Freemasonry Victoria Magazine #139 by Freemasons Victoria

Freemasonry Victoria winter 2014 issue 139

Duty, Honour & Country Lest We Forget

Scholarships Awards Night A complete success!

Special Presentations The Past Master's Jewel

Our Principles Make a Difference

SPECIAL NOTICE Freemasons Victoria in conjunction with Little Projects are pleased to announce the launch of this new residential project on the site of the former Box Hill Masonic Centre. Together with Little Projects we want to keep you informed about this redevelopment before public marketing commences and offer you an early opportunity to purchase prior to public launch. If you are interested in purchasing one of these apartments, please contact Little Projects, whose details are set out below.

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In this Issue: the Archives Funding for Nhill Boardwalk 3 From with Grand Librarian Jim Spreadborough 13 14 2014 Scholarships Awards Night Duty, Honour & Country 4 Lest We Forget 18 Further Afield - Next Stop New York 8 Special Presentations 19 Book Review: Making a Difference - Ancient Masonic Mysteries 10 Face Changing Miracles 20 Health Watch - Atrial Fibrillation Member Profile: 12 RWBro. Rev. Dr Ian Hunter

Freemasonry Victoria Magazine Issue 139 The official magazine of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria (Freemasons Victoria) Website: freemasonsvic.net.au FaceBook: facebook.com/freemasonsvic Twitter: @freemasonsvic YouTube: youtube.com/user/freemasonsvic LinkedIn: Freemasons Victoria Google+: Freemasons Victoria Telephone: (03) 9411 0111 Toll Free: 1800 068 416 Fax: (03) 9416 1468 Editor Gabrielle Forman (03) 9411 0101 Contact Us Email: editor@freemasonsvic.net.au Fax: (03) 9416 1468 Mail: The Editor, Freemasonry Victoria Magazine C/- 300 Albert Street, East Melbourne Editorial submissions: Article or photo submissions for each issue must be received by the end of the month, following the release of the previous issue. Email submissions are preferred and images must be 300dpi or higher. Submissions should be addressed to: The Editor: Freemasonry Victoria Magazine PO Box 553, East Melbourne VIC 8002 Telephone: (03) 9411 0101 Email: editor@freemasonsvic.net.au Disclaimer: Freemasonry Victoria is published quarterly by the Grand Secretariat, Freemasons Victoria. Printed by East Print, Melbourne, Australia Ltd. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising if it is deemed inappropriate and to change the size of the ad, print type or other specifications if material is not compatible with our system. Publisher: Freemasonry Victoria is distributed by mail direct to the homes of all members each quarter and is published online at issuu.com/freemasonsvic by Freemasons Victoria 300 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002. Freemasons Victoria invites your comments and feedback on our magazine - we aim to make this publication as interesting and appealing to our audience as possible. If you have any constructive feedback or comments on how we can improve your reading experience please get in touch. Please keep your comments respectful and in line with the values of our organisation.

Letter from the Editor ... Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very happy to bring you the Winter edition of Freemasonry Victoria Magazine # 139. In this edition, we cover the highlights of the June Quarterly Communication, the amazing work of WBro. Graeme Wallace and his studies in the area of cheiloschisis and we talk personally with RWBro. Rev. Dr. Ian Hunter about his time as Grand Chaplain. Thank you to all of the members who kindly submitted some wonderful stories, particularly in recognition of the 125th Anniversary of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria; RWBro. John Glover of United Service Lodge No. 330, VWBro. Alan Mitchell of The Army Lodge No. 478, WBro. Kevin Brown of Mitchell River Lodge No. 742 and VWBro. Ruary Bucknall, Grand Superintendent of Membership. In this edition we reflect on the success of the 2014 Scholarships Awards night that was held at the Dallas Brooks Centre in May and of the exciting futures that lie ahead for all of the recipients. We also wish Grand Principal, Most Eminent Companion Graeme Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell a fond farewell as he jets off in September to attend the General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International Assembly in the United States. All readers are most welcome to submit stories and images towards future editions of Freemasonry Victoria Magazine. Please provide high resolution photographs with captions, and a return address for hard copy prints. This quarter members who submit the best Letter to the Editor will receive a prize of two bottles of Freemasons Victoria 125th Anniversary wine along with two embossed wine glasses. The winning submission will be featured in Spring #140 as Letter of the Quarter. Happy reading!

Please contact us by email editor@freemasonsvic. net.au or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ freemasonsvic Quarterly Communication photos courtesy of Ross Wells {www.therawdesign.com.au and} Joe Castro Photography {www.foto.com.au}

Editor

FROM THE ARCHIVES

ne of the most common questions asked by visitors to the Grand Lodge Library and Museum is “What is your most treasured item?”

The simple answer is that all of our items are considered ‘treasures’. Some of the Past Masters' Jewels have precious gems embedded in them; some have sections of the jewels plated in 9ct and 18ct gold. There are jewels hallmarked dating back to 1753, but the real treasure behind our collection of jewels is the man who proudly wore the Jewel, and the Lodge that presented it to him. We have jewels worn by Governors of Victoria, Prime Ministers, Parliamentarians, Senators, and leaders in the community. When we research the items donated to the Museum, the challenge is to discover the man who wore his special badge to lodge, and what kinds of stories will be uncovered. There is a fine collection of hallmarked silverware, some dating back to 1840, a snuff box from 1840, silver trays from 1901, a Loving Cup from England, an Emu Egg with Australian Emblems, and many more. All have a special story attached to them. Our Masonic Library books are unique, dating back to 1751. There is a collection of Australian masonic magazines dating back to 1842.

There are many certificates from the early eighteen hundreds including Master Masons certificates, the oldest on file from 1801 for a Brother initiated in Wapping England. Again the men behind these certificates all had a fantastic story to tell. Of course we have magnificent portraits of Grand Masters including our six Grand Masters who were Governors of Victoria. Many of these have been painted by Archibald Prize winners. Some of the items listed we have shown on Channel 31, Freemasons: The Inside Story. It really is worth visiting the Museum to view the many unique and interesting artefacts on display. Make an appointment and one of the friendly volunteers will give you a tour and talk on the stories behind the treasures. What are my favourite treasures? The Standard, the banner that was used in 1889 to lead the 3500 Brethren from the Melbourne Town Hall on the inauguration of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria, and an original sketch of the first major residence of Freemasonry in Victoria, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne.

Grand Librarian

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historical

DUTY, HONOUR and COUNTRY lest we forget Written by RWBro WGCDR John Glover RFD, PSGW

Between 2014 and 2018 Australia will commemorate the Anzac Centenary, marking 100 years since our nation’s involvement in the First World War. The Anzac Centenary is a milestone of special significance to all Australians. The First World War helped define us as people and as a nation. During the Anzac Centenary we will remember not only the original ANZACs who served at Gallipoli and the Western Front, but commemorate more than a century of service by Australian servicemen and women. The term ANZAC was unknown at the commencement of World War One (WW1), ANZAC Day was unheard of and Australia was a new nation forging a new destiny. Barely eight months later ANZAC became a household name, thousands of Australians died to create a legend and now, nearly 100 years later, the ANZAC legacy is enshrined in Australian folk lore. It is impossible to imagine this country today without its ANZAC culture. Recently I was given a book based upon the diaries of Australian soldiers in WW1. It is riveting reading despite the first hand stories of carnage, despair, futility and sheer terror. Throughout the book though, is a central theme of duty to God, to King and to Country, especially the mother country, England. This theme of God, King and Country became commonplace throughout the British Empire in WW1. Indeed, it is the theme of our Victorian Naval and Military Lodge No. 49 in its Latin form: Pro Deo, Rege et Patria. Inscribed on the coat of arms of the United States Military Academy at WestPoint is the motto: Duty, Honour and 4

Freemasonry Victoria Winter 2014

Country. These three words burn in the heart of every dedicated member of the Armed Forces and of those at home who support them. They are similar in theme to the British theme mentioned earlier. Duty is the effort required of every man or woman who desires to live under the banner of a nation or in the embrace of a community. According to General Robert E. Lee, “Duty is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things,” he said, “you cannot do more. You should never wish to do less.” Lieutenant General Robert Baden Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts, said “We never fail when we try to do our duty, we always fail when we neglect to do it.” Freemasons throughout Victoria were not slow to do their duty in WW1. The United Grand Lodge of Victoria had 243 Lodges in the jurisdiction at the outbreak of war and some 2244 members enlisted. Of those, 237 paid the supreme sacrifice. There was only one military Lodge in Victoria at that time, Victorian Naval and Military Lodge No. 49, and they had 19 members enlist of

HISTORICAL whom three, all officers, were killed in action. So entrenched was this sense of duty that a Freemason in Melbourne enlisted despite having won a Victoria Cross (VC) in the Boer War: Bro. James Rogers who was born in Moama. Another member in NSW had also won a VC in the Boer War, Australia’s first VC, and he enlisted in the Naval & Military Expeditionary Force to serve in New Guinea before ultimately taking charge of the medical evacuations at Gallipoli, subsequently becoming Major General Sir Neville Howse. A keen sense of duty was not confined to men only. Over 3000 Australian nurses volunteered to join the Australian Army Nursing Service and they had to fight not only the ravages of war and service in challenging environments but also the entrenched male attitude that doubted their capacity to serve on the front line. Colonel Neville Howse is quoted as saying, “The female nurse (as a substitute for the fully trained male nursing orderly) did little towards the actual saving of life in war … although she might promote a rapid and complete recovery.” Howse was utterly misogynistic, refusing to commission a female doctor into the Australian Imperial Force (AIF); he was disdainful of nurses and tolerated dentists, pharmacists and physiotherapists. One can but speculate what he thought about radiographers. Despite his foibles, Howse was a brilliant military doctor, adopting daring protocols for which he was awarded. During the battle of Lone Pine he worked for 12 hours straight treating over 700 casualties and the next day was himself wounded in the shoulder. What a pity he never met the likes of Sister Vivien Bullwinkle or Wing Commander Margaret Hine, a nurse who became the first female to command an Australian unit on active duty from Laverton in East Timor.

Melbourne in the first troopship departing Victoria in October 1914. They had an example to follow because Harry Downe Snr was the Rochester Shire Secretary, a Lieutenant in the Reserve of Officers and both Harry Snr and Jnr were members of St Johns Lodge. Harry’s Service number was No. 6, he enlisted in the Ordnance Corps, rose to the rank of WO1, served in France and was medically discharged because of a congenital condition that flared whilst overseas. Cyril had also been in the Light Horse prior to declaration of war so enlisted in the Light Horse Regiment with Service No. 13, deployed to Gallipoli, was wounded in action, repatriated to Egypt and upon his recovery, transferred to the Postal Corps. He was ultimately promoted to WO2 but was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and Mentioned in Despatches along the way. His contribution must have been considerable but he wanted to do more so he volunteered for transfer to the Australian Flying Corps, was accepted as a pilot trainee and ultimately graduated as a 2LT pilot. Barely a month after completing pilot training he was a passenger in an aircraft undertaking more training and was killed in a mid-air collision in Egypt in March 1919, after the declaration of peace. Imagine the irony of surviving Gallipoli, being reassigned as a consequence of injury and then dying in a mid-air crash in peacetime! I think it is worthy to mention the brethren from Victorian Naval & Military Lodge who were killed in action. The Lodge’s Honour Roll lists four members killed in action but one was killed during the Boer War.

Two brothers from Rochester typify the enthusiastic response to the call for duty. Lord Kitchener was prominent in the recruiting posters of the day. “England expects every man to do his duty” was the message. As an aside, Kitchener was a senior Grand Lodge Officer in England and a Victorian Lodge was named after him in honour of his exploits in Khartoum. Harry and Cyril Downe enlisted within a fortnight of the declaration of war and travelled from

Winter 2014 Freemasonry Victoria 5

historical during a dust storm and he was reported missing with his observer. Subsequent flights located his aircraft which appeared to have landed safely but the crew were missing. A Court of Enquiry convened under the authority of the Viceroy and Governor-General of India found that the crew were captured by Arab tribesmen and executed. Merz's death is commemorated in the Basra Memorial in Iraq, a Commonwealth War Graves Commission site with 40,682 names that is currently untenable due to the regional instability. It is interesting to note that a member of the Court of Enquiry was a Captain Thomson Glover of the 35th Sikh Regt attached to the Royal Flying Corps. Honour is the virtue that causes men and women to live up to their duty. It produces the strength to carry on even when the demands of duty are hard to bear. Honour is the cornerstone of courage, the foundation of discipline, the wellspring of commitment.

Major John William Hamilton served in the 6th Btn and was killed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. He is a genuine ANZAC in every sense and is honoured at the Lone Pine Memorial. Lieutenant James Anderson Kerr Johnston enlisted in the 7th Btn and was severely wounded at Gallipoli on 8 May 1915. He was evacuated to Cairo and died in the Anglo-American Hospital in Cairo. He is buried in the Cairo War Cemetery. Lieutenant George Pinnock Merz was a medical practitioner in Melbourne University Regiment but worked with the Aviation Institution Staff attached to the Central Flying School at Werribee. He was attached to the Australian Naval & Military Expeditionary Force and saw service in New Guinea before returning home and enlisting in the Australian Flying Corps (AFC). During operations in Mesopotamia in July 1915 his aircraft was forced down near Nasariayah 6

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Victorian Freemasons brought great honour upon themselves during the War. Two officers sharing the same birthday and belonging to the same Battalion won the VC on the same day in the Battle of Lone Pine. Two Freemasons were awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for their role in the Charge of Beersheba. The 2200 Freemasons who enlisted gained an incredible number of awards for their extraordinary service. It is noteworthy that the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and 2 bars were all awarded to Captain Arthur Henry Cobby of Vic Naval & Military Lodge within the space of two months. Harry Cobby was the ace of the AFC in WW1, shooting down 29 aircraft and 13 balloons in the period Feb-Sept 1918. He was awarded the DFC in June, 2 Bars to the DFC in July, the DSO in August and was subsequently 'Mentioned in Dispatches' (MID) in November. Interestingly, both Bars to the DFC were promulgated in the same edition of the London Gazette, surely a unique distinction. I am unaware of any other servicemen being so heavily decorated in such a short time but I have only read about 1500 records in the last 12 months. Even our Past Grand Master, MWBro. Rev Albert Thomas Holden, enlisted to discharge his duty.

HISTORICAL Grand Master from 1912-1914, he enlisted in 1917 as the Chaplain General of the Methodist Church, saw service in England and France and was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his service. Country is a word that reaches deeply into our hearts. Country is home and family. Country is dreams and opportunities. Country is hope and peace, security, a source of pride and patriotism and that tear in the eye at the sign of a waving flag. Let me assure you, the pride I felt whilst wearing the Australian flag on my uniform whilst deployed overseas was one of my greatest feelings. That pride was only matched during the playing of the Royal Anthem for the Monarch of Australia when I was carrying my Squadron Standard, complete with Battle Honours, on the occasion of Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee. There are few causes worthy of the sacrifice of peace, few issues that can justify a man fighting his fellow man but history teaches us that when such causes arise, great is the obligation to rely on the sacred notions of duty, honour and country. Nothing is asked for in return but public recognition of that service, that sacrifice given whilst performing duty, is a fitting reward. It is our obligation to remember them. Service medals are simply emblems of service given, duty done.

In the words of that beautiful hymn, “Requiem for a Soldier” from the film “Band of Brothers”:

We join in a chorus of thanks for those who have sacrificed for their country in times of need and for those who stand ready to do so today. Duty, honour, country ... when these are neglected nations fall from stature and the people suffer. When they are treasured in the hearts and minds of brave men and women they give enduring strength. They give unlimited motivation without question to some, they are inexplicable to many.

You never lived to see

What you gave to me

One shining dream of hope and love

Life and liberty.

In fields of sacrifice

Heroes paid the price

Young men who died for old men's wars

Gone to paradise.

With a host of brave unknown soldiers, you will live forever, here in our memory.

Winter 2014 Freemasonry Victoria 7

125TH ANNIVERSARY

VWBro. Alan Mitchell, PGIWkgs

he Victorian Naval & Military Lodge No. 49 prepared this Past Master’s Jewel, for presentation in 1891, and inscribed with the words “Presented to Worshipful Brother W.J. Seabrook on 10th March 1892 by the members of Victorian Naval & Military Lodge No. 49 for services as Worshipful Master in 1890 – 1891”, it was not presented until March 1892. Interesting features of this jewel are the Lodge Title – Victorian Naval & Military Lodge No. 49 UVC. UVC - meaning United Victorian Constitution. As the United Grand Lodge of Victoria had only been formed one year earlier maybe the terminology was still in a state of flux. The jewel is inscribed “….for services as Worshipful Master in 1890 – 1891” although WBro W.J. Seabrook was Worshipful Master from 1890 until 1892. The Jewel is hallmarked suggesting a high gold content, and the Lodge insignia is hand painted on silk. The Victorian Naval & Military Lodge Motif or Motto painted on the ribbon – “Nil Sine Numine” (Nothing without the Divine Will) was current in 1892, however the Lodge motto or motif today is “Nil Sine Deo” (Nothing without God). This motto was changed some time in the late 1890’s. In 2010 the Seabrook family passed this Past Master's Jewel to VWBro. Alan Mitchell, a great grandson of the recipient, and a member of The Army Lodge. Thus the Jewel was returned to Victoria some 118 years after its original presentation.

Freemasonry Victoria Winter 2014

125th anniversary

In 1892, along with this Jewel, the Lodge made a presentation to Worshipful Brother Seabrook’s wife in the form of a magnificent, highly engraved, silver salver and silver coffee service. On the death of Mrs. Seabrook this was passed on to her daughter Ruby Vera Mitchell (nee Seabrook), and on her death it was passed down to her son William Thomas Seabrook (Bill) Mitchell.

The Jewel is hallmarked suggesting a high gold content, and the Lodge insignia is hand painted on silk.

Silver Coffee Service, now resides in the Clare Valley, South Australia.

In the 1980’s the Mitchell family returned the silverware to the Seabrook’s. It is now in the Clare Valley, South Australia, in the possession of Bill Seabrook, a great grandson of Mrs Seabrook. The silver was suitably inscribed with the words “Presented to Mrs William J Seabrook by the members of the Victorian Naval & Military Lodge No. 49 under the United Grand Lodge of Victoria as a mark of appreciation of the services rendered by Bro. William J Seabrook as Worshipful Master for the years 1890–1–2 10th March, 1892. This Past Master’s Jewel and silverware became part of a long and interesting family history in Freemasonry. A son, two grandsons, and three great grandsons of the original recipient of the Past Master's Jewel were all members of The Army Lodge (all but one Worshipful Masters of that Lodge). For those not familiar with the history of the Victorian Naval & Military Lodge No. 49, in 1926 it sponsored a new Lodge, Prince Edward Lodge No. 349 (warrant now returned), which in 1929 sponsored The Army Lodge No. 478. This makes The Army Lodge, in a family sense, a “Grand Daughter” of the Victorian Naval & Military Lodge.

Arrangements are underway for the re-presentation of the Past Master’s Jewel to the Victorian Naval & Military Lodge in 2015, on the occasion of their 150th Anniversary. It is intended that this jewel will then be passed from Immediate Past Master to Immediate Past Master at each subsequent Installation. A suitable citation is being prepared which will be read each time it is presented.

Winter 2014 Freemasonry Victoria 9

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Face Changing ost people are generally aware that the health of a mother prior to and during pregnancy can have a great effect on the health of the child. It's perhaps not so well known that inadequate nutrition, stress and environmental factors may also result in children being born with deficiencies of which cheiloschisis is common, otherwise known as a Cleft Lip and/or Palate. In the womb, the upper lip develops from three parts and the palate develops in two halves, which then join in the middle. The Cleft Palate is the result when the two halves fail to join normally.

The process of the joining of the gum and lip begins behind the gum at about six weeks after conception. If it does not happen, there is a complete cleft of the lip and gum. Sometimes, if the process of joining begins and is not completed, the gum may not be affected. In Australia, between one in every 6 - 700 children is born with a cleft and one in 25 is born with a birth defect of some type. The figure is higher in some parts of Asia and appears to be highest in the poorer countries such as the Philippines. It is estimated that 250,000 babies throughout the world are born each year with a cleft. Freemasons Victoria met with WBro. Graeme Wallace OAM of Hearts of Oak Lodge No. 681, who has been researching the birth anomaly for the last eight years as part of his thesis with Southern Cross University. “I have been researching the issues relating to how a cleft develops and the way young adults and their families have dealt with the associated problems. While the Medical Profession have advocated for many years that women should take folate prior to becoming pregnant this alone cannot guarantee a successful outcome. Sometimes no matter how much planning takes place, environmental factors, other medications and physical and emotional stress can impact on the health of an unborn baby”, Graeme said. Graeme explained that from his research it appeared that an important nutrient that women need to ‘top up’ prior to pregnancy is zinc, and a variety of other anti-oxidants, which are available in most of the commercial pre-conception supplements. In third-world countries these nutrients may not be available or are absent in the normal diet resulting in a higher prevalence of babies being born with a Cleft. Such is the case in the Philippines.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Image: Far Left - Before surgery is performed. Left - Directly after surgery, the changes seen are dramatic.

Graeme said that his research involved the testing of hair, blood and urine but as you can imagine, it’s very hard to get these samples and it costs a lot of money, but thanks to support from Healthscope Pathology $80,000 worth of laboratory time was provided to conduct the research. The research Graeme conducted indicated that factors impacting on the mother prior to pregnancy were possibly the main reasons for the formation of a Cleft, as well as lifestyle and culture. Graeme was a founding Director and now Patron of Operation Rainbow Australia Ltd. (ORAL). This organisation sends two teams of surgeons up to twice a year to the Philippines to correct the faces of children living in poverty who were born with a cleft. “To date 4000 Filipino children have had face-changing surgery”, Graeme said. If the Clefts are not rectified, the baby can have difficulty breathing, sucking and swallowing, and the child can have a speech impediment. Ensuring that these children do not face a life time of issues, funds to enable the continuing research and support for the families of children with clefts is paramount.

family support group CleftPals in that same year. If you would like to help or you would like further information please contact Graeme on 0418 248 983. Graeme is also a life member of CleftPals Victoria, a support group for families which was initially established in Victoria by RWBro. Joel Solomon, OAM, PJGW. Joel was Foundation President for the organisation and he and his wife Ruth still maintain close contact with the CleftPals Victoria committee. It is worth noting that RWBro. Joel was awarded his Order of Australia medal for service to the community, for his commitment to CleftPals Victoria. CleftPals Victoria provides information, knowledge and understanding about the Cleft condition. They are a volunteer organisation made up of mainly parents and cleft-affected adults to provide support to the parents of Cleft affected children. There is no other support group of this kind in Victoria. For more information about CleftPals please visit: http://www.cleftpalsvic.com/

Quick Facts ...................................................... •

One in every 600 to 700 babies in Australia is born with a cleft.

While the Medical Profession has advocated for many years that women should take folate prior to becoming pregnant this alone cannot guarantee a successful outcome.

•

In about one third of families there is a relative also born with a cleft.

•

A cleft lip is a split in the upper lip. Formed when two tabs of skin unite from the sides of the face at around 4 - 6 weeks of gestation, and a failure to fuse results in a cleft lip.

•

A cleft palate is a split in the roof of the mouth, resulting in an opening between the mouth and the nose. Tissue grows in from the sides of the upper jaw and joins in the middle to form the roof of the mouth (palate), during the first two months of pregnancy. Failure to fuse results in a cleft of the palate.

In 2010 Graeme won $3000 at the Bayside District Charity Challenge, and Hearts of Oak Lodge No. 681 raised a further $4000 for the

•

Babies can be born with a cleft of the lip OR a cleft of the palate OR a cleft of the lip and palate.

Winter 2014 Freemasonry Victoria 11

MEMBER PROFILE Communications Manager Gabrielle Forman, interviews RWBro. Rev. Dr Ian Hunter, former United Grand Lodge of Victoria Grand Chaplain organised to meet RWBro. Rev. Dr Ian Hunter at the reception of Grand Lodge – we’d never met before and I didn’t know what to expect. I was greeted by a very tall man with white hair and a white beard in suit and collar. It wasn’t until he spoke with his deep voice and articulate manner, and shook my hand with both of his, that I felt immediately calmed and reassured. I had invited Ian to talk with me about his time as Grand Chaplain for the United Grand Lodge of Victoria, a role he has played for the last 11 years. I wanted to find out some of the experiences he’s had along the way and what his plans are for the future.The words he used to describe his time as Grand Chaplain were ‘fun’ and ‘satisfying’ and that one of the greatest aspects of his role were the friendships he has made along the way. He has had the opportunity to meet many people from many walks of life and although at times challenging, his role has offered a great deal of fellowship. As Grand Chaplain, Ian has been involved with Grand Installations, Quarterly Communications, Lodge Consecrations, Masonic Centre Dedications, but has also provided advice and companionship to those who have needed an ear or just a different perspective. I asked Ian how he has managed to remain unbiased in terms of providing prayer to a non-denominational membership. I wondered whether he had ever experienced any criticism for his work. “Freemasons Victoria is a membership that accepts all faiths. My faith has nothing to do with the prayers I provide. I try to tailor and broaden my prayers to suit the entire membership”, he said. Ian said that in 1969 he was ordained into the priesthood in Brisbane with the Anglican Archdiocese, where he served a number of appointments. He moved to Melbourne in 1976 and became Chaplain of RMIT for four years before taking parishes in Glen Huntly, Kingsville, Stawell and Essendon. He officially retired in 2009 at the age of 65. Retirement didn’t mean discontinuing his voluntary work for the United 12 Freemasonry Victoria Winter 2014

RWBro. Rev. Dr Ian Hunter GChap presented for investiture as Lodge Chaplain. Photo Credit: Lodge Amicus (#928) Website - Image Gallery

Grand Lodge of Victoria, so despite the role being a two year appointment, Ian continued serving as Grand Chaplain for the next nine years. I was interested to know whether Ian’s children, all grown up now, had followed in his footsteps. Had they felt obligated to follow a particular faith or had they chosen their own path? “All of my children have had a solid foundation in order to make their own choices. Interestingly enough, my three have all gone their separate ways. Elizabeth my eldest daughter is very open minded, David is very spiritual but does not share the same ideas as his sister. Greg, my youngest son has very conventional beliefs”. “All of my children have gone on to have their own kids, and again, they leave religious choice up to them. They will make their own decisions in the end”, he said. In 2012, Ian faced a new challenge, being diagnosed with bowel cancer, and went through six months of chemotherapy. He said that this moment in his life confirmed his beliefs and his feelings about Freemasonry. “I woke up in hospital one day and was surrounded by a group of Freemasons, my friends – men who supported me through the ordeal. I felt very supported”, he said. When I asked Ian what kind of things he would expect to see in the future role of the Grand Chaplain, he said that ‘advocacy’ should play a larger part, and that the role should support brethren with counsel and guidance. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Grand Chaplain and have met some wonderful people, but now at age 70 it’s time for me to relax and enjoy the rest of my life with my wife Margaret”, he said. We agree that after a significant commitment to Freemasons Victoria as one of its Grand Chaplains, Ian and Margaret thoroughly deserve a long and happy retirement. We wish them both all the best.

nhill boardwalk

A total of $60,000 has been received to go ahead with the reconstruction of the Nhill Boardwalk. The Boardwalk begins at the entrance to Jaypex Park and winds its way through the Nhill Swamp Wildlife Reserve. On 18 June 2013, Freemasons Victoria Taskforce Chairman WBro. Merv Dyer was approached by representatives from Lowan Lodge No. 107 to find out whether Freemasons Victoria could assist with a project to reconstruct the Boardwalk and bring it back into good repair. The Boardwalk had previously been condemned by Parks Victoria and $20,000 had been allocated to have it removed. The Rotary Club of Nhill however, spoke with Parks Victoria and suggested instead that the Boardwalk be refurbished. On speaking with the Chair of Freemasons Victoria's Board of Benevolence, VWBro. Frank Fordyce, Mr Dyer investigated the project thoroughly and established a Boardwalk Refurbishment Committee that would include three representatives from the Rotary Club of Nhill and three members of Lowan Lodge.

The community of Nhill including local businesses have agreed to supply service, building materials and equipment at a reduced cost to support this community project. Work will commence in the near future once tenders are called for its construction, with an estimated completion date of 2015. On Wednesday 18 June at the Quarterly Communication, a formal presentation was made, and the Hon. Mr Ryan Smith presented a cheque to the Boardwalk Refurbishment Committee. Committee members include WBro. Merv Dyer, Convenor; VWBro. Ken Dodds, Lowan Lodge; WBro. Bill Howath, Lowan Lodge; WBro. Graham Price, Lowan Lodge; Mr Laurie Robins, President Nhill Rotary Club; Mr Glenn Fraser, Rotary Club and VWBro. John Teakle, PGIWkgs, Rotary Club and Lowan Lodge.

Mr Dyer contacted the Minister for Environment and Climate Change the Hon. Mr Ryan Smith MP with the proposal, and after the Board of Benevolence agreed to support the project, the Minister was able to contribute $30,000 towards the refurbishment. Minister of Environment and Climate Change the Hon. Ryan Smith confirms a $30,000 commitment to the Nhill Boardwalk Project.

Winter 2014 Freemasonry Victoria 13

2014 scholarships awards night

n Wednesday 14 May, the Dallas Brooks Centre was filled with a sea of different coloured uniforms and the chatter of excited primary and secondary school students, who had arrived for the annual Freemasons Victoria Scholarships Award Night. The evening, which was hosted by Grand Secretary RWBro. Peter Henshall, witnessed more than 100 scholarships with a collective value of more than $250,000, in recognition of academic excellence. A highlight of the evening was when the Grand Master MWBro. Hillel Benedykt, joined by his brothers Simon and Ron, presented the Eliezer Benedykt Memorial Scholarship in Music to Meg Sampson. Meg has been singing all of her life and is now writing her own music, and playing the guitar. Meg performed one of her own compositions â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Missing Puzzle Pieceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and was later interviewed for an episode of Freemasons: The Inside Story, on Channel 31.

14 Freemasonry Victoria Winter 2014

The evening included an inspiring presentation by Emily Peel, past recipient of the Freemasons Victoria Scholarship. Emily spoke about her education journey, her interest and passion for the environment and how her scholarship has enabled her to pursue her dreams. The Freemasons Victoria Scholarship, worth $7000 was awarded this year to Meg Stevenson who is currently studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne. She hopes to use the scholarship to assist in completing her undergraduate degree and pursue a postgraduate degree in Law. Congratulations Meg! MWBro. Hillel concluded the evening by giving the students some very honest advice about the timing of studies and how planning your career can change your life. He also announced a new scholarship for introduction in 2015, which will be presented in the name of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, with whom Freemasons Victoria has established a new partnership.

2014 scholarships awards night

Images: 1. Benedykt Brothers, Ron, Simon & Hillel Present Meg Sampson with the Eliezer Benedykt Memorial Scholarship in Music; 2. Hillel addresses guests on the importance of planning your career; 3. RWBro. Bob Orr PDGM and VWBro. Frank Fordyce (President Board of Benevolence) enjoying the evening; 4. MWBro. Hillel Benedykt presents Rachel East with the Freemasons Victoria Environmental Award; 5. MWBro. Hillel Benedykt presents Blake Callant with the Civic Award; 6. Dr Robin Gray with Sarah Lindsay who won the Coppin Weston Street Award; 7. MWBro. Hillel Benedykt presents the Freemasons Victoria Scholarship to Meg Stevenson.

Opposite Page - Students jump for joy at the Freemasons Victoria Scholarship Award Presentation Night.

Winter 2014 Freemasonry Victoria 15

125th Anniversary MERCHANDISE Ties

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Limited edition 125th Anniversary merchandise is now available from the Freemasons Victoria e-shop. Cufflinks, tie pins, ties, lapel pins and mugs can also be purchased by visiting Freemasons Victoria at 300 Albert Street, East Melbourne or by ordering over the phone on 03-9411 0100.

16 Freemasonry Victoria Winter 2014

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Winter 2014 Freemasonry Victoria 17

FURTHER AFIELD

NEXT STOP ...

irst Grand Principal, Most Eminent Companion Graeme O’Donnell will pay an official visit to the “General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International” in New York in September 2014. This will be the first occasion that the Grand Chapter of Victoria, or any other Australasian Grand Chapter has been invited to attend a meeting of this assembly. Established 24 October 1797 General Grand Chapter acts as something of an umbrella organisation for those Grand Chapters who work the “York Rite”. It has also established a number of independent Grand Chapters throughout the world where no Royal Arch Masonry previously existed. One of the highlights of the visit will be the working of the Royal Arch Degree by Royal

18 Freemasonry Victoria Winter 2014

Arch Lodge No. 2, the only known Craft Lodge warranted to work the Royal Arch. There will also be the working of the Super Excellent Master Degree (part of the Degree of Royal and Select Masters here in Victoria) and several Companions of our Grand Chapter Delegation have been registered to receive the Degree. Our Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Victoria, MWBro. Doug Mount will also be in attendance. The Parade of Flags embracing all of the States of America, and also our own Australian flag, will be a further highlight of what promises to be a most spectacular and interesting visit done with all the razzmatazz we expect from our American cousins!

BOOK REVIEW

Ancient Masonic Mysteries – The Freemason’s Gift Edited & Introduced by Guillermo De Los Reyes

ncient Masonic Mysteries is a reissue of The Freemason’s Gift – A Christmas and New Year’s Offering edited by Rev. John Perry (1854 – New York). The book was designed as a gift for non-Freemasons and in particular is dedicated “to the wives, daughters, sisters and sweethearts of Freemasons”. The obvious intent of the publication was to provide some insight into the nature and purpose of Freemasonry for the women in a Mason’s life. Rev. Perry has compiled a diverse range of material covering legendary mythical histories of Freemasonry, poems, short stories and Masonic addresses, much of which was supposedly meant to appeal to the female reader. In a short article entitled “Apology to The Ladies” the reader is reminded that, “… the feelings of women are more exquisitely fine, and their generous sympathy is more easily awakened, by the misfortunes of their fellow-creatures, than the stronger sex. The soft tear of pity bedews their cheeks at the tale of wo (sic), and their gentle bosoms heave with tender emotions at the sight of human wretchedness…” We can get a sense of the times from some of the short stories, such as “The Light-House,” as they revolve around maritime adventures, reflecting the contemporary importance that shipping played in nineteenth century life.

An American view on government in the article entitled “Masonry a Republican Institution,” which argued that the “…institution of Freemasonry is truly republican…” In one respect it is not the content of the book that is of historical importance, it is however the publication of such a book in New York in the mid 1800’s that is of interest. America in the late 1820s was gripped by a nationwide antimasonic movement that spawned anti-masonic newspapers, political parties and even an antimasonic Presidential candidate. Lodges closed all over the country and nationally membership fell by over 50 per cent in a decade. By the mid-1850s Freemasonry in America was beginning to recover and this positive, if at times somewhat verbose book was part of that rehabilitation. This aim is particularly evident in the collection of Masonic addresses, which all stress the beneficial effects of Freemasonry, from “a direct tendency to promote moral and social virtue” to injunctions such as to “subdue our passions, and improve in useful scientific knowledge.” Ancient Masonic Mysteries is not the most enlightening book on Freemasonry ever written, and it is unclear how much appeal it would have had for American women of the time, yet it is of interest as a curio from the era and as a perspective on mid-19th Century American society and Freemasonry.

Winter 2014 Freemasonry Victoria 19

health watch

oes your heart beat quickly and irregularly when you are not under exertion? It may be that you have an atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is one of a number of disorders commonly referred to as 'arrhythmias', where your heart does not beat normally. Atrial fibrillation, known as AF, is an irregular and often very fast heart rate. AF occurs when the upper chambers of the heart fibrillate resulting in rapid and irregular heart-beat. Blood is not pumped efficiently to the rest of the body which may cause heart palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath. AF can be highly symptomatic, with people experiencing palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain and breathlessness. These symptoms can erode physical independence as people

with AF are unable to go about usual daily tasks without resting or requiring assistance. The causes of AF are often unclear. In some cases, the causes of atrial fibrillation are a heart abnormality from birth or damage to the heart structure from a heart attack or heart valve problem. People with otherwise normal hearts may also develop atrial fibrillation. AF can remain undetected for long periods of time. Left untreated, complications can occur. Complications include increased risk of stroke and heart failure. Once diagnosed, AF is treated by a cardiologist. Epworth HealthCare is a leading provider of cardiac services and is regarded as a pioneer in the field of treatment options in all forms of cardiac disease. Epworth was the first private hospital in Victoria to perform open heart surgery and was the first private hospital in Australia to establish an Intensive Care facility. More recently Epworth has been a leading participant in an international trial to treat severe aortic stenosis using a Core Valve System. Epworth is again leading the field in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Treatment options include medication and catheter ablation. These treatment options are designed to contain the electrical activity so that the heart can beat normally again.

20 Freemasonry Victoria Winter 2014

health watch

Above: Dr Andrei Catanchin

Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure in which a doctor threads a flexible thin tube through the blood vessels to the heart to block abnormal electrical pathways in the heart tissue. Commonly the ablation is done using radio-frequency, a heat-based energy source but recently a cardiologist at Epworth performed the first cryoblation using a coldbased energy source. Dr Andrei Catanchin recently performed the first case of Pulmonary Vein Isolation by Cryoablation, in the Catheter Lab at Epworth Richmond, making Epworth the only private hospital in Victoria to currently treat atrial fibrillation by both Cryoablation and Radiofrequency methods. If you have any concerns about your heart, consult your family GP and ask for a referral to an Epworth cardiologist. If the matter is urgent Epworth Richmond has a 24-hour Emergency Department in Erin Street, Richmond with cardiologists on duty round-the-clock to ensure patients with all types of heart conditions are treated efficiently and effectively. Epworth HealthCare is a charitable not-for-profit healthcare group built on philanthropy over 94 years. This support provided by the community has enabled it to pioneer and develop treatment options to perform life-saving work.

To make a donation to support the advancement of cardiac services at Epworth HealthCare, please call (03) 9426 6132. Winter 2014 Freemasonry Victoria 21

Please include Freemasons Hospital in your Will. If someone you love requires hospital care, you can trust in Epworth Freemasons to provide them with the best possible care, treatment and support.

And every bequest we receive helps to provide the best possible: Equipment World-class, state-of-the-art equipment that ensures Freemasons patients receive the best in medical and technological advances to aid their recovery

Research Practical research that gives Freemasons patients access to cutting-edge, global discoveries in medical treatments, preventions and cures Support More facilities and services that provide a comfortable, supportive and nurturing environment for Freemasons patients while they are in our care

If you would like more information about leaving a bequest to Freemasons please contact the Epworth Medical Foundation: mail: Reply Paid 84307 (no stamp required) 89 Bridge Road, Richmond Vic 3121

Vanessa Dannock ph: 03 9426 6572 email: emfinfo@epworth.org.au web: www.emf.org.au

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Hall of Fame Freemasons Victoria is very proud to announce a new award â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Hall

of Fame.

This prestigious award distinguishes those who have made a voluntary commitment to Craft and community and who stand out from others who have made a valuable contribution. The Hall of Fame is open to all Freemasons, deceased or currently affiliated and who must be in good standing. Three awards will be presented at the 125th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Saturday 15 November at a venue to be confirmed. A new jewel will be struck for Hall of Fame inductees to be worn around the neck on all occasions.

This is your chance to enable a fellow Freemason to shine! The Hall of Fame award will be an annual award and does not compete with or replace any other awards presented throughout the year. Application forms will be available from your Lodge Secretary. Please fill out the application form meeting all of the selection criteria and attaching a photograph of the nominee and send to: Gabrielle Forman, at Freemasons Victoria, 300 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002. Submissions must be received at Freemasons Victoria by Tuesday 30 September. If the application being submitted is nominating someone who is deceased, there needs to be a representative present and who agrees to accept the award on that memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behalf. This person can be family of the member or the Worshipful Master of the Lodge if there is no family to accept.

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Be part of a lasting legacy Royal Freemasons needs your support

A Donation or Bequest in your Will makes a big difference to the lives of older Victorians supported by us.

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Founded as a charitable organisation in 1867, it has continuously strived to provide excellence in care for older Victorians. Assisting the older person to live a secure, dignified and rewarding life is our Mission - our purpose. Your Donation enables Royal Freemasons to continue its work supported by the latest innovative equipment, the best research and the most up-to-date facilities and services available. As well as the joy of knowing how beneficial your gift is, all support receives appropriate recognition and acclaim and is tax deductable.

To learn more please contact Christina Chia on 1300 176 925. Christina will be delighted to introduce you to the Royal Freemasons organisation. Alternatively, email her at cchia@royalfreemasons.org.au. For general information and more on donations projects, visit www.royalfreemasons.org.au

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John Fowler, General Manager of Le Pine Funerals with various staff members of the Masonic Lodge.

Victorian Freemasons have been relying on Le Pine for more than 100 years. So it is reassuring to know that we have a dedicated team of Freemasons who can help you in a time of need. Doug Berwick – Box Hill Brian Bennett – Glen Waverley Trevor Burkitt – Mordialloc John Fowler – Glen Waverley Daimon Whitmore – Glen Waverley Damian Magee – Glen Waverley Glenn Hollibone – Altona Simon Braid – Glen Waverley Phil Vincent – Glen Waverley

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