1283 and Irving Lodge No 1218 before proceeding with the degree. Texas, like many other American states, consists of two Grand Lodges—the Grand Lodge of Texas and the Prince Hall Affiliated Grand Lodge of Texas, often referred to masonry for black brethren. Both Texas Grand Lodges signed a mutual compact of recognition in April of 2007, but that agreement prohibited inter-visitation. It was not until the first of this year, 2015, that the compact was modified to allow cross visitation.
Brethren from Jewel P. Lightfoot No 1283 Grand Lodge of Texas just last month visited Pride of Mt. Pisgah No 135 Prince Hall Texas. In December Pride of Mt. Pisgah with Brethren from other Prince Hall Lodges will be visiting Jewel P. Lightfoot to observe their Third Degree.
Newly Raised Master Masons from Pride of Mt. Pisgah with Brothers from Mt. Pisgah and GL of Texas Brethren
The Grand Lodge of California, this hand-crafted apron is made from a 100% genuine lambskin body and is bullion embroidered throughout. Along with the Square and Quadrant, the design includes the California Grizzly Bear on the bib. The state flower, the California Poppy, and the Sequoia leaf from California's state tree are embroidered along the edge of the apron body.
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Membership to all? Part 1 For Grand Lodges that have considered or already passed anti-gay legislation in their territories, or for those who may think that Masonry is for white Christians only, you might give a look to this letter that was issued on November 11th. The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, MWB Jeffrey D. Russell, has issued the following statement concerning eligibility of men seeking membership in Masonry in Washington, DC. In response to recent questions posed to this Grand Lodge on the qualifications and eligibility of men seeking membership in our constituent Lodges, we offer this statement of unwavering principles: Admission to membership in our Lodges is extended to men of faith based upon their personal merit and good character, without reference to race, creed, sexual orientation, specific religion or national origin. The universality of our practice is reflected in the broad range of backgrounds to be found here. Lodges here not only work in English, but in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Farsi, Turkish and Armenian. Our membership hails from every continent and represents every race and creed, as well as a broad range of national origins. Masonic visitors to this international city find unparalleled opportunities to visit a Lodge that reminds them of home - wherever that home may be. However, the concept of universality is not only an international paradigm. It enjoys equal importance in our welcoming of men whose varied backgrounds and practices in their private and professional lives would normally keep them at a perpetual distance. The diversity of our membership, in terms of race, creed, sexual orientation, specific religion and national origin is thus seen as an asset, rather than a liability. Civility and kindness is the rule for all interaction, thus the discussion of politics, religion and business are prohibited in the Lodge room. In this way, we hold that men become brothers by leaving divisions at the door, and taking strength from a shared appreciation of the common aspirations of all men for their betterment, and for improving themselves through service as respected members of their communities, despite their outward differences. Our dedication to diversity was not born in Washington, DC. Worldwide Masonic law and practice from the days of Anderson's Constitutions clearly disfavours the exclusion of men based upon modes of belief, backgrounds or lifestyles that enjoy legal protection in their societies. Therefore, today we say, "Any man can become a D.C. Freemason, but not every man can be one." And our tradition of over five hundred years of inclusion continues to patiently await those with imagination, will and energy to dedicate themselves to the elevation of the human race. This is not the stance of every US Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Georgia has recently outlawed homosexuality and fornication. After several impassioned speeches on the floor against the measure, it passed with a very close vote. From Chris Hodapp’s Freemasonry for Dummies.
Would this ever be an issue in the Scottish Craft? Highly unlikely.
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Membership to all? Part 2 On the previous page, the situation of a homosexual member arose. The more common problem is that of religion and hence the reason, it is forbidden to discuss this in open lodge. The reason being that religion can cause petty arguments to disrupt the harmony of a lodge to wars. Membership to the Craft is not limited to any one religion or country of origin and only a belief in the Supreme Being is necessary. The Glasgow Herald in 1926 produced an interesting snippet:
This is a great example of Maso nry Universal in action—something that politicians could learn from, especially in today’s climate. It is not uncommon for lodges to have more than one VSL on the altar and for Christians, Jews and Muslims to sit in perfect harmony in a lodge. This is an edict that the Craft, no matter what the future holds, must never deviate from—it has lasted for a very long time.
Can anyone help? Is Fabian Bartez, the well known goalkeeper with Man U and France, a member of Bordeaux Lodge No.12?
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Friend to Friend Monument Most brethren will have seen the amazing Friend to Friend Monument at Gettysburg and indeed, the Cross Keys has already had an article about it a few years ago. However, the actual scene depicted in the monument is also depicted in the local Knight Templar Commandery (or Preceptory as Scottish knights call them).
It is a Gettysburg Battlefield monument depicting the Armistead-Bingham incident after Pickett's Charge in which Union Army Bro. Captain Henry H. Bingham assisted mortally-wounded Confederate Brigadier Bro. General Lewis Addison Armistead. It was said that "as he went down he gave a
Masonic sign asking for assistance," although this is disputed. Although Armistead's sword was captured and later returned in 1906, Armistead entrusted other personal effects (i.e., spurs, watch chain, seal and pocketbook) with Bingham after Armistead was shot twice. En route to a Union field hospital on the Spangler Farm, where he would die 2 days later, Armistead briefly met Capt. Bingham, and after learning that he was on the staff of General Winfield Scott Hancock, a Freemason as well, he asked Bingham to pass along the items with a message to Hancock. Having been wounded at about the same time, General Hancock, who was a valued friend of Armistead's from before the war, when they served together in the
Federal army, would not see Armistead before he died. The monument was funded by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Over the page, is included the wording on the memorial and a close up of the two soldiers. The cover page is the close up of the square and compasses in the photo at the top.
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Friend to Friend Monument (Ctd)
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The Cross Keys Hotel Why is the newsletter called The Cross Keys? For the new readers, the name is from the hotel (originally an inn on the other side of the square) where the lodges used to meet in the 19th Century which was owned by Bro. John Riddle. The lintel from the original pub is now in the display cabinet just before walking into the lodge room. The Cross Keys Hotel is seen below to the immediate left of the photo, next door to what became Woolworths at 46 High Street. The old drinking fountain is on the right, long since gone.
January Events in 242
Thursday 14th—MM by OBs
Thursday 28th—EAD by OBs Visit: Tuesday 5th—MM at St Barchan No.156
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St. Mungo No.27 Installation (December 1872) The article describes the installation of Bro. Sinclair by three installing masters using the “new formula.” One installing master delivered an address and the other read the charges. All the brethren of the lodge formed a circle and walked round before the master three times and saluted him with honours in each degree. Thereafter, the office bearers were invested with their jewels. Just after, the editor of the Masonic News was made an honorary member. The lodge met in St. Mark’s Hall, 213 Buchannan Street in Glasgow, now a sports shop in a new building— another lodge room gone.
Masonic Indifference (December 1872) This article talks about points of dissatisfaction after discussing with over 100 lodges. The points are: Inconsistent conduct of brethren Treating Masonry as a ceremony for the curious rather than a moral practical system for mankind Laxness of its rules for admission of members The very small cost of joining The remedies suggested were: Exercising more discrimination and caution with new members Increasing fees Making lodge meetings timings to suit Not meeting in inns and public houses Making instruction imperative and a regular part of business Closer supervision of the conduct of brethren
St. Barchan No.156 Installation (January 1873) On Tuesday 10th, the lodged welcomed Bro. William Guy PM 242 to confer the MMMD on 17 candidates. This was then followed by the installation of the master and office bearers. Surely a long night? “This was then followed by the greatest harmony.”
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Lodge Distribution
The following graph shows the distribution of present day lodges formed during the various periods. The most marked is the Victorian period from the 1850s when Freemasonry became “Royal� - ie. HRH The Prince of Wales joined. This interest continued until WW2 and then for a short time after. From the 1970, the Craft was on a decrease and has continued to fall in numbers. How many lodges sat on their laurels during the 1970 1990 period and continued to mass produce candidates without keeping them interested? Probably most as the Halcion days were thought round the corner. Sadly not.
Recently, the trend has been more abroad than here: 2010-15: all lodges have been chartered abroad 2001-10: 16/18 chartered abroad 1990-01: 19/22 chartered abroad
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Lodge Distribution (ctd) Some concluding remarks about the graph. At the foundation of the Grand Lodge, a careful balancing act had to be done in order that this new body did not upset the existing lodges, many of which were operative. Many lodges that did not attend the new body have no evidence in their minutes about the Grand Lodge possibly because they knew nothing about it or ignored its presence. A huge number of lodges were formed during the immediate period of GL although some do not exist today (these have not been included in the graph’s data). What must be said however, is that the system of Freemasonry that we have today is in no small part due to having a GL to plan its future and eventually attract high profile men of value which was highly visible in Scottish society.
27th December—Installations This was the date 242 (and most other lodges) held their annual installation of the new master. Why? To celebrate St. John the Evangelist as shown on our crest on the top left of the cover page. However, not all lodges celebrated this particular saint as shown with current practices of Mother Kilwinning who celebrate St. Thomas. The Minute Books of the Lodge confirm that this was a long standing practice: 20 December 1735The Lodge of the Free and Accepted masons of Kilwinning held within the dwelling house of Alexander Cunningham, Wright [carpenter], thereon the twentieth day of December, seventeen and thirty five commonly called St. Thomas Day the usual anniversary observed by the Lodge". One further old tradition, although not exclusive to Lodge Mother Kilwinning, but is one that is slowly disappearing and that is THE MASONS' WALK. MK0 continue this tradition today with a (cold) walk from the lodge to the roundabout and back. 242 also had this practice when the brethren would walk to the new master’s house, have a dram and return to the lodge all by torchlight.
It would appear this practice stopped in 242 in the early 20th century although the installations continued to the 1950s. The lodge also held regular meetings on Christmas day which only became a public holiday in 1958 and this practice ceased. Adapted from an excellent article found at: Grand Lodge Facebook Mother Kilwinnning
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Pause to think! Away back in the early 1990s when the Cross Keys (then called 242 Monthly) started, one of
the main features was the questions with answers the following month. I thought I would resurrect this again, but give the answer(s) on the next page. I hope most are obvious to experienced masons and that younger masons will learn something. 1.
What year was the Grand Lodge of Scotland formed?
2.
Many lodges used to call meetings on the Wednesday nearest to the full moon— why?
Unique Installation
A father installing a son has happened before, but there was a nice touch in the ceremony that is slightly unusual. The installation took place in Kelvin Partick No.1207, Glasgow when Bro. Billy Rennie PM installed his son William (an former pupil of mine) in a very dignified and loving manner. At the obligation, Bro. Billy started in the usual manner, but then Bro. William continued to recite the whole obligation on his own. Unique? I think so. There was a tremendous atmosphere both in the lodge and at the harmony and the lodges appears to be in safe hands. Full syllabus will be available at http://www.kelvinpartick.co.uk/syllabus.html
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From the Sublime to the Ridiculous “A US Senate inquiry singled out the British Board of Trade, saying the small number of lifeboats on the ship was a result of lax regulations. However, the UK investigation, overseen by Lord Mersey, exonerated the Board of Trade. Lord Mersey himself was a Freemason, the newly published records show. He was initiated in 1881 at the Northern Bar Lodge in London. Crucially, so too was Board of Trade president Sydney Buxton, initiated in 1888 when he was an MP. The names of at least two of the inquiry’s five expert assessors – John Harvard Biles, a specialist in naval architecture, and Edward Chaston, the senior engineer assessor – can also be found in the Masonic archive. “Lord Pirrie, who was not only chairman of the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, which built the Titanic, but also one of the directors of White Star’s parent company, also appears to have been a Freemason. Titanic expert Nic Compton said: ‘The Titanic inquiry in Britain was branded a “whitewash” because it exonerated most of those involved. Only three passengers were interviewed, and they were all from first class.’ The archive even suggests the Jack the Ripper may have been a Freemason, and his identity was shielded by fellow Masons. “ Really!!! Why has this rubbish re-emerged? Well you won’t be surprised to hear that a new book by Bruce Robinson, the director and screenwriter, claims that the notorious Whitechapel murderer was a man named Michael Maybrick. He argues that all of the Ripper killings bore the stamp of Masonic ritual, citing the symbol of a pair of compasses carved into the face of one of the Ripper’s victims. A new book?!!!! With old trash? Yet people will buy it and believe it; let’s hope no brethren do.
Pause to think! Answers 1.
The Grand Lodge of Scotland was formed in 1736 with the first Grand Master Mason being William St. Clair of Roslin who held the office for a year. By this point, Scotland had many lodges already in existence.
2.
Nothing esoteric here, just practical. With a full moon, it was easier for brethren to get home as street lighting did not exist until the 19th Century.
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A Picture Paints a 100 Words
Bro. Sir William Arrol
Further to the excellent article from Bro. Garry Forbes PM last month, a trip to the People’s Palace in Glasgow and a discovery of the very man himself. Bro. Arrol also laid the foundation stone to the Sanatorium at Quarrier’s Village.
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Grumpy PMs?
Quite possibly true!!!!
Blast from the Past A visit to Wallace Masonic Lodge No. 146 in Hollywood, Northern Ireland a few years ago. Bros. Vic and Gary Walsh PMs (father and son), some of the 242 brethren and two actual brothers from Lodge Paisley St. Mirren’s No.129. Who remembers them?
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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 PM for proof reading.
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