The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone
Walking the Road / Seeking the Light October 2013
In this issue: Lodge Twinning Stop Boring Freemasonry A Pilgrim’s Trek Erskine Hospital Meeting Macleod of Talisker The Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill Masonic Knives John Shanks of Barrhead Cross Keys Oct 2013
Number 169
Lodge Twinning We have all heard of and seen towns being twinned for their foreign counterpart. Perhaps it would be a great idea to further develop relations i the community for a lodge to also be twinned with a lodge in the other town. Unfortunately, not all towns are twinned, but that doesn’t stop a lodge being twinned with another lodge in another constitution. In fact, it opens the door to choosing not only a town, but a country in which they might want to do this. Why bother? Well, most lodges have lodges in which they intervisit each year and the fraternal accord between then, particularly if this has being going on for years, is superb. This partnership between lodges really does work and often attracts visitors who would like to be part of the harmony. In exactly, the same way, lodges could be twinned with another lodge anywhere in the world. Communications now and instantaneous so there is always access to find out what each other is doing. This may lead to some brethren actually visiting, but that is not absolutely essential—all kinds of things can be achieved with two lodges working together. For example, they could : Nominate a charity in which they both work together to support Share problems and find solutions Discuss new ideas about attracting new members, retaining brethren, etc Discuss their rituals Video link for all brethren to see and talk to one night Swap educational papers to be read in open lodge
And so on—I’m sure lodges could think of loads more and I’m sure this could develop into a very fruitful experience for the brethren. Now before too many PMs completely dismiss the idea, why not mention it a lodge committee meeting and just talk about it. It might even be a project for younger members to get involved with. We need to keep trying things to ensure we capture the imagination of both young and old. Our ancient brethren no doubt we up against when making three degrees from two—I can imagine the furore about that particularly since that had never been done before! It happened though, and it’s hard to imagine not having three degrees. Who cares, wins!
Cross Keys Oct 2013
Stop Boring Freemasonry Typical Lodge Meetings Ritual opening Secretary read minutes, read correspondence , Read bills, read petitions and ballot (if one!) Introductions of visitors etc etc etc … Degree Announcements Ritual closing Typical Lodge Speakers One man standing at the podium -- Reading a speech, such as a Short Talk Bulletin Same Brother who has been heard before -- Someone with a title Taking about how great we are -- Platitudes -- No questions or discussion BORING, BORING, BORING, BORING, BORING, BORING, BORING, BORING………………. !!! Alternatives Right after opening, have the Speaker sitting in the East already, and get started!! Have more than one speaker at a time -- discussions, debates, panels Visual aids – power points presentations slides, transparencies, videos Get the audience involved, with readings, ask questions, discussions Summarize what you intended to teach, and give questions to think about after meeting Some Suggestions Discuss Anderson constitution Discuss difference between Canadian and York rituals… Who’s Rite Right? Debate Anti- Masonic questions and answers Show Masonic videos or Movies Different interpretations of the Hiram Abif legend,? Discuss whether we should change Ritual and go back to original way of teaching Masonry Ideas of where Freemasonry came from -- Knights Templar? Why are we losing members, what is the future of masonry? Stories about Lodge in the "old days" What is Freemasonry for? Exactly what are our goals? Exactly what is each meeting designed to teach? What should Brethren go home thinking about? Discuss controversial books -- The Hiram Key, De Vinci code Was Jack the Ripper a Mason? History of your Lodge? Where did freemasonry start ancient Egypt? Historical theories What should Masons be allowed to say that is critical of Masonry & Grand Lodge? What is the meaning of the "lost word"? What is the significance of Solomon's Temple in human history? In Masonry? Movies -- Man Who Would Be King, National Treasure Prince Hall -- recognitions, good or bad? separate but equal? comparisons Women and Freemasonry -- female-only lodges, co-masonry, ?? George Washington and Freemasonry -- real facts One-day classes -- pro and con Homosexual men in Freemasonry -- pro and con Theosophy, Ancient mysteries, Alchemy, Kabala, Hermetic philosophy -- relationship to Freemasonry Public speaking, handling motions -- how to do it better How to make good men better? Tolerance -- what does it mean? How to teach it? Freemasonry and democracy and individual freedom
Cross Keys Oct 2013
Stop Boring Freemasonry (ctd) Attacks on Freemasonry by dictators -- Hitler, Franco, Stalin, Khomeini Civil War and Freemasonry Masons and the Second World War persecution Civil disobedience, opposing immoral laws -- Masonry -- Anderson's Constitutions Landmarks -- real ones Masons on both sides in the US Revolution -- debate between supporting the government and rebelling Morgan affair -- how should it have been handled? Balloting -- philosophical questions Grand Orient of France -- who has the right answer about religion in Freemasonry? What's on Masonic web pages? Holocaust and Freemasonry -- Issues, what happened? Grand Masters' authority -- What is it and what should it be? What is un-masonic conduct -- sexual issues, liquor, racist jokes, and criticisms of Grand Lodge? Meaning of aprons Freemasonry in Star Wars, Star Trek, other science fiction Hiram Key, Born in Blood, Holy Blood, Holy Grail, The Temple and the Lodge Meanings of the Hiram Abif legend How to revitalize Masonry U.K. Parliament debate and plans for Freemasonry in Britain P-2 Lodge in Italy -- allegations about the death of Pope John Paul I Ancients and Moderns -- What differences? Who was right? England and the Stuart Kings, and development of Freemasonry Scottish Rite and York Rite -- what do they teach, how do they relate to Craft Lodges? Rosicrucianism and Freemasonry -- similarities and differences What is Freemasonry? Nastiness, attacks behind backs, gossip, negative comments, spreading rumors -- How to stop them in Freemasonry? Masonic trials, suspensions without trials -- How do we do this, do a trail as R&E? What do statistics about Masonry show us? Why is Freemasonry growing in France? What are they doing that we're not doing? Three year program on famous philosophers and Freemasonry Does ritual serve a purpose? Should we get rid of it? Should we eliminate lectures? What are our goals? Discuss clandestine Masonry what is it? Golden Dawn, Rite of Memphis? Discuss difference between Masonic rituals around the world Albert Pike allegations and Freemasonry Secrecy in Freemasonry -- what purpose is served, good or bad? Obligations and Penalties. Why Presentations by Masonic Concordant bodies Why “The Grand Architect of the Universe�? Several Liberal Arts and Sciences, why do we teach them? Euclid Discuss different aspects of the degrees
Bro Mark Toon of Cornerstone Lodge No.19, High River Alta in Canada
Cross Keys Oct 2013
Pilgrim’s Trek Who is Pascal Vesin? He’s a former Roman Catholic priest from the SainteAnne d'Arly Montjoie in the Alpine resort of Megéve who was kicked out of the priesthood in May this year for refusing to renounce his links to the Freemasons. Why is he in the news this week? Well, on Wednesday a tired, but determined Vesin arrived in St Peter’s Square, Rome after a 39-day pilgrimage from his home to the Vatican City. His task now is to persuade Pope Francis to grant him an audience and ultimately to reinstate him as a priest.As a priest Vesin was known for his particularly liberal views. In an interview with website Le Messager in January he talked about his belief that some Catholic priests should be allowed to marry and how he didn’t believe that the Church should actively demonstrate against same-sex marriage. He made headlines in France and further afield in May when news emerged that the Vatican had relieved him of his church functions because of his links to the Freemasons. For centuries Freemasonry has been at odds with Christianity with various popes over the years declaring it anti-Christian and anti-clerical. His local bishop had already warned Vesin about his "active membership" of the Grand Orient de France lodge but the priest refused to break his ties with the ancient institution, insisting they could be reconciled. A decision was made in March by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith (Church watchdog) who asked for the priest’s departure. Vesin was granted a meeting with three members of the diocese of Annecy but again refused to renounce his Freemason membership. However the Vatican, was having none of it and so took the drastic step of relieving Vesin of his duties. What has been the reaction to his pilgrimage? A Facebook page, which has gained over 1000 likes, has been set up for Vesin’s many supporters. Commenting on a photo of his arrival in St Peter's Square, one sympathiser of his quest said: “Bravo Pascal. Let’s hope that God’s will can inspire our Pope Francis to meet with you and hear what you have to say… In any case you have all of our admiration and unconditional support.” What does Vesin have to say about his quest? Before embarking on his trek, Vesin wrote in a blog entry to his former parishers: “This adventure is a step towards openness, dialogue and debate.”
Cross Keys Oct 2013
Special Meeting in Erskine Hospital On Wednesday 18th, The Lodge of Erskine held a special meeting hosting the PGLs of Renfrewshire East and Dunbartonshire (‘top table’ at bottom right) in aid of the residents of the Veterans’ Hospital, some of whom were present. The event started some time ago between the Provinces through the IPPGM Bro. David Reid. Once the lodge closed, Bros. Iain McMcPhee and Grant Macleod spoke about the allegiances of the military lodges while Bro. Jim Jack PPGM (below) spoke on the H L Hunley submarine during the US Civil War along with the amazing number of masonic connections, after which the PGM Bro John Miller presented a cheques for £900 plus donations over £100 via the bar to Bro. Donald Campbell PM (bottom left), one of the residents.
Cross Keys Oct 2013
Macleod of Talisker The Clan Macleod has a fairly comprehensive genealogy of the family. However, Norman Macleod, the son of Donald 3rd of Talisker was blank until April, 2012. Talisker is better known for the ’peaty’ malt whiskey from the Isle of Skye, but the area in the 18th Century produced many soldiers. Norman joined the Black Watch (42nd Highlanders) in 1747 and was commissioned as an ensign (2nd Lt) in 1756. The regiment went to the US and he took the commission of Lt in 80th Regiment (Gage’s Light Infantry) which was common to give officer experience in more than one regiment. He fought at the Battle of Ticonderoga (against the French) in 1758 and Montreal in 1760 when he was commissioned Captain-Lt. He was described as a close friend of Sir William Johnson (see article next month) and his fellow freemason. Johnson said of Macleod that he had “great esteem for Captain Macleod who is a worthy man and one I am always disposed to serve.” Praise indeed. He became a supply officer at Fort Niagara looking after Indian affairs. He was granted land (3000 acres) in Nova Scotia in 1770 and later was a Loyalist Capt of the Detroit Militia during the American Revolution. He died in Montreal as a wealthy fur trader and died in 1796. Where did he join the Craft? There are three possibilities: (a) (b) (c)
in the Black Watch’s own regimental lodge founded in 1761 In the 80th lodge founded in 1762 St Patrick’s Lodge (NY) founded in 1766
We will possibly never know.
Initiation "The whole process (of initiation) should be made one of the most crucial experiences of the candidate's life, one that will change him to the centre of his being. It is like the moral and spiritual change which comes over a man who passes through the religious experience known as 'conversion' or 'regeneration.' Masonic initiation is intended to be quite as profound and revolutionizing an experience. As a result of it the candidate should become a new man." H. L. Haywood
Cross Keys Oct 2013
The Grand Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill Ust when you thought you had joined them all! The Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill is a historical and patriotic side Order of Freemasonry founded to perpetuate the principles of American liberty, and to indelibly impress upon the minds of each generation the sacrifices made by our Masonic forefathers in forming and establishing the United States of America. The Order aims to provide a time and place for good clean fun, to further cement our friendship and brotherly love by providing social entertainment and to contribute a portion of our initiation free to a worthy Masonic charity. A full history can be read by clocking the above graphic.
Cross Keys Oct 2013
From the Columns This month, Mr David Rae joined the Craft and was initiated by the OBs of 242 and then passed by the OBs of Garthland St. Winnoch No.205 in Lochwinnoch.
Happy Birthday
Happy 84th birthday last month to Bro. Arnold Palmer, 33ยบ, professional golfer. Palmer won the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998, and in 1974 was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He received his degrees in 1958 in Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275, Latrobe, Pa., and he has been a member of Westmorland Forest No.77, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, since 1960.
Cross Keys Oct 2013
GL News Saturday 12th October, 2013—Freemasons' Hall will be open for Brethren and families to visit this Building, which includes the Museum, from 12 noon to 4pm. There will be Guided Tours available during the afternoon. This provides a wonderful opportunity for those Brethren, who have never visited, what may be regarded as the Headquarters of Scottish Freemasonry, to view the splendid architecture of this building . Lodges are encouraged especially to bring new members along, in order that they can experience its surroundings.
PGL News Monday 14th October, 2013—PGC at 7pm in Barrhead: all reps expected to attend Friday 14th October—Tri-Annual Communication of the PGL in Barrhead at 7.30pm Saturday 2nd November—150th Celebration of Lodge Prince of Wales No.426 in Renfrew Town Hall at 3pm prompt.
It is with the deepest regret that report the death of Michael Evan Victor Baillie, 3rd Baron Burton, Past Grand Master, on Friday, 31 May. Lord Burton, Peer of the Realm, was Grand Master Mason 1993 - 99.
Cross Keys Oct 2013
Cross Keys Oct 2013
McBeth Masonic Knives Jim is a Master Mason and is Past Master of Plano Lodge No. 768 in Plano Texas. He became a Mason in 1992 and was elected Master of his Lodge in 1997. Jim has received several nudges from his Masonic Brothers to keep making them with the S&C emblem. And most of them will have the S&C emblem. For those that don’t, it can always be added before delivery. A “Past Master’s” emblem is now available as well. Click on either image below to go to the website.
October Events in 242
Thursday 10th October—MM by OBs Thursday 24th October - AGM Visit: 18th October—St. Andrew Annan No.1443 to confer MMM
Sir William Wallace RAC 18th October—Installation
Cross Keys Oct 2013
Unusual Gravestone In the Glasgow Necropolis, you will come across a unique stone hidden amongst the other gravestones.. Why is Partick St. Mary’s No.117 have stone with its name? What is the story behind this—click on:
http://www.pglglasgow.org.uk/117%20Necroplis% 202013.html
Learning Ritual The first step of learning any ritual is to know what you're saying! This should be obvious, but is often overlooked, because brethren are afraid to admit that they don't already know the right words. Don't be afraid to admit your own limits -- I've never met *anyone* who gets every single word right every time. Start out by listening to someone say the speech, preferably several times. (You should be doing this the entire previous year, listening to your predecessor.) Listen carefully, and make sure you understand what's being said; ask questions if you don't. (After Lodge, of course.) Next, go through your cypher or code book carefully, and see how much you can read. Mark words that you can't figure out, or that you're unsure of -- this is the point to catch any mistakes you may be making. Then call or get together with a Ritualist or a reliable Past Master, and talk through it, reading out of the book slowly. Have him correct any mistakes, and fill in the words you don't know. Take notes (preferably somewhere other than in the book), because you will forget the corrections as soon as you're on your own. From the web: www.mit.edu/dryfoo/Masonry/Essays/mem-ritual.html
Cross Keys Oct 2013
The Ashlar was first published in September, 1855 in Detroit, USA produced many fine articles, one of which is given below. This rather strange account from the 1850s show that imposters were not as unlikely as they would appear today.
Cross Keys Oct 2013
Some Points BALLOTING Q. What distinctions mark balloting in a Masonic Lodge ? A.
Balloting on the acceptance or rejection of a candidate is secret; small round white and black balls are used. White balls elect; black balls reject. In casting the vote all members are required to base their ballot on personal knowledge, information of the committee of investigation and reputed character of the candidate; under no circ umstances are members to allow themselves to be influenced by personal likes or dislikes of the candidate, or by a spirit of prejudice or revenge. Every member is re quired to vote conscientiously for the good of the Order and in brotherly considerat ion of the applicant. The candidate is rejected if three or more black balls are cast against him.
BLAZING STAR Q. Why is the Blazing Star regarded as an important symbol in Masonry? A.
This star is not to be confused with the “Five Pointed Star,” although it does have five points; but these points should be wavy, not straight, indicating its “blazing” properties. It is important because of the antiquity of its use as a symbol in other ancient mysteries and its adoption in Freemasonry from very early times, and from the repeated use that is made of it as a Masonic symbol, especially in the higher degrees. The presence of the Blazing Star in the centre of the Mosaic Pavement of the floor of the Lodge, with the letter G in its midst, quite certainly symbolises the presence of Deity, his superintending providence and the beauty and glory of his omnipresence. In some of the higher degrees the Blazing Star symbolises the light of Divine Providence pointing out the way of truth, or guiding and directing the pilgrim through the journey of life. From a Christian point of view, this star is made to represent the star that guided the wise men to the Christ Child, symbolising Divine Light to guide men to the saviour.
BLUE Q. What is the significance of this colour in Masonry? A.
This is emphatically the colour of Masonry; it is the one appropriate tincture of the Ancient Craft Degrees. As the colour of the vault of heaven which embraces and covers the whole Earth, it is to a Mason the symbol of universal friendship and benevolence. In the breast of every Mason these virtues should be equally extensive. Except white, blue is the only decoration to be worn in a Master’s Lodge. The name Blue Lodge designates the symbolic Lodge in which the first three degrees are conferred; they are called “Blue Degrees.”
CARDINAL POINTS Q. What are they and what do they represent in Masonry? A. East represents Wisdom; West strength; South beauty and North darkness. Cross Keys Oct 2013
John Shanks Works in Barrhead John Shanks the founder of the Shanks & Company Ltd was born in Paisley in 1826. He decided to enter the plumbing trade and joined the firm of Wallace and Connell, well known plumbing contractors of the period. After he completed his apprenticeship he continued in their employment as a skilled tradesman. In 1851, at the age of twenty five he decided to go into business for himself. He opened his first premises in High Street, Paisley and two years later in 1853 he opened a plumber’s shop in Lowndes Street, Barrhead. Shanks entered the sanitary engineering business at a time when the link between cholera and typhus as a water borne disease became known, making the provision of a clean water supply a priority. He also benefited from a large number of new tenements needing plumbing. He operated both establishments for two years until he decided that he was going to concentrate his efforts and activities in Barrhead. In 1866 he opened a brass foundry, the Tubal Works operating in a lane called Foundry Brae leading from the Main Street. The name referred to Tubal Cain, called in Legends the first blacksmith. The firm originally made many items including the brass fittings and taps for toilets, baths and other sanitary ware and were soon selling their goods all over the world. For the first few years they bought in pottery they used for their baths, washbasins and lavatories, however in 1904 the firm moved from the centre of town to a much bigger site and began to manufacture their own kind of bathroom ware.
Shanks works were the most important in Barrhead for decades, employing at times over a thousand people. In 1969 the company merged with another to become Armitage Shanks and in 1980 became a member of the Blue Circle Industries group. The company experienced difficulties during the 1980s and as a result jobs were lost. In 1989 the decision was taken to close the Tubal works, much to the dismay of workers and the people of Barrhead. Despite protests in the town the works finally closed in 1992 John Shanks was a prime example of the Victorian ‘Self-made man’. Beginning his working life as a plumber, he pioneered what was to become the premier sanitary engineering firm
Cross Keys Oct 2013
John Shanks Works in Barrhead (ctd) in Britain. He was an astute businessman, a skilled inventor of many sanitary appliances and remained active until the last year of his life when ill-health finally forced him to retire Little is known about the early life of John Shanks. His father, William, was a Paisley handloom weaver and John was apprenticed as a plumber to Wallace and Connell of Glasgow. He worked as a journeyman plumber in the Paisley area until he was 30 years old when he transferred his business to the neighbouring town of Barrhead. While maintaining his plumbing business here, John Shanks began to devise and patent improvements to sanitary ware. He began with cheap portable bath rubs, finally devising fixed domestic appliances. He prided himself on his products being good quality, hard-wearing and of reasonable price. In 1875 he founded Shanks and Co, Sanitary Engineers, with his brother Andrew who had also been a plumber. The firm began on a small site in Main Street, Barrhead, employing eight people. With John as senior partner, the business expanded rapidly. Two decades later, the firm occupied a seven-acre site and employed 600 men, Barrhead’s single largest employer. It was John who was the innovator of the company, taking out some 100 patents by 1894. All stages of the production of sanitary ware were completed on the Main Street site from ironmoulding to enamelling so that employees were engaged in 20 different trades. Shanks established his own pottery to ensure both uniformity of quality and economy in production. John Shanks always remembered his employees, providing in his will an extra day’s pay to employees who had been with the company for six months on the day of his death.
Stair Case in the GL of Quebec Two snakes are entwined around a lamp, surrounded by the rays of the sun, in a bronze stair railing at the Masonic Temple. Note the rails shaped like Ionic columns, another important Masonic symbol. The snake is a common motif that evokes the downfall of Adam and Eve but also represents hope of triumphing over evil, since God gave humans the power to trample the snake underfoot. “The serpentine emblem of Masonry … is a bright symbol of Hope,” wrote authority George Oliver (1782-1867). The lamp and sun evoke knowledge and enlightenment. The pillars flanking the entrance to the temple representing Biblical characters, pillars that stood on the porch of Solomon’s Temple. Atop each are winged oxen supporting twin globes (cover page), one representing Earth and the other a heavenly body. Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, described in the biblical book of Kings, is a dominant motif in freemasonry, signifying the most solid and magnificent structure ever built. Click on image for more. Cross Keys Oct 2013
Masonic Education Our two PMs from before return with their usual message. Every lodge will have them, but many that need new ideas to survive find them a bit tedious now. They have been likened to being on RMS Titanic and not issuing lifejackets because it had never been done before on the ship, despite the fact the ship is sinking. However, the news round the province from the recent PGL Questionnaire depicts a completely different story. The feedback showed the majority of brethren want to know more about the historical and symbolical aspects of the Craft while a large majority expressed an interest in becoming a lodge intender. There is hope yet!
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. Cross Keys Oct 2013
Google Mail? A rather strange coincidence? Could one of their designers be telling us something?
An Interesting Advert This advert appeared in the newsletter of an American lodge. Perhaps lodges should do everything to advertise and encourage new brethren to learn parts of out wonderful ritual.
Thought of the Month Bernard Pierre Mangam, Marshall of France and Senator was appointed Grand Master of the Grand Orient of France (now irregular) and served from 1862 to 1865. This is unusual because he was not a Mason. He was appointed by Emperor Napoleon III. Is this feasible today?
Cross Keys Oct 2013
To submit an article, contact the Editor: Grant Macleod E-Mail:
sec242pm@yahoo.co.uk
Lodge Website
www.lodge242.co.uk
Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo WSW for proof reading.
Don’t forget to support The Ashlar magazine— Scotland’s only Masonic magazine. Just click on the magazine to find out more.
Cross Keys Oct 2013