The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone Walking the Road / Seeking the Light Number 159
Sept 2012
In this issue: The Mason Word A Strange Masonic Temple Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochnell Lodge St. Vincent Sandyford No.553 Bro Jimmy Spiers of the RFC Quarry Degree Military Degree
Cross Keys September. 2012
The Mason Word The Mason Word is mentioned in at least twelve documents in the course of the seventeenth century, ranging from a poem to a pamphlet to personal letters. At the beginning of the century, the Word is only assumed to have existed. By the end of the century, the masonic catechisms, detailing specific rituals and secret words, were being printed. How did this evolution occur? When these citations are examined in chronological order, a number of patterns appear. As the century progresses, the existence of the Word becomes less secret, indicated by the fact that the references become less obscure. For example, in the first references (1625-30), the Word was associated with ideas of the supernatural—particularly Hermetic ideas, second sight and the Rosicrucians. But by the last citations in the 1690s, this connotation had been changed from emphasis on the metaphysical to actually stating the secrets and not just alluding to what they may be. As the century progresses, it becomes clear that the authors knew what they were talking about, instead of simply including the Mason Word in with obscure Renaissance theories; and these allusions became more factual. By 1660-70, the masons themselves were writing about the Word. There are two specific examples of this: an Edinburgh area stonemason promised to give his apprentice the Word, just as it had been given to him, and, in the Aberdeen lodge receiving the Word is equated with full membership in the lodge. These two references indicate that the Word was not just a local entity, and that it was common in lodges in different locations not near one another. By 1672, it is clear that the knowledge of the word was fairly widespread, and it is mentioned for the first time by an Englishman. Toward the end of the century (1689-91), particular secrets were mentioned, including the secret words, and these were validated by the catechism published at the very end of the century.
It is only after these masonic catechisms appear that it becomes clear exactly what the Mason Word entailed. The masonic catechisms were the manuscript accounts of the rituals known as the Word, and the descriptions that they contained indicated what ceremonies occurred in a lodge. They detail the initiation rites and identification practices. There are three basic examples of masonic catechism manuscripts which date from around the end of the seventeenth or beginning of the eighteenth centuries: the Edinburgh Register House, the Chetwode Crawley, and the Kevan These catechisms acted as a concession to the non -stonemasons who were entering the lodges and provided an account of the old rituals.172 They were not disclosures, divulging the secrets of the lodge like those published in the later eighteenth century, but rather they were intended for use in the actual lodge. The validation of the rites and rituals contained in the catechisms, which had been alluded to throughout the seventeenth century was the 'natural culmination of the long term trend whereby the Mason Word had been becoming less secret, as knowledge of it leaked out.'
Cross Keys September. 2012
The Mason Word (ctd) Just as the Mason Word had leaked out in Scotland, it appears that it had also seeped into England-no doubt, in part, via Englishmen travelling in Scotland. Prof David Stevenson (in The Origins of Freemasonry) cites two examples of these English precedents. In 1672, Andrew Marvell, the poet and playwright, produced a pamphlet which suggested that he not only knew about the existence of the Word, but also understood it to be a form of identification. Secondly, in a 1697 letter, an English visitor to Scotland demonstrated that he was aware that the Word was a system of signs used for both communication and identification. It would appear that the Mason Word was more than just a word in a similar manner with the word in Ireland which is not a word. This could be a huge topic and is worthy of further study.
A Strange & Unique Masonic Temple
Freemasonry was first introduced into Costa Rica in the year 1865, when the Grand Orient of New Granada, Chartered Caridad Lodge No. 26, to work in San Jose. This was followed in 1867 by the establishment of Union Fraternal Lodge No. 16, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Cuba. Early in 1875, owing to political conditions, the Grand Orient and its Lodges became dormant, until April 1883, when the Grand Orient was revived. In 1899, the Craft in Costa Rica, constituted its own ruling body, declaring the establishment of the Gran Lodge of Costa Rica, adopted a constitution, and elected and installed its first Grand Master. Photo taken in Cross Keys September. 2012
Crests of the Province: McLaren No. 1688 On the top left is a crowned lions head with extended tongue and two laurel wreaths all linked to the name “McLaren” The mid and lower left sections of the crest are based on the arms of East Kilbride, with the addition of a red background. The chequered squares are symbols of the Stewarts of Torrance and the Maxwells of Calderwood both have a long connection with the area, and the two stars are taken from the arms of the Lindsays of Dunrod. The cross and oystercatcher are symbols of St. Bride, after whom the town is named and on the right is the square and compasses between three towers, common in the crest of many lodges.
Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochnell Sir Duncan Campbell was an extra ordinary character. In 1721, he joined The Lodge of Edinburgh No.1 being passed and raised. The MMD was unlikely to have either been known or conferred at that time. He was also a founder of the Lodge of Inverary, now St. John No.50 and whose sister was married to John Cameron of Locheil, a member of the lodge in Dunblane No.IX and who served with the Earl of Mar in the 1715 Jacobite rising. Sir Duncan was captain of one of the ten independent companies of the Black Watch raised in 1729 consisting of about 500 men. This was part of General Wade’s report about Scotland to form Highland Watches (army units) made from loyal Highlanders to protect against Catholic Jacobites. This unit became the 42nd Highlanders (The Black Watch as known today) and more will be mentioned next month about this regiment. In 1739 King George II authorised the raising of four additional companies and these all to be formed into a Regiment of the Line of the regular army with John, the 20th Earl of Crawford as the Colonel. John was also made a mason in The Lodge of Edinburgh in 1733 and five months later he was introduced to the English fraternity by the Earl of Strathmore whom he succeeded as Grand Master of the Premier Grand Lodge of England in 1734.
Cross Keys September. 2012
Lodge St. Vincent Sandyford No. 553, Glasgow Lodge St Vincent Sandyford now meets in the Masonic Hall in Ardery Street just off Dumbarton Road. However, the lodge used to have its own premises. The lodge was consecrated by Dep PGM Frederick Barrow on 3 rd September 1874 at 162 Kent Road, Sandyford, in the presence of over 100 Brethren. Thereafter 15 initiates were entered. It (apparently) took its name from St. Vincent’s Crescent where the founding master and wardens lived! The lodge acquired the site at Kelvinhaugh Rd; and Overnewton St; a site previously occupied by the drill hall of the 2nd Lanark Rifle Volunteers and the foundation stone was laid on the 4th June 1904 by RWPGM John Graham of Broadstone. Unfortunately, today the building is a mosque. Another masonic building gone. However, although the lodge was emptied there is till some evidence of its existence in the building.
Cross Keys September. 2012
Who was Jimmy Speirs? Bro. Jimmy Speirs was a Scottish footballer who represented his country on one occasion, scored the winning goal in the 1911 FA Cup Final, and received the Military Medal during the First World War. Born in Glasgow, he was one of six children, and worked as a clerk while playing youth football for Annandale. He started his adult football career with local junior team Maryhill, where he played for less than a season, before he moved to Rangers in 1905. He spent three years with the club, but won only the Glasgow Merchants' Charity Cup, before he joined a third Glasgow side Clyde. After one season, he left Clyde and Scotland, and joined Bradford City for their second season in the First Division. His greatest success came in his second season with Bradford, when he was the club's captain and goalscorer in their FA Cup Final victory of 1911, in a team featuring eight Scottish-born players. He spent another two seasons with Bradford City, before he joined Leeds City, but after two seasons, the First World War broke out. League football continued for one more season, at the end of which Speirs returned to Glasgow. Bro. Speirs was initiated into The Lodge Saint Vincent Sandyford No 553, based in Glasgow, on 11 March 1908, just four days after he had made his only Scottish appearance. When his football career took him away from Glasgow, Speirs maintained links with the lodge. He became a Master Mason, then a life member on 12 February 1913. Married with two young children, Speirs would have been exempt from conscription but he volunteered to join the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders in 1915. He was promoted to Lance Corporal, Corporal and Sergeant, and won the Military Medal for bravery in the field, but was killed during the Battle of Passchendaele in August 1917, at the
Cross Keys September. 2012
The above has been taken from a booklet published by the Grand Lodge of Victoria in Australia entitled Our Principles Makes a Difference. This will start a short series of excerpts over the next couple of months from some excellent publications from this Grand Lodge. Click here.
Cross Keys September. 2012
The ‘William Schaw’ Medal William Schaw (c. 1550 – 1602) was Master of Works to James VI of Scotland for building castles and palaces, and was an important figure in the development of freemasonry. A working group at Grand Lodge presented the Committee with a detailed written report on the submission by a Brother that the Scottish Craft should instigate a ‘William Schaw Medal’ in recognition of outstanding Masonic Scholarship, with particular reference to Scotland. The working group were unanimous that they did not favour the introduction of such an award for academic research as it was considered to have insufficient appeal or benefit to justify such a project by the Grand Lodge. However the working group considered an award / Certificate named after William Schaw (The William Schaw Award) in appreciation of outstanding building or restoration projects would be appropriate. The Committee agreed with the working group’s analysis and requested the group to further develop the concept.
Too Pedantic? Compass A compass is an instrument you take into the woods with you so that you don't get lost. Compasses are a Masonic working tool - see below.
- Source: MasonicDictionary.com
COMPASSES This is the plural of compass, from the Latin corn, meaning "together," and passus, meaning a pass, step, way, or route. Contrivance, cunning, encompass, pass, pace derive from the same roots. A circle was once described as a compass because all the steps in making it were ''together," that is, of the same distance from the center; and the word, natural transition, became applied to the familiar two-legged' instrument for drawing a circle. Some Masons use the word in the singular, as in "square and compass," but the plural form "square and compasses" would appear to he preferable, especially since it immediately distinguishes the working tool from the mariner's compass, with which it might be otherwise confused by the uninformed.
Cross Keys September. 2012
GL News Previously the Committee at Grand Lodge had considered that such an event would require a theme or justification to invite VIP non Masons. It was considered that The International Conference on the History of Freemasonry (ICHF), to be held in Freemasons’ Hall in May 2013, would afford an ideal opportunity to combine a VIP Reception with the ICHF. Watch out for updates regarding this initiative.
PGL News Saturday 29th September—Lunch for masters, masters elect and their partners in 307 Monday 8th October, 2012—PG Committee at 7pm in 307 Monday 26h October, 2012—Tri-Annual Communication of PGL at 7.30pm in Lodge Busby (It is hoped to have a good turnout of masters and wardens to represent their lodges).
Bro. John Miller PGMRE with both Grand Masters and other PGMs from Renfrewshire West (Jim Miller), Glasgow (Alistair Henderson), Kilwinning (David Bloomfield) and Ayrshire (Archie Chalmers): see over for report. Cross Keys September. 2012
PGLRE 2nd Education Dinner On Friday 18th May, 2012 the PGL Renfrewshire East welcomed Bros. Charles Wolrige Gordon Grand Master Mason of Scotland and George Dunlop Grand Master of Ireland in the premises of 242 for the second Education Dinner. The evening started with a welcome by the PGM Bro. John Miller followed by an excellent meal prepared by 242’s resident chef Bro. Chris Walker. Following the meal, the only talk of the evening was presented by Bro. George Dunlop. His topic was Irish Freemasonry today which delved into packaging the product we have by looking at the image of the Craft and better communications. In Ireland, he would like to see more photos and details about special meetings advertised in newspapers. He would also like to see more brethren talking about their membership rather than hiding it, particularly with family members. Bro. Dunlop touched on the role of a proposer and seconder stating that they should be involved after the three degrees and not just during them. They must be there to support a new MM and assist him learn what it is to be a Freemason. There should also be more training for OBs. Bro. Dunlop concluded that we should focus on the positives which far out weigh the negatives of the Craft. “Freemasonry is not for all, but not all men are for Freemasonry.” After a question and answer session, our own GMM spoke briefly about the talk and thanked the various brethren concerned for the evening which would appear to have been a great success. Next dinner will be 2014 and planning has started.
Bro. George Dunlop Grand Master of Ireland receiving a copy of the lodge history from Bro. John Miller PGMRE
Cross Keys September. 2012
Renfrewshire West’s Charity Donations
After the close of The Anchor Lodge of Research No.1814 in Greenock, the brethren welcomed into the Lodge room, representatives of the four charities which had been chosen by the Lodges to be beneficiaries of the Caring and Sharing Charity Appeal promoted and supported by Grand Lodge through the dispensing of funds totalling £275,000 to mark the occasion of the 275th anniversary of Grand Lodge. In September last year, Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West organised a Charity Race Night and it was the proceeds of this that were supplemented by Grand Lodge up to a total of £3,200. The Lodges in PGLRW were then asked to nominate appropriate charities and on Friday night representatives of the chosen charities were presented with cheques as follows; The Beacon Theatre Muirshiel Old Peoples Day Centre Port Glasgow Old Peoples Welfare Council Inverclyde AutisticSupport Group St. Bartholemew's Church Roof Fund
£1,200 £500 £500 £500 £500
In order from the top: Margaret McGrath receives a cheque on behalf of the Port Glasgow Old Peoples Welfare Council. Margaret Simpson and Anne Clark are presented with a cheque on behalf of Muirshiel Old Peoples Day Centre. Robert Wilson of St Bartholomew's Church is presented with a cheque to assist with the cost of roof repairs for the Church. Margaret Mearns in favour of the Inverclyde Autistic Support Group. Brother Bill Knox, Secretary of Lodge Firth of Clyde, Gourock No. 626, accepts a cheque for £1,200 on behalf of the committee of the Beacon Theatre.
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Alexander McKenzie's Vaults
These were situated at 339-41 Gairbraid Street, Maryhill, Glasgow and later 991-99 Maryhill Road at Oran Street It was later renamed the Cabar Feidh and old Scots Gaelic word meaning Stag's Head. Bro. Alexander McKenzie (shown above in 1892) was born in Blair Athol. In 1875 he came to Glasgow and started work in MacRae’s Hotel in Bath Street, after 2 years service he was promoted to the famous Caledonian Hotel in Oban. He missed the city life and came back to Glasgow to work for Mr Stewart in Gairbraid Street, Maryhill where he prospered from shopman to manager then to partner then sole proprietor. Alexander had his own blend of scotch whisky called “Caba Feidh” which was very popular with the locals of this old established Maryhill local. Mr McKenzie was a member of several societies, an ardent Free Mason, a burgess of Glasgow and a member of the Trades' House, an Anderston Weaver, a Forester, a member of the Kelvin dock Curling and Maryhill Bowling Clubs as well as an honorary member of the Dunbartonshire Mounted Rifle Volunteers. He was a crack shot and was fond of angling. Bro. McKenzie will be known to very few today, but I wonder if his mother lodges is aware of him. Can any Glasgow Freemason enlighten us as to which lodge he joined?
Cross Keys September. 2012
Quarry Degree In July, a unique degree took place. The Quarry Rite, normally held on or near the Summer Solstice is a one-of-a-kind degree, performed outdoors, by torchlight, in an operative quarry. Under the stars, standard Connecticut Ritual is augmented by Soliloquies written specially for the event. Due to much interest in recent years, this event is now a limited seating event and requires reservations for dinner. Supper will be held at The Moosup Little League Complex prior to travelling to the quarry. Once fed, the candidates are taken to a remote quarry site and prepared. The craft follows about 10 minutes later, and the lodge begins labour at the quarry. As the degree progresses, the only light shed is by 15 oil-burning torches placed about the quarry pit. Under the flickering light of summer sky, the candidates are brought to light in the operative quarry. Begun in 1996 as an EA Degree, The Quarry Rite has now been performed as an EA Degree and a MM Degree and has been visited by brothers from the neighboring jurisdictions of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, as well as by brothers from Nova Scotia and the Phillipines—Masonry Universal.
September Events in 242
Thursday 13th Sept—EAD: step up by OBs Thursday 27th Sept—FCD by St. Barchan No.156
Sir William Wallace RAC 20th Sept—EM at 7.30pm
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Glasgow Cathedral Degree Team In June, Lodge Kelvin Partick No.1207 had a special FC degree conferred by the elders and friends of Glasgow Cathedral. With 15 reigning masters and 44 lodges represented, it was a very busy evening and tremendous atmosphere. The lodges opened in a slightly unusual way due to the number of brethren: RWM WJW RWM
WJW Are you satisfied . . . ? Satisfied in the S, I know them all. Will you please name them?!!!
At the conclusion of the degree, Bro. Duncan McIntosh SPGM Glasgow received Honorary Membership of 1207. The brethren retired upstairs for the usual 1207 harmony which included a superb Yorkshire pudding and some singing. With meetings like this, it’s hard to argue that is the Craft is not doing well.
Bro. Ernest Borgnine dies at 95 Ernest Borgnine, the screen star known for blustery, often villainous roles, but who won the best-actor Oscar for playing against type as a lovesick butcher in "Marty" in 1955, died in July. Brother Borgnine was a member of Hollywood Lodge No. 355, and a 33rd° Scottish Rite Mason in the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction. In 2000, he received his 50-year pin as a Freemason in Abingdon Lodge No. 48, Abingdon, Virginia. He joined the Scottish Rite Valley of Los Angeles in 1964, received the KCCH in 1979, was coroneted a 33° Inspector General Honorary in 1983, and received the Grand Cross of the Court of Honour in 1991. Cross Keys September. 2012
More Charity Work Bro. Bruce Stuart (WO1 currently working in the Careers Office in Glasgow) MM Lodge POW No.426 completed the marathon the day after the late night at 307’s Military Degree on Sunday 26th May. A superb effort in blistering heat and a time of 4 hours 8 minutes raised approximately £1400 for the Army Benevolent Fund. Well done, Bruce!
The Ultimate Hedge
This hedge can be found in a garden in Bonnybridge, near Falkirk. Very possibly unique!
Cross Keys September. 2012
Military Degree
On Saturday 26th May, 2012 Lodge Union & Crown No.307 organised a mark degree to be conferred by ex members of Her Majesty’s Forces which raised approximately £800 for the Mark Wright Project. The idea was conceived and organised by Bro. Stevie Allan PM 307 who acted as Mark Master with the following OBs in place: WSW Harry McDonagh RN 1405 WJW Hugh Wright RN 1557 SD Jim Renfrew RCNC 307 JD Terry Robinson Army 1478 Chap Rev Rab Craig Army 1386 IG Jim Laing Army 1434 Mark Master Stevie Allan RN 307 MO John Watson Army 1170 SO Grant Macleod Army 242 JO Dougie Wood Army 1478 Piper George Johnstone Army 1414
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S&S Jim Kavanagh Mercant N 1170 WT Livie Boyd Army 1167 Lecture Alex White Army 307 CC Ewan Martin Army 1167
242 Lodge History A few brethren asked about the lodge history after a brief article appeared in the 2012 Grand Lodge Yearbook (available from Grand Lodge at ÂŁ10). The history is available from Bro. Allan Stobo PM at the lodge. Over the next couple of editions, there will be mention of some things in the book. For example, the appendices are: Appendix 0 Why the Name? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
119
Appendix 1 Houstoun Family Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
120
Appendix 2 Extended Family Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
121
Appendix 3 McDowall Family Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
122
Appendix 4 Houstoun Marriages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
123
Appendix 5 Johnstone Street Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
124
Appendix 6 Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
126
Appendix 7 Lectures in 242 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
133
Appendix 8 Presentations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
134
Appendix 9
Provosts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Appendix 10 1905 Syllabus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138 Appendix 11 Roll of Honour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140 Appendix 12 Benevolent List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Appendix 13 Degrees in 242 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146 Appendix 14 Thistle Lodge (NY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148 Appendix 15 Use of Hall before 1939 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Appendix 16 Keanie the Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Appendix 17 Past Sec & Tres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152 Appendix 18 Notable Achievements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Appendix 19 Installing Masters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156 Appendix 20 Certificates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158 Appendix 21 Past Masters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 Appendix 22 Office Bearers 2011. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
As you can see, a huge range of topics out with the actual history of the lodge have been considered. Therefore, if you do not have a copy, buy one now before they go out of print.
Strange Website http://www.godlikeproductions.com/forum1/message1816219/pg1 Click the above and see an unusual listing for Scottish lodges. Why? LATE ITEM: On a more topical subject, we also have Bro. Usain Bolt, the double Gold winner at sprint on the Freemason Information website. More next month if it is true. Cross Keys September. 2012
Jim Shields, President of The Robert Burns World Federation was initiated into Mary’s Chapel No. 1 in Edinburgh last April, 2012.
Where is this?
This is Lodge St. John (Kilwinning) No. 173 founded in 1789 which meets at 46 Frazer Street, Largs, Ayrshire. The lodge meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday September to June. Their RWM Bro. Alan Buntain is also a reader of the Cross Keys. Note the resemblance in their lodge crest with our crest.
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. Bobby Watt PM 156
Cross Keys September. 2012
Cross Keys September. 2012
The Cross Keys is Edited and Researched by Brothers - Grant Macleod & Brian Kerr E-Mail:
sec242pm@yahoo.co.uk
Lodge Websites www.lodge242.co.uk www.lodge242.bravehost.com 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 September. 2012