The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No.242
March 2022
Cross Keys March 2022
Number 244
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From the Editor Slightly longer edition due to various things going on in the Province which is great to see as it indicates some kind of normality. Including 242 returning to work—see P.28 for details. Also happy birthday to the toen of Johnstone—240 years old ( founded 23rd Feb., 1782). Grant Cover—a modern tracing board. Is this a better version of our old ones or would young brethren prefer this version? Perhaps an nice background on a mobile phone! My thanks to Bro. Ronnie Fraser PGM for sharpening up the 242 crest which looks very professional now. Spot two versions…..
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
Website: Home (bravesites.com) Blog: Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No.242 (lodge242.blogspot.com)
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In this issue: 3 4 5 6 7 9 13 14 16 16 18 21 24 25 26 27 29 30 31
Charitable Funds Hiram King of Tyre Square or Arch Newton’s Diagram of KST Zerubbabel Part 1 Half Moon Tavern Masonic Miscellany PGMs of Glasgow Use of Grand Lodge Old College, Edinburgh Stewart Armour, Provost Brief History of The Royal Order Birmingham Masonic Hall Freemasonry in Van Diemen’s Land The First Lodge in Cork Grand Lodge News Lord Panmure GMM of Scotland Sir James Campbell, Lord Provost Bits & Pieces
March Meetings Thursday 24th FC Degree
April Meetings Thursday 28th MM Degree 7.30pm start
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Charitable Funds There has been a great deal of work by many lodges etc over the pandemic but overall it is likely that funds for both the lodge and Grand Lodge will be down.
For example, how many people have heard of the cryptic, ark mariners, Constantine masons? Hardly any unless there is a masonic connection.
Very often other orders have their own charities, but I wonder if the collective for the Craft as a whole might be better over the course of the next year. Charity (both monetary and goods) has been distributed to all sorted of organisations such as local food banks to hospitals etc. I know the reason these are given is not for publicity but often it is viewed as such.
Even the Knights Templar—most have heard of them but not aware of a masonic group. Many still think of the knights as the Knight of St. Columbus!
It might be more advantageous to the Craft that all the orders contribute their finds to Grand Lodge. I can imagine the uproar that many will view this, but something along this line might be worth considering over the next Therefore, it might be better handing more to year until we all get back to some kind of norGrand Lodge to distribute as it would give mality. them more to hand out—why? Well, virtually everyone has heard of the ‘masons’ whereas Below some images from the Scottish Constivery few have heard of some of the orders. tution Freemasonry Facebook page.
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Hiram King of Tyre Plenty has been written about the life of the great King Solomon, and much has been told and speculated about the elusiveness of Hiram Abiff, but Hiram, King of Tyre occupies very little space in the minds of most freemason’s today. Mentioned by name only in Masonic folklore, the King of Tyre disappears as quick as he is mentioned in our ceremonies. Not only was he a great character who played a significant role in the building of Solomon’s Temple, but he also ruled over one of the most wealthiest and influential kingdoms in the Middle East. His many years of friendship with King Solomon and his father King David proved that he was worthy of our order placing him in the position of second Grand Master, symbolic of the Doric Column in that he was a true, generous, practical friend, represented by a plain and stocky strength. Scholars believe that his name or variations of it meant “Exalted One”, which in and around his lifetime ( which would have approx 1000BC) was probably a fitting name for someone who was held in such high regard by his people. Unfortunately more is known about his kingdom than of the man himself ,but from the knowledge we have, it is possible to determine that a great deal of wealth, stature and power surrounded him.
Although his name is known to freemasons as the King of Tyre, he was in fact the King of the Phoenicians whose ships spread their culture, knowledge and wealth far throughout the ancient world and established cities such as Carthage and Utica on the north coast of Africa. There are even stories of the Phoenicians sailing to England and extracting tin ( a component of bronze ), from various places including Cornwall. With the Phoenicians being skilled in the art of metal working, woven products, woodworking, stoneworking and various other trades, it stands to reason that Solomon would choose such a king and his people to help him in achieving his goal of building a temple to the lord god of the Hebrew nation. Hiram’s association with King David and his son Solomon was believed to be dictated by mutual need. Both the kings of Israel required skilled workmen and materials. David for his palace and Solomon for the temple to house the Ark of the Covenant, while Hiram required food, such as corn, wheat and oil for his people, therefore it seems logical that a deal was struck in order to exchange help from one another. The term of the agreement with king Solomon and his father can be found in the book of Chronicles. Solomon paid Hiram 20,000 cors of crushed wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine and 20,000 baths of oil each year. Although today it is difficult to explain just how much was given to Hiram it is generally believed that it was in the region of between 880,000 and 1,720,000 gallons of wine and oil and about the same number of bushels of wheat and barley.
His kingdom consisted for the most part two islands, one being the tiny island of Melkart and the other Tyre. Although Tyre was the larger of the two, it, in itself measured only approx one mile long by three quarters of a mile wide, with both lying less than a mile of the shores of Lebanon, and due to them being virtually impregnable, they remained resistant to assaults and sieges for more than a As time went on during the building of the thousand years. temple Hiram lent Solomon vast amounts of Cross Keys March 2022
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Hiram King of Tyre (ctd) money due to the increasing costs of the building work, and in exchange Solomon gave Hiram 20 cities in the Province of Galilee. Unfortunately when Hiram took a look at the cities that he was given he was not a very happy man. 1st Kings 9:10-14 states that Hiram quizzed Solomon “what kind of cities are these which you have given me my brother “. Perhaps Hiram had a right to complain as he did in fact lend Solomon 120 talents of gold which in today’s monetary value is roughly between 12 and 25 million pounds. Probably the most greatest assistance that Hiram gave Solomon was in fact the numerous skilled workmen who built the temple and especially the famous Masonic mastercraftsman Hiram Abiff. Many people today believe that the King of Tyre and the slain master are one and the same, while some believe that they are
father and son and others that they are in fact two completely different people. Nothing more is known about the Great king except that his kingdom was to grow, flourish and influence other nations for about another 6 to 7 hundred years until it was invaded by Alexander the Great in about 400 B.C. Needless to say that if it was not for the assistance and aid given by the king of Tyre to King Solomon then the King of Israel may not have been as important as he was.
My thanks to Bro. Robert J. Currie PM 100.
Square or Arch? The following is another snippet from Bro. other. The square was the symbol of the firstCraighead Thistle Lodge No.900, New York. named and the compasses that of the latter. The first charters of both companies were It is surprising to learn that among these old granted by King Edward IV, and specified “operative” masons there were two distinct blue as the colour for “Square” Masons and classes known as “Square Masons” and “Arch red the colour for “Arch” Masons. Masons”. Dr. Merz tells us:- “Straight and square work requires less skill than the build- The "Arch," "Round," or "Red" Masons carried ing of arches and large bridges and other out all sorts of work on round columns, archcurved work. There were in Scotland compa- es, pillars and domes. They divided their sysnies of wrights (carpenters) and slaters, tem of working into seven degrees, each held called “squaremen” who were very intimately in a circular Lodge or stoneyard, the apron, connected with the Masons, and who appear garter, armlet and badge being "red" and to have had an identity of customs. They had their chief officers are known as the Grand a ceremony of initiation, a word called the Arch-i-tecti. Their stone-yards, as stated, squareman’s word and secret methods of were circular or in rings. The innermost circle recognition. was the Seventh Arch Degree Here the Grand Arch Master Mason or Arch-i-tectus sat and The “square” or “straight” Masons and the exercised supreme control. “arch” or “round” Masons divided their mysteries into seven degrees. A member of one Certainly an interesting alternative. class could not be a member of the other, although upon order of the grand masters he could be transferred from one division to anCross Keys March 2022
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Newton’s Diagram of the Temple The following is from Newton’s own notes and his study of King Solomon’s temple. A.B.C.D. The Separate Place.
M. The Porch of the Temple. N. & ). The Holy Place & The most Holy Place.
P.P.P.P. Thirty Treasure Chambers , in two A.B.E.F. The Inner Court, or Court of the Priests rows, opening into a gallery, door and pavement on the other three sides against door, and compassing three sides of the Holy & most Holy Places. G. The Altar. Q. The Stairs leading to the Middle Chamber. H.H.H. The East, South, & North Gates of the Priests Court. R.R.R.R. &c. The buildings for the four and twenty Courses of Priests, upon the PaveI.I.I. &c. The Cloisters supporting the Buildment on either side of the Separate Place, three ings for the Priests. Stories high, without Cloisters, but the upper Stories narrower than the lower, to make room K.K. & T.T. Two Courts in which were Stair for Galleries before them. There were 24 Cases and Kitchens for the Priests. Chambers in each Story and they opened into a walk or alley, S.S. between the Buildings. L. Ten Steps to the Porch of the Temple.
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Zerubbabel Part 1 All Royal Arch Masons recognize the important role Zerubbabel plays in our ritual, but most of us know extraordinarily little about the man himself. We know our Chapters are "erected to God and dedicated to Zerubbabel" - but who was this man? Unfortunately, the Holy Bible provides scant information about the builder of the Second Temple. What little that is known, taken from our Volume of Sacred Law, is summarized in the following paragraphs.
Cyrus also restored the Temple's treasures the Babylonians had stolen and agreed to help finance the building project. The decree of 538 BCE was not unique. Cyrus, like Persian kings after him, had a policy of allowing captured people to return home and encouraged their native religions. Ancient non-Biblical sources show that Cyrus also gave money to rebuild temples in Ur and Uruk. Cambyses II, his son, and successor helped finance restoration of the temple at Sais, Egypt. And Darius I, who succeeded Cambyses, won over The Temple that Zerubbabel built in Jerusalem in the priests of Egypt by rebuilding their temple the sixth century BCE lasted longer than the Tem- and restoring their incomes. ples of Solomon and Herod the Great combined. However, ZerubZerubbabel was placed in charge babel disappears from the Biblical of the returning Jews and given narrative even before the Second the title "Governor of Judah." He Temple is dedicated. This has allowed the people about 14 fuelled speculation by leading theomonths to get settled, build their logians and Biblical scholars that he homes and plant crops. Then, was possibly executed for leading a about 536 BCE, the Jews began in messianic movement that would earnest to rebuild the Temple. have crowned him king of an indeSometime after they laid the foundation over what is purported to pendent Jewish nation. have been Solomon's Temple, opposition arose that slowed the The prophets of his day certainly work and finally brought the conseemed to have messianic expectastruction to a 15-year halt. The tions of Zerubbabel as a direct deHaggai, Zerubbabel, and Joshua opposition came from non-Jews in scendant of King David. Haggai said the region, perhaps descendants the Jew who helped lead the first wave of his people home from exile in Babylon of settlers the Assyrians had brought in after they would be used by Yahweh to destroy other na- crushed the northern kingdom of Israel in 721 BCE as Samaritans living in the area who saw the tions: resurgence of Judah as a political and military "On that day, says the Lord of hosts, I will take threat. Some of those people worshipped Yahweh you, a Zerubbabel to be my servant, the son of and asked to help in the building of the Temple. Shealtiel, says the Lord, and make you like a sig- The response of Zerubbabel and the other leaders net ring; for I have chosen you, says the Lord of was blunt: hosts" (Haggai 2:23). "You have nothing to do with us in building a The words "servant," "signet ring," and "chosen", house to our God; just we alone will build to the indicate that Zerubbabel was most likely born Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of during Judah's five-decade exile in Babylon. In Persia has commanded us" (Ezra 4:3). fact, the name Zerubbabel itself means "seed of In retaliation, the neighbours harassed the builders to the point of bringing the work to a standBabylon." still, where it remained throughout the reign of Though many leading citizens of Judah were ex- Cyrus as well as that of this son Cambyses. I iled in 597 BCE, most were not taken until Baby- According to another school of thought, lon levelled Jerusalem in 587 BCE. Forty-seven Sheshbazzar, possibly, Zerubbabel's uncle and years later, the Persians captured Babylon, and, then governor of Judah, led the first returnees in within a year, the Persian king Cyrus II issued a the construction of the Temple. Zerubbabel himdecree allowing the Jews to return home to self did not arrive until about 521 BCE to oversee "rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Isra- the second phase of building. el" (Ezra 1 :3). Cross Keys March 2022
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Zerubbabel (ctd) A year and a half into the reign of the Persian king, Darius, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah convinced Zerubbabel that it was time to finish the job. Haggai told Zerubbabel, then the governor of Judah, and Joshua, the High Priest, that the reason for the people's inadequate harvests, their hunger, thirst and cold was that Yahweh was displeased with them for failing to restore His Holy House (Haggai 1 :4). The Jews resumed construction again "on the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month" (Haggai 1: 15). Once again, neighbouring communities took notice of the project and raised objections, this time expressed to the governor of Syria. He asked who authorized the work. When Zerubbabel and the other Jewish leaders told him the Persians, the Syrian governor wrote to Darius asking him to confirm it by checking the royal archives.
they needed to complete the Temple. If anyone did not comply, Darius said, "a beam is to be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled upon if' (Ezra 6: 11). In a subsequent prophecy, Haggai promised that the Second Temple would surpass Solomon's magnificent edifice in splendour as well as being filled with silver and gold. This was not to be. According to some sources, Zerubbabel's Temple was completed in 516 BCE, about three and a half years after the second effort began. Contrary to ancient legends, Zerubbabel never served as King of Judah. Zerubbabel, presumably the leader of the project, is nowhere mentioned in the details of the Temple's completion and dedication. He disappears from the Bible, except for three New Testament verses that include him in the genealogy of the Christian Master. Yet, this may mean nothing more than that his most memorable contribution to ancient Jewish history had been already recorded, and there was nothing significant left to be recorded.
Darius ordered the royal archives to be searched and found the decree of Cyrus. Then, he not only confirmed what the Jews had said, he ordered the non-Jews to leave the Jews alone and to give them any money from the royal revenues or supplies My thanks to Bro. Peter Taylor PGM of Forfarshire
Sir William Wallace Royal Arch Chapter No. 109 Excellent Master Degree Run Through Thursday 17th March at 7.30pm First degree since pandemic All companions welcome
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The Half Moon Tavern This old ‘pub’ existed in London in the 17th Century and like many inns and taverns at the time, masonic lodges were common societies to use their rooms. It was situated off Bishopsgate Street and was eventually demolished in 1890 when Liverpool Street Station was built.
of Freemasons. This meeting has been fully dealt with here. An advertisement in the Gentleman s Magazine, A-pril 1747, states, "Half Moon Tavern, Cheapside. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland having restored peace to Britain by the memorable Battle of Culloden, the choice spirits have agreed to celebrate that day annually by a grand Jubilee in the Moon, of which the stars are hereby acquainted and summoned to shine with the highest lustre at 6 o'clock on Thursday next." The Sign of "The Half Moon" or Crescent represents temporal power, and the Sun spiritual. A half moon also in old slang tavern language meant a sixpence. The Grand Lodge held a meeting on the 24th June, 1731 and the "Half Moon" appears in the Engraved List of 1723: the Constitutional Lodge No. 55 met there in 1762, and the Caledonian Lodge No. 180 in 1764.
It was situated to the right of Sir Paul Pindar’s residence, the Ambassador of James I. at Constantinople. Here we find the Lodge of Stability No. 217 meeting here in 1807, and the Lodge of Hope and Unity No. 214 in 1808. The image to the right shows the alley leading to the Half Moon (interestingly, the front of the Pindar building was one complete wooden structure now seen in the V& A Museum in London). The Half Moon Tavern famous — if for nothing else — as the House where Elias Ashmole dined on the 11th March, 1682, after the Lodge at which Sir Wm. Wilson, Captain Borthwick, and four Members of the Masons' Company were received into the Fellowship
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Cornish Freemasonry to 1800 The problem of exporting Freemasonry to Cornwall at the beginning of the eighteenth century was the very poor infrastructure. However, by the end of the 1700s there was a stage coach from England to Bodmin and Falmouth, with many more branch routes to follow. The tin mining industry was also in its ascendency. Falmouth was developing into a flourishing port. Therefore it is not unsurprising, that with an active social society and an increasing intellectual population, the need for a gentleman's club was considered necessary. The camaraderie that Freemasonry offered, saw the founding of the first Masonic Lodge in Cornwall in 1751, Love and Honour Lodge, now No. 75, met at the King's Arms Tavern in Falmouth, and was formed a year before the Province of Cornwall was established. The lodge meets in its own hall in Falmouth today.
ter for the Isles of Scilly and a lodge was warranted in Penzance as No. 271 (erased as No. 163 in 1777). In 1783, Lodge of Love and Honour No.75 subscribed £25 for the erection of the Freemasons' Hall, London, and received a silver medal for its Master to wear in perpetuity. Only three other Lodges outside London were so distinguished. In 1794, Bro. Sir John St. Aubyn Bt. presented a set of jewels, and Sir Francis Bassett Bt. a Sword of State, to PGL which are still in use (a lodge with his name was warranted in 1978) - the former served as PGM from 1785 to 1839.
In 1751, the Premier Lodge was warranted at Falmouth, as No. 146, now 75. 1752 and a lodge warranted at Helston as No. 151, erased as No. 120 in 1774. The founding of the Province of Cornwall with Bro. W. Pye appointed as the first Provincial Grand Master and 15th in England. Four years later, Bro. Issac Head appointed Provincial Grand Mas-
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The Use of the Term ‘BIS’ Brethren often ask about the Lodge of St. John No.3 bis – why bis? In Latin, it means twice because two lodge are deemed to hold that number. In many lists, bis was denoted by the fraction ½ rather than bis but implying 1 of 2. There is nothing extraordinary in "bis" being attached to the number of a lodge. In former times this practice was more prevalent than it is now. There were 127½ (Arbroath St. Vigean), 158½ (St. Andrew Royal Arch Scots Greys), 244½ (Rothesay St. Brooks), 355½ (Ruthwell St. Ruth) and at the office of Master and Deacon until 1850. present Kirkwall Kilwinning stands on the The Collector’s jewel of the Incorporation is roll as 38 bis and the other lodge is St. Mi- shown opposite. chael No.38 in Crieff. Who is the other lodge with No.1? The Lodge The ancient origins of 3bis is found within of Edinburgh (Mary’s Chapel) whose records the Incorporation of Masons which shared start just before 1600.
First Honorary Member In 1851, a new class of member was introduced to the Grand Lodge of Scotland—the rank of Honorary Member. This was first conferred upon the King of Sweden (left) who was head of the Swedish Rite for Sweden and Norway and Prince Frederick of the Netherlands (below), also a Grand Master. King Oscar I of Sweden made some reforms when enthroned. There included the institution of equal rights of inheritance for men and women, and the enactment of the right of unmarried women to come of age at age 25. Perhaps his masonic lessons made him more open to equality. Prince Frederick was the younger brother of King William II, who was also a Freemason and for 65 years, was Head of the Dutch Order from 1816 to 1881. In 1816 he was accepted as a Freemason in a Berlin lodge of the German Grand Lodge "Zu den Drei Weltkugeln" and in the same year he was appointed as Grand Master National of the Grand East of the Netherlands and for the Chapter of the High Degrees. In 1819 he declared that he did not want to work in the High Degrees any more, because he detested the Christian character and thought that this would undermine the character of the Craft as a sanctuary for all believers.
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The UGLE in London
Old image from the Illustrated London News shortly after the opening of the building in 1928/29. In 1927, over 6,000 masons watched the foundation stone ceremony.
French Jewels
This is a selection of jewels from the French
constitution, varying from lodge anniversary jewels to founders’ jewels. Very colourful clearly using the red, white and blue of France, but although obviously masonic they are slightly different from UK jewels.
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Question: Do obligations really matter? AnswerThe obligations taken on the VSL to obey the moral law, which you sealed with your lips as a pledge of fidelity, are binding on us all as Masons – Freemasonry emanates from a time when the VSL was owned and read daily and its message feared in most households. Descending into hell was a real fear. The original penalties were obviously designed as a reminder to keep members on the straight and narrow and I doubt if they were ever carried out! It’s surely all down to the individual’s conscience not forgetting “the more effective punishment of being branded as a willfully perjured individual, void of all moral worth and totally unfit to be received into this Worshipful Lodge or any other warranted Lodge, or society of men who prize honour and virtue above the external advantages of rank and fortune.” See also the section on behaviour in the “Ancient Charges” in the BofC and the rules regarding breaches of Regulations. Rule 179 which states: As a citizen every Freemason has a duty not to engage in conduct which is contrary to the law of the land. As a Freemason he also has a
duty not to engage in activity which may bring Freemasonry into disrepute. A Lodge or Brother offending against any law or regulation of the Craft to the breach of which no specific penalty is attached shall be liable to admonition or suspension. Those break the Law and are given custodial sentences by a civil power are expelled from the Craft. Thanks to the PGL Warwickshire.
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19th C Provincial Grand Masters of Glasgow 1805 - Sir John Stuart 4th Baronet of Allanbank Master of Lodge St. Ebbe No 70 and the Lodge of Holyrood House (St. Luke’s) No 44 Senior Grand Warden 1788-1790 H.M. Commissioner of Excise at Edinburgh
1813 - John Maxwell Esq., the Younger of Pollok, later Sir John Maxwell 8th Baronet of Pollok Master of Pollokshaws Royal Arch Lodge No 153 1821-24 Provincial Grand Master for Renfrewshire East 1826-1866 Member of Parliament for Renfrewshire 1818-1830 Member of Lanarkshire 1832-1837 1827 - Henry Monteith of Carstairs D.L. M.P. Master of St Mark's Lodge at Glasgow No 102 Lord Dean of Guild 1818-1819 Lord Provost of Glasgow 1814-1816, 1818-1820 Member of Parliament for Linlithgow Burghs 1820-1826, 1830-1831 Founder Member of The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce 1783 1847 - Sir Archibald Alison 1st Baronet, G.C.B. LL.D. D.C.L. F.R.S.E. Master of St Mark's Lodge at Glasgow No 102 Sheriff of Lanarkshire Rector of Marischal College, Aberdeen 1845 Lord Rector of Glasgow University 1852 (see P.22) 1867 - Captain Archibald Alexander Speirs 4th of Elderslie D.L. M.P. Master Mason The Prince of Wales Lodge No 259(English Constitution) Master Mason The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel) No 1 Honorary Member (Affiliate) The Lodge of Glasgow St Mungo No 27 Junior Grand Warden in The United Grand Lodge of England 1867-1868 Member of Parliament for Renfrewshire 1865-1868 Commissioned in the Scots Fusilier Guards Sadly died aged 28 of gastric fever. [See May 2022 edition for a fuller article.]
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19th C Provincial Grand Masters of Glasgow (ctd) 1868 - Colonel Walter Montgomery Neilson of Queenshill M.I.C.E. Colonel in the 25th Volunteer Corps Master The Caledonian Railway Lodge No 354 Commissioned in the 25th Lanarkshire Volunteers After becoming an apprentice mechanic, a machinist and an iron founder, Neilson established Mitchell, Neilson & Co and built the Hydepark Locomotive Works (Glasgow's first) in Anderston, c 1836. Subsequently he became sole partner in Neilson & Co and in 1861 the works were relocated in Springburn. The founder left the business in 1878, but failed to recreate his earlier success after opening the Clyde Locomotive Works nearby. 1880 - Sir James Bain of Crofthead K.B. D.L. J.P. LL.D. Master Mason of the Lodge of Glasgow St John No 3bis Depute Master Lodge 'The Prince's' No 607 Appointed by Grand Lodge 6th May 1880, but resigned prior to Installation Lord Provost of Glasgow 1874-1877 Member of Parliament for Whitehaven 1891
1880 - Sir William Pearce 1st Baronet of Cardell D.L. J.P. M.P. Initiated into Prince of Wales Lodge No.276 (EC) Senior Warden Lodge 'The Prince's' No 607 Founder of The Fairfield Shipbuilding Company Ltd which became a world leader in ship design and marine engineering, and was most famous for the development of the triple expansion engine. MP for the newly created Govan Constituency Pearce Lodge at Glasgow University was part of the original city centre campus and in 1870 was salvaged and brought to the new Gilmorehill campus in the west end due to the philanthropy of Sir William. Sadly he died in office. [February 2019 Cross Keys shows his portrait hanging in the ‘new’ Fairfield’s offices. 1889 - John Graham of Broadstone J.P. C.A. Master of Lodge 'The Prince's' No 607 and Depute Grand Master 1899-1901 Treasurer and Trustee of The Clyde Navigation Trust President of the Institute of Accountants and Actuaries of Scotland 1881-84 He set up the Glasgow Masonic Hall Co. Ltd. and asked the Lodges and members to take up shares. He personally purchased the two townhouses and gardens which formed the site of what was to become 100 West Regent Street, sadly gone. Thanks to the excellent PGL Glasgow website (Roll of Provincial Grand Masters (pglglasgow.org.uk)
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Use of Grand Lodge 1906—The 71st Highland Light Infantry hold their Annual Sergeants’ Ball in Freemasons’ Hall. Note the end time!!!!!
New SGW in UGLE Congratulations to Right Worshipful Brother, His Excellency John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor, PGSwdB, former President of the Republic of Ghana, who has been appointed Senior Grand Warden by the Grand Master, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent.
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Old College, Edinburgh On 16 November 1789 the foundation stone of Old College was laid by the Grand Master Mason of Scotland, Bro. Francis, 8th Lord Napier, in the presence of a crowd of 30,000. This optimistic scene of academic, civic and masonic pomp and cooperation marked the start of a huge, and hugely difficult, project that had been dear to the heart of the veteran principal, William Robertson, for many years.
lost out to his great rival, William Chambers, in the commission for Somerset House, the greatest public work in Britain of the time. The rebuilding of the University of Edinburgh is Adam’s Somerset House and its significance lies in its status not only as a major piece of neoclassical architecture but also as a piece of urban design.
The context was the expansion of Edinburgh in the second half of the 18th century. This started with the construction of the North Bridge in 1765, as a prelude to James Craig’s first New Town. And in 1784, the city decided to expand in the other direction, with the construction of the South Bridge, which In the time capsule that was immured in the would cut through the eastern end of the Unifoundation stone was a copy of the design by versity’s property and helped to force a deciRobert Adam that would solve this problem sion on its rebuilding. and create the grandest and most coherent The School of Law is the only academic example of scholastic architecture in Britain. school still based in Old College and it is in Adam had been desperate to secure this com- roughly the position allocated to it by Robert mission, but there was an irony in his in- Adam in 1789. That presence is important volvement with the University. This is the and the refurbishment shows a commitment architect who had left Scotland as “a narrow by the University to retain in Old College the place” to seek greater opportunities in Lon- teaching function for which it was originally don. designed. The disparity, as he saw it, between the fame and success of the University and the ramshackle collection of buildings that housed it was an affront and even a threat, as the University went through an unprecedented period of expansion.
Adam’s architectural vision was on a monumental, even urban scale, but in London he
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Bro. Stewart Armour, Provost Bro. Stewart Armour joined 242 in February, 1909 and his employment was ‘merchant’ which was grocer. One curious thing in the minutes is that the ballot for him was not clear! Special permission therefore was required to seek another re-ballot for some reason. This was done and the master at the next meeting insisted on the new ballot. Several brethren retired while the ballot took place which was found to be clear. These brethren then re-entered the lodge! The minutes are silent as to what their dissent was about. He became Senior Magistrate (equivalent to Provost) in 1891—93 and Provost of Johnstone 1908—14. The Johnstone Burgh bowling green and tennis courts (Municipal) were formally declared open at a ceremony on 25th August 1892, which was presided over by Bro. Provost Stewart Armour who became a Director. He was also the Secretary/Treasurer of the Johnstone Curling Club. He also oversaw the unveiling ceremony on October 3rd 1891 officiated by the Reverend William Macloy, of Johnstone High Parish Church, . He lived in the High Street before moving to ‘Thornhurst’ in Overton Road. He is seen planting trees near the sewage works with the new chain of office swinging about. The photo is from the Daily Mirror in 1911.
Nice Touch! The master of Acacia Lodge No.35 under the Grand Lodge of Bulgaria, Brother Todor Georgiev, presented the new EAs with their framed EA tracing boards at the Simeon Radev Temple. A very nice touch and something for them to study—simple but effective idea.
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The Shaw-Stewart Family’s Commitment to the Craft Colonel Sir Michael Robert Shaw-Stewart, 7th Baronet (26 November 1826 – 10 December 1903, shown) was a British baronet and Conservative Party politician. He sat in the House of Commons from 1855 to 1865. He was the son of Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart, 6th Baronet, the first PGM of Renfrewshire West 1826 – 39.
quess of Westminster. They had five sons and four daughters, including Sir Michael Hugh Shaw-Stewart, 8th Baronet PGM Renfrewshire West 1893 – 1943 and his grandson Sir Walter Guy Shaw Stewart, 9th Baronet PGM Renfrewshire West 1943 – 67. A family commitment of over 130 years which might well be unsurpassed in leading a province.
Bro. Shaw-Stewart played a single first-class cricket match for the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1850 so was obviously a fine player.
In May 1855, he was elected at an unopposed by-election as the Member of Parliament for Renfrewshire. He was re-elected in 1857 and 1859, and held the seat until his defeat at the 1865 general election. Shaw-Stewart was Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire from 1869 to 1903, PGM of Renfrewshire West 1848 - 93 and Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland from 1873—82. He bought the manor of Hindon, Wiltshire from his wife's mother and was appointed High Sheriff of Wiltshire for 1883. On 28 December 1852, he married Lady Octavia Grosvenor, sixth daughter of the 2nd Mar-
Hook & Eye On the apron, we have the band with the hook and eye attachment that perhaps very few may be aware is also full of symbolic significance. It is no accident that the snake was selected for this purpose. The snake is the traditional symbol of evil, but it is also associated with wisdom. Thus the serpent in our apron denotes that we are encircled by Holy wisdom. You will also notice that the serpent is biting its own tail, thus forming a circle which has always been regarded as the emblem of eternity, and more especially the Eternal Wisdom of God.
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Old Royal Arch Jewel A Georgian engraved small oval silver presentation Royal Arch jewel, eye, sun and moon above arch, G over triple coronets within, other emblems, serpent below, rev. engraved “THE GIFT OF BR P F HALL TO BR ARTR WADE 1801.” In all likelihood, it would be a lodge jewel where the RA was conferred.
Leopold Lodge No.1669 (EC) Prince Leopold, after whom the Royal Leopold Lodge is named, was famously a man of Literature-a true Royal creative. Since its consecration in 1877, the Lodge, like many others, has waxed and waned in its fortunes, and recently found itself on the wane. With a core membership of those initiated in the Lodge, conversations began in order to revive its fortunes and see it flourish again. Concurrently the team responsible for Communications in Metropolitan Grand Lodge was looking for a Lodge to join to further the interests of those who broadly enjoy Creativity, the Arts and Literature, and specifically those with an interest or expertise in Communications. HRH Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, KG, KT, GCSI, GCMG, GCStJ, was the eighth child and youngest son of Queen Victoria. He was proposed for initiation into Apollo Lodge No 357 (Oxford University) by his brother, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), who was at the time the Worshipful Master of the Lodge. He was initiated in a joint ceremony with Robert Hawthorne Collins, his friend and tutor, who later became Comptroller of his Household. He served as Master of the Lodge from 1876-1877 and was later the Provincial Grand Master for Oxfordshire, still holding that office at the time of his death. He was also installed as Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Antiquity No 2 in 1879. The Royal Leopold Lodge was consecrated on 7th April 1877 (on his Highness’ birthday) in the Surrey Masonic Hall, 295 Camberwell New Road, by the Grand Secretary, RW Bro J Harvey, by command of The Most Worshipful Grand Master His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, K.G. The Lodge was so named by the express permission of His Royal Highness Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, who was graciously pleased to permit the Founders to elect him an Honorary Member of the Lodge at the time of its consecration.
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A
Brief History of the Royal Order
uthentic documentary proof in the archives of the Grand Lodge of the Order in Edinburgh, gives rise to the popular assertion that the Royal Order of Scotland is senior to every other masonic system, with the exception of the Craft. There is written and printed evidence that a number of Lodges of the Order were active in London as early as 1741.
some 75 Provincial Grand Lodges situated in many different parts of the world. Additional Provinces are constantly being Erected as the Order is very popular. The Royal Order of Scotland contains two degrees, namely:1.
The Heredom of Kilwinning: Provincial Grand Chapter Knighthood of the Rosy Cross: Provincial Grand Lodge
A zealous Mason by the name of William 2. Mitchell, then living in the Low Countries, applied to the authorities in London in 1750 for a Charter to hold a Lodge of the Order at the Heredom of Kilwinning: According to tradition this degree originated during the reign of David I Hague, and while this Charter in the twelfth century and is nowas granted it is doubtful if the ticeably Christian in character, Lodge ever worked. The Chardepicting Freemasonry in a pureter was however signed by the ly Christian aspect. Most of the then Provincial Grand Master ritual is couched in quaint old as “in the ninth year of his ofdoggerel verse and is worked in fice”. catechetical form, as in the Craft lectures, but embracing elements and references found in many About 1752 or 1753 Brother other degrees. Mitchell moved to Edinburgh, taking with him the Charter Choice of a characteristic, typiissued to him as Provincial cal of some moral attribute or Grand Master at the Hague, and virtue, or appertaining to the Candidate's profesby virtue of this document he set up a Lodge sion, is one of the peculiarities of the Order. of the Royal Order in Edinburgh. In due Armed with his particular characteristic, the course this body was to elevate itself to the Candidate is sent forth in search of the lost word. rank of Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Knight of the Rosy Cross: This degree of Scotland in July 1767. Knighthood is said to have been instituted by A period transpired in the early 1800s when King Robert the Bruce immediately after the the Order nearly became extinct for few battle of Bannockburn in 1314, to commemorate meetings were held, but in 1839 efforts at re- the valour of a band of Knights and Masons who had signally aided him in the great victory. suscitation were successful and by1843 Grand Lodge was granting Warrants for the He revived the older Degree and incorporated Erection and Consecration of Provincial the two under the title of the Royal Order of Grand Lodges. Scotland and traditionally he established the chief seat of the Order at Kilwinning. From the earliest written records of meetings, the Order claimed that the King of Scots was This Degree traces its course from the Old to the the Hereditary Grand Master and a seat in the New Testament and finally culminates with the East is always kept vacant for him at every secret doctrine inculcated in the Life and Death of our Saviour. meeting of each Provincial Grand Lodge and at all meetings of Grand Lodge. An ermined Understandably, membership of this elite OrRobe hangs over the back of the chair and a der is highly prized, admission to the Order Crown rests on the seat. being by invitation only. The Grand Lodge at Edinburgh today controls Cross Keys March 2022
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Bro. Sir Archibald Alison Bro. Sir Archibald Alison, Bart., became Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow in 1847, and held the position until his death in 1867. He was called to the Scottish Bar in 1814, and became Advocate Depute eight years later. He was a prolific writer, on both law and history, and toured Europe after the Napoleonic Wars in quest of material for his famous “History of Europe”, which ran into fourteen volumes while becoming Rector of Marishal College, Aberdeen in 1845 and Lord Rector, Glasgow University, 1852. He was Sheriff of Lanarkshire and created 1st Baronet by Lord Derby in 1852. Bro. Alison was a past master of St. Mark’s Lodge No. 102 in Denniston.
The Most Sacred Number Pretty much anywhere you look in the Bible you find seven. The number seven is mentioned over 700 times in Scripture. The Book of Revelation alone contains dozens of sevens – churches, bowls, lamps, seals, and the list goes on. In ancient Israel, the number seven was thought to be a symbol of divine perfection. As opposed to other numbers which derive their power from human endeavours, seven comes from God. The Sevenfold Spirit of the Lord What evidence is there for God’s identity being related to the number seven? If we look at the famous “branch of Jesse” prophecy in Isaiah chapter 11, we find that the Holy Spirit will come to rest upon the Messiah in seven distinct facets:
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Mid-18th Century Rules in England This time in England, the original Grand Lodge now functioned as two— very crudely: the Moderns (the original brethren) and the Ancients (Irish & some Scottish masons who had come to London but were not accepted). The following rules belonged to the Moderns: (a) (b) (c) (d)
(e) (f) (g)
deacons were only appointed in October 1760 Installation of the master tended to follow a pattern—the lodge then attendance at church with a full sermon. So much so that it could often take the whole day. All members wore aprons, gloves and white stockings All early minutes were brief (this carried on for a while and even 242 minutes before 1850 were often one paragraph). It was clear the brethren were not interested in listening to minutes—has that changed . . . ? The tyler was thought unnecessary until 1779; prior to that the office of tyler often meant hand delivering the lodge summons to the brethren. Two degrees were not conferred on one evening until 1780 although individual lodges often did ‘their own thing’ Special warrants had to be obtained for special meetings.
Due to the difficulties with transport, mail, etc in the 1750s, there are many instances of lodges with different practices. However, it is quite interesting seeing different working.
The Kaiser Kaiser Friederich III was the son of Wilhelm I. Initially destined to only become King of Prussia he also became Crown Prince of German after his father became the first Kaiser (Emperor) of Germany. He would become Emperor after his father died on 9th March 1888. At this time he was already suffering from laryngeal cancer. He died only 99 days into his reign. His just over three month reign would earn him the nickname 99-days Emperor. After his death his son, Wilhelm, became Emperor Wilhelm II. 1888 is known in Germany as “Dreikaiserjahr” (Year of the three Emperors). Friederich was introduced into Freemasonry in 1853 and would become Grand Master of the Grand Landlodge of the Freemasons of Germany in 1861. He would step back from this position in 1874, amid intellectual differences. During his time in office he worked hard to unite all German Lodges and to introduce reforms, such as removing certain symbols and rituals from the Order of the Knights Templar that were outdated.
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Birmingham Masonic Hall
The above photos show Birmingham Masonic Hall in Severn Street in the city centre. It is the home to 21 lodges and other orders. The images show the temple, the lounge bar and display.
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Freemasonry in Van Diemen’s Land Freemasonry was introduced ·into the colony of Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) by members of masonic lodges attached to regiments that formed the British garrisons, 1803 to 1870, and in particular those from 1814 to 1839, for it was within this period that the first civil lodges were constituted. The early Regiments which held moveable, or "ambulatory", warrants were:
1814-1818: The 46th Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
1817-1824: The 48th Regiment (Northampton) with attached warrant No. 218 from the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
1823-1825: The 3rd Regiment (East Kent) with attached English warrant No.170
1825-1830: The 40th Regiment (Somersetshire) with attached "Thornton’s Lodge" No. 284 Ireland, and appendant Royal Arch Chapter 284 I.C.
1830-1834: The 63rd Regiment (West Suffolk) with dormant warrant No. 512 I.C.
1833-1839: The 21st Regiment Royal Scots Fusiliers with attached warrant 33 I.C., appendant Royal Arch Chapter, and dormant Warrant 936 I.C.
The warrant of the lodge attached to the 46th Regiment was left in Sydney, N.S.W., where it worked in 1816 as The Lodge of Social and Military Virtues No. 227 Irish Constitution. Local records report that there were several masons present at the laying of the foundation stone of the Officers' Mess at the Anglesea Barracks, Hobart Town, on 17th July, 1814. This first reported presence of Freemasons is considered to refer to members of 227 I.C. Later records show that the regimental lodges were not permitted to assemble in Barracks, but met in private homes or in a room set aside for their use in a hotel, and leased for that purpose.
Thornton’s Lodge was attached to the 40th Foot. The first civilian lodge, Tasmanian Lodge, was formed in 1828 and worked under a dispensation from Thornton’s Lodge until the arrival of its own warrant in 1831. In turn, Tasmanian Lodge sponsored a second civilian lodge, Brotherly Union, in 1832, and in 1834 a third ‘Irish’ lodge was formed, Tasmanian Operative Lodge. Records of the early workings of Royal Arch Masonry in Tasmania are very scanty. However, a Royal Arch Certificate is extant issued to Bro Joseph Lester in 1828 by Thornton's Lodge.
However, the first authenticated meeting of a The minute book of Lodge 33 was presented regular lodge in Hobart was in 1825. to the Grand Lodge in 1933.
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I
The First Lodge of Cork
n a region universally acknowledged to be of great Masonic antiquity, there have arisen in the past a number of private lodges in Munster whose antient craft origins might reasonably be designated as Time Immemorial. None, however, has a greater claim to this denomination than today’s First Lodge of Ireland.
simultaneous, though hitherto separate, Grand Mastership of Lord Kingston of Mitchelstown, albeit a fellow Munsterman – the regional body lost its identity by being ‘united’ with the national Grand Lodge of Ireland in 1731. When he was installed in 1730, he only attended his installation and as a result, many Grand Lodge meetings had to be postponed.
The oft-quoted year of 1731 as its point of departure is misleading, in that the Lodge quite clearly pre-dates the origin of the No. 1 Warrant by an indeterminate, and probably not inconsiderable, period of time. The unique early eighteenth century Transactions of the lodge – the oldest extant in the Irish Constitution – strongly suggest that fraternal activity within the original assembly at Cork, and its associated Grand Lodge of Munster, was already on a sound organisational basis prior to December 1726. It is interesting to observe that the first known reference to Masonic Deacons appears in the lodge Minutes of 2nd February 1727 – over eighty years before the Office was eventually adopted by the ‘Premier’ Grand Lodge of England in 1809.
In 1733, Lord Kingston 4th Baronet of Mitchelstown (shown) was elected Grand Master of Munster while being at the same time Grand Master of Ireland and in this way the two Grand Lodges were amalgamated. He was also the was Grand Master of the Premier Grand Lodge of England for 1728—1730 and was active in France.
Whereas several of the well established Cork lodges of the early 1730’s were quick to make their mark with the developing Grand Lodge in Dublin – and applied for Warrants without undue delay – the lodge generally regarded as being the oldest of them all, today’s First Lodge, showed no such enthusiasm for this procedure whatsoever.
The outcome was that the ‘First’ Lodge at Cork – which may well have existed prior to the formation of either, or perhaps any other Grand Lodge – continued to work as a Time Immemorial assembly and apparently declined a Warrant from Dublin for a further thirty years. Eventually, in 1776, they were offered – and finally accepted – the unique No. 1 Warrant which now stands indisputably, as the oldest masonic warrant in the world.
The regalia of the lodge is of similar antique origin in that – uniquely throughout the Irish Constitution – the member’s Aprons and the ancient velvet Collars of the Master and Officers are trimmed with gold braid. This is a distinguishing relic from the era of the Grand Lodge of Munster, to which the old early lodge of Cork was so closely affiliated in the early eighteenth cenIt may be conjectured that members of the tury. old private Lodge of Corke, who were also members of the venerable Grand Lodge of The lodge still meets monthly in Cork. Munster, disputed the fact that – under the
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PGL Renfrewshire East A very successful Installation of the Provincial Grand Master and his Commissioned Office Bearers was carried out by the MWGMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee on Sat 19th Feb in Lodge Prince of Wales No 426. Inter visitations between lodges resumed on 28th February and hopefully that will assist with lodge attendance numbers, particularly in the smaller lodges. Lodge Annual Visitations continue, and 9 lodges have now received a clear minute. Bro Gavin Burt SPGM has agreed to undertake a sponsored hill walk on Ben Lomond on behalf of the PGL 200th Anniversary Fund. Sponsorship can be on a lodge or individual basis, sponsor forms will be available from the Commissioned Office Bearers during the Annual Visitations.
PGRAC Renfrewshire Since the appointment of the new Commission on 1st January 2022, we have been pleased to have participated in several pleasant duties. On 3rd February, a deputation headed by the Depute Grand Superintendent MEC Billy McLarty attended Ranfurly RAC No. 289 and presented Companion James Fletcher PZ with his 60-year diploma. A magnificent achievement and an inspiring example of dedication to Royal Arch Masonry. A few days later, on 8th February, the Grand Superintendent MEC Kevin Pollock, accompanied by the entire Commission, attended at Rockmount RAC No. 367, where PZs John Samuel Miller and George Ernest Paul (see P.32) were presented with their 50year diplomas. The Grand Superintendent also awarded George with Honorary Provincial Depute Grand Superintendent rank in recognition of his outstanding service to
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PGRAC Renfrewshire the Province. The Grand Superintendent represented the PGRAC of Renfrewshire at the Installation of Brother Ronald Fraser as the Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire East. Further evidence that we continue to enhance the good relations between the Craft and Arch Masonry in Renfrewshire. The Commission also attended the Installation of the Grand Superintendent of Dumbartonshire, MEC Andrew Brodrick, on 26th February, where MEC Kevin has been honoured to propose the toast to the Province. Closer to home, we would welcome any companion who is interested in serving his Chapter on Provincial Grand Committee, or if already an installed Principal (1st, 2nd or 3rd) as a Provincial Office Bearer.
The Commission is out and about supporting Royal Arch Masonry in the Province. We hope to see you all soon. MEC Kevin Pollock Grand Superintendent
242 is back! On Thursday, we met to confer the EAD on one candidate after two years. It was as if we had not been away with the team consisting of a mix of young (non office-bearer) and PMs. With nearly 45 of our own brethren plus visiting brethren to add to the numbers, it was a superb return to freemasonry in Johnstone. The reply on behalf of the visitors was done most ably by Bro. Dougie Rathey, master of St. Conval Giffnock No.1359, seen with our master Bro. George Barclay. There was a great atmosphere and the pleasure of being back was evident from the start.
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Fox Maule, Lord Panmure Sir Fox Maule, later Maule Ramsay, 2nd Baron Panmure, KT, GCB, PC (1801-1874), became the 11th Earl of Dalhousie after the death of his cousin in 1860. Prior to becoming the Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire (1852—74) after the death of his father, Fox Maule was Provincial Grand Master of Moray and Nairn, which post he held from 1838—52 when he took over Forfarshire after the death of his father.
ers and examinations were introduced into the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Written examinations at both are still in place today. The purchase system was abolished in 1870.
Lord Panmure also abolished the lash and it was also during his tenure as Secretary of State for War that the ‘Victoria Cross’ was introduced for bravery in the field; he read out the names as Queen Victoria presented the During his term as our Provincial Grand Mas- first medals. ter, he also held the offices of Depute Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England Among the notable functions he performed as (1857-61) Grand Master Mason of Scotland Grand Master were the laying of the founda(1867-70) and the First Grand Principle of tion stone of the Glasgow Industrial Schools, the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of at Mossbank in August 1868, the Free Library Scotland (1869-1871). It was whilst serving and museum, Paisley, in April 1869 and the as Captain in the 79th Cameron Highlanders Albert Bridge over the Clyde in June of 1870. on the staff of his uncle, the Earl of Dalhousie, His last public act as Grand Master was laying that he was initiated at Quebec into the the foundation stone of the new lodge room Lodge Merchanes et Freres, No. 77 (under the of the Lodge “Journeyman” Edinburgh on Grand Lodge of England) in April 1824. Four 30th November 1870. It is also recorded that years afterwards on his return to Scotland he he was responsible for introducing King Edaffiliated in the Lodge of St. John, Haddington ward VII to Scottish Freemasonry. Fox Maule and shortly afterwards joined Lodge Perth St. died on 6 July 1872, without issue, at Brechin Castle, aged 73, and was buried eight days Andrew. later at Panbride, when the Barony of PanIn 1846—52, he was Secretary of State for mure became extinct, but the Scottish digniWar under Lord John Russell and then in ties devolved on his cousin, Admiral George 1855—58 he was appointed by the new Ramsay, CB (1806-1880), as 12th Earl of DalPrime Minister, Lord Palmerston as Secretary housie. of State for War (in the middle of the Sebastopol campaign in Crimea). It was Lord Pan- Thanks to Iain D McIntosh and the PGL Forfarshire mure who realised how unsuccessful the for providing much of the information. campaign was due to problems over transport, supply and medical care. He stated that “we have no means of making general officers or of forming efficient staff.” A Royal Commission was appointed by Lord Panmure in 1857 with the resukt of some damning evidence about army leadership which still had the purchase system (ie. officers bought their commissions and promotions and this was used as their pension). What did his report do? Amazingly, in 1858 Staff College was created to train senior offic-
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Sir James Campbell, Lord Provost of Glasgow Sir James Campbell of Stracathro (17901876) shown below, was a founder of J & W Campbell, warehousemen, and Lord Provost, 1840-1843. Campbell came to Glasgow with his brothers John and William from Lennox. James and William opened their drapery store in Saltmarket, moving to Candleriggs and then to larger baronial style premises in Ingram Street (shown below). He also commissioned Prince’s Square Shopping Centre (today) as business premises. In 1831 Campbell was elected to the Town Council and he became Lord Provost nine years later. He contested a parliamentary seat for Glasgow as a Conservative in 1837 and 1841 without success. He was knighted in 1843. The portrait which illustrates this sketch represents Sir James at a favourite occupation - using his compasses. He had a remarkable turn for construction, and was a good authority on all practical questions connected with the planning and erection of buildings, and especially in the alteration of old buildings to meet new requirements. It may be said that his favourite employment within doors was with his drawing-board and square. And it was characteristic of him that in his later years, when his eyesight (he suffered from cataract) no longer allowed him to use pencil or pen in the ordinary way, he found a substitute in the use of white chalk upon dark blue paper.
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The Provincial Grand Master of Glasgow, Archibald Alison, was installed in 1847 and named Bros. Alexander Hastie M.P. Lord Provost as DPGM, George Walker-Arnot as SPGM, Sir James Campbell, Senior Warden Past Lord Provost, William Ramsay M.A., Junior Warden, Bro. Dreghorn, Secretary, Bro. Rev. Norman MacLeod (minister of the Barony Church and statue in Cathedral Square) as Chaplain (none would go on to PGM). At the first meeting thereafter the Roll of Lodges was made up to the No.333, a total of 13 Lodges. It is interesting to note that the regalia, jewels, aprons, sashes and collars for nine Office-Bearers were ordered so probably didn’t exist before. He continued to retain his interest in Glasgow, although having ample work to occupy him in the country. His friend, Mr. Alexander Baird of Gartsherrie, remarked to him on his purchase of the estate, that in future his general whereabouts would be neither at Stracathro nor at Glasgow, but on the road between - and for a time the remark seemed almost to receive fulfilment. It was surprising with how much vigour and freshness he took up the different interests of town and country, and how little he seemed to feel the fatigue of frequent journeys. In his later years, however, as the infirmities of age increased, he resided almost wholly at Stracathro, where he died on 10th September, 1876, aged 87.
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Bits & Pieces Congratulations to Bro. Kevin Bryan (again) being installed into the chair of Seldon Park Lodge No.5005 (EC) in Surrey. Bro. Kevin is seen centre with his officers. We wish Bro. Kevin and his gang the very best for 2022 and hopefully we will catch up this year. Centre, Bro. Brad Billings, the new GM of the Grand Lodge of Texas outside an impressive square and compasses. A young GM at only 39 but I am sure, full of ideas to take the Craft forward. Bottom right—did you know? Masonic buildings were ‘hugely’ impressive and very mich part of the everyday scenery. Sadly, many of these buildings are being sold or have been sold. The building featured a central court with nine floors of shops with offices above and meeting rooms at the very top. These rooms also served as theatres, which contributed to the building's obsolescence; its elevators proved inadequate for these crowds. In 1939 the Masonic Temple was demolished, in part due to its poor internal services, but also due to the construction of the new State Street subway, which would have necessitated expensive foundation retrofitting.
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Bits & Pieces
Congratulations to E. Comps. George E. Paul PZ and John S. Miller PZ who were presented with their 50 year diplomas in Barrhead on Tuesday 8th February 2022 by the new Grand Superintendent Kevin Pollock who was supported by his whole Commission. Left to right: George, Harry Lloyd 1st P Rockmount RAC, Kevin and John. Immediately after, ME Kevin Pollock then presented E. Comp. George with Honorary Depute Grand Superintendent of the PGRAC of Renfrewshire for outstanding service to the Province.
A new lodge in Berks is being formed for the emergency services. It now includes Police, Fire Service, NHS, Coast Guard, Bomb Disposal, RNLI, Volunteer Emergency Service, St. John’s Ambulance Service, British Red Cross, H.M. Prisons and Highway Agency. The lodge would be delighted to hear from anyone who’s interested. Cross Keys March 2022
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Did You Know? On 7th August, 1786 our Grand Lodge issued a directive that the term Grand should not be used except by the Grand Master of Scotland. Likely many directives from Grand Lodge at this time, it took a while until every lodge would receive the communications and also for the to act on it. For example, many lodges continues to call their master, the Grand Master. In 242, we continued to use this term in the minutes well in the middle of the 19th century.
Mark Jewel Interesting jewel from the Isaac Newton University Lodge Mark Master Masons No.112 (part of Cambridge University showing its crest on the ribbon) which was presented to Bro. Edward Henry Ezard (1863 – 1946) as Mark Master in 1925 – 1926. His masonic background is: Initiation 8th November 1888 into The Royal Sussex Lodge No.53 Bath, occupation a Surgeon. Joined 3rd June 1890 Lodge of Amity No.171. Founder 9th July 1891 Aesculapius Lodge No.2410. Founder 18th May 1903 University of Edinburgh Lodge No.2974. Joined 29th November 1910 Isaac Newton University Lodge No. 859 Founder 14th March 1917 Frates Calami Lodge No.3791.
Thanks to Thomas Harper Facebook page.
To submit an article or want added to the mail list or Facebook group, contact the Editor, Grant Macleod: E-Mail:
sec242pm@yahoo.co.uk
Website: http://lodge242.bravesites.com/
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