2016 Masonic Spring Ball by SpringBall

Contents

lived in Plumstead for a few years, just around the corner from Desmain Lodge. Whenever I’d drive to Main Road, I’d pass that block of flats on the corner, and I’d see the large Square and Compasses symbol on the wall. Although I wasn’t yet a Freemason, my father and brother both were – so I knew what that famous symbol represented (if you don’t, turn to page 35). At least, I thought I did. It wasn’t until I became a Freemason myself, and got involved in the Masonic Spring Ball, that I understood what the Square and Compasses really meant (p52) – and what Desmain Lodge really represented. We touch on the history of the Masonic Homes briefly in this magazine (p11). It’s a remarkable and inspiring story of a newly-installed Provincial Grand Master, who had a big vision and who had the tools and fellow labourers he needed to make that vision become a reality. This year, as we see Right Worshipful Brother Tommy Hardiman installed as our new PGM, it’s worth reflecting on that. Desmain Lodge, Andy’s House, Burchell House, Ted’s House and the Masonic Home for Quadriplegics represent good works in action. They represent what can happen when a group of Freemasons use the tools at their disposal. It’s no coincidence that our organisation, which traces its roots back to the stonemasons of old (p21), is still performing meaningful acts of charity by building brickand-mortar structures that provide comfort and shelter to the elderly and infirm people in our communities. We have the tools. We have the labourers. And – as our Masonic Homes prove – we as a Brotherhood in the Southern Division certainly have the vision to build things that last, that mean something, and that make a real difference.

MESSAGES 3 From The Grand Master Van Die Grootmeester 5 From The Provincial Grand Master Van Die Provinsiale Grootmeester 7 From Our Sister Constitutions

Bro Mark van Dijk Masonic Spring Ball Committee

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Spring Ball Convenor RW Bro John Smith OSM Committee MW Bro Geoff Edwards OSM RW Bro Avron Jacobson RW Bro Tommy Hardiman Wor Bro Dennis Benadie Wor Bro Jacques Maritz Bro Mark van Dijk

Special Thanks To

Wor Bro Ray Supra, who sells so many advertisements. Mr Norman Collins, our Spring Ball photographer. Wor Bro Cobis Wilson, our Master of Ceremonies. All the many Brethren, and their partners, who assist us.

–1–

13 21 29 39 43 49

MASONIC INTEREST Freemasonry In South Africa From the first Lodge to today 10 Major Events In Masonic History Milestones in the journey of our Craft Chapters & Degrees A history of Royal Arch Freemasonry in South Africa St John’s Day What does St John the Baptist mean to Freemasonry? Franklin’s Book How Benjamin Franklin lived the teachings of Freemasonry The Name On The Board Who was Bro Douglas Jardine?

24 29 39 41 45

MASONIC THOUGHTS The Meaning Of Brotherly Love Kindness Tolerance Start With Self What We Say

31 33 35 45

ABOUT FREEMASONRY The Three Pillars of Freemasonry Wisdom, Strength & Beauty Symbols of Our Craft The Masonic Bible

9 11 19 26 47

SOUTHERN DIVISION The New Provincial Grand Master Masonic Homes Southern Division Awards Seen At The 2015 Masonic Spring Ball A Masonic Year in Pictures

JOHN SMITH & ASSOCIATES Attorneys with right of appearance in the High Courts of South Africa. Arbitration, mediation, liquidation, all litigation, administration of deceased estates & trusts. Tel: 021 – 461 0065 Fax: 021 – 461 0059 john@smithattorney.co.za

From The Grand Master

Van Die Grootmeester

it is duidelik dat alhoewel Grootmeesters elke paar jaar vervang word, duur die Suidelike Afdeling se jaarlikse Lentedans voort. Die eeste Lentedans is gedurende 1974 gehou, ‘n jaar na die afsterwe van ons eerste Grootmeester, HE Br. Graham Botha. HE Br. Sidney Gasson ODV was toe in die vroeë jare van sy indrukwekkende terwyn as die Grootmeester en sy ondersteuning van hierdie aangeleentheid is wel bekend. Hy en sy sjarmante vrou, Val, het die Lentedans dikwels bygewoon en hulle het ‘n voorbeeld daar gestel wat deur daaropvolgende Grootmeesters gevolg is. Ek is dus bevoorreg om die sewende Grootmeester te wees wat hierdie aangeleentheid kan ondersteun en geniet. Almal hou daarvan om verbind te wees met suksesvolle projekte en die Masonieke Tehuis projek het al ons drome oortref. Ek wonder wat Broeders soos HE. Gasson werklik verwag het en ek kan my verbeel hoe tervrede hulle vandag sou wees met die sukses van hierdie projek. Hierdie sukses kan toegeskryf word aan die geesdrif van die Broeders van die Suidelike Afdeling wat die drome van die Masonieke legendes soos Andy van Niekerk en Geoff Burchell ondersteun het. Hierdie Broeders het ‘n buitengewone voorbeeld gestel wat die ander gevolg het en alhoewel hulle al na hulle ewige tuiste heengegaan het, duur hierdie projek steeds voort. Daar is nou ander en jonger Broeders wat hierdie projek dryf en, alhoewel hulle dikwels min erkenning ontvang vir hulle inspanning, gaan hulle steeds voort met hulle arbeid om die suskes daarvan te verseker. Die hoofdoel van die jaarlikse Lentedans is om fondse in te samel vir hierdie Masonieke Tehuis projek. Die sukses van hierdie aangeleentheid word toegeskryf aan die deursettingsvermoë van die lede van die reëligskomittees oor die jare en die onbaatsugtelike ondersteuning van ons Broeders, hulle families en vriende. Elkeen speel ‘n belangrike rol in ons Masonieke geskiedenis en ek bedank u hartlik vir u aanmoediging en volhoue ondersteuning.

t seems to me that, while Grand Masters come and go, the Southern Division’s Masonic Spring Ball lives on forever. The first Spring Ball was held in 1974, the year after the passing of MW Bro Graham Botha. At the time of its inauguration, MW Bro Sidney Gasson OSM was in the early years of his impressive tenure as Grand Master – and his support of the Masonic Homes initiative is well documented. He and his charming wife Val regularly attended the Ball and they set a trend that has been followed by all the succeeding Grand Masters. I, in fact, am the seventh Grand Master to have had the privilege of enjoying the Ball. The truth is that we all like to associate ourselves with projects that succeed, and the Masonic Homes project really has surpassed all our dreams. I wonder what the likes of MW Bro Gasson really expected and can only imagine how pleased our predecessors must now be. The Masonic Homes project has succeeded because the Brethren of Southern Division bought into the dream outlined by such Masonic legends as Andy van Niekerk and Geoffrey Burchell. The Brethren were inspired by the extraordinary example set by these stalwarts and, even though they are no longer with us, the Masonic Homes project continues to go from strength to strength. New Brethren have stepped forward and, while often receiving little recognition for their efforts, they labour tirelessly in their quest to take us ever forward. The Spring Ball was intended to be the vehicle that raised the necessary funds and it continues to be the biggest Masonic Homes fundraiser each year. It succeeds because of the commitment and efforts of the organisers and the generous support of our Brethren, their families and their friends. Each and every one of you is playing a part in Masonic history and we cannot thank you enough for your encouragement and support.

M W Bro Geoff Edwards OSM Grand Master

H E Bro Geoff Edwards ODW Grootmeester –3–

Onderhouswerk / Loodgieterswerk Warmwatersilinders (Vervang / Herstel) / Riole / Gebarste Pype / Lekkasies. Plaveisel / TĂŤelwerk / Verfwerk / Staalwerk. Herstel van Daklekkasies.

Tel 021 9882895 Sel 083 2610983/4

From The Provincial Grand Master

Van Die Provinsiale Grootmeester

Southern Division

Suidelike Afdeling

s the new Provincial Grand Master of the Southern Division, it is my privilege and pleasure to host this, the 42nd consecutive annual Masonic Spring Ball. This extraordinary achievement is a tribute to all the Freemasons of this Division, as well as those supporters from our sister Divisions, our sister Constitutions and the general public. It was one of my predecessors, RW Bro Andy van Niekerk OSM, who announced at his installation that his goal was to provide affordable accommodation for elderly citizens in need. Assisted by RW Bro Geoff Burchell OSM the Spring Ball was conceived and we can only marvel at the tenacity and determination of those legendary Brethren for the manner in which they set about realising their dreams. Ever since 1974 the Spring Ball has been each year’s major fundraiser in support of the Masonic Homes projects, and the results speak for themselves. As a Division, we are now justifiably proud of our ability to provide comfortable, subsidised accommodation to the elderly and disabled, and we boast Andy’s House in Bothasig, Burchell House in Bergvliet, Ted’s House in Rondebosch East, Desmain Lodge in Plumstead and the Masonic Home for Quadriplegics in Durbanville. Increasing costs inevitably present us with very real financial challenges. The annual Spring Ball plays a vital role in alleviating some of these and helps us to maintain our Homes in pristine condition. With this thought in mind, your generous support this evening is much appreciated and makes a very real difference to many lives. While we all continue to work tirelessly for the benefit of those less fortunate members of our community, little can be as rewarding as success and enjoyment combined - and that is what the Masonic Spring Ball encapsulates. My sincere thanks go to everyone who has supported and continues to support this annual Ball. It is because of you that we, as Freemasons, can continue this work. I trust you will all enjoy the evening with us.

s die pas bevestigde Provinsiale Grootmeester is dit my eer en voorreg om as u gasheer by hierdie, ons 42ste opeenvolgende jaarlikse Masonieke Lentedans, op te tree. Hierdie buitengewone prestasie kan toegeskyf word aan die onbaatsugtelike ondersteuning van die Vrymesselaars in hierdie Suidelike Afdeling sowel as aan dié van ons Suster Afdelings, die Suster Grootmagte en die algemene publiek. Een van my voorgangers, SV Br. Andy van Niekerk ODV, het by sy bevestiging aangekondig dat dit sy doel was om bekostigbare behuising vir behoefdigde, bejaarde persone te voorsien. Hy is bygestaan deur, onder andere, SV Br. Geoff Burchell ODV en die eerste Lentedans is gehou om fondse in te samel vir die Masonieke Tehuise projek. Sedert 1974 is die Lentedans jaarliks vir hierdie doel gehou en ons kan ons verwonder aan die vasberadenheid van hierdie legendariese broeders in hulle stewe om hierdie doelwit te bereik. Die Suidelike Afdeling is vandag trots op ons vermoë om gemaklike en bekostigbare behuising vir sekere bejaarde en gebreklike persone te kan voorsien. Daar is Andy se Huis in Bothasig, die Burchell Huis in Bergvliet, Ted se Huis in Rondebos, die Desmain Lodge in Plumstead en die Masonieke Tehuis vir persone met fisiese gebreke in Durbanville. Gedurige en stygende onkoste is egter ‘n groot uitdaging. Die geld wat ingesamel word by en deur die jaarlikse Lentedans help met die instandhouding van hierdie persele. U onbaatsugtelike geldelike bydraes sal dus ‘n werklike verskil aan die lewens van vele persone maak. Terwyl ons nog altyd streef om die lewens van diegene wat minder bevoorreg as ons is te verbeter, is die Lentedans egter ‘n beeld van genotvolle sukses. Ek wil dus almal wat hierdie Lentedans ondersteun het hartlik daarvoor bedank en ek vetrou dat u die aand met ons sal geniet.

RW Bro Tommy Hardiman Provincial Grand Master

S V Br Tommy Hardiman Provinsiale Grootmeester –5–

Messages From Our Sister Constitutions English Constitution

o all the Brethren of the Grand Lodge of South Africa - Southern Division, I bring you sincere and fraternal greetings from the United Grand Lodge of England, South Africa Western Division on the occasion of your 42nd Spring Ball. It would certainly be remiss of me if I did not take this opportunity to thank RW Bro Avron Jacobson for the camaraderie we have shared during his time as your Provincial Grand Master, and to offer my sincere congratulating to RW Bro Tommy Hardiman on his appointment to that office. We very much look forward to working with him during this very positive and exciting time in the history of Freemasonry in our country.

RW Bro Jim Duggan District Grand Master

Irish Constitution

Scottish Constitution

t is my pleasure and my privilege to write a massage of support for your Spring Ball Magazine. The annual Spring Ball is a highlight in the Western Cape Masonic Social Calendar. The function epitomizes the true spirit of our Craft – the noble cause of sharing with others and its all-important objective of raising funds for the Masonic Homes. On behalf of all Irish Freemasons in the Southern Cape Province, I wish to extend our best wishes to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Southern Africa (Southern Division). We have every confidence that the function will be as successful as it has been in years gone by. May we continue to maintain our Order so that it will become a greater influence for the good of our Community, our Country and our World.

t is again my privilege and pleasure to bring to the Grand Lodge of South Africa’s Southern Division, the fraternal greetings of the Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope District of the Grand Lodge of Scotland on the occasion of their 42nd annual Spring Ball. As Freemasonry continues to be the symbol for all that is good, honest and decent, we the modern Freemasons look to all the Constitutions to ensure that we continue our charitable work, and that the principles of our craft are maintained and upheld at all times. On behalf of the Brethren of the Scottish Constitution we thank all the Brethren who labour year after year to make the Spring Ball a success.

Bro Charles Smith RW District Grand Master

RW Bro Gordon Bergh Provincial Grand Master –7–

The New Provincial Grand Master

On the morning of Saturday 20 August 2016, RW Bro Tommy Hardiman was installed as the Southern Division’s 34th Provincial Grand Master. Most Worshipful Bro Geoff Edwards OSM

ommy Hardiman was born in Bloemfontein on 2 July 1964. He moved to Durban at a young age and spent his high school years at Queensburgh Boys’. While he describes himself as an average student, Tommy excelled at sport and did particularly well at rugby and cricket. After completing his school years, Tommy reported for his compulsory two years’ military service and, after one year and one border tour he volunteered for special forces. A broken ankle resulted in him being transferred to the first ever naval intake of marines, and after another border tour he was stationed in East London. Tommy’s sporting activities continued and he was duly selected as a fast bowler for the Border Currie Cup side. He spent four memorable years between 1986 and 1990 playing professional cricket in both South Africa and, during the local close season, in the Yorkshire League in England. Having completed his professional sporting life, Tommy moved into sales and has been a self-employed sales executive ever since. He started his own manufacturing business in 1999 and has enjoyed the ups and downs that naturally come as part of the package. As far as his family ties are concerned, Tommy has two daughters who he spends a great deal of his time with and is extremely proud of. Isabella is aged 10 years and Madison is 7. Tommy describes them as having totally contradictory personalities. Bella is the good girl who Tommy has no doubt will go to heaven – and then there’s Maddie, who has enough personality for three people! Tommy owns a home in Durbanville and the girls spend an equal amount of time with both Tommy and their Mom. Tommy had been fascinated by Freemasonry for some time before making an enquiry through the internet in early 2010. Shortly thereafter he was initiated as a member of Lodge Westerford and his rise has been a meteoric and impressive one. From the outset, he bought into the Masonic principles being promoted and is now more convinced than ever that Freemasonry has a real role to play in the modern world. He enjoyed the demands of the ritual work and quickly became unusually good at it. He much appreciated the Brotherly interaction, and his very effective interpersonal skills make him a sought after and well liked member of the team. MW Bro Ronnie Bauser OSM always used to lament that we had too many members who had been with us for 25 years but only had one year’s experience. Tommy is exactly the opposite. Despite being young in Masonic years, his willingness to assist

other Lodges and to get involved in almost everything happening in the Division has given him experience way beyond his time spent. He had two extremely successful years as Master of Lodge Westerford, during which the Lodge won almost every trophy available – and he has continued to impress at Provincial level. He is like a Masonic sponge when it comes to acquiring new skills, and earns the respect and support of his peers due to the manner in which he conducts himself. I have no doubt that he will continue to succeed in his new and very demanding role. Outside of Freemasonry and his family, Tommy has enjoyed a long-time love affair with Superbikes and has owned and ridden them since he was 16 years old. He enjoys socialising and spending quality time with his friends. It will also come as no surprise to learn that he competed in the South African body building championships on two occasions.

–9–

Masonic Homes

For Seniors & Quadriplegics

The Masonic Spring Ball is the primary fund-raiser for the Masonic Homes. Here is a closer look at the properties you’re supporting – and the lives you’re helping to change.

n 1974, RW Bro Andy van Niekerk OSM was appointed as Provincial Grand Master, Southern Division. In his installation address, he announced his vision to provide homes for seniors in need. Now, some four decades later and thanks to years of tireless hard work by dozens of Freemasons like RW Bro Geoff Burchell OSM, that vision is a reality. Today, we own a block of flats for retired couples, three communal houses for retired single people and a communal home for quadriplegics. These properties are managed by Masonic Homes NPC, with the annual Masonic Spring Ball serving as the primary fund-raising event.

The Masonic Home for Quadriplegics

Desmain Lodge Our flagship property, this block of 13 flats in Plumstead, has become a Main Road landmark. The project is now managed by RW Bro Brian Rossouw, who is ably assisted by a Resident’s House Committee.

Geoffrey Burchell House

This specially equipped home caters for seven quadriplegics and two staff. GLSA Southern Division is fully responsible for the house itself, while the Quadriplegic Association (QASA) takes care of managing the project.

This property in Bergvliet was our first Masonic Abbeyfield Home, and it set the standard for our future efforts. This Home is under the management of Mike Burchell and caters for the needs of eight residents.

Ted’s House

Andy van Niekerk House

Our second Masonic Abbeyfield Home, located in Rondebosch East, is managed by Lodge Hiram under the chairmanship of Ronnie Smith. It houses seven residents.

Our newest venture opened in March 2010. Located in Bothasig, this property is our first Home for Seniors in the northern suburbs. It is managed by Swenny Crofton and caters for eight senior citizens.

– 11 –

Freemasonry In

South Africa

Key elements in the history of the Grand Lodge of South Africa (GLSA), from the formation of the first Lodge, through the building of the De Goede Hoop Temple, to where we are today, with five Constitutions working together in Fraternal harmony. Most Worshipful Bro Geoff Edwards OSM

t was under the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands that Lodge de Goede Hoop was consecrated in 1772, and the Netherlandic constitution remained a part of Masonic life in the Cape of Good Hope and South Africa for 189 years. Indeed, nearly all of the Lodges now operating under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of South Africa were consecrated during this time, and many of the “superheroes” of South African Freemasonry made their enormous contributions as Netherlandic Masons. Abraham van der Weyde, a ship’s Captain and senior officer in the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands, was instrumental in initiating the formation of our first Lodge, while Abraham Chiron was the first Presiding Master. Van der Weyde, incidentally, met with an untimely death when during a fall-out with one Captain Philip Cassel they “crossed swords” and Van der Weyde died of his wounds. This was nine months after inaugurating Lodge de Goede Hoop, and might have resulted in what was, in all possibility, the first Masonic funeral at the Cape. During the first nine years of its existence, the Lodge initiated 140 new members, nearly all of whom were seafarers. Circumstances at the time then saw England and the Netherlands at war, resulting in a dramatic reduction in ships passing through the Cape. Inevitably, this created a problem for a Lodge with no settled membership and, as a result, they had to return their charter in 1781. In 1790 the Lodge recommenced its Labours, this time focusing on attracting permanent residents as its members. Francois Duminy, who is described as having “intense Masonic fervour”, had a major influence on the Lodge’s progress during this phase and would inevitably have played a part in the decision to acquire the garden “Domburg” and erect

on it the world renowned Temple in which we still have the privilege of assembling.

n early 1800, the Brethren of Lodge de Goede Hoop (consecrated 2 May 1772) decided to build a Temple to meet their ongoing needs. They duly purchased the property Domberg and set about developing what is the oldest active Masonic Temple in the Southern Hemisphere. All of the work was performed by Brethren who belonged to the Lodge. As Architect they had Louis-Michel Thibault, who was the Government Architect and much respected for his work around Cape Town. He was assisted by Anton Anreith as Sculptor and Hermann Schutte as Builder. The Brethren decided to build a structure of some magnificence, to the exact dimensions of the inner sanctum of King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple was consecrated on 7 July 1803. The whole de Goede Hoop complex is now a National Monument and some of the original features worth drawing your attention to include the Thibault gateway and the three remaining Anreith statues, being Silence, Hiram Abiff and Grief. In 1892, a major fire occurred in the area surrounding the Temple. Burning embers landed on the de Goede Hoop roof and, as a result, the whole of the interior of the main Temple was destroyed. This included several Anreith statues but, fortunately, the outer rooms were not affected, and the treasures in them were saved. After the fire, the Brethren set about rebuilding the Temple and, in the late 1800s, the statues of Wisdom (Athena), Strength (Hercules) and Beauty (Venus) were imported from a European supplier and installed in the refurbished Temple.

– 13 –

You will also find various original art works, such as paintings of the Masonic legends Sir Christoffel Brand and CS Silberbauer, who were both Deputy Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands, and of Lt Col Graham Botha, first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of South Africa. Over the years the grounds of the Temple, now a car park, had been used as a vegetable garden, a mini golf course,

Exterior of the De Goede Hoop Temple in 1802

an outdoor concert venue and for various other social activities. In their centre, you will find the Fountain of Hope, which was erected in the second half of the 19th century. If you stand facing the Temple and look to your right you will observe an imposing building just over the boundary wall. This is the Good Hope Hall which was built in 1893 to replace the Lodge’s Society Rooms which had been destroyed in the fire. The Lodge sold this building to the Government in 1915 and it has subsequently been used for such activities as a theatre and as a home for the President’s Council. The original Society Rooms and Banqueting Hall had great historical value

and were used in 1854 for the inaugural meeting of the first Cape Parliament. Nowadays, of course, the Temple complex is alongside Tuinhuis (the President of South Africa’s chambers) and the Houses of Parliament. The whole complex, even including the large tree alongside the fountain, has been declared a National Monument. The Temple is approached through a splendid arch, designed by the architect Louis Thibault, and stands at the head of a large courtyard. Originally, this courtyard was a garden, but it is now a parking area used by Parliamentary staff during the day and by the Brethren in the evenings and over weekends. In the courtyard’s centre is the

ONE COUNTRY, FIVE CONSTITUTIONS

outh Africa stands in an unusual position in regard to Freemasonry, for no less than five constitutions are at work, namely South African (formerly Netherlandic), English, Scottish, Irish and Netherlandic. It is certainly to the credit of the Craft that they all work together in peace and harmony, illustrating their common origin. The first permanent English Lodge in South Africa was the British Lodge, #334, which was warranted by the Grand Lodge of England (Moderns) in 1811 and consecrated the following year. Looking back, Lodge de Goede Hoop seems to have been interested in one way or another with the establishment of all the early Lodges in Cape Town. In fact, many of its members formed a good part of the foundation members of such Lodges. Sir Johan Truter, DGM of the Netherlands, officiated in the consecration of and installed the first Master of the British Lodge. The British Lodge is the Mother Lodge of English Freemasonry in South

historic Fountain of Hope, dating back to the 1800s.

n South Africa the different Constitutions have very strong relationships – and always have had! It was because of this that the GLSA was formed. It all came about in the early 1960s. Our Lodges were, at the time, part of the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands who, in the aftermath of World War II, sought to regularise the relationships within a group of European Grand Lodges. This group was popularly known as the Luxemburg Convention and MW Bro Davidson, the Grand Master of the

Africa and between it and De Goede Hoop there has always been a close relationship. They have maintained the true Masonic spirit of love and harmony and have shown that even in the early days when their members spoke different languages and were drawn from two nations which helped to weld together this great country, they could work together, forgetting their differences and building up the Royal Art of Masonry. In 1860, the Scottish Constitution arrived in South Africa when the Southern Cross Lodge, #398, was constituted in the de Goede Hoop Temple by Sir Christoffel Brand, DGM Netherlandic Constitution. Once again, the Lodge drew many of its founders from members or initiates of De Goede Hoop. The first Irish Lodge, St Patricks, #199, was constituted in 1897 by the Netherlandic Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Charles Lewis. Thus, the consecration and installation of the first Lodges of each of the three sister constitutions in South Africa was conducted by DGMs and a PGM of the Netherlandic Constitution, all of whom were initiates of the Lodge de Goede Hoop.

– 15 –

Exterior of the De Goede Hoop Temple in 2012.

Netherlands, was their spokesman. A problem arose when France’s interpretations of the basic Masonic landmarks did not, in the United Grand Lodge of England’s opinion, give proper recognition to the three great lights or pay suitable reverence to a Supreme Being or the Volume of Sacred Law. The whole situation was complicated by some most unfortunate comments made by Davidson and his apparent willingness to recognise France. It quickly became apparent that, should Netherlands give formal recognition to France, there was a very real chance of the United Grand Lodge of England suspending their recognition of the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands. As far as the Netherlandic Lodges in South Africa were concerned, this would have been disastrous. In South Africa the four Constitutions worked extremely closely and many of the Freemasons active at the time were members of more than a single Constitution. Any suspension of the Netherlands would automatically include their South African Lodges – and this simply wasn’t an acceptable scenario. In an exchange of letters between Davidson and RW Bro Graham Botha, who was then the Deputy Grand Master of the Netherlands, Davidson acknowledged the very close relationships which existed between the Constitutions in South Africa and suggested that it might be appropriate for the Netherlandic Lodges in South Africa to form their own independent

Grand Lodge. Botha and his two Provincial Grand Masters, Chris de Wet and Eddie Conradie, made their way to Europe where they met with all the relevant players and got the support of the home Grand Lodges to pursue the establishment of the Grand Lodge of South Africa. While the initiative inevitably met with some resistance from a number of South African based Lodges, the principle was finally carried and work began on preparing for the consecration. With certain defined conditions in place, the support of the sister constitutions was secured and they then played a leading role in launching the new Grand Lodge. As an example, RW Bro Thomas Cranstoun-Day, the long-serving Cape Town-based District Grand Master of the English Constitution, played a significant role in the drafting of the new Grand Lodge’s Constitution. The Grand Lodge of South Africa was formally consecrated on 22 April 1961 in the Cape Town City Hall. Lt-Col Graham Botha was the fist Grand Master, Christiaan de Wet the Deputy and Eddie Conradie the Assistant. Ironically, Davidson resigned in the midst of all the upheaval and the threatened suspension by the Home Grand Lodges was never implemented. In South Africa, however, the process was far too advanced and the consecration of the Grand Lodge of South Africa went ahead as planned.

– 17 –

aving become an independent and sovereign Grand Lodge the Grand Lodge of South Africa found itself in a somewhat unique position in South African Freemasonry. While they were committed to maintaining the very close ties with the local sister constitutions, they simply had no international partner to whom they had to report. They were, of course, able to appoint their own Grand Master and Grand Lodge Officers, build their own Grand Lodge structures and set their own basic operating strategies. Inevitably, it also had a very real impact on their African and international relationships and various efforts by the presiding Grand Masters from time to time saw us gaining an ever stronger footing in world Freemasonry. 2011 was, of course, the 50th year of the Grand Lodge of South Africa’s existence. It was decided to put a great deal of effort into celebrating this milestone and the result was an overwhelming success. The celebrations were held in Cape Town and were attended by 24 Grand Lodges represented by a number of Grand Masters and a total of more than 100 visitors. These included most of the African Lodges, all of our local sister constitutions and several other Grand Lodges from Europe, Asia and Australia. These fraternal relationships have continued to be strengthened and we regularly visit other Grand Lodges in Africa, Europe and around the world.

Ever had that feeling that your IT companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff is from another planet?

Southern Division Awards Each year, at the Masters, Wardens, Secretaries and Treasurers meeting, the Provincial Grand Master hands out trophies to the Lodges who have excelled above all others. 2016 was no exception. This year’s winners were: Lodge of the Year: de Goede Hoop Ritual Lodge: Westerford

Charity Lodge: Jacob de Mist Emerging Lodge: de Goede Verwachting

Wor Bro Frank Begot (de Goede Hoop) with RW Bro Avron Jacobson

Wor Bro Lafraz Moolman (Jacob de Mist) with RW Bro Avron Jacobson

Wor Bro Tommy Hardiman (Westerford) with RW Bro Avron Jacobson

Wor Bro Jacques Maritz (de Goede Verwachting) with RW Bro Avron Jacobson

Wor Bro Tommy Hardiman, Wor Bro Frank Begot, RW Bro Avron Jacobson, Wor Bro Jacques Maritz, Wor Bro Lafraz Moolman

– 19 –

2016 Spring Ball Photographs available at http://goo.gl/NlBp5C Password: Spring Ball 082 921 0039

ncphoto@mweb.co.za

www.ncphoto.co.za

Freemasonry originated when ancient stone masons met to share and protect the secrets of their trade. The creation of lodges, on the other hand, only came to existence during the Middle Ages, as Freemasonry continued to grow and develop throughout the years. In this article are grouped together 10 of the most relevant events in the history of Freemasonry, which have helped the Craft develop to what it is today. Sourced from the Internet

1390

The oldest known Masonic text, “The Halliwell Manuscript” or “Regius Poem”, is said to have been written somewhere between 1390 and the beginning of the 15th century. This text begins with a history of the Craft, starting with Euclid’s invention of geometry in ancient Egypt. The text, written in poetic form, is also the earliest Masonic manuscript containing charges. The introduction is followed by a set of rules of conduct for a Master Mason, thus giving us an insight of the moral behaviour expected by Masons at the time.

1646

The first documented initiation of an English Freemason. Elias Ashmole, a chemist and antiquarian, recorded the proceedings of his initiation in his diary, where he used to write notes about his life with the intention of writing an autobiography. This is the first evidence known of the making of a speculative Mason, and the first one to be

Major Events In Masonic History recorded in writing. Elias Ashmole is not the first speculative Mason in history, but he is the first one who recorded the proceedings of his initiation in writing (or at least his is the first record that was ever found), and he even took down the names of the other Masons that were present during his initiation. This gives us the first insight of initiations in speculative Freemasonry.

1696

The first recorded ritual is found in the Edinburgh Register House manuscript. Thanks to this record we can imagine what a Masonic ritual in the late 1600s would be like, and it shows the earliest evidence of a two degree system. The third degree first appeared quite a few years later, somewhere between 1723 and 1730, and it spread slowly within the craft until it became part of the Masonic system.

1717

This year marks the formation of the first Grand Lodge in the world and the start of Lodges being governed by Grand Lodges. The first Grand Lodge was formed in London on 24 June 1717. It is today known as the United Grand Lodge of England and governs more than 8 000 Lodges. The Grand Lodge of England is one of the three home Grand Lodges together with the Grand Lodge of Ireland, founded in 1725, and the Grand Lodge of Scotland, founded in 1736. These three home Grand Lodges are known to have started taking Freemasonry overseas to other countries.

1723

In this year an important Masonic writing was published: James Anderson’s Constitutions. Handwritten notes of the constitutions could already be found before this date, but now for the first time these were easily accessible in a small printed book. Anderson’s Constitutions began with a short history of Freemasonry (which, however, is widely considered fictitious), followed by a set of general rules of conduct for a Freemason; i.e. the charges. These were followed by Payne’s Regulations

– 21 –

which dictated rules on how lodges should be governed, which every Grand Master should follow. The final section contains songs which would be used in rituals. Anderson’s Constitutions were reprinted by Benjamin Franklin in 1734, the same year in which he was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. He was also responsible for the printing of the first article about Freemasonry in North America, which he had published in “The Pennsylvania Gazette” four years earlier, in December 1730. The Constitutions kept on being modified in the following years even until 1815, when the Grand Lodge of England changed slightly the part where Anderson wrote about a Freemason’s religion. While Anderson’s original Constitutions said that “a stupid Atheist” and “an irreligious libertine” can never be Freemasons, the Grand Lodge of England modified this and wrote that it doesn’t matter what religion one follows as long as “he believes in the glorious Architect of Heaven and Earth, and practices the sacred duties of morality”. This is still relevant to Freemasons today.

1751

This year marks the division between the ‘Antients’ and the ‘Moderns’, which lasted

Interested Master Masons should direct their enquiries to: Scribe Ezra – Most Excellent Companion Geoff Edwards Phone – 021 762 5659 email – edwardsg@mweb.co.za

THE REGIUS POEM RW Bro Brian Rossouw 63 years. It started when a Grand Lodge of Irish Masons arrived in London stating that the original Grand Lodge had changed; thus calling it one of the “Moderns” while calling themselves the “Antients” as they had not made any innovations, unlike the Grand Lodge of London, they claimed. This division also spread abroad and lasted for about 63 years with the “Modern” and the “Antient” lodges not considering each other regular lodges.

Late 1700s

This was the beginning of the Enlightenment, and Freemasonry was one of the main organisations active in promoting its beliefs. The Enlightenment was intent on freeing the human consciousness, thus it is not difficult to relate it to Freemasonry. The Enlightenment put an emphasis on reason as opposed to ignorance, believed in the freedom and dignity of the individual and promoted the sharing of one’s thoughts and intelligence with others. Freemasonry shared most of its ideals with the ideals of the Enlightenment, and was one of the organisations responsible for its start, while also playing an active part in leading it to its success. Many Enlightenment philosophers were Freemasons, or became Freemasons later in life – like Voltaire (below), who is one of the intellectuals credited with starting the Enlightenment.

1813

The English Grand Lodges reunited after almost 63 years of being divided into ‘Moderns’ and ‘Antients’. The unification process started in 1809 by the Grand Lodge of England and was finally completed on 27 December 1813 after four years of negotiation. The two Grand Lodges formed the United Grand Lodge of England. The emblems, procedures, rituals, etc became the same for every lodge as they all became one.

1826

The year of the Morgan Affair. William Morgan had threatened to write a book revealing the secrets of the Freemasons and in 1826 he disappeared from Batavia, New York. What really happened to him is still a mystery, but Freemasons were blamed for his disappearance and this led to the formation of many anti-Masonic groups in New York and across the United States. Many Masons left the Craft as a result. Before the Morgan Affair the Grand Lodge of New York governed 227 lodges; a few years after the Morgan Affair only 41 were left. However, Freemasonry in the United States soon tripled, and by the end of the 1850s there were more than 5 000 lodges with over 200 000 Masons.

1992

The first meeting of Grand Lodges recorded by cameras and broadcasted on television. 1992 marked the 275th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of England; the first Grand Lodge ever formed in the world. This was celebrated on 10 June when almost 13 000 Freemasons and guests met at Earls Court in London. During this celebration the media were present, and for the first time ever a Freemasonic event was shown on television newscasts all over the world.

Obviously, there were many other events which involved Freemasonry throughout all these years and many are still happening today. Possibly, the next grand event will occur in 2017 when the Grand Lodge of England will be celebrating its 300th anniversary. A great feast will be held, with the aim of celebrating the unity of Masons all over the world and portraying the pride of every Freemason of being part of such an organisation.

– 23 –

reemasonry is an ancient Order but the true origins are unknown. We may refer to the builders of King Solomon’s Temple, The Knights Templar and to operative and speculative Masons, but these form just parts of the overall puzzle that reveal the true origins of Freemasonry. Whilst the first formal and detailed Masonic structures date back to 1717 it is worth reflecting on another written word. The Regius Manuscript was composed in the form of a poem by a monk in 1390. The monk based the poem on previous Masonic scripts concerning the proper behaviour of Masons. It was translated from the old English by James Halliwell in 1840 and had been donated to the British Museum in 1757 by King George II. An extract of the Regius Poem reads as follows: “Furthermore yet that ordained he, Master called so should he be; So that he were most worshipped, then should he be so called. The Master has been the focal point of The Order, non-higher than the Worshipful Master. The Presiding Master so ordained is destined to lead the Lodge, to fulfill the passage of continuation and to be placed in history. The election of a Master bears the responsibilities entrusted down the centuries to maintain the Order of the Craft and to ensure its survival for centuries to come.” The responsibility passed down this night to the new Master Elect demands faith and trust from him. The future of the Order has been placed on his shoulders. The Regius Manuscript further says: “The Master Mason must be full securely, Both steadfast, trusty and true…”

The Meaning of

THE WHITE LAMBSKIN APRON Here’s a toast to the Lambskin, more ancient by far Than the fleece of pure gold or the eagles of war; ‘Tis an emblem of innocence, nobler to wear Than the Garter of England or order as rare. Let the king wear the purple and point to his crown Which may fall from his brow when his throne tumbles down; But the badge of a Mason has much more to give Than a kingdom so frail that it cannot long live. Let the field-marshal boast of the men he can guide. Of the infantry columns and the heroes that ride; But the White Leather Apron his standard outranks, Since it waves from the East to the Death River banks. ‘Tis the shield of the orphan, the hostage of love; ‘Tis the charter of Faith in the Grand Lodge above; While the high and the low, in its whiteness arrayed, Of one blood and one kin by its magic are made. Kingdoms fall to earth; cities crumble to dust; Men are born to die; swords are made but rust; But the White Leather Apron, through ages passed on. Has survived with the Lodge of Holy St John. So a toast to the Lambskin, which levels, uplifts – To the White Leather Apron, most priceless of gifts, ‘Tis the badge of a Mason, more ancient by far Than the fleece of pure gold or the eagles of war. Franklin W Lee

Brotherly Love We use the word often, but what does “fraternity” really mean? Wor Bro Jacques Maritz

he seven word expression, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”, appears seven times in the Bible. (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; 22:39; Mark 12:31; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). “Thou shalt love” is from Greek αγαπήσεις from άγαπάω (agapao) – to love (in a social or moral sense). “Agape refers to the paternal love of God for man and of man for God but is extended to include a “Brotherly Love” for all humanity. The Hebrew ahev has a slightly wider semantic range than agape. Agape arguably draws on elements from both eros and philia in that it seeks a perfect kind of love that is at once a fondness, a transcending of the particular, and a passion without the necessity of reciprocity. There are several Greek words for “love” that are referred to in Christian circles. Agape (agápe): In the New Testament, agapē is charitable, selfless, altruistic, and unconditional. It is parental love, seen as creating goodness in the world; it is the way God is seen to love humanity, and it is seen as the kind of love that Christians aspire to have for one another. Phileo (philía): Also used in the New Testament, phileo is a human response to something that is found to be delightful. Also known as “Brotherly Love”. Christians believe that to love God with all your heart, mind, and strength and love your neighbour as yourself are the two most important things in life (and the greatest commandment of the Jewish Torah, according to Jesus and the Gospel of Mark 12:28–34). Saint Augustine summarised this when he wrote “Love God, and do as thou wilt”. The Apostle Paul glorified love as the most important virtue. In the famous poem in 1 Corinthians 13, he wrote: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.” The Apostle John wrote, “Dear friends, let us love one another for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7–8) Saint Augustine says that one must be able to decipher the difference between love and lust. Lust, according to Saint Augustine, is an overindulgence, but to love and be loved is what he has sought for his entire life. He even says, “I was in love with love.” Finally, he does fall in love and is loved back, by God. Saint Augustine says the only one who can love you truly and fully is God, because love with a human only allows for flaws such as “jealousy, suspicion, fear, anger, and contention.” According to Saint Augustine, to love God is “to attain the peace which is yours.” (Saint Augustine’s Confessions). Pope Benedict XVI wrote his first encyclical on “God is love.” He said that a human being, created in the image of God, who is love, is able to practise love; to give himself to God and others (agapē) and by receiving and experiencing God’s love in contemplation (éros). This life of love, he writes, is the life of the saints such as Teresa of Calcutta and the Blessed Virgin Mary and is the direction Christians take, when they believe that God loves them. In Christianity the practical definition of love is best summarised by St Thomas Aquinas, who defined love as “to will the good of another”, or desire for another to succeed. This is the explanation of the Christian need to love others, including their enemies. As Thomas Aquinas explains, Christian love is motivated by the need to see others succeed in life. In Masonic terms Brotherly Love is to accept a brother for whom he is, to assist him to better himself, guide him, and be there for him. To look after a Brother’s interest and to promote him as long as he conducts himself honestly, worthily and faithfully towards others, including his fellow Brethren. At the same time the Mason must follow this principal and apply it to all men, to all humankind. Brotherly Love forms the very basis of Masonic life together with Charity (Relief) and Truth (Morality). Not forgetting the tenets of Fortitude, Prudence, Justice and Temperance.

– 24 –

Seen At The 2015 Masonic Spring Ball

Vic Muhlenbeck & Avron Jacobson

Mark & Samantha van Dijk, Michelle & Anthony Hawthorn

Brandon & Marie Topham

Our Master of Ceremonies, Cobis Wilson

Rob Benadie, Keith Joseph, Carol Taylor

Liezl & Keith Hutton

Alf & Chrissie Brรถnner, Dave Duncan, Edelweiss & John Smith, Val & Geoff Edwards

Roxanne Wilke & Sean Stuart

Shane & Anabella Farren

Unathi & Thobani Popo

Lesley & Graham Symons

Shelley & Anthony Mitchell with Val Edwards

Wendy & Charles Smith, Edelweiss & John Smith

Auret & Amanda Weir

Gill Ackerman & Ken Manefeldt

Avron Jacobson & Megan Lentz

Chapters & Degrees A brief history of Royal Arch Freemasonry in South Africa. MEC William (Bill) Prentzler, Past Grand First Principal

he first Royal Arch Chapter was formed in Holland in 1949 following a request by the Grand East of the Netherlands (GEN) to the Grand Royal Arch Chapter in London to do so. Royal Arch Chapters under the English and Scottish Constitutions already existed in South Africa by such date. Certain members of the Lodge Mutual in the Western Cape, which fell under the jurisdiction of the GEN, requested the Provincial Grand Lodge (Southern Division) to submit a request to the GEN during 1950 to form a Royal Arch Chapter in Cape Town. In 1951 the GEN duly granted permission for the formation of Royal Arch Chapters in South Africa under the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Netherlands. The members of Lodge Mutual resolved to form Chapter Mutual and proposed Wor Bros HL Sumner, FV Ryan and J Dommisse as the first MEZ, EH and EJ respectively. A petition to form Chapter Mutual was then prepared and signed by RW Bro JG Rose (Deputy Grand Master), RW Bro CG Botha (Provincial Grand Master, Southern Division) and Wor Bros TA Murray, P Clouts, HL Sumner, FV Ryan, AS Hooper, FH Kenneth–Watts, LH Croxford, JHS Hofmeyer, SD Shargey and HW Gibson. As the Royal Arch Netherlandic rituals were still in the process of being translated, it was resolved that Chapter Mutual would use the rituals of the Scottish Constitution and a request was made to Chapter Southern Cross to borrow their regalia and other equipment until Chapter Mutual could acquire their own.

On 28 May 1953 Chapter Mutual was duly consecrated in the de Goede Hoop temple and Wor Bro HL Sumner was installed as the first MEZ. The ceremony of consecration was performed by MEC JG Rose (Deputy Grand First Principal), assisted by MEC CG Botha (Deputy Grand Second Principal) and other high ranking Royal Arch Freemasons. Chapter Mutual commenced working in the Suburban temple in Rondebosch and soon thereafter Chapter Bellville was formed in the newly consecrated temple in Bellville. Chapter Unie (Bloemfontein) was formed in 1958. The Grand Lodge of Southern Africa was consecrated in 1961 and as a result of discussions between MW Bro CG Botha (Grand Master) and the GEN, Chapters Mutual, Bellville and Unie were eventually removed from the roll of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Netherlands on 30 June 1967 and placed under the jurisdiction of the new Grand Lodge. On 31 August 1968 the members of the Grand Lodge approved the proposal

that the degrees of Mark Master and Excellent Master would be incorporated as preliminary degrees to that of the Royal Arch. On 30 August 1969 the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Africa was consecrated in the de Goede Hoop temple. The consecrating officer was MEC JEA Salem, the District Grand Superintendent of the District Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Rhodesia. MW Bro E Conradie (Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Southern Africa) was installed as the Grand First Principal and he duly invested RW Bro H Dalebout (Provincial Grand Master - Southern Division) as the Pro Grand First Principal. During the next five years several new Chapters were consecrated: • Orange: Rustenberg,1969 • Dromedaris: Durban, 1970 • Johannes Truter: Worcester, 1970 • Eendrag Maak Mag: Johannesburg, 1970 • Koh-I-Nor: Pretoria, 1970 • Fiat Lux: Port Elizabeth, 1971 • De Broederband: Pretoria, 1971 • Royal Protea: East London, 1972 • Horeb: Krugersdorp, 1972 • Witbank: Witbank, 1973 • Fidelity: Johannesburg, 1973 • de Goede Kaap: Cape Town, 1973 Two Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapters were later constituted, being the Southern and the Northern Division. The attendant Orders of the Royal Ark Mariners and the Cryptic Council were later incorporated and are also subject to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Africa.

Kindness

RW Bro Brian Rossouw

indness may be thought of as “morality” in action. Since morality is the contribution of self to society, kindness is the key that unlocks the inner door and makes it possible for a person to enter the lives of others. In all of life’s contacts, our activities in the social, business, or faternal world, there is no commodity of greater value than the simple art of kindness. Our busy advanced era can not blot out its importance, nor can it relegate an act of kindness to an insignificant corner of our lives. In our judgement of others, brutality can never be accepted as even a fair substitute for kindness. We want for ourselves the good things in life. They escape us if we do not contribute the same gifts to

others in the form of courtesy and kindness. Kindness may be directly associated with the intellect, but not necessary from any higher education. The person who has caught the true spirit of religion, whose religion extends to active participation in the lives of others, will express that spirit though he remains silent as to the details of his affiliation. We do not claim that kindness is an exclusively Masonic virtue, but amongst men trained in the study of themselves in relation to others. There is every reason to expect the highest expression of all that is good which will stem forth from the study and application of the teachings of Freemasonry.

– 29 –

The 3 Pillars of

Freemasonry It is the combination of Wisdom, Strength and Beauty that define Freemasonry: the sum of the parts are greater than the whole. VW Bro Keith Hutton

he three pillars of Freemasonry have their origins in classical Greek Architecture – the Ionic, Doric and Corinthian. Their meaning is at the very heart and foundation of Freemasonry: Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. Wisdom to design, Strength to endure and Beauty to adorn. They are what makes our noble Order different and special from any other club or society. Alone they are simple concepts, but combined in Freemasonry they bring us together as a Brotherhood and make us stronger.

Wisdom

Wisdom is not knowledge, but it incorporates knowledge. It is not academic intelligence but it uses intelligence. Wisdom comes from experience absorbed during our journey through life. By trial and error we discover that which works, that which brings better and more lasting results and enables us to achieve our objectives. Wisdom is discernment, it is prudence, it is an inner belief that leads to righteousness and harmony. Wisdom, without its implementation, is useless. It can achieve nothing unless wise discerning thoughts are seen through to their conclusion.

Strength

Strength is energy, power and force. It is the transference of a thought or design into meaningful practice. Strength can and should be a force for good and should be used to the benefit of mankind, but all too often in the past Strength has been misused and has been a force for evil, the history of the world is littered with the abuse of power for selfish gain to the detriment

of the common man. Wisdom is used to harness this strength as a force of good. In Freemasonry as a brotherhood it is the duty of each individual Mason to ensure this occurs.

Beauty

Beauty is pleasing on the eye as it is a perceived perfection and takes many forms. In Freemasonry beauty is a representation of the “Divine” it is a catalyst which changes a thought using strength as a force for good and takes it to a higher level. It uses the teaching of our Order (tolerance, equality, peace, harmony and brotherly love) and combines them, thus ensuring that they are part of the process that will enable a wise thought to be implemented through the power of good for the benefit and good of all, through the inner spirituality in our souls, by a belief in the GAOTU and an understanding that His intentions are good and perfect. In a recent Installation address, concrete was used as an analogy for Freemasonry. Being in the construction industry, my ears pricked up and I listened carefully. I took this analogy and applied Wisdom, Strength and Beauty to it. Concrete is one of mankind’s greatest discoveries. It has been used as a building material for thousands of years. Wisdom, in concrete terms, is the cement, discovered by man. Through trial and error many years ago it was found that burning limestone with clay produced a powder which has unusual strength and adhesive qualities. Strength would be provided by the aggregate and sand. The aggregates are normally either igneous or metamorphic

– 31 –

because of their tensile strength and mixed with sand (usually silicon) which is non cohesive and will react better with the cement. Sand is a fantastic foundation material as long as it can be contained. When sand, aggregate and cement are mixed it leaves a loose pile of stone, sand and cement which is of little use. The addition of Beauty, the divine and miraculous liquid Water, transforms it into the strong, enduring material that is concrete. Water is the most important material on earth. No animal or plant can live without it. Water defies science. Its anomalous properties make it unique. All other materials shrink as they become colder; they become more dense and sink with the less dense and lighter material rising. Water follows this pattern until it reaches 4°C; then it expands and becomes lighter, thus rising. This is why ice floats on water when, as it is colder and should be denser, it should in fact sink. If it did, rivers would freeze from the bottom up and in prolonged cold spells the fish would be killed. Water expands and becomes a vapour at 4°C, the wind picks it up and it rises forming clouds. As the vapour warms up the water falls as rain. A miracle. The most important ingredient on this planet distributes itself, feeding the crops and recycling itself, thus allowing it to be reused. This is how the Divine through the VSL teaches us to be wise and to use our strength as a force for good, benefitting not just the Brethren but the whole world. In construction, sand, aggregate, cement and water are the tools we use to build. In the Craft, we use Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. Alone, each has its power. Together, they create mighty temples.

Wisdom, Strength & Beauty The three “lesser lights” of Freemasonry hold a special and personal relevance. Bro Julian Rees

ince the time I was initiated, I’ve found myself fascinated by the three “lesser lights”. I understand why the three greater lights are the ‘greats’ of Freemasonry. The Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square and Compasses – these are at once the emblems of our ancient Craft and the implements we use for Masonic development. They constitute the true cornerstone of Masonic practice. Yet for me, the three lesser lights have a true fascination, and are more personally relevant. Here’s something which relates to our individual aspiration, our ‘journey’. Here we are talking not about the attributes of the Almighty, nor the strict rules of the morality we obligate ourselves to adhere to. Here we consider the qualities a person needs to have, to develop, or to meditate on, in order successfully and fruitfully to follow his Masonic path. Given all this, and more, which surrounds the three lesser lights, it’s strange that they are passed over so quickly at our initiation. However, the fourth section of the first Emulation lecture dispenses some light: What supports a Freemason’s Lodge? Three great pillars. What are they called? Wisdom, Strength and Beauty Why Wisdom, Strength and Beauty? Wisdom to contrive, Strength to support and Beauty to adorn. Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. These are qualities related to the Grecian orders, which are “suggested by the diversity of form in the human frame”. The Master’s column, the Ionic, representing Wisdom, was created to meet the need for grace

and elegance, which were lacking in the earlier Doric order. The Ionic order was employed in the erection of the temple of the goddess Diana. This column “is formed after the model of a. beautiful young woman, dressed in her hair”, represented by the volutes, those lovely spiral scrolls appended to each side of the capital. The Senior Warden’s (Doric) column, the simplest of the Grecian orders, representing Strength, is in a sense both counterpart and companion to the Ionic. It “has no ornament except mouldings on either base or capital … the composition of this order is both grand and noble. Being formed after the model of a muscular, full-grown man, it ... is principally used in structures where strength and a noble simplicity are required”. The Junior Warden’s (Corinthian) column, representing Beauty, is the most sophisticated of the orders of Grecian origin. It retains the volutes of the Ionic column, adding rows of leaves, and is ten diameters high, giving it more slender and elegant proportions than the others. Paradoxically, this column, adorning the position of the most junior of the three principal officers, is the most graceful, elegant and beautiful of the three. Personally, I find Wisdom hard to apply. So often we say or do something impulsive which, in a cooler moment, after a period of reflection and applying a little wisdom, we might have postponed, or cancelled altogether. We talk about “tempering with wisdom”, as the blacksmith tempers a piece of hard steel to make it more malleable, more amenable. It’s closely allied to, and arises from, a good sense of judgement. The best thing is, working at our own sense of judgement, to nurture wisdom in ourselves. Strength is something else again. Although the allegory, the symbolism, is one of physical strength, clearly we are speaking here of strength of a different dimension. We may be speaking of strength of character, of exercising the strength necessary to carry one’s convictions against the overwhelming opposition of others. Strength to stand up for what is right, against the prevailing

– 33 –

fashion, or against expediency dictating that benchmarks other than uprightness of purpose ought to apply. A severe test of our morality may require more strength than we thought we possessed. The difference with beauty is that perception is everything. It could be argued that, of these three attributes, beauty is the passive one. If I am not possessed of beauty, physical, mental, spiritual or any other kind, there isn’t a great deal I can do about it, or so it would seem. “Beauty to adorn the inward man”. What does that mean? And how do we acquire it? Beauty is perceived, and perceived both ways; others’ beauty of character, purpose or intention perceived by us, and our own beauty, if it is vested in us, perceived by others. Notice that we say ‘perceive’, not ‘see’, because our eyes are not reliable as organs of true perception. Just as, when listening to music or poetry or ritual we must sometimes listen with more than our ears, so too will beauty only be perceived with something more than the eyes. The Little Prince in Antoine de SaintExupery’s little book of the same name, wants to know from his new friend, the fox, the secret of his perceptiveness. The fox demurs, but finally replies: “Here is my secret. It is very simple. You can only see properly with the heart. With the eyes, you can’t see what is essential”. When assessing ourselves, and those around us, let’s close our eyes sometimes, and see with our hearts.

Symbols Of Our Craft Symbols are used in Freemasonry as a memory device and to illustrate the lessons of the Craft. RW Bro Brian Rossouw

symbol is an object, design or other material that stands in for something abstract or even invisible. For a symbol to be truly universal it has to be accepted by everyone and also its meaning accepted. It becomes very evident that Masonic symbolism is everywhere. Items such as tools, hourglasses, eyes, skulls, columns, stairs, hearts, swords, letters, and numbers can be observed everywhere. Every one of these has a meaning and use in Freemasonry. . The Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia claims that there are over 90 different symbols in the three lodge degrees. The following are but a few to assist in gaining a perspective of the Freemason’s symbols.

Blue Lodge

It is a term used to describe a lodge of Freemasons that confers the three degrees, namely, Apprentice, Fellowcraft and the Master Mason. It also is called a Regular Lodge. It practices what is described as Ancient Craft Masonry. Its meaning is not clear but it may refer to the blue sky in the Lodge of King Solomon’s Temple. It is also the sacred colour of ancient Israel.

Number Three

There are three degrees, three principle officers, three candles, three knocks on the door, three steps leading to the Worshipful Masters chair, three stages of life, the symbol of the Great Architect of the Universe is an equivalent triangle and so on. Plato and Aristotle believed that the number three was a symbol of the Supreme Being because 1+2=3. This implies the beginning, middle and the end. It has been a sacred number for thousands of years. The number three became a symbol of the ongoing search for perfection.

Tracing Board

In the days when the Masons met in the taverns the symbols would be drawn in chalk on a board to illustrate the lecture of the evening. After the evenings lecture

the Apprentice would clean off the board with a mop to hide all trace thereof. This became tedious and then the symbols were painted on a cloth for each degree and set out for the appropriate occasion. It helps the lecturer to remember and illustrate the number and sequence of the symbols. It also assists the candidate to visualize these symbols. The Tracing Board is inlaid with black and white squares which illustrates the diverse nature of our society. The border symbolizes the interwoven nature of our society. On the Tracing Board would be placed various instruments and items which allude to the teachings of Freemasonry. These would vary from Degree to Degree.

Square & Compass

This has become the symbol of the fraternity of Freemasonry. These are the tools of the Operative Mason. The square represents the tool to square the Masons work. It is the instrument by which the Freemason regulates his labours and represents honesty, fairness and virtue. It is also used as the badge of office of a Worshipful Master. The compass has a slightly more obscure ritualistic explanation. Think of the two points of a compass spread apart, about to draw a circle. The principle tenets of Freemasonry are said to be contained between the two points of the compass, which are friendship, morality and brotherly

– 35 –

love. When you draw a circle one point remains at the centre of the circle. That point represents the individual Freemason. The circle represents the boundaries of his world and the people he comes in contact with. He must always live by its principles in all his dealings with mankind and especially his fellow Freemasons. It is expected that he must always keep his impure thoughts and actions within the confines of the points of the compact and not expose them to the outside world.

Scythe

The scythe is an ancient sharp tool used for cutting grass or harvesting wheat. Mythologically, it is the tool of Father Time, or the Grim Reaper, to cut the fragile thread of life. It is to warn Masons of the ever present danger of death that awaits us all.

Hourglass

The hourglass is the emblem of mortality. The sands of time slowly slip away and can not be put back. It teaches a Mason not to waste his limited time on Earth.

Jacob’s Ladder

In the book of Genesis 28, Jacob dreamed that he saw a ladder stretching from the Earth to heaven and that angels were climbing up and down it. In Masonry the ladder is described as having three main rungs, representing faith, hope and

charity. Other rungs include temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice. Taken together they represent the guiding virtues of Freemasonry. This ladder is associated with the Apprentice and is found in many Masonic buildings and places of religion.

superfluities of life. The gavel used by the Master of the lodge is also called a Hiram, because, like the architect, it governs the Craft and keeps order in the lodge as Hiram did in King Solomon’s Temple.

Sun, Eye, Moon and Stars

The plumb is a device with a string and a weight at its bottom to assist the workmen to determine that a wall is truly vertical. Speculative Masons use the plumb to remind them to behave in an upright manner in their duty to God and their dealings with their fellow man. The plumb line points to both the centre of the Earth and to the heavens. It is a symbol of justice, rectitude, equality and truth. In many ways it is similar to the scales of justice, because it is kept in balance. It is the badge of the Senior Warden.

These images are combined to describe God, whom the sun, the moon and the stars obey. God can see the innermost recesses of the heart, which in some Masonic drawings are shown beneath the eye, star and the letter G. All symbols of God.

Lamb and Lambskin Apron

The symbol of the white leather apron is the universal badge of Freemasonry. Aprons, girdles or sashes have appeared throughout history as the symbols of honour, piety and achievement. They appear in ancient Egyptian images and were symbols of priesthood in India, Persia and many other countries. The lamb has for many centuries been considered a symbol of innocence, the apron has traditionally been made of lambskin. Its pure spotless surface is intended as a constant reminder to the Freemason of the purity of life, conduct and conscience. It is the ever-present symbol of the endless striving for higher thoughts, nobler deeds and greater achievements. The aprons are decorated in many ways. Lodge officers will have their symbols of office embroidered on them. Past Masters may have their own symbols included. Early aprons were often embellished with lavish scenes.

Plumb

Level

The level is a building tool to measure the level of a horizontal surface. Its symbol to the Speculative Mason is equality. It teaches the Masons to meet upon the same level, regardless of their rank, social or economic status in the World. It also reminds us to conduct our lives on the level of time, traveling to the Eternal East, from which we will never return. The level is the badge of the Junior Warden.

Gavel

The Operative masons used the gavel to break off the rough corners of the rough Ashlar, to make the stone ready for use in the building. In Speculative Freemasonry the gavel stands as a reminder of the necessity of divesting heart and conscience of what is termed the vices and

Trowel

The trowel is the instrument by which the cement or mortar is spread. That cement makes an individual brick or stone stick together and when it hardens those individual bricks or stones bind together to interconnect into a united wall. In Speculative Freemasonry the trowel is representative of the spreading of the “cement “ of brotherly love and affection, to unite the individual members of a lodge into one unified Brotherhood. The individuals will work together to assist each other and society as a whole.

Handshake

This is a symbol of two hands shaking in a grip, or a token, of a Freemason. In this way the members of the Order will recognise each other.

Pillars

The pillars are the most distinctive symbols of Freemasonry. The two pillars represent the columns that support the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple entrance. Many Freemasons refer to them as columns. Sometimes there are globes on them representing the Earth and the heavens. The real pillars of Solomon do not have globes and the invention was probably due to an illustration in the Geneva Bible published in 1560.

Slipper

The Masonic explanation comes from the Hebrew custom of removing a shoe and giving it to a neighbour to seal an agreement, as a promise of honour and sincerity. When both shoes are removed it is to symbolically to enter the Sanctum Sanctorum of King Solomon’s Temple, a place to be considered to be holy ground by the Hebrews. This also is the manner of many other religions.The word slipshod is to describe the way a candidate is prepared. It is taken in the context of its ancient meaning, namely, wearing a slipper or a loose shoe.

lodge the letter G is used to unify and not divide them. In most lodges the letter G is lit up when the lodge is officially opened. Secondly G represents geometry which is the basis of the Freemason’s origins. Through the use of geometry the earliest Masons could translate small drawings into massive structures. Geometry was used to plot the return of the seasons, determine the orbit of the planets and otherwise explain the mysteries of the universe. Uniting the concept of God with geometry is a way of connecting the spiritual world to the physical world.

Conclusion Letter G

The letter G has two meanings. The first is the initial of God or the Grand Architect of the Universe. It represents the brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God. God represents the greatest symbol of all. All our creation comes from God. The letter G is used specifically as a representation of a deity so that all Masons, regardless of their religion may remain reverential to the Grand Architect of the Universe. Men of different faiths have different names and different symbols for God but within the

– 37 –

The above symbols are but a few of many used in the various Craft lodges. It is intended through this paper to highlight the complexity and the use of the various Masonic symbols. Most of the symbols used are based on the working tools of the Operative Masons. They were expanded by the Speculative Masons as guides for teaching and to remind us of our duty to God and to our fellow man. The essence of the use of teaching tools is to teach a good man to become a better person in his dealing with his fellow Brethern and the profane world.

CHAPTER DE GOEDE HOOP (No 1 on the roll of the AASR for South Africa)

We meet on the 4th Monday of February, April, June, August, October, November

If you are a Master Mason and are looking to take your Freemasonry to a “Higher” level, contact us. We’d be delighted to introduce you to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. If you would like more information, contact the Chancellor at degoedehoop@aasr.co.za 021 7625659 or 083 3300083

St John’s Day Saint John the Baptist is the Patron of Freemasonry – but there’s more to this distinction than meets the eye.

RW Bro Brian Rossouw

Bro Manny de Freitas

he internationally accepted establishment of modern Freemasonry has been set as 24 June 1717 when the Grand Lodge of London emerged. However, there is extensive historic proof, in the form of many preserved documents that Freemasonry existed long before that. The first recorded use of the words “Free Masons” is reflected in the City of London Letter-book H of 9 August 1376. Celebrated English politician, astronomer and student of alchemy Elias Ashmole wrote that he was a Free Mason and in 1686 referred in his diary to the “Fellowship of Free Masons”. The significance of 24 June is of particular importance. The feast day saint for 24 June is taken by the Church as St John the Baptist. Historically and traditionally, every Freemason considers the day of St John the Baptist as a special day. The other day that members of the Order venerate is 27 December, that of St John the Evangelist. There are no proper recorded explanations as to why operative Masons adopted these two saints in particular when St. Thomas, the Patron Saint for architecture and building was already in common use.

TOLERANCE

We do not have exact dates as to when the Saints John were selected as patrons of Freemasonry, but manuscripts indicate that St John the Baptist was selected by Scottish, and later British, Lodges long before the Evangelist, who appears in Masonic documents for the first time in the 17th century. In the Middle Ages craftsmen considered themselves under the protection of a particular Saint of the Church. For example, tilers chose St Barbara, stonecutters chose the Four Crowned Martyrs and astronomers chose St Dominic. Although it remains unclear why St John was picked as the Order’s patron, studying the character of this saint clearly illustrates just how appropriate St. John the Baptist is to be the Patron of our Order. St. John the Baptist was known as a just man, a man of strength, uncompromising with anything evil but yet also courageous, humble and magnanimous. Writings indicate that John was a wellinformed (wisdom), strong (strength) and handsome (beauty) man. On 24 June the northern hemisphere observes the festival of the summer sun, or the summer solstice. The opposite to John the Baptist, namely John the Evangelist, celebrated on 27 December commemorates the winter solstice, when the sun is at its furthest point, a symbol of the attainment of wisdom and goodwill towards men. Freemasonry adopted these festivals and although the Christian names have been retained, the Christian dogma has been taken away. This has made their observance universal for all men of all beliefs. The first Grand Lodge was organised in England in 1717, on the Festival Day of the Baptist. The United Grand Lodge of England was created in 1813 on the Festival Day of the Evangelist. The day of St John the Baptist is truly symbolic of a day of beginnings, while the day of the Evangelist is symbolic of endings. Brethren in the Masonic order understand the constant beginnings and endings that one experiences, through rituals, labouring together and constant discoveries. This makes the festivals of the St Johns very significant.

– 39 –

he English Civil War was important to Freemasonry for many reasons, even today nonFreemasons know little about the war and its lasting results. War broke out in 1641 between King Charles I (Cavaliers) and the Protestant Puritans (Roundheads). It pitted brother against brother and was finally won by the Roundheads under Cromwell. Unfortunately King Charles I was beheaded and the people were so upset that within a decade they wanted a monarchy back. King Charles II was crowned in 1661 and unlike his father was a lover and not a fighter. He was also more interested in science and reason than he was in religious persecution. He was truly a man of the new age. An age that welcomed the new principles of speculative Freemasonry. In 1717, when the first Grand Lodge was formed in London unusual rules were established. Discussion on religion was prohibited. Meetings would not be disrupted by arguments between Catholics, Anglicans, Puritans and Protestants. As long as a member believed in a Higher Power than man, there would be no questioning of their faith. War would not be tolerated. Freemasons were determined to survive issues that tore countries apart. Lodges were to stress friendship and brotherhood. There must always be a good and hearty dinner. The principles advanced under King Charles II’s leadership formed some of the cornerstones which underlie the basis of Freemasonry. It is the essence of our relationship between our Brothers, in our Lodge, and all Lodges around the World. So much of our daily lives hinge around a single person’s principles and attitudes in the way he views his relationship to his fellow man and the ideals he strives for. Such a man was King Charles II. How many other people spring to mind when we reflect on life. We should always live respected and die regretted.

Lodge Johan van Riebeeck Sincere best wishes from the Worshipful Master & Brethren for a really special Masonic Spring Ball.

Regular meetings are held at the Phiroze Gorvalla Temple in Cape Town on the 3rd Monday of the month. Our installation is held in February. johanvanriebeeck@grandlodge.co.za GLSA66

LODGE HIRAM Best wishes for the 2016 Masonic Spring Ball.

hiram@grandlodge.co.za

Start With Self

Loving yourself first is key to loving your life and living each day to the fullest. wor bro evangelos

ife affords us various challenges in order for us to progress, grow and manifest our dreams. Oftentimes, our approach to life is reactionary rather than proactive. People assign responsibility to things – good or bad – taking place, and ask the perennial question: “Why is this happening to me?” Such a life is non-progressive, and attracts more of the same with little room for inspiration to others. However, when one takes charge of life and loves life to the fullest, one takes full responsibility for what is happening, makes a firm intention, acts on it and manifests one’s dreams. Then life becomes an enjoyment, which affords us the opportunity to see within ourselves without obstruction. It allows us to see ourselves as beings of love, loved by God, strong, happy and inspired to grow. Only then can we see within ourselves in acceptance. Having a clear path within ourselves allows for clear introspection and opens up the path to accepting and loving ourselves and acquiring real, unobstructed self knowledge. The foundation for a clear path to better understanding

Doucas

of ourselves is loving life and ourselves to the fullest with responsibility. We are brothers belonging to an Order which propagates and strongly affirms the concept of love based on strong moral principles. We need to however first grasp the intrinsic concept of love for ourselves without ego or prejudices. We then need to take responsibility, in order to be enabled by extension to offer love to our fellow Brothers. Are we in judgement or acceptance? Do we see ourselves asking the question to ourselves: “Why is this happening to me?”, or “Am I in charge of my present moment and reality?” If the latter applies to us, we are on the right track to real self love, which forms the foundation for love to others and the world around us. Let us make it our task to really see within with a critical external eye, and then offering Brotherly love becomes so more meaningful, genuine and real, the foundations of a better world! Unburden the clutter within ourselves that disrupts and disturbs our path, and seeing within becomes easier and clearer.

Louis van der Linde (Presiding Master) Tel. 082 787 5718 email: bellvillewm@grandlodge.co.za Malcolm (Mickey) LĂ&#x2013;tter (Past Master) Tel. 021 913 2020 email: malcolmlotter@telkomsa.net Ronnie Smith (Secretary) Tel. 082 449 7327 email: bellville@grandlodge.co.za

Franklin’s Book

One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, a writer, a revolutionary, a politician, a statesman and – significantly – a Freemason.

enjamin Franklin had everything that a reformer should have, except for the desire to reform for the sake of the reformation. He improved everything which interested him, but he never tried to force his improvements into the lives of others. He could show a world a new way of making glasses, and that lightning comes down a kitestring, and that daylight saving time adds to leisure, and that wit and humour win more causes than arguments, but he did not try to “make laws about it.” He improved the printing press, the army and navy, the common stove, ideas of ventilation, paved Philadelphia and made it a better lighted town, invented a hundred gadgets for common living, such as a three wheel clock, a combination library chair and step ladder (they can be bought to this day) an artificial arm to get books from a high shelf, “but he never tried to improve or change or alter Freemasonry.” Franklin is generally conceded to have been a diplomat of the first rank, but only those who read history carefully know what a load he carried on his old shoulders when in 1776 he went to France to represent the United States. He had to win the support of a nation largely controlled by court, fashion, beauty, gallantry – anything but the hard common sense of a Franklin. Yet Franklin took France by storm. He was a gallant gentleman to the ladies; a man among men with French gallants. He won sympathy without a display of suffering, and made friends without seeming to try. He convinced everyone of his honour by being honest in an age when dishonesty was fashionable. On his simple promise to pay he secured millions in ships, men and goods, where a less able representative

might have failed with an order of Congress on the Treasury for backing. He selected and forwarded military supplies. He fitted out and commissioned privateers. He kept the accounts between two nations. He helped plan the campaigns at sea. He enthused the French ruler and the French people. And through it all he kept his sanity, made new friends and retained old ones, all by fair-mindedness, the innate justice and the toleration which are part and parcel of the teachings of Freemasonry. Franklin lived to be 85 years old. Sixty of those were as a Freemason. It is not for us to say what he would have been had there been no Freemasonry in his life; it is for us only to revere the Franklin who was among the very greatest of any nation, in all times. A wise philosopher, a leader of men and of nations, who took to his heart the immutable and eternal principles of the Ancient Craft.

A Bag Of Tools Isn’t it strange that princes and kings, And clowns that caper in sawdust rings, And common people like you and me Are builders for eternity? Each is given a bag of tools, A shapeless mass and a book of rules; And each must make - ere life is flown A stumbling block or a stepping stone. R L Sharpe

– 43 –

The famous epitaph Franklin wrote for himself so slightly conceals the Masonic theme of immortality as told in our Legend that all may read who run:

The Body of B Franklin, Printer. Like the Cover of an old Book Its Contents torn out And stript of its Lettering & Guilding Lies here, Food for Worms. But the Work shall not be lost; For it will as he believ’d appear once more In a new and more perfect Edition, Corrected and improved By the Author.

Email: khan@elitefibre.co.za

What We Say

The words we say – and do not say – have a power and impact beyond our control.

Wor Bro Evangelos Doucas

ommunication forms an integral part of our daily lives. We notice people now communicating with the world through digital means, making it easier to get messages across in splits of a second. With one swipe of a screen, we have instant access to current affairs around the world. As a result, messages are being delivered that have a huge impact, either negatively or positively, on the individual and the whole. Messages and communication can be active or passive. We can say something specific or with gestures, indirect actions, body language, emotional expressions or even spiritual connections. We often notice people saying that they feel or can empathise with the unseen, and feel the positive or negative impact. Spoken words have an impact, and it is imperative that thought and time are spent prior to expression. In fact, in many cases it is imperative that we train our minds and selves to encourage intentions that promote and assist in growth, support and love, rather than intentions that can only harm the individual and the collective. People with responsibility acknowledge the need to personally change or influence their own intentions, so as to deliver the correct

message that will have a positive impact on the collective. It has been discovered that words of positive consciousness attract higher vibrational energy and the exact opposite for negative and guilt-filled consciousness. Our roles in this world as Freemasons is to promote words of positive and higher vibrational quality, stemming from positive intentions that we actively work upon to form part of our lives as a second nature. We have a responsibility to the world as individuals to utter positive words and act with a positive intentions, and to watch what we say and do. We look up to those who assist us to reach our perfection and therefore need to watch very carefully how we interact. Be the free thinkers that you are meant to be with a view to continuing on the path of growth, effecting further development and change when required, without fear of repercussions. It may be easier to act unconsciously or to blame others or to use negative language and thus perpetuate stagnation in our daily lives. The rewards, however, for those who come with good intentions and utter words of truth, without fear, are far greater.

The Masonic Bible

Exploring (and explaining) the myths behind our use of the Volume of the Sacred Law. RW Bro Brian Rossouw

reemasons have been unjustly accused of using their own, presumably Satanic, Bible in their workings. The truth is that Masonic Bibles are on sale at a number of outlets and are not difficult to obtain. The myth actually has two parts. A number of Lodges in predominantly Christian communities have the custom of presenting the new Master Mason with a commemorative heirloom Bible. The one commonly used is the 1611 King James translation, published especially for Masonic Lodges. It normally contains an area in the front for the Mason to record important dates in his degree work and has places for his Brethren to sign as a record of their having attended his degrees. It also contains a glossary of biblical references relating to Masonic ceremonies, essays about Masonry and some common questions and answers. The rest is the entire King James version of the Old and New Testament. The second part of the myth has to do with the use of the Volume of the Sacred Law in a Masonic Lodge. It is a basic Masonic requirement that all regular Masonic Lodges must have a book considered sacred to its members open on the Lodge Altar during their meetings. Depending on what part of the world the Lodge is

in and the beliefs of the Lodge members, this sacred book could be the Bible, the Hebrew Tanach, the Muslim Koran, the Hindu Veda or the Proverbs of Confucius. It is simply referred to as the Volume of the Sacred Law, as a nonsectarian term. What we inherited from King Charles II, after England’s Puritan Wars, was that we should always observe the practice of Brotherhood; no discussions on politics or religion; and share a hearty meal after each Working. Those are among the basic requirements of our Order and have been the subject of many lessons to candidates through the ages. The bond of friendship, the avoidance of conflict and the coming together for a simple refreshment over which bonds are forged and friendships are cemented. The message is for us all to be tolerant towards others – especially their opinions and beliefs. We are not higher placed and have no right to assume that others are inferior. There are good men in all walks of life. As an Order, we believe that if the most common causes of conflict are removed then we are truly the “Children of God” in all our forms and ideologies.

– 45 –

Losie Jacob De Mist

Losie Jacob De Mist nooi alle Broeders van alle konstitusies en hulle vriende en familie

Vir â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n grootskerm rugbydag en braai.

Kontantkroeg open 15h30

8 Oktober 2016 om 17h00 President Voortrekkersaal De Wetstraat 149, Goodwood Kontak â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lafras Moolman 082 7611146 lafras@hotmail.com

A Masonic Year In

Pictures

RW Bro Avron Jacobson presents Denid Chairman RW Bro Brian Rossouw with R160 000 as the proceeds of the 2015 Spring Ball.

Wor Bro Andre Engelbrecht at the Remembrance Day event with representatives of the Irish, English and Scottish Constitutions.

Avron Jacobson, Geoff Edwards & Alan van der Vyver with rugby great Bobby Skinstad.

Koos du Preez & Jan Venter assisting at the Cape Town Marathon..

Wor Bros Louis van der Linde, Graham Symons, Tommy Hardiman & Evangelos Doucas at the Westerford Installation.

MW Bro Geoff Edwards OSM at the Burkina Faso Installation of new Grand Master MW Bro Roger Coefe.

Dan Korn & Morris Rozen assisting at the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

MW Bro Geoff Edwards OSM at the Paris Installation of France GM MW Bro Phillipe Serval.

Jock Wood & Ronnie Smith assisting at the Bellville soup kitchen.

RW Bro Avron Jacobson invests Wor Bro Cobis Wilson as Worshipful Master of de Goede Hoop. Wor Bro Giuseppe Ricci assists.

Wor Bro Cobis Wilson is toasted as the new Master of de Goede Hoop.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 47â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Units 24 & 25 Frazzitta Business Park c/o Lubbe & Langeberg Roads Durbanville 7550

Underwriters 021 201 2448 (t) 086 212 3968 (f) underwriting@vinfin.co.za

The Name On The Board The Roll of Honour in the Goede Hoop Temple contains the names of Brethren who served in the First World War. One of those is Bro Douglas Jardine, a fighter pilot who paid the ultimate price in service to his country. Wor Bro Craig Pedersen

ne night while wandering around the de Goede Hoop Temple, I stopped and read the names on the Roll of Honour board commemorating those of our Brethren who had served in the First World War. I found myself wondering who these people were. Certainly they were Freemasons, but who were they as individuals? One of them, Bro Douglas GB Jardine, had not only fought for our country but had, indeed, made the supreme sacrifice. I spent a little time online the following morning and found some details. This article is based on information extracted from “The Great Zeppelin Raid that Never Was”, which lends some insight into the life of our fallen Brother. Captain Jardine had been in Great Yarmouth for just one week. The transfer to Home Establishment followed three months’ leave in Cape Town, where he had begun to recover from the stress of intense combat in France. He had hoped that Great Yarmouth would complete the cure. The little town was just giving itself over to modest indoor enjoyment when a crewman

aboard the Leman Bank lightship, 30 miles off the coast, happened to look up. Three Zeppelins, having moved clear of the cloud and bathed in rays of summer evening sunlight, cruised majestically west on parallel courses at 15 000 feet. The alarm was raised immediately. Aircraft were quickly scrambled. Douglas Jardine,

– 49 –

piloting a DH-9 with Lieutenant ER Munday as his observer was the fourth aircraft aloft, following three DH-4s. Soon there were 13 aircraft in the air and 20 more aircraft were despatched from further inland. Dawn found four Zeppelins scattered over the North Sea and heading home. All had bombed alternative targets of opportunity, or so they believed, but no bombs fell on British soil that night. They had all splashed harmlessly into the sea. By dawn, two aircraft, a Camel flown by Lieutenant GF Hodgson from Burgh Castle and the DH-9 of Jardine and Munday, had not been accounted for. It seemed likely that they had landed or crashed somewhere in the countryside. The status of Hodgson in the Camel and Jardine and Munday in the DH-9, moved inexorably from ‘overdue’ to ‘failed to return’ to, finally, ‘assumed killed in action’. The body of Douglas Jardine was later left by the sea on a lonely Danish beach. He was buried in the grounds of a church at nearby Verderso. May his departed soul rest in peace – and his memory live on forever within our fraternity as more than just a name on a board.

Helping to Build Masonic Homes

Brick By Brick!

“Those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs

Sincere best wishes. May it be a record year!

Best Wishes!

Geoff & Val Edwards

Avron & Megan

Mark, Samantha, Isabel + Riley van Dijk

Supporting our Homes!

Brian & Kay Rossouw

Mark le Roux Proudly Supporting Freemasonry

Sincere best wishes from

Malcolm Gessler

Parisian Milliners

Supporting the Spring Ball

Best Wishes from

Ronnie Smith Estates Best wishes for a memorable Spring Ball

Llew Lloyd-Jones

BIO CAFÉ : PIKETBERG

Ray & Linette

Liza & Bertie

Alf & Chrissie Brönner

Cobis Wilson

Koos & Louise du Preez

May the 2016 Spring Ball be a really special one!

Alles van die Beste

Kindest Regards

Beste Wense!

Sincere Best Wishes Bernard Neuhaus

Fraternal Greetings

Manny de Freitas

Supra

All the best for this year’s Ball.

support the Advertisers

Sean Stuart

Wish we could be with you. Have a really great Ball.

Ricky & Anya

2015 Pledges Our thanks to the many individuals who contributed to the success of last year’s Masonic Spring Ball. In addition to the magazine advertisements, “bricks” and charity auction purchases, the following generous donations were made in the form of pledges.

Donor

Begot, Frank

Value

Bradshaw, Shane & Juanita

1 500

Lodge Simon van der Stel

Bronner, Alf

1 000

Lodge Unity

Burchell, Alyson

1 000

Lodge Westerford

2 000

500

Lodge Westerford

3 000

Central Division

1 000

Lombard, Dirk

350

Coetzee, Hendri

200

Lötter, Jonathan

300

Crofton, Swenny

300

Lötter, Malcolm & Janys

400

Croz, Shane, Arabella & Cassie

777

Manefeldt, Ken

200

de Freitas, Mannie

200

Marcus, Ken

300

1 000

Marcus, Ken

1 000

du Preez, Koos & Louise

500

Maritz, Jacques

700

Duggan, Jim

500

Morgans, Wyndham

700

Duggan, Margaret

500

Muhlenbeck, Victor

Edwards, Geoff & Val

500

Neuhaus, Bernard

Edwards, Geoff & Val 50th

3 250

Popo, Thobani & Unathi

1 000

English Constitution

2 000

Provincial Grand RA Chapter

5 000

Forbes, Ian

500

Ramos, Mannie & Rose

6 000

Gamieldien, Moenieb

250

Roodt, Frans

2 000

1 000

Rossouw, Brian

500

Royal Arch Northern Division

1 500

Hutton, Keith & Liezl

2 500

Sales, James

1 000

Jacobson, Avron & Megan

1 000

Sanga, Manix

300

500

Schmid, Stefan

150

10 000

Scottish District

500

Lodge Cape Town

8 000

Smith, Charles & Wendy

500

Lodge Carnarvon

2 000

Supra, Ray & Linette

500

Lodge de Goede Hoop

6 000

Supreme Grand RA Chapt of SA

Lodge de Goede Verwachting

900

van Eeden, Andre

300

Lodge Hiram

500

Weir, Auret, Mandy & Jurgen

500

Lodge Johan van Riebeek

500

Wilke, Chris

500

Lodge Koh-I-Nor

2 000

Wilke, Garreth

500

Lodge Marina

1 200

TOTAL PLEDGES

Doucas, Gabriel

Gessler, Malcolm Heyneke Tours

Korn, Dan Lodge Bellville

Lodge Sharman Crawford

Value

Burchell, Claudia & Michael

Donor

400

500 1 000 700

2 000 600

300

5 000

90 577

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” John Bunyan – 51 –

The Three Great Lights The Three Great Lights will guide our steps Through lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uncertain way. And bring us safe at length to see The bright, eternal day. Holy Book our fathers read With undimmed faith today Make clear our sights that we may know Its precepts to obey. With square of virtue, try our acts And make them meet the test; There is no other cause that leads To islands of the blest. Between the lines that represent The longest, shortest day, Keep circumscribed by compasses That we go not astray. The Three great lights will guide our steps Through lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uncertain way And bring us safe at length to see The bright, eternal day. S.M.I.B.