The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone
November 2014
In this issue: RMS Titanic The Grand Lodge of France One Day Classes Waterloo 5th Earl of Rosslyn Treaty of Paris Master’s Parting Thoughts
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Walking the Road / Seeking the Light
Number 179
RMS Titanic ON THE EVE OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RMS TITANIC’S ILL-FATED MAIDEN JOURNEY, THE DIRECTOR OF THE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM OF FREEMASONRY, DIANE CLEMENTS, INVESTIGATES THE STORIES OF THE FREEMASONS ON BOARD. With 2012 marking the centenary of its first and only voyage, the RMS Titanic has become one of the most famous ships in history. After setting sail from Southampton for New York City on 10 April 1912 with 2,223 people on board, the ship hit an iceberg four days into the crossing, at 11.40pm on 14 April 1912, and sank at 2.20am the following morning. More than 1,500 people died – the high casualty rate due in part to the fact that, although complying with regulations of the era, the ship carried lifeboats for only 1,178 people. The Titanic was the largest passenger ship in the world at the time and the loss of this ‘unsinkable’ ship was a major news story around the globe and covered by masonic newspapers. The Freemason’s Chronicle wondered whether Grand Lodge itself would ‘vote a considerable sum… to one of the funds now being raised in different parts of the country’. This didn’t happen but the Chronicle recorded lodge donations, at the suggested rate of one guinea, to a Freemasons Titanic Fund, which the paper established, and which were then sent on to a larger fund set up by the Daily Telegraph. FALLEN HEROES Among the English Freemasons who died on the Titanic was Howard Brown Case, aged 49. Case was the managing director of the Vacuum Oil Company (part of the Standard Oil Company), based in Rochester, New York, and was establishing the company’s operations in the UK. He lived at Ascot with his wife, two sons and two daughters and was described as ‘an exceptionally hard worker’ with a ‘magnetic personality’. Case had been travelling in a first-class cabin and some survivors recalled that he helped women and children into the lifeboats and finally stepped back to meet his fate. He had been initiated in America Lodge, No. 3368, in June 1909.
Percy Cornelius Taylor, aged 32, was a Past Master of Musgrave Lodge, No. 1597, at Hampton Court, and a cellist in the ship’s orchestra. The band famously kept playing as the Titanic went down, with all eight members sadly perishing. Two Liverpool-based stewards, Robert Arthur Wareham, aged 36, from Toxteth Lodge, No. 1356, and Arthur Lawrence, aged 35, a member of Neptune Lodge, No. 1264, also died. Henry Price Hodges was a 50-year-old salesman of musical instruments from Southampton who was travelling as a second-class passenger en route to Boston. He had been initiated in Caulsentum Lodge, No. 1461, Woolston (Southampton), before joining Royal Gloucester Lodge, No. 130. Pierre Giuseppe Bochet, meanwhile, had moved to London from Aosta in Italy where he worked in the catering trade. He joined the Titanic at Southampton as a waiter, aged 43. He was a member of Loggia Italia, No. 2687 and also Columbia Chapter, No. 2397.
OFFICER AND GENTLEMAN One Freemason was known to be among the survivors. Herbert John Pitman, aged 34, was third officer on the Titanic. He helped to load and lower one of the lifeboats and row it towards the nearby ship Carpathia. Pitman went back to sea with other liners and served in the Merchant Navy in the Second World War. He had joined Abbey Lodge, No. 3341, in Hatfield in 1909 and remained a member until his death in 1961. A letter from the lodge congratulating him on his rescue was sold at auction in October 2011. As the Titanic was bound for New York there were many American passengers. The condolences of several grand lodges, including Hungary and Cuba, to the Grand Lodge of New York are recorded in the proceedCross Keys Nov. 2014
RMS Titanic (ctd) ings of that Grand Lodge in May 1912. Three New York casualties were also recorded. Henry Harris was a New York theatre manager and a member of Munn Lodge, No. 100. Frank Millet was vice chairman of the Fine Arts Committee, based in Washington DC, and member of Kane Lodge, No. 454. Alexander Holverson was a member of Transportation Lodge, No. 842. Another Freemason casualty was Oscar Scott Woody, a clerk in the on-board post office. He was a member of Acacia Lodge, No. 16, in Virginia. The passengers on the Titanic were drawn from all walks of life so it is no surprise that the Freemasons, casualties and survivors, were too.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - FREEMASONRYTODAY NO.18 - SUMMER 2012 Sir, Your article, ‘Final Voyage’ in Freemasonry Today, Spring 2012, highlights some known Freemasons who were on board the Titanic. One officer’s actions, on that fateful night, have also become legendary. Harold Godfrey Lowe brought 118 passengers to safety and he was the last to leave the lifeboats on being rescued by the Carpathia. Fifth Officer Lowe was subsequently hailed a hero by some of the survivors for his actions that night, which he simply put down to doing his duty. What may not be known, but of interest to brethren, is that Lowe was initiated into St. Trillo Lodge, No. 2569, in the Province of North Wales, on the 6 May 1921. Unfortunately, he didn’t occupy our master chair, but seemingly remained a member of this lodge for the rest of his life. Tony Young St. Trillo Lodge, No. 2569 Colwyn Bay, North Wales
Sir, I read with great interest your article on Freemasons and the Titanic. Unfortunately, you made no reference to a young brother of the Cambrian Lodge, No. 364, lost on that fateful voyage. He was Robert William Norman Leyson, a mechanical engineer aged 24. Norman Leyson came from a respected Neath family. His father was a Freemason and he was proposed by Henry Pendrill Charles, who later became Deputy Provincial Grand Master. He was initiated on 16 January 1912. On 28 March 1912, the Minute Book records that a Lodge of Emergency was called. This was to permit Norman Leyson to be raised to the sublime degree of a master mason before he set sail for New York on the Royal Mail Ship Titanic, to go into business in America. His father is listed among the visitors. The Titanic berthed at Ocean Dock in Southampton on 4 April 1912 and some time around this date Norman Leyson travelled there to board the ship for departure on 10 April. At 11.40pm on 14 April the ship travelling at 22 knots grazed an iceberg. There was lifeboat capacity for 1,200 passengers but 2,201 passengers and crew were on board. Even so, nearly 500 lifeboat places were not filled and at 2.20am on 15 April, the Titanic sank. We do not know what happened to Norman Leyson during those dark hours, only that he did not get into a lifeboat. There were many documented and undocumented acts of bravery and also some of abject cowardice. We can only hope he acted as a true son and his actions may be numbered among the former. The body of Norman Leyson was one of those found. He was buried at sea on 24 April. Roger B Evans Cambrian Lodge, No. 364 (Neath, South Wales) In FM today 2011 Cross Keys Nov. 2014
The National Grand Lodge of France
After sometime of having its recognition withdrawn by the three Grand Lodge in the UK, the UGL England has now re-extended recognition to the GLNF and they see this Grand Lodge as being regular again. Over the years French freemasonry has had many political and outside influences affect his direction and I’m sure this is not the last!
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The Grand Lodge of France In 1728, Philip Wharton became Grand Master of the Grande Loge of Paris (or Grande Loge of France). The historical birth of French Freemasonry. It was in 1732 that the first French Lodge founded in Paris received patent from the Grand Lodge of England. Very quickly, other French Lodges were created in the provinces. In 1738 all these Lodges made up the Grande Loge of France. On the eve of the Revolution, the French Masonic Order had secured a considerable place in the country: several tens of thousands of Freemasons belonged to one of two principal obediences: the Grande Loge de France and the Grand Orient of France (created in 1773). Noblemen and bourgeoisie rubbed shoulders from the very beginning. The two obediences fused together temporarily in 1799. Three years after first Supreme Council of the Southern jurisdiction if the USA was formed, in 1804 the Supreme Council of France of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was created, provoking the meeting of a Scottish General Grande Loge. This Supreme Council still exists today in Paris and has jurisdiction over the High Degrees. At the end of the same year, Napoleon I obliged the Freemasons now to have only a single Obedience, the Grand Orient, for the first three degrees (Apprentice (or Entered Apprentice), Fellow Craft and Master Masons), the Supreme Council keeping its authority over the other grades of French Freemasonry. In the years that followed the fall of Napoleon, this obligation was no longer respected and the Masonic situation evolved with the creation of numerous Lodges that did not depend on the Grand Orient. Little by little, these Lodges gathered under the authority of the Supreme Council of France. The year 1877 marked an important turning point in the history of Freemasonry in France, for it was in that year that the Grand Orient authorised its Lodges to abandon the invocation of the Great Architect of the Universe, and the Bible, fundamental elements of Freemasonry, thus stirring up considerable feeling in the Masonic world. The creation of the Scottish Grand Symbolic Lodge which subsequently took the name Grande Loge de France (Grand Symbolic Lodge of France) took place in 1894. and ten years later The Grande Loge de France was constituted . As a result of the German invasion, masonry was prohibited in 1940 and like the other French obediences, the Grande Loge de France was reconstituted in 1945. The Second World War was undoubtedly the worst period that Freemasonry in France had ever known, for the only time in its history it was prohibited and persecuted by the French Vichy government and by the German occupying forces.
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The Grand Lodge of France (ctd) The current Grande Loge de France (GLDF) was founded in 1894 due to a rift in the Grand Orient. The Grande Loge de France was never recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE),[1] although it was (briefly) recognized by a few of the Grand Lodges in the United States around the time of the First World War (UGLE and most of the American Grand Lodges currently recognise the Grande Loge Nationale Franรงaise instead). In 1954 the General Assembly (Convent) of the GLDF voted a resolution which rendered obligatory the presence of the Volume of the Sacred Law in all its Lodges.
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One Day Classes There have been many adverse comments about the American one day classes where thousands can join in day in various locations. For example,in Ohio in 2002, 7,700 new masons were raised. A past GM of Ohio addresses some of the comments. Quality - all candidates still had to petition the lodge in the normal way and were balloted for in open lodge. One thing that did change was the number of 'high' quality candidates such as elected officials in government, business executives, clergymen, etc who were unable to commit eto a series of various nights, but found the one day class ideal to their needs. Shortened ceremonies - each degree was presented in its entirety with full lectures, tracing boards and charges. The difference was that degree teams were very competent having been through a selection process beforehand - instead of BBC master chef, a BBC master mason! Most masons said it was the best degree work they had seen for years. Now that must impress a candidate, particularly when conveyed in comfortable and elegant surroundings. Each candidate was then presented with his own VSL, a lambskin apron and a small specially engraved square and compasses, and then obligated on his own VSL and with his mentor was entrusted with the signs and secrets. The mentor also raised him after the obligation - the only difference was that no hoodwink was used and he wouldn't beer ambulated around the carpet as he was seated in a large auditorium. None are active now - on the contrary, a survey revealed that 67% of OBs in Ohio lodges came from one day classes. In terms of lodge attendance, an increase of nearly 1000 per meeting state-wide showed how successful the classes had been in Ohio. On a negative note, 0.8% had been sue des for non payment of dues although this is really negligible. Many of these new brethren have brought their enthusiasm to their lodges and the standard of degree work has also improve. Brethren watching good degrees generally want to confer ritual in the same manner. When we look around some Scottish lodges with prompters often saying more than the floor worker or lodges renting poor accommodation, this special one day class looks to have something. Is it something that PGL could organise? Absolutely! Would it be accepted in Scotland? Of course not!!! Summarised from an article in The Philalethes magazine by Past Grand Master of Ohio, Bro George Braatz in 2003.
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Waterloo—Masonic Influence? A very interesting point was muted 12 years ago in an Irish lodge by Bro. Humphrey Thompson of Wicklow. Most brethren will be familiar with the Battle of Waterloo, some less so that Wellington cam from a great masonic family of the Wellesleys with two members being Grand aster of Ireland (in 1776 and 1782) and perhaps fewer that Wellington himself was a member of Lodge 494 (IC). Perhaps even fewer are aware that his ally, Marshall Blucher from Prussia, was also a freemason. Early on, Wellington realised that he needed Blucher and his Prussians to strengthen his army against the French otherwise they would be outmanoeuvred and defeated. Therefore, Wellington visited Blucher personally to ask for his assistance. Both men gave their word—one that he would fight Napoleon at Waterloo, the other that he would support him. Others in their command feared that one might not live up to their word and the venture would be disastrous for the other. Both leaders were confident in the other. On the morning of the battle, Blucher did not arrive, the weather was very heavy rain, but Wellington held on despite his position was becoming more and more desperate. However, in the afternoon, Blucher having been held up with the progress on the wet ground appeared and Wellington gave his famous order to attack. The French army fled and the rest is history. Later that evening both men met (see below) and shook hands—did Wellington know that Blucher would arrive without fail? Did they give each other the grip knowing that their agreement could not be broken due to their obligations as freemasons? We will never know, but Wellington’s trust in Blucher was well founded.
The meeting of Wellington (1769-1852) and Blucher (1742-1819) at La Belle Alliance after the Battle of Waterloo
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Are Maconnes Gudder Men than Odhers? This thought - Provoking question is found in an old English Manuscript which claims to have been written by the hand of King Henry VI. and seems to be a transcript of an oral examination taken by a member of the `Brotherhood of Masons', possibly in the presence of the King. To what extent Henry was influenced by this examination we shall never know. However, in 1450, he was initiated to the mysteries of Masonry and immediately put a stop to a persecution of the Craft, whose assemblies had been prohibited by Parliament since 1425. `Are maconnes gudder than odhers?' The question seems to be a fair one, especially if asked, whether five hundred years ago or in our own day, by one who is trying to make an honest appraisal of the Craft. Are Masons better men than others? No thoughtful Mason would answer the question by a mere `Yes' or `No'. There have always been, and no doubt always will be many good men, and alas, some evil men, both in and out of the fraternity. Our unknown brother who stood before the King and answered the questions put to him was well aware of this fact. He dared not say that Masons are better than others. What then was his reply? `Some maconnes are not so virtuous as some odher menne; but in the most parte, they be more gude than they would be if they were not maconnes'" In other words while he would not claim that Masons were better men than others and admitted that some Masons were not as virtuous as some other men of one fact he was indeed sure:- That in most part, Masons are better men than they would be if they were not Masons. In this truth we find much of the glory of Freemasonry Its influence through the centuries has been such that, in the most part, those who have followed its teachings have become better men than they would have been otherwise. If this were all that could be said in its favour, surely this alone would be sufficient reason for its being. From the Masonic Record July, 1970
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From the Columns
On 9th October, 2014, Bro. Richard Kerr was raised to the degree of a MM by the PMs of the lodge under the stewardship of Bro. Allan Stobo Snr PM in an excellent manner. At the end of the month, the AGM took place with Bro. David Black becoming Master Elect—good luck!
Traditional Histories Whether freemasonry was linked with operative masons in Scotland or the old mystery (religious) plays in England, there has always been a 'traditional history' which is slightly different from a 'real history' recognised by historians. What then is it all about? In the 18th century, as the Craft became more speculative, practical application decreased and moralising symbolism increased, and rituals became more involved in teaching candidates. Many masons became involved in searches - for truths about life, religion, spiritual living and even more esoteric meanings. As a result, more masonic orders were created, each with its own traditional history often justifying itself by adopting ancient origins. These included searches under the temple, secrets brought back by Templars, the discovery of the true cross, and so on. Only the KT does not have a search for a word. These histories are not meant to be taken literally but in an allegorical manner as taught with the Hiramic legend. They give the new initiate to the order a moral or spiritual understanding of the degrees or grades they pass through. These histories are not just made up fanciful stories from the minds of creative writers wishing to sell degrees. They have been written and adapted over many years often taken from older teachings. They are not meant for the general public, but for initiates who have travelled the path and wish to seek further truths.
Perhaps other masons have alternative views about these histories and I would be delighted to hear them, perhaps to put into another edition of the CK. We are members of a fantastically rich organisation that just needs explained in more detail to many brethren in all orders.
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GL News Sunday 7th December, 2014—Grand Lodge Christmas Concert in Freemasons’ Hall at 2.30pm, tickets are only £10 and includes a complimentary refreshment. Available to book directly by phoning GL on 0131 225 5577. All proceeds to Prostate Scotland.
PGL News Friday 31st October, 2014—Tri-Annual Communication of the PGL in Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No.242, Johnstone Intender Training Programme—November Saturday 29th or Sunday 30th
Membership
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Lodge Room—Rothesay
The photo is the inside of the lodge room at the lodge in Rothesay. The mural is quite stunning and a magnificent backdrop to the recent KT meeting held on the island.
Please attend the wreath laying ceremony on Sunday 9th November leaving from the lodge
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The 5th Earl of Rosslyn “This outline was taken from Bro. Kenneth Jack's article in the Ashlar this month: The quote is by Bro. James Harry St. Clair-Erskine, the 5the Earl of Rosslyn who became an active freemason becoming PGM in Fife and Grand SW although never GMM like his father. He describes his experiences in the following manner. "I had 30 lodges to visit in the Kingdom of Fife, almost invariably in the dark winter evenings, before motors were heard of sometimes, owing to distance having to sleep out. . . I was meeting real people who counted, the masses to whom Freemasonry in Scotland belonged, and only wanted leaders to help them to throw out the olive branch of good fellowship to those who had been standing too long aloof to them." Noble words indeed, and just a pity that every brother in PGL does not behave in a similar manner. There are many brethren who use PGL as a vehicle for promotion rather than serving the daughter lodges as Bro. St. Clair-Erskine believed was his duty. We need leaders who understand the rank and file and don't pontificate what they think is important - a great example is our current GMM Bro. Charles Wolrige-Gordon who is one of the most approachable brethren who has held this high office. He is open minded and willing to listen - skills that many in PGL would benefit from having. We should hang onto these leaders and not be governed by lengths of terms of office. Likewise a poor leader should be removed, but that's not likely to happen!
November Events in 242
Friday 14th—INSTALLATION at 7pm prompt Thursday 27th—EAD by OBs
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Treaty of Paris The Treaty of Paris, signed on September 3, 1783, ratified by the Congress of the Confederation on January 14, 1784, and by the King of Great Britain on April 9, 1784 (the ratification documents were exchanged in Paris on May 12, 1784), formally ended the American Revolutionary War between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the United States of America, which had rebelled against British rule. The other combatant nations, France, Spain and the Dutch Republic had separate agreements; for details of these, and the negotiations which produced all four treaties The Treaty continued: "It having pleased the Divine Providence to dispose the hearts of the most serene and most potent Prince George the Third...and of the United States of America, to forget all past misunderstandings and differences... Done at Paris, this third day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three." The Treaty was signed by Bro. Benjamin Franklin (initiated 1731, he edited and published the first Masonic book in the Americas, a reprint of James Anderson's Constitutions of the Free-Masons.), John Adams, who later became the 2nd President, and Bro. John Jay, (the first U.S. Chief Justice, 1789-1795, who was nominated to the court by Bro. George Washington). On January 27, 1983, declaring a National Day of Prayer, President Ronald Reagan (not a Freemason, although he is an honorary member of the Imperial Council of the Shrine. He was also made an Honourary Scottish Rite mason. President Reagan should only be referred to as a Shriner or Scottish Rite mason.) stated: "Prayer is the mainspring of the American spirit, a fundamental tenet of our people since before the Republic was founded. A year before the Declaration of Independence, in 1775, the Continental Congress proclaimed the first National Day of Prayer as the initial positive action they asked of every colonist." Reagan concluded: "Two hundred years ago in 1783, the Treaty of Paris officially ended the long, weary Revolutionary War during which a National Day of Prayer had been proclaimed every spring for eight years." By Bro. Martin Myers, District Education Officer, GLVA AF&AM
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Our Master’s Parting Thoughts My tenure as RWM is rapidly coming to end and without doubt I have experienced the quickest year of my life. It seems like only yesterday I was preparing my opening address for the installation and here I am now summarising the year that has passed. I have already said a few words at the AGM and I thought I would take the opportunity to write a few words in this month’s edition of Cross Keys. Having spent the last few years correcting the spelling mistakes and errors of the editor I thought it was time to contribute!!! First of all I would like to thank all the Brethren of 242 for their support over the last 12 months. I remember vividly entering the lodge and being overwhelmed by the attendance and I am grateful for the support shown to the lodge on that night and the meetings that followed. Over the year we had many visitors to 242 from lodges within and out with the province and from the English constitution. To each and every one of you I thank you. There were many highlights throughout the year and I do not want to single any one of them out. Not once did I feel like it was a chore to attend any meeting home or away. In fact I enjoyed every occasion more than the previous one and was immensely proud to be representing Lodge Houstoun St Johnstone as RWM. It was a pleasure and an honour to serve as RWM and I thank all the Brethren of 242 for affording me that privilege. I would also like to thank all the Office Bearers for their assistance during the year and all those who assisted me in conferring the various degrees. Once again I thank both my installing masters Bro Allan Stobo and Bro David Grimsley not just for everything that they did on the night but for their guidance and assistance throughout the year. The experience of being installed as RWM is undoubtedly the best I have had out with my family and one that will remain with me forever. To be placed in the chair by my Dad made it all the more special. I never got the chance to thank Br Alan Campbell our organist at the AGM . For me Br Alan makes a good degree a great degree and is very much missed when not there. So I thank him for his musical accompaniment during the year. By the end of my year I will have managed around 60 meetings out with our own regular meetings. I thought I had done not too bad until a visiting RWM told me he had done 94....... The best bit was that they were all during the recess! He reckoned he was attending 6 -7 meetings a week and sometimes 2 in one day. Now that is dedication. I have met some great Brethren or should I say friends whilst visiting other Lodges and received a warm and cordial welcome wherever I went. I would encourage all young office bearers to visit as much as possible and not wait until you progress towards RWM. It’s something I wish I had done more of whilst moving through the offices. Continued over
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Our Master’s Parting Thoughts (ctd) One thing for certain is that it will be with a heavy heart that I present the principle Installing Master with the Gavel at the Installation and more so when I remove the RWM’s chain from my shoulders for the last time. It has been a fantastic journey however all good things must come to an end. Finally can I wish our RWM Elect all the very best for his year ahead along with all the Office Bearers especially those taking up office for the first time.
Allan Stobo RWM
Kentish Lodge, London
Bro Fraser Lees PM PPJGD was installed as master into Kentish Lodge No.3021 (EC) under the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London on Saturday 18th October in Mark Masons’ Hall, London. 242 brethren have been well represented in various chairs throughout London.
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242 ADVERT 242 was 200 years old in 2011 and commissioned a stamp sheet from the Royal Mail (http://www.smilers-info.com/ RBCS-011.htm). These are currently available from them at £37 OR from the lodge at £10 (see or email Bro. Grant Macleod). The A4 sheet depicts images of the lodge and is legal tender.
Thought of the Month This produced a few comments so I have placed it in again.
Season ticket for Albion Rovers £140 Annual cost for most lodges £30/40 Strange!!!!!! We’re not even Rovers standard?
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In Memoriam The dead are like the stars by day … withdrawn from mortal eye… yet not extinct that hold their way In glory through the sky… .Spirits of bondage thus set free… .Vanish amidst immensity… While human thought… .Like human sight… .Fail to pursue…. Their trackless flight.
It is with deep sadness and much regret that we have to inform you of a loss sustained to the craft in Renfrewshire in the passing to the Grand Lodge above of the following Brother: Bro. Alfie Purdue of Lodge POW No.426
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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 RWM for proof reading.
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