The Cross Keys October 2016
The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone
In this issue: Initiation Robert Tannahill, Poet Old Seals Temple Saved William Torrens 70 Years in the Craft Masonic Island Cross Keys Oct 2016
Number 195
What separates us from various other organisations such as the Rotary or groups who give a great deal to charity? Very simply, we have the process of initiation. Initiation refers to a precise kind of ritual, a word used by the Romans to designate admission into the Mysteries of the sacred and secret rites. It is intended to instruct the aspirant in certain secret knowledge and to join him to a special or sacred society, creating in the process a more fully developed and committed identity. Initiation can also mark for society and the aspirant the transition from boyhood to manhood, at whatever age it comes. It merges the unconscious to the conscious mind, most likely for the first time in the initiate’s life. It is profound and intended to be life altering. Aristotle believed that it is the experience of the initiation itself, rather than the knowledge imparted during the ritual, that allows the initiate to understand the hidden meaning of life. The ritualistic experience itself strikes at a man’s very being, "awakening" him. He emerges from the ritual as a better person than the man who entered it, and now embarks on a new direction, one that alters for the good his treatment of others and his perception of himself. Nothing will ever be the same. In Masonry, we know a man is truly an initiate when he has changed for the better; when he demonstrates a closer affection for family, greater tolerance at and about work, and less of a temper or abruptness in relationships; when he utters expressions that place his temporal life in an eternal perspective. Not all initiates overtly manifest profound changes but the differences are usually apparent to those who know someone who has been transformed. Regrettably, not all who submit to the ritual are initiated. As Socrates wrote, "Many are the candidates seeking initiation, but few are the perfected initiates." Some are simply not ready, some were never appropriate candidates to begin with, and in other cases, the ritual is presented in a jocular, unserious manner that has no positive effect. Clearly, with the increased number of discipline cases coming to Grand Lodge, this is very much the case. At the moment, many lodges are so delighted that someone is coming to the Enquiry Committee Meeting that he will automatically be accepted whether he is coming for the correct reasons or not. As a result, we have many men in the Craft who would never have got in even just 25 years ago. It has often been said that we have plenty of members, but much fewer Freemasons. Where we you first prepared? We all (should) know the answer to that, but is it true today for many? This is reflected on the poor retention of many candidates, perhaps sometimes not through a lodge’s fault, but because he should never have been admitted in the first place. Can this be rectified? Of course, but it won’t be. Enquiry Committees have had guidance from Grand Lodge in the past, but if a lodge has not had a candidate for 4/5 years, it is very difficult to reject one. Should there come a stage when a lodge is reduced to a single figure membership with no candidates in the past 10 Cross Keys Oct 2016
Initiation (Ctd) years that they are no longer viable? This is a difficult question if a lodge is very old.
Masonic scholar Julian Rees echoes, "As Freemasons we have a unique chance, using symbols and allegory, to free ourselves from the limitations of scientific materialism and to own up to the otherness in ourselves without which a complete knowledge of ourselves is not possible." The key to this transformation is to provide a rebirth – the opportunity to start anew, to see symbolic death through initiation as a welcome transition, to rid oneself of fear in order to enjoy the gift of life and all it has to offer – and to share that gift with all those the initiate encounters. High ideals indeed, and many Scottish masons would laugh at this approach to the Craft. However, it is no less one way of looking at freemasonry as being a good member of a social club which all too often is deemed more important. In both the Ancient Mysteries and Freemasonry, the candidate is cut off from the profane or outside world and relinquishes some of his senses. He is instructed in ancient knowledge as he is slowly admitted into a new society. At one point, the initiate obligates himself in the presence of his new brothers, invoking God. This is followed by trials, most often associated with a great mythical figure, and he ultimately emerges at the end a more spiritual man, united within this new brotherhood. A vital point of this statement is Freemasonry is a quest or a search. The Craft is an initiatic society, but its lessons and value are not fully contained within the three degrees. In order to truly benefit from the brotherhood, the new mason must regard his initiation as the foundation to a lifelong process of developing his own knowledge, seeking to improve his character, and giving back to the brothers who so openly welcomed him in through the transformative experience of the ritual. Therefore the education process is important and all masons should strive to learn more about this Craft. For many, this is a journey on their own and the Craft can be a very personal affair which is true. It’s not about right or wrong approaches, sitting assessments, or anything else too formal. It’s a private, continuous journey with no ultimate end point. As often said in the pages of the CK, it’s about putting Freemasonry into Freemasons. Whether it be studying the degrees, history or symbolism, there is something for every suitable brother. This is the heritage of all masons and a noble one it is indeed.
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Robert Tannahill, the Paisley Poet Robert Tannahill was born on 3rd June, 1774 at 32 Castle Street in Paisley and died in his family cottage (shown) in Queen Streetin 1810. It is uncertain whether Tannahill joined the Craft. The following is an excerpt from a book by David Semple about the poet in 1874. Anxious to become a member of the Masonic brotherhood, he collected a number of friends for the purpose of being initiated into the mysteries of the Order. His friend, William Maclaren, was present by the poet's special request, and he relates that, during the performance Robert Tannahill of that most uninteresting ceremony, the big tears rolled down his cheeks, to the utter amazement of the company and the grief of his friends ; but the poet seemed insensible to either. What was his object in joining this fraternity was never known. On the morning of 16th May, 1810, he visited his friend, Alexander Borland, then in Glasgow. His wild eye and evident mental agitation, and his complaints as to the decay of his fame, and the insupportable misery of life, were very painful to his friend. He endeavoured to calm him ; but his evident desire to quit the world was so apparent, that he accompanied him to Paisley, and informed his relatives of his state. Apparently soothed, his friend left him, promising to see him in the morning ; but he seems never to have lain down, for, an hour after, his mother was aroused by the barking of a favourite dog, and went to see if anything was wrong, when she found to her consternation that her son had left the house. Fearing the worst, she anxiously waited for daylight, when his friends were alarmed, and search was immediately instituted. Little was needed ; for not many hundred yards from his dwelling, his coat was found by the side of the culvert of Maxwellton Burn, which passes under the Canal. His remains are buried in the Churchyard of the West Relief Church, now known as Canal Street United Presbyterian Church.
The Masonic News on 15th June, 1874 reported a meeting of over 80 brethren from the Paisley lodges (129 and 370) and various visiting brethren dined in the Globe Hotel (owned by a Bro. Morrison) to celebrate the centenary of the birth of the poet. After dinner, the following toasts were given: The Queen, the three Grand Lodges then the Army, Navy and Volunteers, the latter replied by Bro. Oliver McGregor PM 156. Bro. Alexander McLeod proposed the main toast
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Robert Tannahill, the Paisley Poet (ctd) to Tannahill and mentioned the general belief of local freemasons that Tannahill had joined the lodge in Kilbarchan which was not disputed. The evening concluded with toasts to the Paisley trades and Provincial Grand Lodge followed by songs by Bro. William Guy PM 242 and some others.
There does not appear any documentary evidence so it is unlikely that he joined unless he took ill on the night and the secretary may have been so upset that no minute was complete. Why he may have appeared unwell at his young age may never be known, but he died only days later after jumping into the old Paisley Canal. The gravestone, which is found in what is now Castlehead Church today, is very simple and has nothing to give away any masonic influence such as markings, etc. His remains were in an unmarked grave at the time of death as suicide was a sin. A very sad end to such a young talented poet.
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Special Meeting The CK did an article three years ago about Solomon’s Caves in Jerusalem—more recently a lodge meeting was held in Solomon’s Quarries, sometimes called Zedekiah’s Cave which is situated under the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, and is believed to have been the quarries that supplied the stone for the Temple. The photos of the event are shown below.
Scottish Masonic Periodicals Today we have The Ashlar as the only published magazine although various free magazines such as this one are available. However, that has not always been the case and the 19th century have a number of magazines or newspapers that were devoted to masonic information. For example, The Scots Masonic Magazine (Edinburgh 1833), The Scottish Freemasons’ Magazine (Edinburgh 1863), The Masonic News (Glasgow 1872), a new The Scottish Freemasons’ Magazine (Glasgow 1875), The Scottish Freemason (Glasgow 1877), The Masonic Gazette (Dundee 1888), The Scottish Masonic Record (Glasgow 1891) and The Scottish Freemason (Ayr 1894). In the 20th century, there were The Masonic Magazine of Glasgow (1913), The Dundee Masonic Magazine (1914), The Scottish Freemason (Glasgow 1935) and The Aberdeen Masonic Reporter (1958).
Apparently, the only surviving copies of The Masonic News (which I have used in the CK) are in the British Library and the library of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, both having only a few editions. Well there is a third copy. I have the complete set—any ideas what is best to be done with them?
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Old Seals Some old seals might appear better than seals or badges used today. Here is a flavour starting with the GL of Scotland showing the old and new version on the left and right respectively.
The seal on the left shows the first seal of the Premier Grand Lodge (In England) and the seal on the right is the final seal of the Antient Grand Lodge (both before the union in 1813 that formed today’s UGLE).
The 1731 seal on the left is the original Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania seal—it is actually an adaption of the Grand Lodge of England’s seal with the word London replaced by Philad. No. 2 was the seal which replaced No.1 in 1790.
A unique set of seals is the GL of Oklahoma. The first showing the seal with the Indian Territories, Oklahoma Territory and then the current GL of Oklahoma.
Other Grand Lodges have some well designed modern looking seals too. On the left is Spain and Iceland on the right (showing the Templar influences on the higher degrees of the Swedish Rite).
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Great Plans Derita Masonic Lodge in Charlotte, North Caroline, US is seeking to build a new meeting place in north Charlotte, and the 5,600 foot building layout has an unusual twist. It’s designed in the shape of a Masonry symbol as shown below with a garden depicting the letter G. This looks like a tremendous venture and hopefully will come to fruition. The building would attract visiting masons from all over.
Bro. James Watt Scottish engineer and inventor who started out as a mathematical instrument maker at the University of Glasgow, but who went on to invaluably improve Thomas Newcomen’s engine by introducing a separate steam condenser.
Watt subsequently obtained patents for the expansion principle, parallel motion linkage, the double-acting engine, the centrifugal governor, and a smokeless furnace. Today he is chiefly remembered for giving his name to the unit of power, the watt, and is widely viewed as the mechanical engineer whose inventions helped to bring about the Industrial Revolution. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society on 24 November 1785. Watt was initiated in a Scottish Lodge in 1763.
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Scottish Rite Temple Saved The Scottish Rite Temple built in 1961 in Wilshire, Los Angeles, US has been saved and will re-open in 2017, not as a masonic temple, but a private museum to be owned by the owners of Guess (washed out jean company) who have a private collection. Although maybe not the best outcome, it does men the building will continue in use and what a building! The carvings, double headed door handles, palm trees, mosaics and Egyptian statues built into the walls are phenomenal. Sadly, the bottom photos show how it has fallen into a state of disrepair.
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Scottish Rite Temple Saved (ctd) The exterior of the temple is made of marble and travertine that the architect personally selected from an Italian quarry near Rome. The Scottish Rite is a degree of the Freemasons; biblical and historical quotations over the entrance reflect the Masonic values of liberty, equality, fraternity, and devotion. The history of the Masons is depicted on fourteen-foot high travertine figures designed by sculptors Albert Stewart and John Svenson. A mosaic on the exterior (below left) depicts the history of temple building while new plans on the right. The steel-framed building contains an auditorium with space for 2,100 guests, classrooms, club meeting rooms, and a library. As membership in the order declined, the building has been empty since 1994. Zoning codes blocked the Masons from using the temple and its giant auditorium for anything but non-profit community events. It is all very sad to see.
October Events in 242
Thursday 13th—Lecture on 18th C Masonry in the West of Scotland by Bro. Grant Macleod PM 242 Thursday 27th—AGM Sportsman’s Dinner—Friday 7th October, 2016 at 7pm
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Lodge Adverts (September 1874)
Two adverts show a rather strange thing. 242 and 156 have had inter visits for nearly 150 years, but why did both lodges, which are next door to each other, meet on the same night? Notice both lodges met once a month and in hotels (242 the namesake of the newsletter) and start time was 8pm.
Random Thoughts
Thought 1: has visiting become a monster? The amount of pressure on young masters and wardens is immense to the point it puts potential OBs off. Visiting is the life blood of masonry—yes—but it should not put brethren off taking these offices. Are there not enough other brethren who can help out?
Thought 2: how many brethren today really believe an oath on the VSL is binding? This might explain why many do not attend regularly, do not act honourably and do not display the tenets of brotherly love. Where does this fault lie? The Enquiry Committee, the proposer, the candidate or?
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Bro. William Torrens Lodge 1042 The regular meeting of Lodge Craigends No 1042 on Thursday 15th September marked an extremely rare occasion. Bro. William Torrens was presented with a Platinum Jubilee Diploma on completion of an incredible SEVENTY years membership of Lodge Craigends. Bro. Bill was presented with the diploma by Bro. George McNelly RWM and Bro Gordon Fraser PM - the Lodge's senior Past Master. Bro. Bill was initiated as a Lewis in 1946, on being de-mobbed from the Royal Navy. He has been an active member of Lodge Craigends and even now remains in office - as Bible Bearer. Amazingly, Bill only recently gave up regular cycling. In addition to the jubilee diploma, Bro Bill was also presented with a framed copy of his original entry in the Lodge's petition book. Bro. Bill is pictured (left) with the master Bro. George McNelly. Congratulations Bro. Bill!
Freemasons Everywhere!!!! We come across signs, symbols of masonic interest all over the place. Very often the symbol may have been borrowed from the Craft or vice versa. However, we also see amazing places brethren go and take masonic insignia with them. Possibly the furthest example was Bro. Buzz Aldrin who took a masonic flag to the moon. Another example is the South Pole! Although Bros. Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen had a race to the pole, a more recent example is Bro. Kevin Johnson shown. Cross Keys Oct 2016
Old Stone The National Museum in Dublin, Ireland has a carved stone from an arch taken from a 13th century monastery called Tintern Abbey in Wexford, Ireland. The Mason's mark is clearly seen and is an upside down Triple-Tau. (Recognisable to Royal Arch or York Rite Masons). Interestingly the monks were Cistercians whose founder Bernard of Clairvaux wrote the rule for the Order for the Knights Templar and there is the remains of a Templar Preceptory (in a place called, believe it or not Templetown) not far from the remains of the monastery.
Masonic Lodges Worldwide Continuing the series of Irish lodges, we now have the Masonic Centre in Kilkeel (situated near Newry ) Co. Down. It is the home of Zion Lodge No.144 (IC) and was founded in 1810 and has had over 200 years of continuous working. The lodge building was consecrated in 1901 and is one of the finest and well kept buildings under the Irish Constitution.
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Pause to think! Some questions after the EAD which I’m sure are easy to recognise, but does everyone remember them? 1.
When was the Grand Lodge of Scotland founded?
2.
What are the supports (or pillars on the EA TB) of the lodge?
Answers on next page.
Masonic Island Masonic Island is a seven acre site on Lake Metigoshe in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota, US. It was originally named Park Island. In 1904, the island was owned by Bro. V.J. Noble, who was a member of Tuscan Lodge No. 44 of North Dakota. With a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, and the permission of Bro. Noble, the island was cleared in 1906 for the purpose of holding outdoor Masonic conferrals of degrees. Tuscan Lodge was joined by Westhope Lodge No. 74 for conferrals of three Master Mason Degrees that year. The events were such a success that rituals were held annually for six consecutive years. When Bro. Noble died, Masons became interested in reviving the conferral of rituals on the island. On November 28, 1933, the Probate Court authorized the sale of the island with a deed to the North Dakota Masonic Foundation for the sum of $277.25. At the landing dock is a flight of winding concrete stairs consisting of three, five, and seven steps that rise to the representation of a Lodge Room. The significance of the steps might be explained to you if you have a Masonic guide. An altar and officers’ chairs were constructed of “beach stones” and mortared cement. Other amenities were added over the years to accommodate the island’s use by Royal Arch Masons, Eastern Star, and other attendant Masonic bodies.
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The Castle Semple Story Part 2 Last month, the MacDowall family was discussed. This month is the turn of the Lee Harvey family who bought the estate and house from them. Bro. Lee Harvey was a freemason, but details are very scant as to which lodge he joined. He extended Castle Semple House (shown) which now only remain in bits and pieces with the two extensions on either side used as residences today. He is buried in the family plot in the Collegiate Church near Lochwinnoch on the Cycle Track about 100 yards from their house. What is fascinating is that Bro. Harvey became the Depute Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire. If anyone has more information on Bro. Harvey, I would be delighted to hear.
Pause to think! Answers 1.
The GLoS was founded in 1736, although the Scottish Craft had a Warden General similar to a Grand Master in the 17th Century.
2.
The three supports are wisdom, strength and beauty—now find out why!
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Scottish Rite Cathedrals Following on from page 9, the next few months will show some of the magnificent Scottish Rite cathedrals in the US taken from a series of old post cards. The first is from Fort Scott in Kansas.
Freemasonry in Belize
The brethren of Pythagoras Masonic Lodge No.24 in Dangriga Town, Belize work hard to ensure that their lodge is fully functioning. As can be seen, although they may not meet in salubrious surroundings, they have a happy and vibrant lodge and are an example to many today.
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300th Anniversary of English Grand Lodge
The UGLE will celebrate 300 years of English freemasonry in 2017 after the formation of a Grand Lodge in London in 1717. However, the lecture by Prof. Andrew Prescott , an Englishman from the University of Glasgow who is not a freemason explains the evidence pointing out that this might well be an erroneous date and 1721 is closer to the actual origins. Does that mean that UGLE will change the date of their celebrations……….?
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. Arnold Palmer (Golf Pro)
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Sad and Doleful Bro. Arnold Palmer was a long time member of Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275 in his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and a 33° Scottish Rite Mason. Photo given to Lodge St. Andrew No.25 by Bro. Arnold which hangs in the lodge room.
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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
Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo PM for proof reading.
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