The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone
May 2013
Walking the Road / Seeking the Light
In this issue: More Masonry into Masons Sir Charles Warren Santa Anna a Freemason? Glasgow St. Mungo’s No.27 Colours of Scottish Aprons The Sprig of Acacia Freemasonry in France The Anchor Lodge of Research Cowes Masonic Centre Cross Keys May. 2013
Number 167
More Masonry into Masons The following is article I wrote for The Ashlar a few years ago and I was asked to mention it again.
A common statement many years ago was that we should put freemasonry into men and not more men into Freemasonry. This quality against quantity argument that we often hear masters utter to a new candidate is valid, but a more subtle message to the brethren would be to put more freemasonry into freemasons. We all know members who have fallen away through a lack of interest (as well as numerous other reasons). However, the more you know about a topic, a club, a sport, etc the more chance of remaining active in that field. This is where masonic education is essential and this is not a new idea. An old English Book of Constitutions states "A Lodge is a place where Freemasons assemble to work and to instruct, and to improve themselves in the Mysteries of the Antient Science." It is not just in the Constitutions, but our degrees: 1. In the Entered Apprentice degree, it is suggested that the candidate should feel himself "called upon to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge." 2. In the Fellowcraft degree, he is expected to "extend his researches into the hidden mysteries of nature and science." 3. In the Master Mason degree, he is invited to "reflect on a certain awful subject." And the master’s charge: “Forcibly impress them with the dignity and high importance of Freemasonry, and charge them to practise out of the Lodge those excellent precepts which are ever inculcated in it.” Instruction of the brethren was obviously paramount to the brethren who constructed the ritual. For whatever reason, this has diminished over the years to nothing more than degree work in lodges. Symbolism pervades our ritual and it used to be a powerful tool (no pun intended) to instruct ancient brethren who could not read. Today we all read, but unfortunately the interpretation of symbols is a dying art. As “Freemasonry is a spiritual science, the symbols of Freemasonry are intended to make brethren think along spiritual lines, so that when working in the Temple the thoughts of the brethren may be raised from a mundane level to spiritual heights, and, when the work in the Temple is completed, these high concepts of right living can be carried out in our daily lives.”
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More Masonry into Masons Although we come across symbols in the form of road signs for example, they usually only have one meaning. Much masonic symbolism is more complicated and has deeper meanings than the obvious. Take the square. The more common interpretation is to square one’s actions with all mankind. Alternatively we are taught to act on the square - what does this really mean? It is also one of the great lights. How many brethren could explain the symbol to the right? We need to do more to rectify this lack of education. “Freemasonry is intended to appeal to the thinking man. The ritual is but an outline. To fill in that outline a man who is resolved to become a real Freemason has to do some reading of what thoughtful Freemasons have written about Freemasonry.” Another huge area that, I believe, most masons would be interested in is the history of the Craft (and this has been verified with the recent survey of the brethren in the Province of Renfrewshire East). Even the origins are still shrouded in mystery. The popularity of Dan Brown’s books or films such as National Treasure indicates that people are interested in the historical aspects. I gave a lecture in Glasgow recently on famous freemasons who excelled in their area. I was surprised by how many asked about them, gave me more information or were just curious. The interest is in the brethren - we just need to open it up. The $64,000 question - how? Lodges could appoint a mentor to fully instruct the candidate. This is probably more important now than before due to the amount of misinformation on the internet. It could also open up an area of interest that the candidate might like to follow. Rather than a degree, why not an explanation and discussion about one part of the degree such as the mode of preparation, the study of the liberal arts and sciences, etc.? Lodges develop their own syllabus - Grand Lodge does not interfere. Therefore, anything could be done - it needs imagination from the General Committee. Of course, there will be opposition from the usual culprits, but the hardest thing is often getting started. The only enemy we have is apathy and we can defeat it with a little effort. The future of the Craft depends on what we do now so let’s think seriously about the syllabus and the instruction of our brethren. I will feed back over the next few editions about the new Education Programme which PGLRE will start—this is initially for intenders (the old Scottish term for mentors) to be trained for assisting brethren in developing their progress.
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Quis Separabit – Irish Guards Masonic Lodge No 960 Om 13th April, a new lodge was constituted in Northern Ireland in the Province of Antrim. Quis Separabit – Irish Guards Masonic Lodge No 960 has been constituted by the Grand Master, WBro. George Dunlop, for serving, ex-serving members of the regiment, family members and ex-serving members who may wish to affiliate. This now makes three lodges under the GLoI classed as “Lodge in Military Corps Not Stationary” - the other two are St. Patrick’s Lodge No.295 (Royal Dragoon Guards) and Lodge Glittering Star No.322 (warranted in the 29th Reg. of Foot in 1759). Unfortunately, Scotland has lost all lodges with travelling warrants.
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Bro. Sir Charles Warren Sir Charles Warren was a soldier, explorer and archaeologist, Charles Warren was born in Bangor and educated at Sandhurst. As an agent of the Palestine Exploration Fund and already a freemason of some 8 years, in 1867, he surveyed Herod’s Temple and conducted excavations in Jerusalem, recording his discoveries in two books: The Temple or the Tomb and Under Jerusalem. Sir Charles was London Metropolitan Police Commissioner from March 1886 to November 7, 1888. He resigned in conflict with the Home Secretary, Henry Mathews, earlier on the day that Mary Jane (Anne) Kelly, the last Whitechapel murder victim ascribed to Jack the Ripper, was found killed. Soldier, explorer and archaeologist, Charles Warren was born in Bangor and educated at Sandhurst. As an agent of the Palestine Exploration Fund in 1867, he surveyed Herod’s Temple and conducted excavations in Jerusalem, recording his discoveries in two books: The Temple or the Tomb and Under Jerusalem. Physically Warren and his men were the first who were able (through various means of subterfuge) to excavate and locate the base of the Temple walls and in doing so, they were also hoping to uncover any evidence that (operative) Masons had been involved in its construction. Hence establish the antiquity of freemasonry to Biblical times. The closest that he came to that was the uncovering of the "Phoenician symbols". This together with his involvement in the Moabite Stone saga, fanned the embers of curiosity for the accuracy of the accounts in the Bible which are used as symbolic Masonic parallels. His surveys located many chambers below the Temple Mount which at that time were rumoured to hold Masonic and Knights Templar artefacts, and his survey of the top of the Temple Mount was aimed at locating the position of the Temple of King Solomon. Warren was elected Founding Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, in 1884. The lodge warrant was granted on November 28, 1884 but, due to Warren’s departure to Buchuana, Africa, the lodge did not meet until after his return at the end of 1885. He was installed at the first regular meeting on January 12, 1886, when the lodge was consecrated. Warrens contribution to the Quatuor Coronati Lodge was that of Leadership. As it first (founding) master the members were prepared to wait for his return from South Africa in order to Consecrate the Lodge. The prestige and attention a figure such as "Jerusalem Warren" leading a lodge bent on establishing facts about freemasonry (rather than mere conjecture) would give it credibility in many countries and colonies, not only the United Kingdom. Warren had by then written books about his adventures, become a member of the Royal Geographical Society and Royal Society and probably seen as an example of a disciplined scholar freemason, popular at that time. Sir Charles was London Metropolitan Police Commissioner from March 1886 to November 7, 1888. He resigned in conflict with the Home Secretary, Henry Mathews, earlier on the day that Mary Jane (Anne) Kelly, the last Whitechapel murder victim ascribed to Jack the Ripper, was found killed. Warren was made a Past Grand Deacon (honorary rank) and also District Grand Master of the Eastern Archipelago between 1891-95.
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From the Columns On 4th April, the lodge travelled across the ‘shoogly’ bridge to Lodge Craigends to confer the FC degree on one of their candidates. On 11th April, our good friends from Lodge St. Barchan visited to confer the MM degree on Bro. Joseph Drennan. A good attendance of 86 with five visiting reigning masters present. On 25th April, the OBs conferred the EA degree on Craig Andrew Chambers. Shortly after on the Sunday, the lodge hosted the joint Divine Service with Lodge Craigends No.1042 which attracted a supeb attendance of about 60.
Unique Lights
Perhaps more common in the US, but not very common in the UK. Lights with a square and compasses filament!
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Santa Anna’s Membership Confirmed The Texas Scottish Rite of Freemasonry has confirmed that Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, Commander at the battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, was a Scottish Rite Mason in Mexico. His original Scottish Rite membership certificate is located in the Livingston Masonic Library of the Masonic Grand Lodge of New York. According to M. Douglas Adkins, the top Scottish Rite official in Texas and a member of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the Southern Jurisdiction, a person must be a Master Mason to be eligible for Scottish Rite membership in Mexico, as in the United States. Today's announcement resolves arguments by Texas historians who have contended there has been no proof of General Santa Anna's membership. The significance of this announcement in terms of Texas history stems from numerous reports that General Santa Anna saved himself from execution after being captured at the battle of San Jacinto in 1836 by giving secret Masonic signs to Texas soldiers and later to General Sam Houston, a well-known Mason. The Texas critics of these reports have said that General Santa Anna would not have known of such secret signs unless he actually was a Mason, for which no proof had previously been provided. Mr. Adkins explained that this confirmation of Masonic membership does not provide proof of the story that Masonic membership saved General Santa Anna's life, but rather only refutes the arguments that General Santa Anna was not a Mason. Some Masons have said that General Houston and many other Masons at San Jacinto would have known that General Santa Anna had disowned Masonry and that his offenses in Mexico, the Alamo and Goliad would have forfeited any rights for protection he may have had as a Mason. Sources in Mexico have confirmed that he was expelled from the Craft.
Image courtesy of Houston Masonic Library & Museum. Cross Keys May. 2013
GL News Grand Lodge have decided to support the Poppy Appeal when every lodge will be represented with a wooden cross and lodge name. These will be placed next to the Scott Monument in Edinburgh (as last year). Lodges will be asked for a donation of £15 towards the costs and I’m sure they will support this worthy cause. Perhaps next year they might be placed in Glasgow?
PGL News SPECIAL EVENT The “Showcase Event” for the PGLRE will take place in the Redhurst Hotel, 27 Eastwoodmains Road, Giffnock, Glasgow G46 6QE on Saturday 22nd June, 2013 at 9.30am for 10am start.
Saturday 11th May, 2013—Paisley St. James No. 1116 Centenary Celebrations by GL Monday 27th May, 2013—New Members’ Seminar in Barrhead at 7pm Thursday 27th June, 2013—PGL Curry Night in Rutherglen RA Lodge No.116 (ladies welcome)
Did You Know? In 1839 the Mormons left Missouri and settled in the area of Nauvoo, IL. On October 15, 1841, the IL Grand Master issued a dispensation to form a lodge at Nauvoo. On March 15th, 1842, Joseph Smith received his first degree and the others shortly after. Certain irregularities were reported - in five months the lodge initiated 256 candidates and 243 were raised. After investigation, the Grand Master revoked the dispensation, but the lodge continued to work. On April 5, 1844, the Mormon masons dedicated a Masonic Temple. IL Masons got in trouble for taking part in the ceremony. Opposition to the group and internal dissension led to the assassination of Joseph Smith and the removal of the Mormons from IL.
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The Lodge of Glasgow St. Mungo's No. 27 Our Lodge of St John, Saint Mungo's Kirk of Glasgow Kilwinning as was No. 27 originally called, was founded before 1727 by Mother Kilwinning. Although the original charter has been lost, the lodge has in its possession an old chest with masonic emblems bearing the date 1729. The lodge was represented at the foundation of Grand Lodge in 1736 while the date of the charter from Grand Lodge is 1762. Even in these early days of the lodge, deputations were received from Lodges Argyle (defunct), St. Mark, Union & Crown, St. David, Rutherglen Royal Arch, Pollokshaws Royal Arch, Edinburgh Operatives, Hamilton Operatives and Kilbride Operatives. The lodge was also present at most ceremonies of laying the foundation stone such as the Royal Infirmary in 1792 when they were listed as the sixth lodge in terms of seniority and Lord Nelson's column in 1806. During this period, important business of the lodge was always advertised in local newspapers. The lodge met in various places around Glasgow from the Black Bull Inn, James Shaw's tavern, James Buchanan's Saracen Head Inn or Houston's Tavern all of whom were members of the lodge which was common practice at this time. In 1819, the lodge moved to The Lyceum in Nelson Street and it was recognised as the senior lodge in Glasgow, although No. 4 had the odd dispute with the lodge about their claim. This became apparent when BGST Lodge No.275 contacted the lodge saying they had a legal charter from the GLoS authorising them to ask the oldest Glasgow lodge to consecrate them. This St. Mungo's agreed to do. What is noticeable throughout the lodge's early history, is the prominence the Craft had with respect to civic functions and even being allowed to meet in the Chapel House of the Cathedral. Something sadly missing today. In the middle of the 19th century, the lodge moved to the New Hall at 59 Hutcheson Street then soon after to Lodge St Mark's premises in Buchanan Street. Throughout the lodge's history, there have been many discussions about purchasing their own hall. This came to fruition in 1949 when the lodge bought Lodge Maryhill's premises in Wilton Street. Unfortunately, this proved too much and it was sold few years later. Today No. 27 meets in Lodge Scotia, Whitehill Street in Dennistoun with the master Bro. James Bennett residing in Johnstone.
My thanks to Bro. Jimmy Bennett RWM acting Sec for providing the details.
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Colours of Scottish Aprons Colour is a fundamental element of masonic symbolism. It appears in the descriptions of aprons, sashes and other items of regalia, in the furnishings and wall-hangings of the lodge room for each degree or ceremony, in the robes worn in certain degrees, and in many other masonic accoutrements. The colours specified in each case appear to have no rational justification. As A.E. Waite wrote: "There is no recognised scheme or science of colours in Masonry. Blue, then, is the Craft colour par excellence, used in aprons, collars, and elsewhere. Let us quote Bro. Chetwode Crawley. "The ordinary prosaic enquirer will see in the selection of blue as the distinctive colour of Freemasonry only the natural sequence of the legend of King Solomon's Temple. For the Jews had been Divinely commanded to wear...a 'riband of blue' (Numbers 15:38).' A modern translation of that verse in Numbers is: 'You are to take tassels on the comers of your garments with a blue cord on each tassel.' The biblical text, then, refers to blue cords to be incorporated in the tassels worn by pious Jews, while Bro. Chetwode Crawley is speaking of blue ribbons which somehow became the embellishments of aprons, sashes and collars. Another suggested source of the colour mentioned by Bro. Chetwode Crawley could be its association with St. Mary, mother of Jesus, 'so prominent a figure in the preReformation invocations of the Old Charges, drawing in her train the red ensign of St. George of Cappadocia, her steward and our Patron Saint.' Blue and red, the heraldic azure and gules are sometimes associated with the chevron of the Arms of the Masons' Company.
Typical Scottish apron with many colours and semi-circular flap
Apron from Lodge Nanyang No.1828 in Malaysia
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Colouring of Grand & Provincial Grand Lodges
An early apron from Lodge Dunbar Castle No.75
Lodge Easterhouse is fully tartan All very different from the apron of Robert Burns
Cowes Masonic Centre The Cowes Masonic Centre in Castle Road, Cowes in the Isle of Wight will hold an ‘Open Day’ for the public on Saturday, 6th July 2013, from 10 am until 4 pm. The Open Day will enable the public to have a greater awareness of the principles on which the United Grand Lodge of England and Freemasonry is founded. Also, its structure, how the organisation operates and the contribution it makes to modern society at local, national and international level. Island Freemasons will be on hand to give interested visitors an insight into Freemasonry and its membership. Features will include a guided tour of Lodge rooms, a display of Masonic regalia and the opportunity to talk to local masons about Freemasonry. Literature will be available for any interested parties. Freemasonry has been active in the community for almost three centuries, with masons making significant contributions not just to charity but all areas of social and educational development.
May Events in 242 Thursday 9th—FCD by OBs Thursday 23rd—MMD by OBs FRIDAY 31st May—MMM by OBs Visit: Thursday 2nd May—EAD at Thistle & Crown No.1167 (Neilston ) at 7.30pm Sir William Wallace RAC 16th May—RA at 7.30pm
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Alternative Aprons! From an exhibition which the ‘artist’ described his work as Advancing Puppetry and Contemporary Art by imbuing stuff, objects and images, with some of the qualities of a puppet. Primarily the ability to convey irreverence and the illusion of life. I'm 'Puppetising' things.
Cander Bridge in Stonehouse
The Woodlands bridge rested only a hundred yards up river of the Cander railway viaduct, built in 1863 and later demolished in 1942. The Woodlands bridge was later replaced by the Cander bridge of today in 1966, over the site of the former Cander railway viaduct of which the foundations can still be seen in the gorge below. An old practice which has disappeared in most places was that of laying foundation stone or presenting plaques for public monuments and buildings. We talk about maintaining traditions— should we return to this practice? I see no reason why not. Cross Keys May. 2013
The Ashlar was first published in September, 1855 in Detroit, USA produced many fine articles, one of which is given below.
The Sprig of Acacia
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Freemasonry in France Until the mid 20th century, the history of Freemasonry was excluded from classic-style history syllabi in universities. Particularly in France, Masonic historiography was thus almost entirely divided between authors who were vehemently pro- or anti-Freemasonry (with the former often being masons themselves). Since then, Freemasonry's political influence has diminished, and its historical conflict with France's Roman Catholic church (also now less politically powerful) has been if not resolved then at least appeased. This climate has been more favourable to the application of classic historical principals and methods to Masonic historiography, allowing it to develop and form a discipline of its own, "Masonology", devoted to a wider and more neutral study of the highly varied cultural and intellectual universe formed by European Freemasonry in general and French Freemasonry in particular. French Freemasonry offers the historian several documents (manuscripts, diplomas, engravings, caricatures, journal articles and other printed material) as well as a large number of objects relating to both ritual (Masonic aprons, tablets, vessels, medals) and everyday life (pipes, clocks, tobacco boxes and faience decorative art) that have been put on show in many museums and permanent exhibitions. However, the main sources in this area remain the manuscripts, especially the manuscripts cabinet at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France and the municipal library of Lyon. In 2001, the Russian government repatriated (among other things) all the Masonic archives which had been confiscated by the Nazis during their occupation of Europe - these had been held at Moscow since 1945.
Currently neither the Grand Orient nor the National Grand Lodge of France are recognised.
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The Anchor Lodge of Research No.1814 The Anchor Lodge of Research No. 1814 was founded as a Lodge of Education and Instruction to satisfy the needs of the Brethren in the Province of Renfrewshire West and neighbouring provinces who wished to expand their Masonic knowledge beyond the Degree system practised in most Lodges. The vision of the Founding Members was, “to teach and uphold the highest ideals of Freemasonry, to help Brethren towards a better interpretation of Masonic Allegory and Symbolism, and to guide them to a more profound knowledge and appreciation of the true meaning and purpose of the Craft system.” That this vision is being fulfilled is reflected in the numbers of visiting Brethren attending each meeting and those who have joined from Renfrewshire West and other Provinces by way of Affiliation. Membership is by Affiliation only. There is no intent to compete with the other Lodges by Initiating candidates. To date the Lodge has hosted many prominent Scottish Masonic researchers and speakers, including one from Belgium, two from London and the popular Masonic authors Knight and Lomas. Brethren of the Anchor Lodge are also in demand to deliver research papers in Lodges and other Masonic organisations. A unique feature of the Lodge is the Brethren adjourning for a meal after the meeting, following which a question and answer session is held with the evening’s speaker. The lodge was chartered 1st Aug 1996 and consecrated 29 March 1997 with Bro. Wm. McKillop as founding master. To eliminate the criticisms and problems encountered by other Research Lodges it was agreed we only install Brethren in the Chair who have already been through the Chair of a Craft Lodge (this is a "gentleman's agreement" only and cannot be accommodated in Bye-Laws). It was also agreed the incoming Master would install his Office Bearers, presenting a short Paper at his Installation Dinner and install the next incoming master without the assistance of other Installing Masters. There have been many prominent speakers at the lodge and two of Lodge Members have also presented papers in the Lodge showing we do not always have to depend on outsiders. 1814 brethren have presented papers at the Scottish Masonic Symposium held in Kirkcaldy, The Manchester Lodge for Masonic Research as well as daughter lodges in Dunoon, Glasgow, Gourock, Johnstone, Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch, and so on. This year, the lodge will have a speaker at the ICHF. The Installation of Bro. Robert Shields SPGM RW and Office-bearers will be held at 7.00pm on Friday 3rd May, 2013, within the Masonic Temple, West Stewart Street, Greenock. His paper is The Cross of Lorraine.
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Wee Jock’s Big Braw Scottish Night At the end of March, the PGLRE held a Fund Raiser with Bro. Johnny Gauld, overseeing the Scottish night with a twist. Name the brethren in the photo?
Installation in London Bro. Costa Trizis, a good friend to many in 242, was recently installed as master of St. Mark’s Lodge No.857 (EC) - here seen with two desperate characters from 242: Bros Allan Reid and Fraser Lees both PMs in England (one properly dressed, the other . . .). Bro Costa hopes to visit 242 during his year as master and it would be a delight to see him in Johnstone.
Thought of the Month “The man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.” Bro. Mark Twain, author.
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George Washington Apron on Display From the West Virginia State Journal, Masonic Lodge to Display Apron Owned by Washington, :
Mt. Nebo Lodge No. 91, a Masonic lodge in Shepherdstown, will celebrate its bicentennial with a public open house on Dec. 11 where people can come view George Washington's Masonic apron. The apron it owns was given to Washington in 1784 by the Marquis de Lafayette, who was also a Mason, and worn regularly by Washington until his death in 1799. After Martha Washington died in 1802, the apron was purchased from her estate for $6 by Thomas Hammond, husband of George's niece, Mildred Washington. She was the daughter of George's brother Charles, who founded Charles Town, WV. Hammond was a member of the Mt. Nebo Lodge, and he gave the apron to the lodge before he died in 1820. Since then, the apron has been displayed in public only on rare occasions.
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To submit an article, contact the Editor: Grant Macleod E-Mail:
sec242pm@yahoo.co.uk
Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo WSW for proof reading.
Don’t forget to support The Ashlar magazine— Scotland’s only Masonic magazine. Just click on the magazine to find out more.
Cross Keys May. 2013