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Regulars From
Masonic Mentor
Note from your Masonic Mentor, some have expressed the opinion that asking what they think are dumb questions could be embarrassing. Let me assure you that any questions that are reproduced here are anonymous, no one will know where they come from. So please do not think a question is dumb, there are no, I repeat No dumb questions. Don’t ever forget that Freemasonry abounds in symbol and allegory. Your Mentor.
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Hey, I have been to many different lodges and have found a variety of the black and white squared pavements and they all seem different. Can you explain why this is so?
The Mosaic Pavement is among the most fundamental teachings of the first degree. It belongs to that special class of core symbolism that can be traced to the earliest days of speculative Masonry. I urge you to study the first-degree tracing board lecture. The checkerboard floor upon which the modern Freemasonic lodge stands is the old tracing board of the Dionysiac (Greek) Architects, and while the modern organization is no longer limited to workmen’s guilds it still preserves its symbols. When thinking of the idea of Duality and the concept of good and evil, black and white, sacred and profane, an image that immediately enters my mind is that of the YingYang, an ancient symbol with deep esoteric meaning. (esoteric means Hidden not occult)
The black and white squares could be seen as representing good,(white), or evil, (black). It follows that there should be an uneven number of squares with white having one more than black to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. The centre should contain a blazing star, see first degree tracing board lecture. It tells of the importance of this blazing star. Like you, I have also looked at various chequered pavements on the floors of lodges I have attended and also wondered if the designers had any idea what the symbology of the floor meant, if they did it is not reflected in the design.
The first degree tells us that the Ornaments of a Lodge are the Mosaic Pavement, the Indented Tessel, and the Blazing Star.
The Mosaic Pavement is a representation of the ground floor of King Solomon’s Temple; the Indented Tessel, of that beautiful tesselated border, or skirting, which surrounded it, and the Blazing Star was in the centre. The Mosaic Pavement is emblematical of human life, chequered with good and evil; the Indented Tessel which surrounds it, of the manifold blessings and comforts which surround us, and which we hope to enjoy by a faithful reliance upon Divine Providence, which is graphically represented by the Blazing Star in the centre.
Words used have a habit of changing with time, the word Tassel is one of them. The gradual steps of corruption and change from the original name indented tassel, which the early French Masons had translated by houpe dentelée to indented tarsel, and sometimes to indented trassel, and then to tassellated border, and finally to the tessellated border, the name which it now bears. The form and the meaning of the symbol are now apparent, The tessellated border as it is called is a cord decorated with tassels that surround the tracing board of an Entered Apprentice, the said tracing board being a representation of the Lodge, and it symbolizes the bond of love - the mystic tie -- which binds the Craft wheresoever dispersed, into one band of brotherhood”
The four tassels, one on each corner remind us of the virtues of, temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice.
I wonder why we spend so much time with toasts at our festive board, can you explain, please?
Just in case you are wondering where the English phrase “toast” comes from, it comes from the practice of floating a piece of burnt bread which we now call toast on top of the wine of the loving cup. The reason for this was that the toast took away some of the acidity of the wine. Back years ago, wine wasn’t as good as it is today, so this floating piece of burnt toast worked well to tone down the sharpness of the wine. It was an ancient custom that was popular during the Roman and Greek times dating as far back as the 6th Century B.C. After the bowl was passed around and shared by all the people, the host would be the last one to drink what was left and this included eating the wine saturated piece of toast. This was always done in honour of the guests. All drinking from the one cup made it less likely that the wine was poisoned.
When the wine was served in individual containers/glasses clinking the glasses together allows the wine to spill into each other’s glasses, the fear of poisoning was very real in those times.
There are lots of ways that toasts were done in ancient history, but the main point was that it was an offering from man to his Deity (God). Throughout history, man has always expressed his highest honours to the Deity in the form of a drink and the
offering of toasts. Maybe the Christian Communication started this way!
At our festive boards, we are toasting to show respect to our leaders, this is why we have so many toasts.
Why do the deacons have to carry a stick with them all the time?
Hi, the stick is a wand which I hope you would have heard them called at your lodge.
Why do the Deacons carry a staff/wand? Well, we know that they use them to form an arch over a visiting Grand officer when escorting him into the lodge, but what other uses are there.
When a candidate is taking his obligation the wands form a square above him, so he is taking the obligation under a square. It has been suggested that the wands be left behind when doing some work as they just get in the way. But everything in the masonic ritual has a reason or a hidden meaning that we have to learn to understand and why we do the things we do in our ceremonial work.
The word Asherah is the name given to a wooden staff, approx. 1.8 M in length which was carried by the attendants to the high priests in ancient times and was the insignia of their office. The wooden staffs were named for the Goddess Asherah who was the mother of twins Shahar, the god of dawn or the morning star and Shalem, Sharlim or Salim as the god of dusk or the evening star. Among biblical scholars and differing religious sects, the word Asherah means different things depending on their particular bias. Here I will use it as a staff/wand.
The word deacon is a derivation from a Greek word that in translation means attendant. So two deacons with wands are the equivalent of two attendants with Asherah.
In the F D TB lecture, it states that a masonic lodge is situated due east and west. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Remember Shahar and Shalem the Gods of dawn and dusk, sunrise/sunset, there is a connection there.
The tabernacle of Moses and the temple of Solomon were also situated due East and West. We’ll take the tabernacle of Moses because he and his followers were always on the move, and it provides a great example of the use of the Asherah. All holy or sacred buildings at that time were situated due east and west and the tabernacle of Moses was no different except that Moses and his followers were on the move for 40 years. So the tabernacle, which was, of course, a tent, had to be dismantled and re-erected every time they moved, and at the rebuilding, it had to be situated due east and west.
So Moses and his two attendants, complete with Asherah, would go to the chosen site where the tabernacle was to be erected just before dawn, accompanied by the workmen who were going to do the erecting. Moses would then choose the spot where the altar was to be and instruct one of the attendants to place his Asherah on that spot. When the sun rose above the horizon, the rays of the sun would strike the Asherah and send a long thin shadow towards the west. The other attendant would then place his Asherah on the other end of the shadow and that would designate the centre line of the proposed tabernacle. The workmen would then move in and erect the tabernacle with the altar at the east end and the entrance at the west end, the magnetic compass had not been invented at that time so all holy and sacred buildings had to be set out with the aid of two Asherah and K.S. temple was no different.
And so, the Asherah, being the very first tool or implement to be made use of at the building of the temple makes them of extreme importance from a masonic point of view, and as such should be carried at all times as the insignia of the office of the deacons and in particular when conducting a candidate. And that brother is why the deacons carry wands.
Note:- We have run out of room to answer your other questions which we will look at next issue, however, keep the questions coming, sent to Masonic Mentor via Editor at harvey@uglq.org.au
District Grand Lodge of Carpentaria
– The year 2021/22
By RW Bro Raja Chohan, District Grand Master
My term as District Grand Master for the District of Carpentaria commenced towards the end of May 2021, when many of the COVID restrictions were removed and all the 21 Lodges within the District had received their COVID Safety Roadmap. The number of Lodges in the District has been reduced to twenty with Atherton-Duke of Connaught Lodge handing in their warrant at the end of 2021.
During the second half of the year 2021, all Lodges within the District returned to holding regular meetings. Over the past 12 months, 18 Lodges conducted their Installation/Proclamation Ceremonies with two Lodges not being able to hold these ceremonies due to COVID restrictions or infections within the Lodge membership.
A total of nine new members were welcomed to our wonderful fraternity in the district during the past 12 months while seven members within the district were honoured with Jewels for their good work and/or dedication to their Lodges and Freemasonry in general (one 70-year jewel, two 60-year jewels, two 50 Year jewels and two 30 year distinguished service jewels).
All the events mentioned above (Installations/Proclamations, Initiation Ceremonies and Jewel Presentations) were attended by a District Grand Team with me or the Deputy District Grand Master, VW Bro Dave Scott, being in attendance except on two occasions when a Past District Grand Master attended as representative.
In the past at least two or three ANZAC services have been held each year in the district but unfortunately due to COVID and a few other factors, only one ANZAC service was held in
the district, that being conducted by Tully-Tyson Lodge. At this service, I had the pleasure of presenting a young lady with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Grand Master and a Broach for having played the bugle at the Tully-Tyson Lodge ANZAC services for the past 14 years.
During the past 12 months, the District Grand Lodge of Carpentaria has held four Quarterly Communication meetings, in June, September, December and March as required under Article 139 of the Constitution. In the past, these meetings have always been held on Friday nights and a change has now been made to hold them on Saturday afternoons. In keeping with my theme of Masonic education, I have instigated the presentation of a short lecture on a Masonic topic at the Quarterly Communication meetings whenever practicable. At the last Quarterly Communication meeting held on Saturday, 25 June 2022 the District Grand Proclamation Ceremony and Investiture of District Grand Officers took place.
The Carpentaria District Grand Board of General Purposes has held regular meetings during the past 12 months focussing on the operations of the district, management of finances, ceremonial work within the district and upkeep of Masonic buildings that are in control of the Board. A planning session to update the strategic and business plan of the district took place. The standout issues at present are membership, finances, and lodge buildings.
The actual membership in the district, without counting the dual membership, is currently 275. The declining membership has been an issue for a while now as it would seem to be the case for similar organisations worldwide. Focus here has centred on promotion to attract new members and better management of the website and retention of members through better meetings with Masonic education being a feature of meetings and social events.
About Lodge buildings, from Tully in the south to Mossman in the north and Georgetown out west, there are currently a total of 11 Lodge buildings. In addition to this, one Lodge is currently renting the building that it previously owned for its’ meetings. While most of the buildings located in the various townships in the district still have a role to play, there is an urgent need to establish an appropriate Masonic Centre in or close to the Cairns City area. The Board of General Purposes, in conjunction with a couple of Lodges currently owning buildings, is currently looking at options in this regard.
Matters relating to charity in the district are in the hands of the Carpentaria District Grand Board of Benevolence. The Board is always available for assistance to Aged Masons, Widows and Orphans and of note is the valuable assistance provided in the last 12 months to a brother to move into a retirement village and assistance provided to a widow for relocation following the passing of her partner.
In the future, there are a couple of very important events coming up, with Barrine Lodge and Ravenshoe Lodge, both located on the Atherton Tablelands, celebrating their centenary towards the end of October and we certainly look forward to these events.
In the main, the state of Freemasonry in the District of Carpentaria is good with all lodges carrying out the grand principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. There are certainly some lodges in the district that are struggling in terms of numbers and not being able to carry out ceremonial work without assistance from other Lodges. Some Lodges seriously need to think about their future to take appropriate steps now rather than leaving things to drift along until it is all too late.
My focus remains on urging Lodges to support each other, particularly for important events such as Installations/Proclamations, degree workings particularly Initiation Ceremonies to welcome a new member to our wonderful fraternity and on occasions such as Jewel presentations to recognize the good work, dedication, and achievement by a brother. I will also continue to focus on my other agenda item of Masonic Education at every opportunity so that candidates are better informed about the degree workings they have been through and short lectures on the symbolism that we regularly see within our Lodge rooms but simply take for granted.
RW Bro Raja Chohan District Grand Master District Grand Lodge of Carpentaria
Grand Proclamation 2022
The District Grand Lodge of Carpentaria held its District Grand Proclamation in Gordonvale Masonic Centre on Saturday the 25th of June 2022 to install the sitting District Grand Master, RWBro Raja Chohan into the chair of King Solomon for the term 2022 – 2023.
Supported by the District Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of North Queensland RWBro John Playford and District Grand Officers from both Districts Brethren and Ladies enjoyed a ceremony of Proclamation for the newly proclaimed District Grand Officers which was followed by a Luncheon.
Did you know .. Masonic Symbolism
When the great Obelisk of Alexandria (Cleopatra’s Needle) was moved to New York in 1880, there were discovered certain emblems on the original foundation and pedestal. One is clearly a square, causing some to conclude that Masonry existed in ancient Egypt. This issue is still open to debate.
However, in reality, Freemasonry started being illustrated by symbols because at the very beginning, most Freemasons were illiterate, so the symbols served to remind the members of the teachings of the Fraternity.
The oldest Masonic symbol is the square and compasses. It is also the most universally recognized symbol of Freemasonry, even though its exact significance varies in different countries. The square usually symbolizes morality while the compasses symbolize wisdom of conduct. Together they mostly symbolize the harmony and perfection experienced when one lives in honesty and follows the path of right.
The term “on the level”, used to describe someone who is truthful and honest, was actually derived from Freemasonry, where the level symbolizes being straightforward and truthful.
Montana’s (USA) first livestock brand was the Square and Compasses and is still in use today. It was registered by Poindexter and Orr of Beaverhead County, MT in 1873.
Endeavour Lodge District of Carpentaria
By Lyndon Brandt
Here is some idea of what we at Endeavour Lodge No 26 have been doing. Our brother, WBro Raymond George Stubbins received his 60-YEAR Service Jewel at our Lodge H Meeting held at the Bentley Park Centre on Saturday 23 July 2022.
There was a total of 25 brethren present and the presentation was enhanced by the presence of the District Grand Master RW Bro Raja Chohan who presented the Jewel most ably. The District Grand Master commented that such Presentations were not a regular occurrence and that the good brother should be an example of loyalty and longevity for members of his Lodge and all lodges. It was observed by RW Bro Chohan that WBro Ray was a member of Kin Kin Lodge in the South East and never resigned from his mother lodge instead affiliating with Endeavour Lodge in 2002. Bro Ray has attended Endeavour Lodge since 1988 regularly visiting the lodge when he was relieving at his work at Cooktown and other centres. It is of note that The Endeavour Lodge was the first to obtain a Travelling Warrant and to this date is forever indebted to the generosity of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland for this innovation at the time.
In response, Bro Ray thanked Kin Kin Lodge for their kind thoughts regarding the Jewel as well as The Endeavour Lodge for supporting the presentation. Bro Ray stated that he enjoyed the company and would continue to maintain his Office as Chaplain which he has occupied for some 20 years. Also at this meeting under the guiding hand of WBrother Michael Payne who officiated as Master of The Endeavour Lodge. Brother Philemon Amoa was regularly Initiated into the mysteries and privileges of our wonderful Order. The Ceremony was enhanced by the presence of RW Bro Raja Chohan and his District Grand Team. All in all, it was a very good occasion with several highlights being offered through the presentation of the Degree but the real delight is the joy in receiving a newly initiated brother into membership of The Endeavour Lodge. Bro Philemon responded most positively at the South and was welcomed by all present.
VWor Bro Ken McDonald and his Lodge Officers
Morayfield Lodge Looking Good
The future of Morayfield Lodge No 95 is looking very bright following its installation on 25th June 2022. With the assistance of Brethren from Bribie, Woodford, Tibrogargan, Tynewald and Hopetoun (Kilcoy) Lodges, VWor Bro Ken McDonald was installed into the chair of King Solomon at the Caboolture Masonic Centre. With exception of the IPM and DC, MM’s were installed in all other progressive floor positions.
This is the first time in some eighteen years that the Lodge has been in this fortunate position thus securing its future for many years to come. Although several members were absent on the day an enjoyable ceremony and south were enjoyed by all who were able to attend.
Honour Bestowed
By WorBro Graham Townsend
Here’s a story to warm the heart and it involves our past Grand Master MW bro Paul Holland. Calen-Hamilton Lodge up in Mackay wanted to honour one of its members who had served the lodge and the community for many years. Bro Raymond Alan Braithwaite was initiated in Hamilton Lodge on 20/07/1957 he received his 60-year Jewel in 2018. Ray is widely respected, not only for serving as the Federal Member for Dawson for 21 years but also for his involvement in community organisations throughout his whole life. Known as “Sugar Ray “during his parliamentary years, Ray Braithwaite always put his constituents first. He would be acknowledged by all as honest and decent, and his opinion on any subject is always worth hearing. Ray was also well-known for championing the cause for the South Sea Islanders so much so that it was bandied around Mackay that a new fourth bridge being built over the Pioneer River last year be named in Ray’s honour, Ray being the humble person that he is let the media know strongly that he did not want that honour but to give it to a more deserving descendant of the South Sea Islanders who has done so much for this area. So, the Bridge was called the “Greg Sutherland Bridge “a descendant of the South Sea Islanders in Mackay. Being so involved in his community he did not have the time, to properly serve his lodge in an office so had not been made a master. The lodge applied to the Grand Master to bestow on Bro Ray Braithwaite the rank of Worshipful Master this was done and following his obligation Ray was installed in the chair of Solomon.
District Grand Lodge of North QLD
– The year 2021/22
By RW Bro Raja Chohan, District Grand Master
ANZAC ceremony in Townsville
Townsville AIF Memorial Lodge ANZAC Ceremony
The first half of 2022 has proven without doubt to be a fulfilling period for Freemasonry within North Queensland. Immediately post ANZAC Ceremonies the north was graciously visited by the Grand Master, Grand Master Elect, and their team as they continue their ‘listening tour’ around the State. Whilst the turnout was in the region of 15% of the District one must remain cognizant of the tyranny of distance in north Queensland and commend the likes of VWBro Exelby and his team travelling the hour and a half from Ingham to talk and listen. This was a very rewarding activity for both parties moreover the opportunity to form new and cement old relationships as we travel our journey.
The following day saw the Consecration of 50 Ingham Road vis a well-drilled and eloquent ceremony. This was one of those occasions seldom seen and unlikely to be seen again for some time. Whilst it is always a privilege to observe these ceremonies it must be more so, for those conducting the ceremony itself - well done to the VWBro Jackson (Dist GDC).
Did you know ..
The Masonic Lodge with the highest meeting place on the earth is Roof of the World Lodge No. 1094, of Oroya, Peru. The elevation of the Lodge room in the Andes Mountains is 14,167 above sea level. The closest competitor in the United States is Corinthian Lodge No. 35 in Leadville, Colorado with an elevation of about 10,200 feet.
District Grand Installation of North QLD
RWBro Beresford Whyte. Dist GM
Unrelenting, the next event in North Queensland is the Installation of VWBro John Playford as the new District Grand Master of the Dist GL NQ on 4th June 2022. This will be a prestigious and glamorous affair showcasing the Distract Grand Lodge at its finest. Culminating and celebrated with the Installation banquet being held at the Rydges Ball Room, South Townsville. The untiring work of RWBro Beresford Whyte having seen the transition from Freemasonry’s previous home in Walker Street to its new abode in Ingham Road has set VWBro John Playford, his Deputy VWBro Joel Coleman and the incoming Dist GL Officers for success. Moreover, with a solid platform from which to propel the future of Freemasonry in the northern region of Queensland. Not to let the tempo subside, the Installation will be swiftly followed by the inaugural Dist GL NQ quarterly communication under the new District Grand Master on 11 June 2022. The culmination of a busy year will see the Dist GL NQ, along with several Lodges and Orders, celebrate their Centenary. This will be commemorated with a unique ceremony on 12 November 2022 with more information to follow. Suffice to say that the Dist GL NQ has commissioned a centenary jewel to mark this auspicious occasion based on the ‘original seal’ from the 1922 seal press. Purchasing details will become available in due course through the District Grand Lodge office.
New building is being utilised to the full
Hughenden Masonic Temple consecrated 1886
The transformation for 42 Walker Street to 50 Ingham Road is now a distant memory and the new building is being utilised to the full. It was only on the weekend of 7th May 2022 that the fruition of all this labour came to the fore and pleasing to see both Lodge rooms and two festive board areas being used for two Installations; the Knights Templar Priests and Royal Order of Scotland. Hopefully an indication of things to come and a promising future ahead.
Further afield, Star of the West No 49 consecrated in 1886 conducted a welcoming first-degree ceremony in February. Hughenden being some four to five-hour drive or rather a nine to ten-hour driving round trip from Townsville transpires to a big day when consideration is given to the ‘vintage’ of some of the travellers. Ultimately all credit to the Dist GL NQ ceremonial team for their commitment. Using the District minibus, whilst promoting the Craft ‘out west’ conversely promotes esprit de corps amongst the travellers where a daily advancement in masonic knowledge can cascade in-bounds upon your senses.
Whilst the ceremony, as always passed as a great success, importantly the round trip returned safely to Townsville in the late hours of the night.
Twin Centenaries
On the 26th of November 2022 two lodges on the Atherton Tablelands, Barrine and Ravenshoe will celebrate their 100th year with a combined rededication of their formation. Due to size restrictions, the combined meeting will be held at the Atherton Masonic Centre. Details and contact can be made to their respective secretaries Barrine, Alan Marcic on allenmarcic@bigpond. com and Henry Condon, at h.condon@ bigpond.net.au
Way back in the early 1900s men on the Tablelands had established Lodges in Atherton and 1905 in Mareeba and also in many of the small towns within the area. Applications for warrants by other groups were also made but due to the Great War, many of these did not happen. One such application was for a Lodge at Ravenshoe. A Grand team went by train to conduct the ceremony of consecration first to Barrine then after this on to Ravenshoe the next day Ravenshoe Lodge 297 was consecrated by M.W. Bro. Stumm on Tuesday 31 October 1922, a day after the consecration of Barrine Lodge No. 296 at Yungaburra, the name Condon has been continuously associated with Ravenshoe lodge from the beginning, with application in the early 1900s to today, what a masonic family. For Barrine lodge Bro. R. King intimated that he would donate a piece of stone procured by him when on active service with the Australian troops, which he acquired from the quarries where the material was hewn for the building of King Solomon’s Temple. To be used for the two ashlars for Barrine Lodge. Bro TH Wensley stated that he as Junior Warden at the next regular meeting would give notice of notion re the request to Grand Lodge to form a District with headquarters at Cairns. Many of the names of famous Queensland Freemasons are associated with Atherton Tableland Lodges names like WHJ Mayers, Wensley, Roseblade and Gregory to name a few.
