The Official Magazine of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland
MAR 2019
Wynnum 81 goes “full Irish” PAGE 10
Townsville floods update PAGE 8
From the Archives: The Committee of Inquiry PAGE 14
Instructions
The Official Magazine of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland
DEC 2018
Remembering Remembrance Day Remembering the 100th anniversery of Armistice
Freemasonry in Papua New Guinea
December Quarterly Communication
PAGE 8
PAGE 14
PAGE 24
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MARCH 2019
From the Grand Master
From the Grand Master
IT'S TIME TO VENTURE INSIDE THE WORLD’S MOST MYSTERIOUS NATION
NOW IN IT'S 7TH YEAR RUNNING!!
MW Bro LtCol (Rtd) Alan Maurice Townson, GM.
As another year is already in full swing and Grand Lodge and the lodges are active in planning the year ahead I reflect on a saying by Franklin Roosevelt who said, “There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.”
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ince my last message in this magazine, I have witnessed 125year celebrations, a lodge amalgamation, dedication of a new Masonic Centre, a craftsmen’s Guild instruction day and a lodge educational event. Each of these events had a very different flavour and impact. One quasquicentennial was a celebration with emphasis on the Lodge history and Lodge paraphernalia displayed accordingly. Another sought to relive the ritual as it was first practised in the Lodge 125 years ago, both events created a great deal of interest among the members and visiting brethren. The Craftsmen’s Guild set off this year with the desire to expand members’ understanding of the ritual in an informal setting. There is something in this for experienced and new members alike. I can give many more examples but suffice to say that the Masonic fraternity is active and seeking ways of extending the knowledge of its members in exciting ways. As a result, I can say there are many ways of going forward for lodges and they are; the fraternity is certainly not standing still. As I write, we hear of the devastation of property as a result of the Townsville floods. The Masonic community in Townsville has been very active in supporting each other with
“We hear of the devastation of property as a result of the Townsville floods. The Masonic community in Townsville has been very active in supporting each other with physical effort and shared accommodation.” physical effort and shared accommodation. We are thankful for the strong network of Masonic lodges and we thank them all for their efforts. We hope recovery proceeds smoothly for those affected. The Board of Benevolence and Lodges stand ready to assist and support. Our thoughts and best wishes are with those who suffered loss from the floods. Fraternally Alan Townson
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Masonic Memorial Centre 311 Ann Street, Brisbane Q 4000 GPO Box 2204 Brisbane Q 4001 P (07) 3229 3533 W www.uglq.org.au E membership@uglq.org.au United Grand Lodge of Queensland Grand Master MW Bro Alan Townson Deputy Grand Master RW Bro Paul Holland Assistant Grand Master RW Bro Cam Denyer District Grand Lodge of North QLD District Grand Master RW Bro Leslie Keane District Grand Secretary Wor Bro Peter Drew 42 Walker Street Townsville 4810 P (07) 4771 6284 E dglnq@freemasonsnq.com.au District Grand Lodge of Carpentaria District Grand Master RW Bro Henry Condon District Grand Secretary RW Bro Carl Richardson P AGM Office: Freshwater Masonic Centre, Cnr. Le Grande and Old Smithfield Road, Freshwater PO Box 6527 Cairns Centre 4870 P 0488 512 712 E info@dglcarpentaria.org.au W dglcarpentaria.org.au FREEMASONS QUEENSLAND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM
Executive Manager/Grand Secretary RW Bro Ian Tomlinson E grandsecretary@uglq.org.au Administration and Finance Manager VW Bro David Cook E accounts@uglq.org.au Board of Benevolence P (07) 3493 6000 E info@handheartpocket.org.au FREEMASON QUEENSLAND PUBLISHED BY UNITED GRAND LODGE OF QUEENSLAND
Editor Ms Cieon Hilton P (07) 3229 3533 E news@uglq.org.au Art Direction and Layout Dan Hancock E hi@danhancock.com.au COPY DEADLINE FOR JUNE EDITION IS 1 MAY 2019
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Welcome to the March edition By Cieon Hilton
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elcome to the March edition of The Queensland Freemason. I wish you all a wonderful start to the cooler months. 2019 is in full swing and lots of events have been happening. For example, on the front cover we have a photo of Wynnum Lodge and their transition to “full Irish”. With regards to what has been happening around the state recently—we were all astounded at the dramatic rise of floodwaters in Townsville and the surrounding areas. As unfortunate as the ramifications were of this event we were impressed and touched by the comradery displayed by the local brethren as they helped each other and those in need. Another article in this edition shows a Freemason’s bravery when he helped his local community of Woolooga fight fires. We also pay tribute to Wor Bro Dr John Sinclair AO who was an influential conservationist. He was instrumental in ceasing sand mining and logging on World Heritage listed Fraser Island.
“With regards to what has been happening around the state recently— we were all astounded at the dramatic rise of floodwaters in Townsville and the surrounding areas.” UGLQ Archives offers us another historical article. This time its on the Committee of Inquiry, which was featured in The Ashlar’s March edition in 1957. We also have some interesting travel articles from South America to Houston, Texas. If you wanted to know more about what a Lewis is and its connection to Freemasonry, we have an article which covers the operative use of the word and why a Freemason’s son—a Lewis—receives this analogy.
Dr Bill Boyd AGDD has offered us a health article on the ears. We have continued with last edition’s feature of the Barcaldine Masonic Centre’s Comet Lodge with a short historical piece on its history and renovations. It’s nice to see countryside centres taken care of, and, as a result, they become destinations not just for Freemasons but an attraction for visitors to the area. We always look forward to receiving submissions to the magazine. Just a reminder that the deadline for the June magazine is May 1 COB. The June edition will be an ANZAC special. A reminder that there will be two ANZAC Day events at the Masonic Memorial Centre on 25 April 2019. Please see our save the date claimer in the magazine for further information. Take care this Autumn, Cieon Hilton
Contents
www.uglq.org.au www.facebook.com/freemasonsqueensland
March - May 2019
Features
8 Townsville Flood Update
10 What is a Lewis?
Wynnum 81 goes “full Irish” By VW Bro Phil Austin PDGDC
16
30
36 Fires in Woolooga
Remembrance Day 2018
Sir Edmund Lechmere’s Legacy By Wor Bro Daniel White JP
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On the cover The Official Magazine of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland
39
MAR 2019
42 Obituary for a seminal conservationist: Wor Bro Dr John Sinclair AO
St Andrew of Townsville’s Remembrance Ceremony
Regulars 3
From the Grand Master
28
Serving the Community
4
Editor’s Welcome
40
Quick News
6
From the Grand Secretary
43
Job’s Daughters
6
From the General Board
44
Health Column
19
Hand Heart Pocket
45
The Purple Page
24
Jewel Presentations
46
The Red Pages
Wynnum 81 goes “full Irish” PAGE 10
Townsville floods update PAGE 8
From the Archives: The Committee of Inquiry PAGE 8
The cover photo features Wynnum Lodge 81 during their 125th anniversary and Installation of VW Bro Shane Bass G Chap. The Installation Ceremony used was a traditional Irish Ritual.
For more see page X
DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not neccessarily reflect the opinions or policy of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland. The Editor reserves the right, due to limitation of space, to accept, reject, sub-edit and rearrange material submitted for publication. No photographic or editorial contained herein may be reproduced without prior consent of the Editor. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to ensure that all advertisements comply with the Trade Practices Act 1974 as amended. All advertisements are accepted for publication on the condition that the advertiser indemnifies The Queensland Freemason, The Editor, the United Grand Lodge of Queensland and all its servants against actions, suits, claims, loss and/or damages resulting from anything published on behalf of the advertiser.
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From the desk of
From the desk of the Grand Secretary RW Bro Ian Tomlinson
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rethren, welcome to the first magazine of 2019. It’s been an exciting start to the year with Freemasonry in Queensland being active and supportive of each other’s endeavours. We have introduced a new online ticketing system for all UGLQ events with Eventbrite. While I understand that this modern system is initially challenging, I encourage all brethren to use this system and to help out brethren who have difficulty using a computer, or don’t have access to one. Freemasonry in Queensland needs to adapt to the future and
that means adapting to modern communication, as it’s also important that we continue learning and keep up with the times. We also need to consider, with the number of members that we have, what is going to be the most sustainable and efficient form of communication. We are also reviewing the distribution, timing, and number of editions of the magazine that we release each year. I will keep brethren updated on how this will progress. Another important issue to consider in lodges is the participation of our brethren. We need to
encourage engagement and think of ways to bring members back into our lodges. Being a member on paper doesn’t mean much unless we are also engaging with the Masonic community and have a sense of belonging within our fraternity.
“I encourage brethren to see their lodges as a plant that needs watering and tending. If neglected, the plant may wither.”
I encourage brethren to see their lodges as a plant that needs watering and tending. If neglected, the plant may wither. All members of a lodge are integral and important parts of its success; we all need to work together to ensure that our lodges thrive. RW Bro Ian Tomlinson
From the General Board of Directors RW Bro Ray Saunders
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rethren, in this report over recent years we have focussed on Our People, Our Finance and Our Property. However, given the difficulties faced by our brethren and communities in the North of Queensland over the past month or so it is more appropriate that we focus now on what our brethren have done to help one another and those around them. Rather than paraphrase what RW Bro Les Keene and others have told us please refer to the Townville Floods article by
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Wor Bros Peter Drew and Beau Sankey on page 8. Brethren I am sure that you will join with the Board in heartily congratulating our wonderful brethren for what they have achieved.
work constructively with the Board of Benevolence (BoB) on a range of opportunities for the benefit of Queensland Brethren.
We would not want to miss anyone out but must recognise the outstanding selflessness of VW Bro Buck Rogers and Mrs Bet Rogers, Mrs Sandy Sankey, Mrs Beryl Souter, VW Bro Norm Souter-Smith, Bro Tim Adherne, Brethren of St. Andrew Townsville Lodge, Unity Lodge and Northern Travellers Lodge.
The General Board of Directors is mindful that the BoB is subject to Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission scrutiny and that therefore all opportunities need high quality due diligence from both the General Board of Directors and the Board of Benevolence to ensure that this is achieved.
Your Board continues to
“I am sure that you will join with the Board in heartily congratulating our wonderful brethren.”
RW Bro Ray Saunders
The Grand Installation
Brisbane, 5-7 July 2019
The United Grand Lodge of Queensland - MW Bro Alan Townson, Grand Master, Invites you to attend
The Grand Installation 05 – 07 July 2019 Hilton Hotel, Brisbane
MAJOR EVENTS Friday 05/07/2019 Saturday 06/07/2019 Sunday 07/07/2019
CONTACT Meet & Greet Ladies Breakfast Grand Installation Grand Banquet Farewell Lunch
Masonic Memorial Centre, 311 Ann St GPO Box 2204, Brisbane Q 4001 Ph: (07) 3229 3533 Fax: (07) 3229 9288 grandsecretary@uglq.org.au www.uglq.org.au
Craft News
Townsville floods update Contributions by Wor Bro Peter Drew and Wor Bro Beau Sankey
Unprecedented floods hit Townsville recently with water levels not seen in 100 years. The images on the news showed people in the north braving the conditions as homes and properties went under water.
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reemasons immediately banded together and gathered lists of brethren that were at risk and tried to help. The core tenets namely brotherly love, relief and truth being executed during this time of need. As people were frantically being evacuated by the ADF and QFES the significance of this Masonic network proved invaluable in reuniting segregated families. Finally, the waters receded and the magnitude of the devastation in the evacuated areas of Oonoomba, Idalia, Railway Estate, Alligator Creek, and Bluewater was felt. Once again, this
“It’s going to be a while before everything will be fixed and back to normal.”
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Masonic network came to the fore as a mechanism to collate the needs and accountability of the brethren. Quickly a triage list evolved of those worst affected. Without doubt an emotional and heart rendering task began; clearing mud, water, sewage from the stricken houses as life long memories were dumped on the side of the road. One of the brethren’s house went under water by two metres and he is staying with another brother at the moment. District Grand Secretary Wor Bro Peter Drew speculates that a lot of work will need to be done. ‘He lost all his possessions, including his lodge regalia.’ ‘While the clean-up was targeted for Masons by Masons it was a real community affair with ADF members rolling up their sleeves after work alongside neighbours, and strangers helping to clean. Then there were the unsung providers who baked, provided sandwiches, and cold ice blocks for people who were previously
unknown to them the week before. Then, without seeking gratitude and having delivered their good deed they moved onto the next street’ reminisced Wor Bro Beau Sankey. ‘Everybody is doing everything that they can’, said Wor Bro Drew. ‘It’s going to be a while before everything will be fixed and back to normal’ At the time of writing meetings are underway with the District Board of Benevolence to see what other assistance can be offered to Townsville brethren. Wor Bro Sankey concluded that ‘while devastating for Townsville and its surrounding regions we must remain cognisant of those still experiencing and living the ramifications of this event in Richmond, Julia Creek, Longreach and Mt Isa regions as the Flinders River is currently experiencing its most significant flood in at least the last 50 years’.
Some background on the Townsville floods By Wor Bro Beau Sankey
The monsoon trough extended from the Gulf Country across the base of Cape York Peninsula to the east tropical coast near Townsville. It generally remained stationary but then drifted slowly to the south. A deep tropical low formed in the monsoon trough over northwest Queensland. It moved slowly in an easterly direction throughout the event. Coastal catchments from Daintree to Mackay, the Western Cape York Peninsula and Gulf of Carpentaria maintained flood watch of their respective catchments Upper Bluewater, a northern suburb of Townsville, received 1852mm in 7 days making it the 12th highest 7-day rainfall total recorded in Queensland modern history. Pending which reporting agency or area this was a 1 in 100, 1 in 500 or 1 in 2000 year weather event References: Ross River Dam Emergency Action Plan http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/brochures/ross/ross.shtml
Images above: Some of the Property that could not be saved, Sandy and Beryl Souter Smith - cleaning the things that could be rescued, Some of the Clean Up Crew of Townsville Free Masons, Sandy Sankey and Beryl Souter-Smith - Masonic Wives helping their extended family
Masonic Temple, Ann Street 311 Ann Street, Brisbane 4000 Phone: (07) 3221 1911
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Cover Story
Wynnum 81 goes “full Irish” By VW Bro Phil Austin PDGDC
O
n the second of February 2019, 97 Brethren gathered at the Wynnum Masonic Centre for Wynnum Lodge 81’s 125th Anniversary and Installation of VW Bro Shane Bass G Chap as Worshipful Master in the presence of MW Bro Alan Townson GM, RW Bro Paul Holland DGM, GM-Elect and MW Bro Dr Gary Bacon AM PGM. The occasion was made all the more auspicious in that VW Bro Bass was Installed using traditional Irish Ritual. It’s easy to imagine that this very Ritual was used to Install RW Bro HT Molesworth PDGM as Wynnum’s first Master on the 19 January 1894 under its original Warrant number 342 (GLI). The Installing team for the event was: Installing Officer: VW Bro Phil Austin PDGDC DC: Wor Bro Aaron Rayward G Org Deacons: Wor Bros Bill Borg and Hamish Kerr (Ashton) Warrant Bearer and Chaplain: Wor Bros Tim Allen and Bob Elson. The “Seven Wise Men” for the
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Conclave of Installed Masters was brilliantly performed by Wor Bros Jared Wilson (Kianawah), Jason Smith (Lord Dufferin), John Jagus (Tuscan), Cliff Houston (United Tradesmen), Neil Herdegen (Duke of Leinster), Paul Kranen (Southern Queensland) and Adam Brighouse (Theodore Unmack). It is truly hoped that all present enjoyed themselves as much as the Installing team did in presenting the work and all in attendance got to enjoy the usual Wynnum hospitality and frivolity we like to bring along in harmony with the serious side of our work. A great deal of work went into making our dream of returning to Irish Ritual a reality and an enormous debt of gratitude is owed to VW Bro Bass and Wor Bro Rayward in achieving this as well as VW Bro David Cook without whose expertise, it simply would not have been possible. We at Wynnum look forward eagerly to our “full Irish” future and it is hoped that following on from the success of our first event, other Irish Lodges will follow in our footsteps.
‘The Mosaic Pavement may justly be deemed the beautiful flooring of a Freemason’s Lodge…’ By Wor Bro Peter Troeger from Moreton Lodge.
Wynnum Masonic Centre after the annual cleaning and polishing of the floor. A number of Bayside Lodges meet at the centre and appreciate the maintenance done on the building.
Craft News
What is a Lewis? In operative use, a lewis is a device used by stonemasons to lift heavy stone blocks into place without damage to the block’s external facing surfaces. The ability of a relatively small device such as a lewis to lift a heavy burden has long been seen as a symbol of Strength.
W
hile there are several designs for a lewis, Freemasonry has adopted the three-legged, or dovetail lewis in particular as a symbol of Strength. As a symbol, the lewis was adopted very early by Freemasons as shown by the definition of the word in the Harris Masonic Manuscript No.1 (c.1690) which states: “A Lewis is such an one as hath served an Apprenticeship to a Mason, but it is not admitted afterwards according to the custom of making Masons.” In modern usage, the son of a Mason is referred to as a Lewis, the analogy meaning that the father raised (levatum) the son into position to take his place as part of the structure of Freemasonry. The analogy fits with the symbol of Strength, because it is the son’s duty to “bear the heavy burden in the heat of the day and help his parents in time of need.” This explanation comes from a catechism from a 1774 lecture by Preston:
Q. What do we call the son of a Freemason? A. A Lewis Q. What does that denote? A. Strength Q. How is a Lewis depicted in a Freemason’s Lodge? A. As a cramp of metal, by which, when fixed into a stone, great and ponderous weights are raised to a certain height and fixed upon their proper bases, without which Operative Masons could not so conveniently do. Q. What is the duty of a Lewis, the son of a Mason, to his aged parents? A. To bear the heavy burden in the heat of the day and help them in time of need, which, by reason of their great age, they ought to be exempted from, so as to render the close of their days happy and comfortable. Q. His privilege for so doing? A. To be made a Mason before any other person, however dignified by birth, rank, or riches, unless he, through complacence, waives this privilege.
long-standing privilege of a Lewis is therefore to be Initiated before any other candidate. In times past, this extended to a Lewis being eligible for Initiation at the age of 18 while others were required to “be of full lawful age” (i.e. 21). Within the United Grand Lodge of Queensland, the privilege of a Lewis is threefold: 1. Where a Lodge has several candidates waiting for initiation, the Lewis is entitled to be scheduled before the other candidates. 2. Where the Lodge is performing a double initiation, the Lewis is to be obligated first. 3. A Lewis is entitled to wear a Lewis Jewel as outlined in the UGLQ Honours and Awards Manual.
The new brother first encounters the lewis in the penultimate paragraph of the Explanation of the First Tracing Board which is devoted to the Lewis in the UGLQ Ritual which states in part: “…his privilege for so doing is to be made a Mason before any other person however dignified.” The
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Craft News
Image 2
Image 3
Image 1
A brief history of Comet Lodge and the Barcaldine Masonic Centre
Image 4
By RW Bro Kevin Kerr AM PAGM
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omet Masonic Lodge was founded at Dingo Creek in 1877 during the construction of the RockhamptonBarcaldine Railway. The Founding Master, Robert Ballard was the Chief Engineer of the railway construction. Over a period of nine years the Lodge moved from Dingo Creek to Comet, Emerald, Bogantungan, Pine Hill and Jericho arriving at Barcaldine in 1886. The Lodge building was also moved along with the line. The present building was built in 1901. The earliest photo we have of the Temple showing the blockwork (not clearly), is not dated but believed to have been taken circa 1933. A later photo clearly showing the blockwork is also not dated but is believed to have been taken in the 1940s after the end of the war. (Photo No 1). The photo shows St Peter’s Anglican
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Church Boys School, which was located adjacent to the Lodge, being demolished. This took place in circa 1946. The façade was painted over some time later and Photo No 2, taken in 1980, shows the state of the façade at that time. Heritage Architect Richard Allom visited the Lodge in 1980 and noted the photo in the Lodge showing the blockwork. He scraped the deteriorated paint on the building façade away and found evidence of the original blockwork embedded in the timber façade. Richard applied for a Heritage Grant for the restoration of the façade. The application was successful, and Richard prepared the specification and the façade was restored (Photo No 3). By 2017 the façade paintwork was looking worn and a decision was made to seek funding for restoration.
The project was supported by the Queensland Government via the Community Sustainability Action Grants, Dulux and the Barcaldine Regional Council. The works commenced in July 2018 and was completed in November 2018. The Specification was prepared by Peter MarquisKyle, Heritage Architect and associate of Richard Allom.The current restoration works were carried out by local and regional contractors at a total cost of $53,564.45 (Photo No 4). It is a unique record of the late 1800s period and a major tourist attraction in the region. Visitors are fascinated to find that the ‘blockwork” is actually an illusion painted onto a weatherboard surface.
Craft News
Gatton Lodge goes digital By VW Bro David Green
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he digital world is well with us whether we like it or not. Smart phones, smart TVs, smart fridges—it goes on. The internet is now regarded as essential for learning, communication, and storage. Our past is valuable, but progress has made us aware of a different digital world, which is now a natural part of life for most people. Masonry is a progressive science. We proclaim the arts and sciences as an essential part of learning. Gatton Lodge has taken this to a modern level and installed a smart screen television. Why may you ask? How many of us go to Google for answers? Many enquirers for Freemasonry go to the web for information. UGLQ has its own very informative website. We are going one step further. We look at a screen for answers to may questions and find an endless smorgasbord of information.
“The screen also helps to bridge the generational gap for younger members.” Gatton Lodge is accessing a wealth of well-presented Masonic knowledge available online as a teaching tool. We can access a huge array of material to educate our brethren. These presentations keep the attention of members far better than just someone talking. While our screen has been up for a very short time, the conversations that have developed after watching short video clips have been very positive. A recent short presentation of the working tools and their application to life revealed that many of us were unaware of the valuable symbolism for an individual’s development. The screen also helps to bridge the generational gap for
younger members. Our approach is not a novel one. We need to grasp this opportunity to make lodge learning more relevant. The ease of access and preparation means that we can plan an ongoing training program and develop other opportunities well into the future. It is well worth thinking about how digital presentations can add value to your lodge.
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From the Archives
From the Archives 14 www.uglq.org.au
MARCH 2019
This article from The Ashlar in March 1957 shows that not much has changed for the Committee of Inquiry.
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The Craft
Sir Edmund Lechmere’s Legacy By Wor Bro Daniel White JP
Sir Edmund Anthony Harley Lechmere, 3rd Baronet of Worcestershire (1826-1894) was cofounder of the National Society for Aid to the Sick and Wounded in 1870 (British Red Cross) and an outstanding humanitarian of his era. Sir Edmund’s most notable achievement as a leading humanitarian was his pivotal role in the establishment of the Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem. The indispensable service that communities heavily rely upon today, St John’s Ambulance extends from what is now the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.
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ir Edmund was born at Great Malvern, Worcestershire, on the 8 December 1826. Sir Edmund was the only son of Sir Edmund Hungerford Lechmere, the 2nd Baronet of the Rhydd and Hanley Castle, Worcestershire and his wife Maria Clara. An author and close friend of Sir Edmund’s by the name of E.W. was tasked with writing an account of Sir Edmund’s life by his widow, Lady Lechmere. He commented on the affable nature of Sir Edmund writing that ‘From an early age, Sir Edmund made many useful and congenial friendships, mostly with men who had a reverence for antiquity and were anxious to devote their energies to the service of the English Church’. Sir Edmund was privileged
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Sir Edmund Lechmere 1883 - featured in ‘Vanity Fair’ by Theobald Chartran
to attend Christ Church, Oxford in 1846 at twenty and earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1849 and later graduated with a Master of Arts in 1852. During his time at Oxford, Sir Edmund joined the Oxford Architectural Society and formed an intriguing penchant for studies in Gothic Architecture in particular.
St John's Gate - Clerkenwell
“Sir Edmund was a consummate diplomat for humanitarian endeavours.”
Soon after graduating from Oxford, Sir Edmund married Miss Louisa Katherine Lechmere (nee Haigh), the daughter and heiress of the late John Haigh, a highly successful textile merchant. Lady Lechmere or Dame Katherine were titles she would later be called, not to signify ‘female knighthood’, but rather as terms of endearment. Lady Lechmere was an especially strong supporter
of Sir Edmund’s initiatives and assisted him in all his domestic and humanitarian projects abroad. When reviewing the lifetime achievements of Sir Edmund and Lady Lechmere they become far too many to list. On the international stage, Sir Edmund was a consummate diplomat for humanitarian endeavours, being honoured on several occasions by both allies and opposing forces. In recognition of Sir Edmund and Lady Lechmere’s efforts in providing medical aid during the Serbian-Turkish Wars, Sir Edmund was notably appointed as a Commander of the Serbian Order of Takova by the Serbian Government and inducted into the Grand Cordon of the Order of Medjidie by the Sultan of Constantinople personally.
Later in life he also had the rare honour of being personally admitted by Nicodemus, the exPatriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem into the Greek Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Additionally, Nicodemus commissioned Sir Edmund with the honour and duty of being his representative in England. Another benevolent gesture transpired in 1874 when Sir Edmund acquired the ancient St John’s Gate property in Clerkenwell, London. Sir Edmund gifted the property to the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. St John’s Gate has now become the iconic home of the Order and possesses many valuable artefacts and remains a place for pilgrimage, for both members of the Order and tourists alike. Sir Edmund and Lady Lechmere’s most notable achievement was the founding of the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital in 1882. Both Sir Edmund and Lady Lechmere were instrumental in the establishment of the Eye Hospital and it continues to provide services to over 130,000 patients every year. In a politically turbulent part of the world such as Israel, the Hospital brings sight to the visually impaired and light to all of those who have personally experienced a world of suffering and disillusion. Back home, the Australian Government and industry sources highlight the invaluable work that St John’s Ambulance in Australia continues to provide throughout our communities every day. Sir Edmund’s Masonic career was particularly distinguished, beginning
with his initiation into the renowned Apollo University Lodge at Oxford in March 1848. Sir Edmund would later serve as Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Worcestershire 18551856 and later rise to the prestigious office of Provincial Grand Master for Worcestershire from 1878-1894. Records of his speeches and administration suggest that his time as Provincial Grand Master was one of great influence and distinction. This was further evidenced when Sir Edmund was exalted to the office of Grand Superintendent of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for Worcestershire from 1880-1894. Sir Edmund received another prized accolade when he was installed a Knight into the newly consecrated Knights Templar Preceptory ‘Coeur de Lion’ at Oxford in 1850.
“Arthur Burton enlisted in Goulburn, NSW in 1916, at the age of 20. The same year, he sailed to England and was a bomb instructor on the Salisbury Plain in the south of the country.”
In 1881 Sir Edmund achieved another reward and acknowledgement for his endeavours while presiding as Provincial Grand Master of Worcestershire, with a Lodge being named in his honour. This was the Lechmere Honour Lodge (No 1874). Established in Kidderminster, it later relocated to Birmingham and is still meeting today after 137 years. While Sir Edmund’s extraordinary vision and legacy will continue to inspire and benefit all of humanity, Sir Edmund’s take home lesson for us as brethren can be summarised in the final charge of the third degree: ‘Universal charity and benevolence you are both to inculcate and to practise’ and I can think of no finer an example than Sir Edmund Lechmere’s.
Images TOP: Sir Edmund Lechmere in Masonic regalia - Provincial Grand Master of Worcestershire LEFT: Sir Edmund Lechmere - Portrait Acknowledgements • RW Bro Robert Taylor – Grand Librarian for UGL NSW & ACT • Bro Alan Dally – Secretary for PGL Worcestershire, UK • Dr Ian Howie-Willis OAM, KtStJ, Historical Adviser to the office of the Priory of St John Ambulance for Australia • Bro Richard White OAM JP – Lodge Canberra Unity No 465
MARCH 2019
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The Craft
A questionable entry By VW Bro David Green
Recently our Lodge—Gatton 87—had a potential candidate to interview. This is a rare thing in many lodges. The lack of candidates is not uncommon, and the interview process, once common, is now a basis for some serious thought. In our case, our previous interview group had also left our Lodge.
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any of us began our Masonic journey in a different world. Many of us are now grandparents or great grandparents. We have seen many changes come and go. We are faced now with fast moving technology, easy access to knowledge, and social communication capabilities that we often don’t understand and cultural changes that are daunting. Some of us have difficulty relating to our grandchildren’s lifestyles, values, and demands. Quick access to knowledge, shortness of time, and a faster speed of life in the current multicultural, pluralistic and postmodern world puts Masonry under a new spotlight. Two areas of information to enquirers need to be rethought. Many enquirers have searched the internet and read information in an easy format and everyday language. Exposure to Masonry is like a visit to the past where complex words and phrases were a way of protecting professional uniqueness. The world has moved to a clearer approach. I am not suggesting we need to dumb down our language but revise it to better reflect current meaning. The second area of change is how we answer questions: What do you do? Why do I have to believe in a Supreme Being if you are not a religion? I am Hindu how do you recognise my Holy Scriptures? What is the purpose of Freemasonry? Answering these questions is not easy for many people. Many of our lodges have a routine and culture, which has become unique and familiar to members but often hard to explain to an outsider in a way that makes sense.
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need to know or what the candidate is seeking. The following questions were drafted as a basis for providing a foundation for discussion and a lead for impromptu supplementary questions. Questions are there to gain information and seek understanding about the candidate and vice versa.
“Quick access to knowledge, shortness of time, and a faster speed of life in the current multicultural, pluralistic and postmodern world puts Masonry under a new spotlight.“ In an exercise in our Lodge one night, we put these questions to the members. What emerged was that: a) The questions were not understood. This is not a criticism of our members but a reflection of the fact that we often don’t think about these questions and how our lodges can answer clearly and confidently in the future. b) We fall back on terms we learned and can’t explain them in modern language. The generational gap becomes very noticeable when dealing with young men and we need to reconsider our face to face interaction and the language we use. Regarding the candidate interview process, we are often not sure what we
The interview is not a time for any Mason to wax lyrical about his Lodge or Grand Lodge experience. Answers are the evidence we need not only to see what the candidate’s potential is but also provide the indictors for how he is supported and mentored in the journey he will undertake. A sample of possible questions: 1. What led you to join freemasonry? 2. What do you believe Freemasonry will give to you? 3. Freemasonry uses symbols to help explain its teachings in ceremony and requires oaths of secrecy. Does this worry you? 4. Our fees and dues are quite significant. Will this cause financial pressure on you or the family? 5. Meetings are monthly and require a serious commitment to attend. Are you prepared to make Masonry a priority after family and work commitments? 6. Will joining Freemasonry become an issue in your family? Does your partner know what you are looking to do? 7. Are there any questions you have about Masonry raised by this discussion? In conclusion, these questions proved very useful and have helped us to understand our prospect better. He will be a candidate for initiation in March.
Hand Heart Pocket
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Hand Heart Pocket
‘Grumpy Walker’ makes sailing more accessible for aged and disabled More aged people and people with disabilities on Brisbane’s northside have been able to enjoy being out on the water after Sailability Shorncliffe was gifted a new wheelchair-accessible pontoon boat.
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he 6.2m vessel which was christened ‘Grumpy Walker’ just before Christmas, was donated by Mt Pleasant Masonic Lodge 361 and Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland. Having raised $5,000, the Lodge looked to Hand Heart Pocket, who initially matched their efforts, before providing an additional $50,250 as a Significant Grant to bring the initiative to fruition.
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“Ron had three passions in life – Sailing, Sailability and Freemasonry. It was very moving to see the Grumpy Walker in action, knowing that we had played a key role in making this happen.”
Mt Pleasant Masonic Lodge Past Master Mike Mifsud said it was the perfect way to make a difference while honouring the memory of the late Ron Walker – who had been a member of their Lodge and a past president of Sailability Shorncliffe. “Ron had three passions in life – Sailing, Sailability and Freemasonry. It was very moving to see the Grumpy Walker in action, knowing that we had played a key role in making this happen.”
According to Sailability Shorncliffe President Ted Balneaves the customised boat is a huge asset to the local organisation. “We had wanted to get one for some time. Our clients, many of whom have limited mobility, can now be wheeled straight onto the boat, compared to being transferred into our sailing dinghies with a winch and sling,” Ted said. “The pontoon boat can hold up to eight seated clients or up to four wheelchair-bound clients and four seated clients, with two crew members. Runaway Bay Pontoon Boats did a fantastic job of modifying their basic design to suit our requirements,” he said. “Our clients might not be able to touch the water because of the height of the boat, but they will still be able to feel the wind in their hair and take in the sights and sounds around them, as they sail along Cabbage Tree Creek.” Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said this was another great example of what can be achieved when Lodges and Hand Heart Pocket work together. “Support for initiatives that help to improve the quality of life of the aged aligns with our strategic charitable intent,” Gary said. “By partnering with Mt Pleasant Lodge, we have been able to get this initiative over the line, so that more aged people and people with disabilities are empowered to lead better lives.”
Children with disabilities empowered to gain independence
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ore children with disabilities in Brisbane will get the chance to enjoy a weekend away thanks to the Freemasons.
BestLife Foundation’s sleepover program recently received a $4,000 boost from Dunellan Masonic Lodge and Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland, to give up to ten children with disabilities the opportunity to have an away-from-home experience, where they can form new friendships and learn important life skills whilst having fun. Dunellan Masonic Lodge representative Colin Clapper said this was the second time that they had supported BestLife Foundation, having donated $1,200 with the help of Hand Heart Pocket the year before. “This program enhances the quality of life for so many young girls and boys,” Colin said. “We just had to get behind the initiative again so that more children could be part of this unique experience,” he said. Taking place in a purpose-built house at McKenzie Special School, BestLife Foundation’s sleepover program is conducted by qualified professionals, with a growing number of families benefiting from the program each year. Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said his organisation works with Masonic Lodges to support charities that are making a tangible difference in the community. “Education initiatives that empower children with disabilities to lead more independent lives aligns with our long-term charitable intent,” Gary said. “Through our grassroots grants program, we’ve been able to maximise the impact of Dunellan Masonic Lodge’s charity work at a local level,” he said.
Members of Dunellan Masonic Lodge handed over a cheque for $4,000 to BestLife Foundation.
MARCH 2019
21
Quarterly Communication
Autumn Quarterly Communication G
ood evening Past Grand Masters & Brethren, I thank you for your attendance this evening and for your interest in Grand Lodge affairs. It is so important to share ideas for the future of the Craft in this jurisdiction. Since we last met, the ceremonial activity of Grand Lodge has been somewhat quiet when compared with the height of the installation season that seems to run solidly for several months between March and September each year. However, I had the pleasure of attending two 125-year celebrations at Sir Wylie Norman and Wynnum lodges. Both were different in their presentations but equally satisfying. Sir Wylie Norman emphasised their heritage with their celebration whereas Wynnum combined an installation and reintroduced what they believe was the Irish ritual first practised by the Lodge in 1894. In both instances, there was great interest and enjoyment by the Lodge members and their visitors. Congratulations to all involved in the planning, preparation and delivery of those events and introducing variety and scholarship into the proceedings. In modern times, it is necessary that we be cautious with accepting candidates into Freemasonry. After all, is that not what we are all taught? If entry is not easy, the Craft will have men who are
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“I contend that it is time for members of the Craft to reflect on the generally accepted motto of Freemasonry in Latin, Audi, Vide, Tace, in English means to Hear, to See and to Be Quiet.”
serious about Freemasonry and they are the only people we want. Once a Freemason, we are taught that the Craft is based on integrity, kindness, honesty, fairness and tolerance. These are difficult maxims to live up to. Most Freemasons try hard to live by these principles with varying success, but it is a challenge to us equally. A tremendous series of acts of kindness and charity is happening in Townsville. We have heard of and seen the devastation caused by the Townsville floods last month. Many Freemasons and their supporters were active in providing physical, emotional and financial support to those affected. The brethren are still engaged in clean ups. Some brothers opened their doors to assist those who are displaced and awaiting repairs to their homes. It is satisfying to see the Masonic community putting into practice relief i.e. charity in word,
thought and deed. We wish all affected well and we trust the Masonic ideals practiced by those brethren in Townsville and surrounds, comfort those in need at this difficult time. I contend that it is time for members of the Craft to reflect on the generally accepted motto of Freemasonry in Latin, Audi, Vide, Tace, in English means to Hear, to See and to Be Quiet. The first two words to hear and to see are clearly referring to the two senses hearing and seeing, with which we acquire our information. George French states, “TACE or be silent, refers to the dissemination of information and alerts one to the desirability of thinking before speaking, of deciding what should be kept hidden or everbearing in remembrance of those truly Masonic virtues, silence and circumspection.” Perhaps Freemasons should start thinking about using the word private rather than secret. Although simple in its meaning, secrecy today is linked to wicked, stealthy and undesirable motives to describe the usage of the word. To Freemasons, it simply means that we are referring to our obligations, ritual and those parables understandable only to those who hear and see, i.e. our rituals in action. Many Freemasons have a mistaken idea that to be silent refers to the fact that they should not disclose their
own identity as a Freemason; or even, that they should not discuss anything about Freemasonry with their friends and colleagues. We know that this is not the truth and in fact, a distortion of those original ideas of protecting our skills and the honour of the Craft enshrined in the motto, to hear, to see and to be quiet. It is my view that there are things about our ritual plays that we should keep private and hopefully create an interest in men as they contemplate seeking admission to the Craft. While we need to speak up about the joys of Craft membership, what is said to a candidate is a matter for each Freemason’s discretion with serious regard to his obligation; we are not secretive, but we are certainly private. The current UGLQ Constitution has been in operation for over four years since the last major change that created the governing Boards. Matters relating to lodges and the District Grand Lodges were not reviewed during the last change and some issues have emerged. Consequently, a small team that includes representatives from the Nominations Panel, the General and Judicial Boards and a non-legal member representative has been established to review outstanding matters in the Constitution. Any brother or lodge that wishes to make a submission should direct them to the Grand Secretary by the end of August this year. This weekend, I shall be conducting a Consecration of a new amalgamated Lodge Gregory Allan 50. The ceremony will have the participation of District Grand Officers of the DGL of Carpentaria. The DGL will then conduct an Installation Ceremony for the foundation officers of the new Lodge; this will be a collaborative effort between the District Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge for the benefit of the brethren in the District. I am sure it will be a splendid event. At the end of this month, the DGM and I shall be joining Pioneer Lodge No 16 in Gympie to celebrate their 150-year anniversary. What a fantastic achievement for the Lodge. A reenactment of a consecration ceremony will be performed by Grand Lodge.
“It is my view that there are things about our ritual plays that we should keep private and hopefully create an interest in men as they contemplate seeking admission to the Craft.”
We send best wishes to the Lodge for a very successful celebration. I shall be visiting Noumea, New Caledonia on 2 May for the Provincial Grand Installation, which will be conducted by the Grand Master of the Grande Loge Nationale Francaise, MW Bro Jean-Paul Rollet. If you are interested in joining the UGLQ team, please contact the Grand Secretary. In its Masonic use, the word “welfare” focuses on the expression of benevolence amongst Freemasons, and the exercise by them of the teachings of the Craft, to each other, their wives, widows, dependents and children. Every lodge appoints an Almoner and tonight I am pleased to inform you that a Grand Almoner has been appointed and will have specific responsibilities to Grand Lodge for
the provision welfare in the Craft. The Grand Almoner is the point of contact to ensure the Grand Officers welfare needs are met; he will liaise with Lodge Almoners as necessary; he will ensure Lodge Almoners are trained and have adequate information to perform their role; he will provide advice to the Masonic Fund of Benevolence’ relief programmes and arrange for visitors to the sick particularly for brethren of country lodges admitted to city hospitals; he will maintain up to date information on assistance available to brethren from Hand Heart Pocket, the Masonic Fund of Benevolence, charity organisations and government agencies. I thank RW Bro Brian Offen for taking on this role and assisting Grand Lodge with its establishment. I encourage all to attend the ANZAC ceremonies being conducted at various Masonic Centres in the State. On ANZAC Day, please join me for a morning service at the Masonic Memorial Urn commencing at 9am and the AIF Memorial Lodge vacant chair ceremony at 7pm. These ceremonies are open to family and friends. Brethren, nominations for membership of the General Board of Directors are due by the end of this month. Those with any experience in business, property development, finance and marketing should consider applying to be part of a team developing strategies for the future of UGLQ. I congratulate those brethren who have been selected as Grand Officers for the Masonic year 2019/20 and I look forward to their investitures at the July Grand Installation. So that the State of Origin tragics can attend or view the game at Suncorp on 5 June, please note that the June Quarterly Communication will be held on the second Wednesday i.e. 12 June. Brethren, I thank you for your attendance and attention. Alan Townson - Grand Master 6 March 2019
MARCH 2019
23
Service Jewels
2019 Australia Day Honours list UGLQ NAME
MEDAL
NAME
MEDAL
Mr John Saunders Pollock
AM
Mr Douglas Charles Cutmore
OAM
Mr Brian Edward Bloxsom
OAM
Mr Brian John Reardon
OAM
Conferred Grand Rank The Grand Master has bestowed: GRAND LODGE HONOURS – 06 MARCH 2019 SALUTATION
FIRST NAMES
SURNAME
LODGE
NO
RANK
RW Bro
Tony
Ozanne PJGW
Pialba
192
Conspicuous Service to Masonry
RW Bro
Barry
Law PJGW
Continuity
242
Conspicuous Service to Masonry
Wor Bro
Bill
Wood
Hutton
238
Meritorious Service to Masonry
CONFERRED GRAND RANK – 06 MARCH 2019
RW Bro
Graham
Manning
Douglas
36
PSGW
Wor Bro
Clifton
Isted
Bennu
538
PDGDC
Wor Bro
Stirling
Morgan
Yeppoon
316
PSGD
Wor Bro
Edward
Milligan
Northern Travellers
280
PJGD
Wor Bro
Raymond
Graham
Walkerston
482
PGStdBr
Wor Bro
Brian
Hutchinson
Gayndah
188
PGStdBr
Service Jewels Presented Jewels notified as presented December 2018 – March 2019 70 YEAR JEWELS & LAPEL PINS
50 YEAR JEWELS & LAPEL PINS
RW Bro G Unsworth PDGM
Moreton 226
Wor Bro B Dymock
Maryborough 086
Wor Bro K M Booth
Moreton 226
Wor Bro S G Fullelove
Queensland 002
Wor Bro J L Carroll PSGD
Enoggera Thistle 304
Wor Bro D J Harker PSGD
Yeppoon 316
Wor Bro N G Jones
Kennedy 11
60 YEAR JEWELS & LAPEL PINS
RW Bro R L Spence PDGM
Morningside 196
Wor Bro G B Marks
Pine Rivers 511
RW Bro A W Hill PJGW
Connectivity 537
Wor Bro W C Neubauer
Mulgrave 044
VW Bro E A McCloskey
Bundaberg 472
Wor Bro S C A Roth PG Std Br
Monto 370
Wor Bro R J F Burns
Barron Barnett 146
Wor Bro J R Saunders
Cooroy Queen Alexandra 212
Wor Bro P J Fleming PG Stwd Br
Vigilance 494
Wor Bro A W L Verney
Shorncliffe 420
Wor Bro W Freyling OAM PJGD
Darling Downs 066
Wor Bro L J Wilson
Mooloolah 334
Wor Bro O L S Holding PG Purs
Caboolture Lodge 266
Bro Eric Kenneth Brown
Burstow 195
Wor Bro B J E Kunkel
Mount Pleasant 361
Bro K Dymock
Maryborough 086
Wor Bro D A Mungomery PSGD
Star of the East 021
Bro F S Sandell
Mount Morgan 057
Wor Bro R E Price
Enoggera- Thistle 304
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Wor Bro A R Wells PJGD
Grevillea 378
Wor Bro R J Coburn
Hibernia and Albion Star 015
Wor Bro O F Vickers
Caboolture 266
Bro R H Stenholm
Ironsides 454
50 YEAR JEWELS & LAPEL PINS
RW Bro Graham John Brandon PJGW
Raphael 30
VW Bro E J Francis PDGDC
Fraser Coast United 019
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60 years of continuous membership in Biggenden Lodge 136 By VW Bro Allan Williams
Wor Bro Lez Geissler received his 60 year Jewel and pin on November 28th at his home in Fraser Shores Village, Hervey Bay. Present were Members of Biggenden Lodge 136, from the left, VW Bro Tim Turner PAGSW, Wor Bro Reg Berthelsen, Master, Wor Bro Lez Geissler, Mrs Thel Geissler, VW Bro Al Williams AGDD, and many thanks to Wor Bro Kirk Earl of Maryborough Lodge 86, for taking the photos.
RW Bro Bell receiving his certificate.
75 Year pin presentation By VW Bro Craig Reimers AGDD
On Tuesday 20 November 2018 I had the great privilege to present a 75-year membership certificate and pin to RW Bro Joffre Bell PAGM at Clifton Lodge 111. As part of the presentation I also read a personal note from the MW Grand Master, which was included with the certificate package. RW Bro Bell was very appreciative that the MW Grand Master took the time to write a personal congratulations and he expressed a desire that I thank the MW Grand Master on his behalf. It was an occasion that I will remember for a long time and will unlikely be able to repeat.
60 Year Jewel & Pin presented at Caboolture Lodge No 266 By RW Bro Jack Lowe
60 Year Wor Bro David Mungomery Presentation of 60 Year Jewel by Grand Lodge to Wor Bro David Mungomery from Star of the East 21 by Wor Bro Gene Johnson at the Maryborough Masonic Centre Thursday December 6 2018.
At the 2018 Christmas party of Caboolture Lodge 266 held at Dux Street Caboolture, Wor Bro Oliver (Olly) Holding was presented by Grand Lodge and on behalf of the MW Grand Master with his 60-Year Service Jewel and pin by RW Bro Jack Lowe. Olly’s wife, Edith, had the emotional honour of pinning the jewel to the surprised Olly’s chest. This was a complete surprise to Olly who had no idea of the presentation. Edith had arranged for the family members and friends to attend without Olly getting any idea of what was planned for him on the night. It was a lovely surprise for him after all those years of dedicated service to Queensland Freemasonry, which started at Moorvale Lodge 426, 27 September 1958. He Joined Caboolture Lodge 266, 20 September 1999, and Caboolture Lodge presented him with his 50-year Jewel and pin 20 September 2008. The meeting was very well attended with Olly’s son arriving with six members from Woolooga Lodge 360, Olly is also an Honorary member of Woolooga Lodge. It was a night for all to remember with 41 members, family and guests present and we would like to thank Edith, and all of Olly’s family, friends and our stewards for an excellent night.
A twin 50 Year Jewel Presentation By VW Bro Allan D Williams AGDD
On Thursday, 13 December, VW Bro Ted Ruska WM, presented twin brothers, Bro Keith and Wor Bro Bruce Dymock with their 50 Year Jewels. This, we imagine, is a rare occurrence with twins being Initiated on the same evening and then 50 years later being awarded their 50 Year Service Jewels.
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Service Jewels
50 Year Jewel for Wor Bro Kevin Payne By VW Bro Michael Aldrich AGDD
On Sunday 25 November 2018 in the company of VW Bro Graham Schulz PDG Sec and Wor Bro Doug McGill SGD, I had the pleasure to present a 50 Year Serivce Jewel and Pin to one of their long serving memebers, Bro Kevin Payne. At the Presentation was Kevin’s wife Jan and their son Nigel, who is a member of Scotia Lodge 263 in Brisbane. After commencing work with Queensland Rail at Roma, Kevin moved to various other QR positions around the State before retiring some years ago to the Pelican Waters Estate, Sunshine Coast. Following an enjoyable morning tea prepared by Jan, I commented on the highlights of Kevin’s Masonic Career before inviting Jan to invest Kevin with his Jewel and Lapel Badge. Kevin was Initiated in Raphael Lodge 30 on 21 June 1961 at 21,Passed on 20 February 1962 and Raised on 11 December 1962. He has been a member of Raphael lodge 30 for almost 58 years. Kevin is a member of that small band of long serving Freemasons who have only been members of one Lodge throughout their Masonic Career. Various health issues mean that Kevin rarely attends Lodge meetings now, but with the assistance of Jan they are still able to live in their own home.
Bro Kevin Payne (seated) L-R VWBro Mike Aldrich, VWBro Graham Schulz, VWBro Doug McGill
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By RW Bro Ken Stephen
he Freyling family came from Germany and settled in Toowoomba in 1860. Wally was born on the 18 August 1934. As he grew up and after working in a variety of jobs, Wally was offered a job at Bert Charker’s abattoir with all types of Steam Engines and Boilers. Chief Machinery Inspector Mr Albert Quant told Bert Wally should present himself to the Magistrates court for a written examination which he did and passed with flying colours. Mr Quant approached Wally and suggested he could get him a position with one of several firms. But Wally was offered a relief Operations position at the Toowoomba Hospital, which he accepted. He was with the Hospital for thirty-eight years.Wally was formally appointed chief engineer on the 30 May 1956. He was a member of the Hospital Engineers society and organised conferences in Queensland. As a young fellow on a Saturday night he went to dances in local and country towns. At one of these he met a young lady Peggy Cherry whom he married on the 9 May 1959. That marriage produced three sons, then grandchildren and great grandchildren. Wally with the assistance of two carpenters built his own home on ten acres that was part of the original Freyling property. In the Queen’s Birthday honours in 1989 Wally received an Order of Australia medal for his service to Hospitals. Wally retired on the 9 August 1991. After retirement he was sought by other hospitals. He assisted hospitals on the
Jan and Kevin
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Wor Bro Wally Freyling OAM receives a 60 Year Jewel
MARCH 2019
north coast for eight years. Wally and Peggy travelled to many overseas countries. On one of these trips he met a fellow from Germany and asked if he knew of a village Munchhausen. The answer was no but he said he would search for it when he returned home. After some months he wrote saying he had found the village and sent photos of the Freyling’s graves. This led to many trips to Germany to visit and meet the Freylings of Germany
Masonic Career Wallace Freyling was Initiated in Darling Downs Lodge on the 15 January 1959. Wally was passed on the 16 April 1959. Raised on the 17 September 1959 Wally’s journey through the offices comenced in 1970 when he was elected Inner Guard. He progressed through the offices being invested as Master in 1975. He received a Past Masters Jewel at the Installation in 1976, a Life Governor Jewel 25 June 1977, and a Life Vice President Jewel 13 July 1978. He was nominated by the Masonic Council. Received a life Vice Patron Jewel 23 June 1984 and a Fifty Jewel & Lapel Pin 16 January 2009. Wally received the rank of Past Junior Grand Deacon 31 August 1986. Wally introduced quite a few candidates to Freemasonry during his years of active service. He was also very active in the work of the Masonic Council. For a Period of Time there were four Freylings in the Lodge: Wally, Eric, Ron And Terry—all related.
Craft News
Welcome to Eventbrite As many of you are aware, UGLQ is transitioning to utilising Eventbrite, an online ticket system for events. Eventbrite is an efficient and accurate online ticketing and event management website that allows event hosts to effectively track attendees and payments for events. Eventbrite is successfully used in other Masonic jurisdictions for managing events. You can access the Eventbrite page here: https://www. eventbrite.com.au/. Payments can be made via Mastercard, Visa, or PayPal. To obtain further information, the Eventbrite website has a help tab at the top of the home screen, or you can access it here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/support. Lodge secretaries are encouraged to assist their brethren without an email address or computer access to register for events using Eventbrite. If you require any assistance with registering, please don’t hesitate to talk to your lodge secretary.
Great day for Cleveland Lodge 74 By VW Bro Des Peters
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aturday 13 October 2018 will no doubt be a historic day in the annals of Cleveland Lodge 74 as Wor Bro William (Bill) Boyd was installed as the Master of Cleveland Lodge for the third time. He was first installed in 2010, again in 2017, and again by Proclamation in 2018. The ceremony of Proclamation and Investiture of Officers was held in the Townsville Masonic Centre. The Lodge was honoured by the attendance of the NQ District Grand Master, RW Bro Les Keane and the NQ District Grand Team, which included several Past District Grand Past Masters. They were witness to a very enjoyable and well preformed ceremony. The day was also a celebration of the 125th year of the foundation of Cleveland Lodge. The Lodge’s new banner was on display for the first time at a Cleveland Lodge meeting to mark the event. On completion of the ceremony members of NQ District Grand Lodge and Cleveland Lodge 74 assembled for photographs. Our Master invited all present to adjourn to the South and join with our partners, visitors, guests and children to celebrate 125 years since the foundation of Cleveland Lodge and partake in the banquet provided. The format was a party theme and the venue was decorated with balloons, streamers and whistles with music playing away in the background. In keeping with the party theme the Birthday cake was iced with the new Lodge Banner that highlighted the stairs of the night with the southern cross and a lighthouse. The allegory being “The Stairs Guide Us on Our Journey, and the Light from the Lighthouse Gives Us Safe Passage”.
The Master and his wife cutting the cake. Looking on is their Grand Daughter, and NQ District Grand Master. Thanks RW Bro Lyle McGrath for the photo.
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Serving the Community
Wheelchairs donated to the Mackay Hospital By RW Bro David Willans
I volunteer at the Base Hospital so I have observed a number of patients attending appointments that have mobility problems and require a wheelchair, which they normally receive at the volunteer’s desk, but sometimes we are unable to supply them with a wheelchair as we have a limited supply and patients are required to attend their appointment with great difficulty. The Valley Lodges are known for their
charity work, so when I visited Calen Hamilton Lodge, I informed them of the shortfall of wheelchairs that the Hospital Foundation are experiencing. The Lodge decided, with the help of Hand Heart Pocket’s Dollar for Dollar Subsidy, to purchase two wheelchairs with our logos on the back. We are always trying to assist the general public whenever we are able, and the request fit our charitable criteria.
This picture shows Wor Bro Bill Boyd donating the welder to Committee member of the Upper Ross Mens Shed, Mr Les Olsen.
Cleveland Lodge supports the Upper Ross Mens Shed in a time of need By VW Bro Norm Souter-smith
Following a robbery at the Upper Ross Men’s Shed in Townsville a call was put out for donations to replace the items stolen. Cleveland Lodge 74 were able to assist with the donation of a near new 240v welder.
Donated barbecue helps lodges to fundraise By RW Bro Graham Townsend
Wor Bro Alan Mclean Walkerston Lodge, Wor Bro Worren Thomson Calen Lodge, VW Bro Neil Wales AGDD, Mr Len Turvey President Seaforth Progress Ass, RW Bro Graham Townsend Calen Lodge, and Wor Bro Bob Wallace Hamilton Lodge with the new barbecue.
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MARCH 2019
At the Seaforth Progress & Sports Association Mega Markets barbecue held once a month the three combined Lodges of Hamilton, Calen, and Walkerston in the Mackay Country area work together to raise money. The Lodges needed a new barbecue as the old one finally fell apart. Wor Bro Thomson called on Harvey Norman for a price and when he told the Floor Manager that we needed it for the Freemasons to raise money for charitable organisations she said she would speak to the manager for a discount. When he was told it was the Freemasons who needed the barbecue, he said he
would donate the barbecue worth $900 in total. We then told him that we would donate the $900 we had saved to a charitable organisation. The three Lodges have been running the morning barbecue for three years now and have raised over $12,000. Also, by using Hand Heart Pocket’s Dollar for Dollar Subsidy you can double that, which is a considerable amount of money. We have put a plaque on the barbecue thanking Harvey Norman for their generosity. We usually have around five brethren and their partners attend for the Sunday morning.
Roma’s bursary presentation By David Bowden
Photo: Front row Peter and Joan Pascoe Bursary Recipients Ryan Thrupp, Erin Patton, Abbie Just and Caitlin McNulty with Members of Raphael, Maranoa and Corona Lodges at the Masonic Centre, Jackson Street, Roma. Photo taken by Roma’s Western Star Newspaper.
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orshipful Brother Bill Vierveyzer of Raphael Freemason Lodge Roma hosted the presentation of the Peter and Joan Pascoe Bursary at the Roma Masonic Centre. The recipients were Abbie Just, Erin
Patton, Caitlin McNulty and Ryan Thrupp (Katie Barsby was unavailable). 2019 is the 17th year that five $2,000 bursaries have been awarded to students living in the Maranoa Regional Council area
June Edition Submissions Have you got a story for The Queensland Freemason? We want to hear from you. Please email your submissions to news@uglq.org.au by 1 May 2019.
“2019 is the 17th year that five $2,000 bursaries have been awarded.”
to assist with expenses towards their higher education. Peter Pascoe was a member of Raphael Lodge who passed away in 2003. His wife Joan Pascoe takes an active interest in the resumes of the applicants.
The Lodge Shop
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Travel
Remembrance Day 2018 The Queensland Freemason Magazine of December 2018 featured Remembrance Day, the close of hostilities, 100 years ago.
I
ncluded was a photo of Past Grand Master, Adrian Burton, and his grandson, Daniel Burton, laying a wreath in memory of their Uncle and Great Great Uncle, Arthur Herbert Burton. He died of wounds on the 29 September 1917 at Ypres, Belgium. Arthur Burton enlisted in Goulburn, NSW in 1916, at the age of 20. The same year, he sailed to England and was a bomb instructor on the Salisbury Plain in the
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Craft News
Vacant Chair Ceremony to Commemorate Armistice 2018 Gayndah Lodge 188
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south of the country. His letters to his sisters highlighted that Arthur was restless to go to the front. He eventually sailed to France and marched into Belgium in September 1917. Arthur’s unit—the 55th Btn AIF (Snowy Mountain Regiment)— marched through the Menin Gates the same day the Australian army entered the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as the Battle of Passchendaele. Arthur was in Europe six days, only to be wounded on the first day of the battle. He died three days later at the age of 22.
In September, Adrian and Regina Burton and their daughter, Rebecca, went to Ypres to pay their respects. They witnessed the Menin Gate evening service, with a private, guided tour to Polygon Wood and Lijssenthoek Cemetery the next day. They learned that in Passchendaele, there are 150 British Commonwealth War cemeteries. The Burtons also visited the Canadian section where John McCrae wrote ‘In Flanders Fields’. MW Bro Adrian Burton shared that ‘seeing all the names of those lost souls was a most moving experience’.
“Arthur Burton enlisted in Goulburn, NSW in 1916, at the age of 20. The same year, he sailed to England and was a bomb instructor on the Salisbury Plain.”
here were 38 members of the community, lodge members and brethren from visiting lodges who attended our Ceremony on 7/11/2018. There were also members of Guides, RSL, Lions, Rotary and North Burnett Regional Council who attended and laid wreaths. The highlight of the night was the address by Wor Bro Chris Roberts who talked about a box of WWI memorabilia that was given to his wife from a family member. The box had been under the bed of a Great Aunt of hers for over 50 years with the items surviving in pristine condition. There are over 200 items consisting of letters and memorabilia between two brothers from Gayndah, who went to WWI, and their family. Only one of them returned and lived a full and long life. The items have been catalogued and researched; then photocopied, laminated and placed in two folders, which were put out for people to view. One item was a plane ticket from the first flight at Gayndah Airport and, through research, an article from the local paper at the time.
The talk was very informative and gave all of us a sense of the time, but more importantly, a link with WWI that is both local and personal. This talk and the Ceremony were very well received, and everyone wanted to discuss the memorabilia afterwards. It took quite a while to encourage people to have some refreshments as they were so caughtup in what was on display. The Representatives of the Fighting Forces were Sergeant Mike Sibley and Leading Seaman Craig Fothergill, and the Flag Bearer was Corporal Alex McColm from the RSL and the organist was Mrs Judith Woodman-Huth. This gave the community ownership of the Ceremony, which added another layer of success for the night, remembering it was one of the many local activities commemorating the 2018 Armistice.
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Travel
A trip to South America By VW Bro Bill Boyd
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ustralians are constantly reminded that we live in a big country with the tyranny of distance and all that implies. South America is of course not one country but an amalgam of several sovereign nations. Somewhat carrot-shaped, it is 7000km in length and 5000km at its widest and it ranges from equatorial and tropical climes down to the blasted heaths of the far south. While in Brazil they speak Portuguese most other folks speak Spanish though there are indeed many peoples and ethnic groups. The ancient Inca language is widely spoken in Peru and Bolivia. To say that I visited South America is true but in less than three
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“Highlights of the trip included a visit to Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca city very high in the mountains.”
weeks I barely scratched the surface. Nevertheless, I saw enough to develop a lasting respect particularly for the Peruvian and Bolivian rural people who bend their backs to the heaviest loads. Almost all farm work is done by hand with little in the way of machinery or transport. Most travel is done on
foot and there are steep hillsides with high terraces where the mattock is the chief instrument made use of and all produce has to be carried out. In the Peruvian and Bolivian high country there were large numbers of alpacas and llamas (the latter are bigger and coarser). Traditional dress is worn by many women who often sport a tall bowler hat. The bigger the hat the better off is the owner. Highlights of the trip included a visit to Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca city very high in the mountains. Here they built very exact temples of hewn stone where they worshipped the sun, the moon and mother earth—reminiscent brethren? After ten nights at altitudes of up to
4300 metres (14,000 feet) including Lake Titicaca where we lowlanders had to do everything slowly, descent to sea level settled my breathing. A three day visit to the Amazon revealed fantastic bird life, monkeys, sloths, a boa constrictor and a baby anaconda in the wild. While it is troubling to think how much of a struggle it is to protect the Amazon I mused that in our first world country we cannot even look after our koalas. On the Amazon I found myself sitting next to an Irish man. Noticing he was wearing a ‘ring’ I asked him if he knew what a working tool is. Brother Andrew Donaldson, Eclipse Lodge 259 New Jersey! Who would have thunk it!
Travel
Visiting Katy Lodge in Houston By Wor Bro John Playford
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was in Houston for about a month recently (returned 15 January) as we were visiting our son and family who reside near Katy in Houston, Texas. There are two lodges nearby (Gray Lodge and Katy Lodge) and I was able to visit Katy Lodge for a scheduled meeting on 7 January 2019. The Lodge has about 30 members and they are a very active Lodge supporting their community with many events—they run a ‘Lock & Load’ event which involves a gun shoot and is quite popular.
The older Mason in the wheelchair (see photo) has been in the Craft for about 64 years and his cap reads ‘Texas Raised’ and he is very proud of it. His son is also in Katy Lodge. You will notice the dress is quite casual and the master on the night wore his black Stetson. I was advised of dress for this meeting but as I was a visitor, I wanted to wear normal dress. I have visited a Lodge in England as well (Kidderminster) some time
“The Lodge has about 30 members and they are a very active Lodge supporting their community with many events.” ago and find visiting very satisfying as you are made to feel part of a worldwide organisation and visiting is only one benefit, although a very important benefit, of being involved in the Craft.
Katy Lodge members made me feel very welcome and when I produced my Grand Lodge ‘Letter of Introduction’ and passport, I did not have a problem. The Lodge holds their Festive Board before the meeting and the meeting ran for approximately two hours until 9.30pm!
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The Craft
The universality of Freemasonry By VW Bro Bob Hannell
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n 1967, my family and I moved to Victoria and I commenced a training course for Assistant District Managers with the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. I applied for membership with the Lodge of Charity 468 in 1968 but due to the large number of candidates, was told that there would be at least nine months before I could be initiated. In the meantime, I was appointed to Murrayville, a small district in north west of Victoria. I travelled over 400 miles back to Melbourne and on 8 of October 1969, was initiated in a double candidate ceremony. I was passed to the Second Degree in Murrayville Lodge 366 on 9 February 1970 and then promoted to Cohuna where I was raised to the Third Degree in Cohuna Lodge 227 on 14 November 1970, 13 months after initiation. While in Cohuna, we had a brother from Lodge of Charity and his wife visit us for a few days and he told us this story. Early in 1940, a brother was initiated into the Lodge of Charity. Before he could be Passed to the Second Degree, he was conscripted into the army. He was sent to North Africa where he and some other Australians were captured by the Germans and placed in a POW camp. All Germans were not Nazi’s and many of the guards spoke English. The Germans spoke to the prisoners and gave out cigarettes. There were many Freemasons in Germany not practicing because Hitler abolished Freemasonry. While talking to a guard one day, the guard said something that the EA recognised as having a Masonic connotation. He asked the guard if he was a Freemason and the guard in turn asked him if he was a Freemason. The EA explained to the guard what had happened to him. Sometime later, in the evening, two guards entered the camp and called on the EA by name and marched him out. He did not know why they
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were taking him for. They took him to another building where there were many other German soldiers. In that building, a team of soldiers with the camp Kommandant in the chair of Worshipful Master, passed him to the Second Degree in German. Shortly after, I transferred to Kerang and affiliated with Kerang Lodge 100 and Chisel Lodge of Masonic Research 434. Within the Chisel Lodge, members would research a Masonic subject, and produce a paper, which was read and discussed in the Lodge. District Lodges often called on the Chisel Lodge to provide lecturers to give a talk in their Lodge. Member Bro Kevin Walker had an interest in the American Civil War, and he wrote and presented a finely researched
“It just goes to show that even in adversity and conflict, Freemasonry can be a common denominator.” paper on the Northern and Southern Armies. The Northern forces attacked a small town held by the Southern forces and drove them out of the town. They retreated and the Northern army sent two soldiers to follow the Southern forces to see where they were going. They moved several miles south of the town and left behind a lot of their equipment. Amongst the equipment was a large box of Masonic gear. The Senior officer had a few soldiers load the box onto a horse drawn wagon and, under a flag of truce, proceeded to the Southern encampment. The Southern forces accepted them, and the Northerners presented the Southerners with their Masonic gear. They were offered lunch and later returned, under the flag of truce, to their own lines. Another example of
the universality of Freemasonry. The Secretary of both the Kerang and Chisel Lodges was Wor Bro Arthur Trebilcock, PJGD. He was the Deputy Engineer with the Shire Council and had been a Lieutenant in the army in the Pacific area of fighting in WWII. He presented a paper which described the small Masonic groups that were set up in areas of the conflict. He had been a member of M.O.L.I., Masons on Labuan Island and M.I.N.G., Masons in New Guinea. That raised a lot of discussion. One of the district lodges requested a speaker to give a paper at their Lodge and Arthur volunteered. He and a few others, me included, visited the Lodge and Arthur gave his talk. It generated a lot of questions and comments. I stood and told the story of the EA in the German camp. Another brother stood and asked if he could enlarge on the content of the paper. He said that he was captured by the Japanese and sent to the infamous and overcrowded Changi prison. Before he got there, previous prisoners had been given permission to use a small room as a common meeting place to talk. He found a group of Freemasons who met in the room occasionally. They appointed a Worshipful Master to run the meeting and appointed two Wardens to assist. They were in a meeting when the door opened, and a Japanese officer entered. They all got to their feet and bowed to him as was required. He stood inside the door for a short period then slowly walked around the room, stopping at the door. He then gave the First Degree sign and all the prisoners returned the sign. The officer then retired. Not a word was spoken by anyone during his visit. There must have been many other similar meeting places set up in many of the theatres of the war. It just goes to show that even in adversity and conflict, Freemasonry can be a common denominator.
Travel
NORTH KOREA – The Hermit Kingdom Awakens!
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o most of the world, North Korea is a mysterious enigma and a most unlikely tourist destination! However to the tourist looking for something different and elusive, this controversial nation can supply a myriad of unique cultural experiences unlike any other. North Korea is very slowly opening its doors to a select few, and once again, Travel Masters gives travellers a unique opportunity to be one of the few to visit this controversial destination. In 2019 Travel Masters will once again escort an 13 day small group tour into the heart of North Korea and provide a rare opportunity to ‘do something really unique and different’. The itinerary begins with an unusual twist. Most tours being by flying into Pyongyang, but the Travel Masters tour will access North Korea uniquely by rail, through the Chinese border town of Dandong, thus providing an amazing contrast between the emerging giant that is modern China with conservative and underdeveloped North Korea. During your time in North Korea you will visit all the major landmarks, museums
“North Korea is very slowly opening its doors to a select few, and once again, Travel Masters gives travellers a unique opportunity to be one of the few to visit this controversial destination.”
and cultural centres of Pyongyang. A visit to the DMZ in Kaesong will also feature, as will a scenic journey to the beautiful Mount Myohyang. All meals, entrance fees, guides, tipping and the North
Korean Visa is included in the tour cost. This excellent tour by its very nature is limited in numbers and at just $8,749 per person ex Brisbane will sell out quickly.
Find out More If you are looking for a top quality world experience like no other, then this will surely satisfy. Call 1800 672 988 for a complete brochure. Reserve your space on what will be an amazing life time memory.
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Craft News
Fires in Woolooga Written by Linda Blake - A Mason's Wife
Bro Ashley Blake is a hero to many in our community. The Woolooga Fires in September 2018 is a prime example of how my husband will go above and beyond to make sure people are safe.
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he fires started on Wednesday 19 September 2018. By the time we headed to the school the fire had jumped the road and the wind was changing directions rapidly. Ashley left me and the kids at the school to keep us safe while he went to check out what was happening. When we did finally get home all you could see was black. Thankfully the house and Ashley were both safe. We were then told the fires were out, or at least under control. On Thursday morning there was a sale on at the sale yards this day and Ashley and I were volunteering to help with the food there. Shortly into our shift we all notice two plumes of smoke in two different places, to the east and west of town. Ashley went to check where the smoke was coming from. And that's when the craziness began. Ashley went and helped people fight fires and evacuate their property. He also stocked up on cartons of
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bottled water for anyone who got dehydrated. When he finally stopped for a chat with the boys, he witnessed some embers floating across to the school, which set some grass on fire. Ashley raced towards the school noticed smoke coming from under a building. As soon as he had the hose ready, he slipped in under the building to get the fire from behind. A police officer also grabbed an extinguisher and attacked the fire from the front, unaware of Ashley. With a cough and a splutter Ashley soon let him know he was there, and that he just copped a face full of extinguisher foam. The fire was put out, saving the school building. Ashley went to check on those at the other end of the fire, out of town. They watched the fires as they burnt in the distance clearly heading towards them. That's when they formed 'The Renegade Brigade'. With backpack spray packs and a determination to not let it beat them
“The Woolooga Mason Lodge 360 does a lot for the community. In 2018 they joined forces with the Woolooga State School P&C Association to bring more activity to the community and fundraising for the lodge and the P&C.�
they fought on through the night. They fought until they knew they had done enough, and the exhaustion took over. From then on it was recovery mode. The community pulled together and raised funds and gathered donations for those effected by the fires. The Woolooga Mason Lodge 360 does a lot for the community. In 2018 they joined forces with the Woolooga State School P&C Association to bring more activity to the community and fundraising for the lodge and the P&C. This year they have already held their first Bingo night of the year and have the next one scheduled for April. Along with a Family Fun Night Bingo in August. In addition to these partnerships, the Lodge has run sausage sizzles for raising money and awareness for Woolooga and Theebine Lodges. The lodge has also raised Bro Scott Sutton to Master Mason in January and in February they will be holding a double Passing to the Second Degree for Brothers Corey Logan and Daniel Isaacs. In March they will be raising Brother Craig Harris to Master Mason and April will see either another raising to Master Mason or an Initiation into the First Degree with at least one more Initiation and another raising to Master Mason on the calendar in the next few months.
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Craft News
Several well-known citizens from the Gympie region are included in the 29 Freemasons remembered. These include Major General Sir Thomas Glasgow; Major Allan Nash, son of James Nash the discoverer of gold in Gympie; and Captain George Thomas, Mayor of Gympie 1924-1927. Those listed came from Gympie Lodge (SC), Braemar Lodge (SC), Lord Dufferin Lodge (IC), Pioneer Lodge (EC), and Prince Leopold Lodge (EC).
Gympie Freemasons honour WWI heroes By Wor Bro Wayne Smith
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ince 1919, an honour board has hung in the Gympie Freemasons Centre in Channon Street, Gympie, listing the names of 29 Freemasons from the Gympie District who fought in the “war to end all wars”—World War I. While the honour board has hung there for 99 years, the conflict that it commemorates ended 100 years ago on the 11 November 1918. The faces and the stories behind many of the 29 names have long passed from living memory. Only a few of the more famous are still remembered. However, thanks to the Gympie District Freemasons and the Gympie Family History Society that has now all changed. The faces and stories behind the names once again returned when, on Saturday 10 November 1918, the Gympie District Freemasons, in conjunction with the Gympie Family History Society, hosted a commemoration of those listed on that honour board as a part of the 100 years celebrations of the signing of the armistice which ended WWI.
“The faces and the stories behind many of the 29 names have long passed from living memory. Only a few of the more famous are still remembered.”
Mystery Grand Master’s apron By the UGLQ Archives
In 2018 a Grand Master’s Apron was donated to the Ian Maddox Library by Wor Bro Mal Holst from Bartle Frere 254. All museums have items which cannot be readily identified, and which have been separated from their provenance. We know it was purchased from a private seller near Noosa by Wor Bro Holst. Our volunteers and experts have looked at the apron and have come to the following conclusions: It is a conferred Grand
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Master’s Apron. The taus on the Apron are of English design. We know it is a Queensland apron as it bears a Rothwells label. From examining photographs of the Grand Masters of UGLQ we can date the apron from between 1931 and 1965. We have eight to ten names of those it could have belonged to, but we may not have photos. If you think you may know who this apron belongs to please send your responses to library@uglq.org.au
The day commenced at 10am with the Gympie Freemasons Centre in Channon Street open for visitors to view the stories with an audiovisual display detailing the lives and histories of those who enlisted. At 11.30am there was a short, moving, commemoration to honour those listed on the board and particularly for those who did not return, including Major Allan Nash, Pvt John Boyns, Pvt Ferdinand Clifton, Pvt Arthur Groves, Driver Henry Long and Sapper Herbert Westbrook. The commemoration service incorporated elements of a public “Service for Peace”, held 100 years previously in the Freemasons Centre on 24 November 1918 by the combined lodges of Gympie. On the same day following on from the Masonic commemoration with a light luncheon, the Gympie Family History Society launched their new publication on all those from the Gympie area who enlisted in 1916. This follows on from their previous publications covering enlistments from 1914 and 1915. Publications on 1917 and 1918 will be published later this year. Approximately 70 people attended this very successful event, including the Mayor of Gympie and descendants of the brethren being honoured and remembered.
Craft News
St Andrew of Townsville’s Remembrance Ceremony By VW Bro David Green
On the evening of 10 November 2018 St Andrew of Townsville Lodge 94, on behalf of the District Grand Lodge of North Queensland, held a unique open Remembrance Service. The aim of the evening was to acknowledge and commemorate the cessation of hostilities one hundred years ago in 1918 hence concluding World War I. While hosted by a Masonic Lodge, the evening was focused on the origins of Armistice Day being respectful of all wars, ages, religion and social backgrounds and moreover, ‘open’ to the general public and overtly advertised as such.
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he evening was well supported by the attendance from prominent members of the community; Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Townsville, Councillor Jenny Hill and Councillor Les Walker accompanied with their partners; amongst other distinguished guests: Queensland Police Service, Defence notwithstanding representatives from Legacy, RAAF Garbutt and the Army Museum at Kissing Point, Townsville. The 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment provided a catafalque party, under the command of Corporal Byrne, relieving the brethren pall bearers of their station around the symbolic casket of the Unknown Soldier, on which was draped the Australian National Flag adorned with a traditional Infantry Sword. A bugler of the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment played the traditional segments integral with the two minutes silence adding an air of meaning and solace to the evening’s ceremony. The hymns of the evening, chosen for their significance and relationship to that first Armistice Ceremony, were lead by the ladies and gentleman from the Townsville Choral Society under the guidance and musical accompaniment of Mrs Dawn Wakelin. Mr James ‘Jimmy’ Sagar of the Townsville RSL Memorial Pipes and Drums encapsulated the evening with his exceptional ‘piping’ and lead the casket both into and out of the ceremony. It culminated with him playing, as a lone piper, from the balcony of the Townsville Masonic Centre, with the ‘sound of the pipes’ cascading along Walker
Street bringing the attention of the public and drawing a small crowd as the brethren and guests retired to the South for discourse and fare.
“What a fitting way to acknowledge that, for the grace of god go I; least we forget.“
While hosted by St Andrew of Townsville Lodge, on behalf of the District Grand Lodge of North Queensland, it was a truly united conglomerate of brethren from across the District, which brought this event into being. What a fitting way to acknowledge that, for the grace of god go I; least we forget.
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Quick News
Is this Past Master unique
Wor Bro Jack Carroll PSGD holder of 70th service jewel.
At the recent “Thank You Ladies” Christmas dinner, held annually by Enoggera Thistle Lodge 304, a presentation of a 70-year Service Jewel was made to Wor Bro Jack Carroll. Wor Bro Jack was Initiated in Dynamic St Clair Lodge 97 UGLQ on 3 December 1948. When his Mother Lodge handed in its warrant, Bro Jack joined Enoggera Lodge. He has occupied the Chaplain’s chair in both Lodges a decade apiece, never misses a practice, and delivers the Second Tracing Board charge. According to MW Bro Dr Gary Bacon AM PGM who made the presentation, Wor Bro Jack may currently hold a unique record in Queensland Freemasonry. Reference to ‘The Centennial Story’ published in 1959 for the 100 year milestone of Freemasonry in Queensland reveals that Wor Bro Jack is recorded as Worshipful Master of Dynamic St Clair 97. Indeed, he was Installed on 3 July 1959. The query raised is this: Is Wor Bro Jack Carroll PSGD the last remaining Master of the 455 Masters in active lodges listed in the Centennial year? The challenge raised is this: Lodge Secretaries to search their records and determine if their Master of the Centennial year is still with us. All responses to the Editor. A combined 60th anniversary/160th milestone in 2019 beckons.
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18th Rose Croix in Roma
Freemasons at the Roma Cup
By Bro David Bowden
By Bro David Bowden
At the November meeting of the Freemasons 18th Degree in Roma, Ray Martin was installed as Most Wise Sovereign. Several Lodges were represented—Raphael and Maranoa from Roma, Bonnie Doon from Injune, Corona from Wallumbilla and Meandarra.
The Freemason Lodges of Raphael and Maranoa, combined with Corona Lodge from Wallumbilla, assisted at the Roma Cup Meeting for the eighth year. The Roma Cup is an annual race and is the biggest racing event in South Western Queensland. People from all over the state come and visit. Freemasons from the local area have been assisting in the Roma cup for the past few years.
Gayndah Freemasons teaming up with local Lions
Back row: Wor Bro Max Wharton, Peter Spencer (President Lions), Wor Bro Bill Mellor OAM, Peter Strohfield, Wor Bro Owen Savage. Centre Front: VW Bro Bill Turner (Master Gayndah Masonic Lodge). Photo by Cynthia Bethelsen
Gayndah Freemasons and Lions have teamed together to be a part of the Adopt-A-Road project supported by the Keep Australia Beautiful Council of Queensland, which supplies equipment to the volunteers. This project not only improves the safety, but the appearance of the A3, which is the gateway to the community. “It is also enhancing the town’s natural beauty for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike,” said VW Bro Bill Turner. They have been working together since 2006 to conduct these clean-ups every quarter. Anyone is welcome to be a part of this initiative and notices are posted on the Lions notice board near the dentist when a clean up is scheduled.
A family affair By Bro Cameron Morris
A father and son team recently joined the Tamborine Lodge 259. Bro Josh Khoury completed his first Degree in October 2018 and his father Bro David Khoury completed it in November 2018. I had the honour of conducting both of them as the Junior Deacon for their 1st Degree. Bro John Khoury reflected that “it was definitely an honour to see my father’s initiation. He said that he felt born again when he saw the light and feels that he has become a better person. That was an amazing experience to share with him. I feel that I have grown as a person and continually discover more about what life has to offer. I keep learning from the brothers at Tamborine Lodge and all the other lodges. I want to say thank you to RW Bro Phil Cohen for helping us along the journey, and to Bro Camron Morris for helping me and my father through this first initiation. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Quick News
Save the Date
Home Hill Carpet
April ANZAC Day wreath laying Location: Masonic Memorial Centre Date: 25/04/2019 9:00am April AIF Memorial Lodge ANZAC Ceremony Location: Masonic Memorial Centre Date: 25/04/2019 7:00pm
Miles of Road By VW Bro Ivor Player
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Everywhere these ladies went they were treated with genuine affection. One sad event happened with the outgoing Worthy Matron of Townsville, Sister Betty Manly the Catering Supervisor, as she had to be admitted into hospital due to a back injury. A lovelier lady you could not possibly meet and it rings true that “you can take the girl out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the girl”.
Location: Noumea, New Caledonia Date: 02/05/2019
was recently given the privilege of being driver for Sister Helen McLaughlan the Most Worthy Grand Matron of Australia - Order of the Eastern Star on a recent trip out to Charters Towers and Ayr. It was part of her tour of North Queensland. She was accompanied by the Grand Matron of Queensland, Sister Joan Currie and the Grand Matron of the Northern District Grand Committee, Sister Wendy Gauld. The Chapters visited being Townsville, Charters Towers, Home Hill (who now meet in Ayr), Cairns (for a social BBQ), Denison (who meet in Bowen) and Mackay. My duties ceased with the Cairns barbecue.
May New Caledonia Grand Installation
Registration: The Grand Secretary Karel Meunier kmeunier@canl.nc (Please also advise UGLQ if you are attending) June Quarterly Communication Location: Masonic Memorial Centre Date: 12/06/2019 Seated at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start July Queensland Grand Installation Location: The Hilton Hotel, Brisbane Sovereign Council Charters Towers
“You can take the girl out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the girl.” During the tour I visited both Charters Towers and Home Hill Chapters and was surprised to find their Chapter carpets (the nearest I could get as a comparison is our Lodge’s Tessellated pavement) had such interesting history. The carpet still carries the original Chapters name. The Carpet at Charters Towers Meeting is the largest in the OES in Australia and was hand stitched by its earlier members.
Date: 05/07/2019 06/07/2019 06/07/2019 06/07/2019 07/07/2019
Meet & Greet Ladies Breakfast Grand Installation Grand Banquet Farewell Lunch
September Quarterly Communication Location: TBA Date: 04/09/2019 Seated at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start November Remembrance Day Location: TBA Date: 11/11/2019 November New Zealand Grand Installation Location: Wellington, New Zealand Date: 15-17/11/2019 Registration: https://freemasonsnz.org/grandinstallation December Quarterly Communication Location: TBA Date: 04/12/2019 Seated at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start
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Vale
Obituary for a seminal conservationist: Wor Bro Dr John Sinclair AO
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or Bro Dr John Sinclair AO passed away on 4 February 2019 at the age of 79. He was an important conservationist for Fraser Island, which is also known to traditional owners the Butchulla people as K’gari. He formed the Fraser Island Defenders Organisation (FIDO) in 1971. They lobbied against sand mining and logging on Fraser island, which resulted in taking Sir Joh BjelkePetersen’s government to court due to their negligence in protecting the island’s environment. This 21-year court battle left Wor Bro Sinclair bankrupt. He did finally win, however, and sand mining and logging was ceased. These actions led to increased public attention of Fraser Island and it became recognised as a World Heritage site in 1992. He was the father of four sons and nine grandchildren and was married to Su Sinclair. He passed away in the Wesley Hospital, Brisbane from prostate cancer. He last visited Fraser Island as a guest of the Butchulla people and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk when it was announced that Fraser Island would be included as a part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy in October 2018. This special event included the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Photograph supplied by the Sinclair family
“He was the father of four sons and nine grandchildren and was married to Su Sinclair. He passed away in the Wesley Hospital, Brisbane from prostate cancer.”
He was a member of Marbyborough Lodge 86 for 58 years. ‘He was a much-loved member’ said Wor Bro Nev Rayfield. ‘He was a Freemason with honour. He practiced what he learned inside the lodge outside of it in the community. He was community minded and very active and a well-respected Scout leader. He was a perfect Freemason’.
A list of some of Wor Bro Dr John Sinclair’s AO achievements:
Wor Bro Jacobsen as a young Scout remembers his Scout leader Wor Bro Sinclair leading them all in song in his ‘immaculate Scout uniform’. ‘He was a true showman and it was with conviction and knowledge’. Wor Bro Jacobsen didn’t realise Wor Bro Sinclair was a Freemason until he joined Freemasonry years later. ‘He was honest, truthful, and man of conviction’, said Wor Bro Warren Jacobsen.
• 1990 named in the Global 500 by the United Nations Environment Program for people who have had a significant role in environmental protection • 1993 Received Goldman Environmental Prize • 2014 Appointed in the Order of Australia • 2017 Received honorary doctorate from the University of the Sunshine Coast
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Job’s Daughters Queensland
Job’s Daughters Queensland TAKING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: TOWNSVILLE Job’s Daughters Queensland is excited to have the opportunity to reinstate a Bethel in Townsville. If you have any girls aged 8-19 that may be interested in joining, please contact secretary@jdiqld.org or 0409 720 706.
Griffin Christmas Carnival Job’s Daughters Queensland were invited to attend the Annual Griffin Community Christmas Carnival held at the end of November. We had a promotional stall where we handed out show bags and posed for photo keepsakes. Some of the girls were asked to dress as Disney Princesses for the Santa Grand Parade and were by far the most popular with the little ones! A wonderful afternoon and evening of entertainment, which finished with an incredible fireworks display.
Twinnie’s donation
Santa stops at Beenleigh
Amaranth charity dinner
Bethel 4 Sunnybank held a breakfast with Santa just before Christmas and were happy to have five new families come to have a photo with him (Can you guess who Santa is??).
Job’s Daughters Queensland love supporting our Masonic Family. Our Youth State Leaders attended the Amaranth Charity Dinner raising money for Cancer Research.
Bethel 4 meets at Beenleigh Masonic Centre twice a month and welcomes any interest. Phone Fran on 0409 720 706 if you have any queries.
While there Harshita and Bec had the honour of meeting the very first Junior Princess of Queensland, Nanette Stower (nee Lovell), from Bethel 1 Windsor. A special memory for them both.
At the start of each six-month term, the Honoured Queen chooses a charity to raise money for. For her term, Bec from Bethel 24 Moreton Bay chose Twinnie’s Pelican & Seabird Rescue situated in Landsborough. Twinnie’s have been rescuing and treating Pelicans and sea birds on the Sunshine Coast for more than 16 years and rely solely on donations. The girls of 24 presented the Twins with a cheque for $487 which will go towards 1 week’s supply of fish. Bethel 24 meets at Caboolture Masonic Centre and if you would like more information on our Bethel or our Bee Program (5-9 years) please contact Michelle on 0409 988 137.
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Health
The ears By Wor Bro Dr Bill Boyd AGDD
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ulie tells me that I don’t listen to her and I tell her I’ve got industrial deafness—after nearly 40 years of marriage. It’s a running joke but for many brethren, including me, simply hearing what is being said in lodge can be an issue. Humans are pretty good at hearing and interpreting a wide range of vibrations in the air. It is normal that we can detect a range of sounds between quite low and high frequencies. Diminution in our hearing can be an issue particularly as we age and is often a source of misguided mirth in cartoons of old folks with ear trumpets. The ability to communicate not only with our fellows but also with the world in general is pivotal to our quality of life. Being hard of hearing or deaf, call it what you will, can be at best socially isolating and at worst downright dangerous as our ears normally help to protect us from a wide range of audible dangers in life. Our ears are complex and delicate. Children may incur lasting deafness where neglected middle ear infections destroy the structures, which
“Humans are pretty good at hearing and interpreting a wide range of vibrations in the air.”
Do you have a topic you’d like Dr Bill to cover? Please email suggestions to membership@uglq.org.au. can restore hearing but many seniors resort to hearing aids. Technology has improved since the cumbersome, whistling devices. Diagnostic laboratories have become quite sophisticated but accordingly costs have gone up and new hearing aids, while discreet, can be expensive.
allow us to hear and subsequently education may be affected. Hearing may be damaged temporarily by sudden very loud noise such as gunfire or chronically by
a range of insults such as incessant exposure to particular frequencies at work, resulting in industrial deafness where chronic exposure to perhaps humming machinery damages hearing. Wearing
ear protection makes good sense. Conditions ranging from excess wax in the ear canals through to Paget’s bone disease can result in hearing loss. With the former, a good flush at your GP practice
Finally, we all have seen folks with wires to their head behind an ear. They have benefited from amazing cochlear implant technology which bypasses the damaged cochlea (an essential part of the hearing mechanism) correcting profound hearing loss. So, go and see your GP. What you learn may be music to your ear.
This article is general in nature and should not be relied upon by any person who is suffering an illness. Any reader who has concerns about their health should consult their General Practitioner and Dr Boyd is unable to enter into correspondence on the individual circumstances of any reader.
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Grand Conclave of the Order of the Secret Monitor for Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea
Grand Conclave of the Order of the Secret Monitor for Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea
In These PurPle Pages Welcome to the twelfth issue of The Purple Pages, an information resource of the Order of the Secret Monitor in the jurisdiction of Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. This issue provides a short history of Friendship Conclave as it celebrates 90 years. Also featured is Right Worthy Bro Peter Keller and further information on the Scarlet Cord.
90Th annIversary
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Friendship Conclave was consecrated at Ipswich on 28 June 1926 and is the oldest continually functioning Conclave in the rIghT WorThy Bro PeTer Keller Southern Hemisphere. It was originally numbered 56 English Peter was inducted into VW Martin Conclave on 29 May Constitution. It is not the technically the oldest Conclave 2004 and gradually rose to be Worthy Supreme Ruler as Southern Cross Conclave No. 27 had been established on 19 January 2008. He then was invited to join Grand in Geelong Victoria in the early 1880s. It however went Conclave becoming Assistant Grand Recorder and then into dormancy for 25 years and was only revived when the Grand Visitor. After having served this office he was Foundation Worthy Supreme Ruler of Friendship Conclave appointed Grand Guide on 17 May 2014. He is very active Bro James Simon Laurenson asked the Grand Recorder in in Monitor Masonry joining Nanango Conclave and Beth London to transfer the Warrant from Geelong to Ipswich. Shalom Conclave (Darwin). large number of brethren were in attendance in Maryborough on 19 January 2019 to witness the installation of Bro David Friendship Conclave’s original Warrant named Bro James He is a tireless worker for Freemasonry, especially Leishman as Worthy Supreme Ruler of the VW Martin Conclave and the investiture of his officers. The ceremony was Laurenson (a New Zealander), Frederick George Marriott, enjoying the Order of the Secret Monitor, working with followed by a very enjoyable lunch, accompanied by the customary toasts, good fellowship and humour which has become Henry Charles and others to be the petitioners. and encouraging members of VW Martin to further the associated with Frost the VW Martin Conclave. Order. When he joined they only had 12 members and can The Conclave had its number changed after England decided now boast a membership of 52. He is now progressing to divide Australia into North and South, the Queensland through the ranks of the Scarlet Cord becoming the first border being the dividing line, stretching across Australia. President of the Consistory in Maryborough. When the District of Northern Australia was inaugurated on 3 December 1938 Bro James Laurenson was installed as the Also he is active in fund raising in Hervey Bay, participating a sausage sizzlers clubtoraising funds for deserving first District Grand Supreme Ruleroffor 019 marks the 50th anniversary theNorthern founding Australia. of the Allinpresent will then be invited return for the Grand local charities. Grand Conclave for Northern Australia and Papua New Since that time Friendship Conclave No 1 has continued to Proclamation of Most Worthy Brother Raymond John Saunders Guinea and the Grand Convocation from 24-26 May 2019 1 July 2011 he wasfor honoured withand the the rank of District Grand Supreme Ruler a further year investiture attract new members and is in a strong position today, very asOn will celebrate this major milestone in the history of our Order. Commander of the 33rd degree of the Ancient of Grand Officers for 2019/20. The Grand Proclamation will and proud of its heritage and based Ipswich, Queensland. This year’s Grand Convocation and in Proclamation will be held at Accepted Rite for Hethe has also served the Royal then be followed by aAustralia. banquet at Carriers Arms Hotel the Maryborough to Masonic Centre, KentConclave Street, Maryborough. Congratulations all at Friendship No 1. Arch attaining the rank of Past Third Grand Principal. Function Centre. On Sunday, there will be a bus trip to Bundaberg to visit the Bundaberg Rum distillery, followed The weekend will commence on the afternoon of Friday 24 May with the ceremony of the 4th Grade in the Order of the Scarlet by lunch at a local seafood restaurant before a return to Cord. This will be followed on Friday evening by a meet and Maryborough on Sunday afternoon. greet barbecue for all attendees, partners and visitors.
VW Martin Conclave 12 Installation
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2019 Grand Convocation and Proclamation
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a furTher uPdaTe
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Saturday afternoon will with afrom Conclave of Three Companions of begin the Order Queensland journeyed Remembrance, which to is ado public, open ceremony to remember to Geelong recently the 4th Grade and are now known all Councillors members of the Order who Cord. have passed since the last event as in the Scarlet in 2016. Visitors and guests will then retire for afternoon tea The was veryofimpressive requiring 24 existing whileceremony the business session Grand Conclave is conducted. Councillors to carry it out. The 4th Grade jewel is pictured.
A very warm welcome is extended to all members of the order, interested brethren who may not yet be members, their partners and guests to attend this 50th anniversary celebration of the Order of the Secret Monitor for Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Returning to Queensland we have had 1st and 2nd Grade ceremonies in Maryborough on 29 October and at Seventeen Mile Rocks on 12 November. Acting Grand Recorder: Worthy Brother Wayne Smith, osmnorthernaustralia@gmail.com The Order continues to enjoy strong interest and growth.
Enquiries
Enquiries: Grand Recorder | Rt Worthy Brother Bill Benham | thebenhams@stoben.net.au
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Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Queensland
Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Queensland
In These Red Pages
considered holy mountains.
The Significance of the Pedestal Secrets in the Royal Arch
This issue of the Red Pages contains articles sourced by V Ex Comp Duncan McGregor. Duncan firstly provides an article on the search for the true resting place of Noah’s Ark. Following are extracts from a paper entitled ‘Masonic Astronomy and the Royal Arch of the Heavens’ written by Companion David Cook (UGLQ’s Grand Librarian). David presented the full paper in 2012 as the Ken Wells Memorial Address at Barron Barnett Lodge No 146.
Comparing the geography of the four holy mountains, Alvand best fits the description in Genesis 11:2 of people moving “from the east” into Shinar and Sumerian literature describing the location of Aratta. Tomb of Shem
Near the top of Alvand mountain, there is a local legend that the tomb of Shem is located just below the summit. This would be consistent with the Book of Jubilees that states Noah and Shem stayed on or near the mountain after the Flood. Jubilees also mentions that Noah was buried on the mountain the Ark landed.
The following pictures show what is left of the claimed tomb of Shem. In addition to the stone walls, there are traces of reddish-colour mud bricks that are said to have R Ex Comp Grant Bransgrovebeen PDGZ GZSSA used GRes) for the top portion in the past. Kuh-e Alvand is Persian for Mount Alvand. Located in the Zagros mountains near the city of Hamadan in northwestern Iran at map coordinates 34.664167, 48.486667, the the Third learn that we are initial letter denoting the thought, the idea elevation of Alvand is 3,580 nmeters or Degree 11,750we feet, making moving from the East to the West in search of God, a ray of light too transcendent to be it one of the tallest mountains in this ancient region. (Very Excellent Companion of that which was lost. In the First Degree we contemplated by mortal eye. This name of Peter Percali, CairnsThe purpose this articlewere is toconcerned provide reasons Alvand with the why needs of the body. In God, the Tetragrammaton, could not be more Composite RAC 27H of SGRACQ, was one ofbe the first SGRACQ should considered thethemodern name and location for Second Degree we concentrate on the soul aptly placed than in the symbol, or triangle, Companions to complete the ancient Ararat probablethe landing siteawareness. of Diploma Course in Royaland Arch Aratta—the by contemplating intellectual itself and hence the true meaning of the Royal Freemasonry. Sadly, and soon Noah’s Ark. In the Third Degree we are concerned with Arch double triangle, originally represented afterwards, Companion Peter passed to the Grand Lodge the Spirit. As man consists of body, soul and thus, so that while this sacred emblem was above. He shared much of spirit, so King Solomon’s Temple was a tripartite deservedly revered by the Jews, both it and the his Diploma work with the Chapter’s Scribe E for use in structure, consisting of a Porch, an Inner (or double triangle itself are adopted as Royal Arch ‘seeing that your members are properly instructed’. Future Middle) Chamber and the Holy of Holies. We Symbols.” Duncan Moore, ‘In Search of That contributions to the Red Pages thus go West in search of the true name of God. Which was Lost” page 59 and 60. identified as authored by Companion Peter are taken In the Third Degree we do not actually find directly from his work and what we are seeking but return with substituted The symbolic word in the Royal Arch ritual, marginally edited, adapted and at times redacted to meet secrets. Death will eventually overtake all of discovered in a vault (or crypt) in the ruins of the publishing limits. us but in the meantime, we have undergone a First Temple the foundation was being Photo by A.when Mahdi Ahadian 2015 symbolical, figurative death in the Third Degree prepared for Zerubbabel’s second temple, Shem’s located approximately (65 feet) and have risen to a figurative new life. Now we graveisisengraved on a gold plate 20 andmeters is reckoned below formation. The tomb dimensions have to complete the process by increasing our the summit to be arock combination of words. According to are 5.5 meters (18 feet) by 2.5 meters (8 feet).ofItSolomon’ appears knowledge of God. Laurence Gardener in ‘The Shadow of stones with roof Father made of On top of the Altar in the Royal Arch, we there find was a wall pagemade 343, “….meaning ‘I am the the Lord, mud or red clay Some climberstoof Alvand a square and upon it a triangle and a circle, of All’,bricks. sometimes lengthened ‘I am and say the roof was shall destroyed sometime the 1980’s both interlinked. Both these figures symbolise be; Lord in Heaven,around Father of All’. A moreby Credit: Google Maps treasure hunters, andtranslation the stoneofwall now shorter. It is God; the circle because it is without beginning accurate thisissymbolic word would common to see a candle near or end andmountains” the trianglein because therefore be, lit ‘I am theShem’s Lord ofgrave, Light’”.especially Early in the research process, “holy Turkeyfrom and ancient times the names of God were enclosed Iran were used in searches to filter possible locations. The induring the summer religious ceremonies in August. equilateral triangle is a triangular figures. “The The Royal Arch is the next phase in the thinking here is that something as important and significant The picture which follows shows the distance from the symbol divine union, revered by the ancient unfolding story of the Temple, taking the search as where Noah’s Ark landed andofhuman civilization started edge of Shem’s grave knowledge to summit.andThe of Jubilees nations as containing greatest and most for hidden the Book understanding (again) would permeate throughout history. the Almost every 10:15 “And Noah his fathers, andtowas buried mysteries a symbol of God, of the slept divinewith measurement of God another ancient culture maintainsdifficult a flood legend.and In as Turkey, both on Mount Lubar in the land of Ararat.” In 7:16 it denoting a Triad of Intelligence and of Deity, a educational level. David Harrison in ‘The states Ararat and Cudi are considered holy mountains. Generally, “And Shem dwelt with his of father Noah, and a city Triune of God. Moreover, the Tetragrammaton, Transformation Freemasonry’ pagebuilt 146, tells Bible-believing Christians hold Mount Ararat in Turkey as close to his father on the mountain”. A legend of Shem’s us that as Royal Arch Masons, we find the lost or incommunicable name was written by the traditional landing site of Noah’s Ark, while Muslims grave on the secrets, mountain where Ark landed just what which werethe a mystery to us inisthe Third the Jewish peopleCudi in a triangular form; the adhering to the Koran believe that Mount (pronounced one would expect from reading the Book of Jubilees. Judi in Turkish) in southern Turkey is the location where Noah’s Ark landed. In Iran, both Damavand and Alvand are Noah was likely buried in this same tomb or nearby. The legend of Shem’s tomb near the summit of Alvand gives
Kuh-e alvand: seaRchIng and hIs aRK
NOTE
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Visit our website at www.royalarch.org.au
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Degree, by finding:- “…the sun, having now gained its meridian height, darted its rays to the centre. It shone resplendent on a white marble pedestal, whereon was a plate of gold. On this plate was engraved a triple triangle, and within the triangles some characters which are beyond our comprehension.” Richard Carlile ‘Manual of Freemasonry’ page 122. On finding this, we are informed of the importance of the gold plate, which displays ‘...the grand Omnific word’. The three mysterious words’ displayed ‘in a triangular form, is the long-lost sacred word of the Master Mason’, and the secret signs of the Royal Arch are revealed to us. We have earned redemption and trust, and the mysteries are revealed, God’s sacred Word has been rediscovered. The essence of the Royal Arch ritual is a continuation of the Temple story, a sequel to the Third Degree, continuing the themes of lost knowledge being found by the worthy and that the lost divine Word will be revealed to those who seek it for selfless reasons, portraying a strong moralistic overtone. Harrison continues “...as the ritual is dramatically set amongst the Temple ruins, and the Mason is reminded of the destruction of the most sacred place on Earth, which has been destroyed by man’s lust selfish greed and lust for war. …Hiram Abif is murdered by selfish
www.royalarch.org.au
Masons who lust after the secret for themselves, man’s weaknesses have led to the destruction of the Temple, which can only be rebuilt by finding the true path to enlightenment, the men involved in the reconstruction rediscovering the true way to God. In the Royal Arch ritual, there is a powerful reminder of man’s folly and is reflecting the theme of the search and rediscovery of lost knowledge as a reminder of the importance of following a moralistic and righteous path. Bernard E Jones, in ‘Freemasons Book of the Royal Arch’ on pages 245 and 246, tells us “The altar in Chapter takes the form of a double cube, a form that has come to have a ceremonial significance, although the historic basis is unknown. The stone carries certain initials letters…” The Altar is fronted by the initials of the three Grand Masters at the building of the First Temple, Solomon King of Israel, Hiram King of Tyre and Hiram Abif. There is also the Triple Tau which appears below the initials of the three Masters. According to Jones, the Tau is one of the two most important symbols of the Royal Arch Masonry. Jones states that there is no uniformity in the language or languages that are represented by the initials as some jurisdictions or Chapters, have them in Hebrew, while many scholars believe
that the English initials are meaningless. A cube has ever been considered the symbol of equality, purity, and justice; so, therefore, the double cube was selected by our forefathers as the shape of the Altar of incense, to represent, in a superlative degree, the purity, excellence, and durability of the divine power. The circle is an emblem of eternity with neither beginning nor end and rightly reminds us of the purity, wisdom and glory of the Omnipotent, which is without beginning or end. It is also symbolic of friendship (as in a circle of friends) and of moral virtues. The circle may be deemed emblematical of God who is without beginning of days or end of years. In folklore it was said to have magical properties. It was believed to protect everything surrounded or enclosed by it from external evil. The finger ring, bracelet, anklet and necklace which are all worn as ornaments, were originally worn as a protection from evil influences. As a symbol of eternity the circle was frequently represented by a serpent eating its own tail. The serpent itself is an emblem of life, but back in Biblical days it was also an emblem of wisdom, “… be ye therefore wise as serpents….” Matthew 10:16. As we all know, the fastener of the belt of a Masonic apron retains the form of a serpent, although the motif
of a serpent devouring itself is less seen today than in former times. The whole device was regarded as an emblem of eternity and immortality, the serpent being symbolical of divine wisdom, of power and creative energy, of time and eternity, of life and regeneration. Ancient philosophers were very much concerned with the problem of squaring the circle. The circle is even more important when it includes a central point. This symbol was known to the pagans and, initially, it had a phallic interpretation and represented the male and the female principle. With time it took other meanings such as the wheel symbol and the subject of religious rites. The Greeks, many centuries before Christ, represented God as a circle whose centre was everywhere and the circumference nowhere. The point within a circle was also used as a device in Christian churches before becoming a Masonic emblem. In Masonry the point has been seen as the Supreme Being and the circle as the circuit of the sun or eternity. The point also represents the Initiate and the circle is the boundary line of his duty to God. Authored by: V Ex Comp P L Percali (dec’d), Cairns-Composite RAC 27H, SGRACQ.
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