112 On The Level Masonic Magazine for St. John Fisherrow No.112
Issue No.5
September 2019
From the Editor Hello Brethren, and welcome to another edition of “On the Level”. We hope you will find this issue inspiring as well as educational and most importantly FUN.
For this magazine to prosper, your involvement as well as interest is necessary. This is for you not only for learning but also to share. We are all students of the “Craft” and should share and learn with each other in Brotherly Love, and Friendship. We are taught to spread the cement of Brotherly Love and affection binding us to each other just the same as cement to stone to create one common mass. So let Brotherly Love and Friendship unite not only the brethren of 112 but our wonderful fraternity as an edifice of knowledge and understanding. Let us learn from each other by sharing our interests to enrich our masonic experience. May I take this opportunity to thank the Brethren who have contributed to the magazine and look forward to further contributions from the brethren.
Got something you want to say about your Lodge, or just Freemasonry in general ~ Why not submit an article to “On The Level”and see it printed here? (The Editor reserves the right to refuse to publish any article deemed by himself to be offensive) Before Entering the Temple
Quote:~ Freemasonry is a moral order, instituted by virtuous men, with the praiseworthy design of recalling to our remembrance the most sublime truths, in the midst of the most innocent and social pleasures, founded on liberality, brotherly love and charity.
Remove thoughts from the outside world, Assume an attitude of Brotherly Love, Renew your spirit with your Creator, Envision a life of hope, Remember Masonic Charity Be Prepared to give and recieve counsel, Be prepared to learn and teach. SMIB
Quote:~ Everything which tends to combine men by stronger ties is useful to humanity; in this point of view Masonry is entitled to respect.
Quote:~ We can easily forgive a child who fears darkness, but the real tragedy of life is when man fears light. 2
The Master Brethren, with the exception of our Summer Festival Meeting, this is our first meeting back after the Summer recess which I hope you have all had a nice and relaxing break. Although I have only attended a couple of meetings, I too have really enjoyed the break with our family holiday in Mexico.
With this edition of our magazine, we mark the end of another Summer Recess and the return of a busy Masonic calendar for most of us, as we return to our usual diet of Regular Meetings. It is truly amazing just how fast time can pass when you are engaged in the more leisurely activities.
On, a rather Sad note during the recess the Lodge lost 2 of our elderly but well respected brethren, Bro. Jimmy Hill and Bro. David Holmes. These brethren will be missed by all, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this time.
On the sporting front, congratulations to our golf team who beat the Lodge of Edinburgh to win back the coveted Stag Trophy played for at the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club. Bro,s Derek Mather, Robert McCart, Tom Edgar and myself were the team and will receive the trophy at the Golf Dinner in November.
Congratulations are also extended to PM Ward Bannerman and Derek Mather for winning the Beverage Trophy played at Newbattle Bowling Club, beating 112 brethren Kenny Ross and David Hosie in the final.
Our Summer Festival Meeting was this year changed to Saturday 20th July rather than our usual Wednesday night. This was to see if this was better for travelling brethren and for the heat up in the Temple. We also worked a 2nd or F.C. degree which proved to be popular with the 97 brethren that signed the book. A braw plate of “Mince n Tatties� were served to the brethren following the degree, and since our meeting, I along with other office bearers who have been out visiting have received excellent comments about our degree and ritual work and our hospitality.
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Lodge Obituaries
Eulogy by: Bro. John R. Thorburn IPM
RWM, it is with great personal sadnesss that I can confirm the passing to the Grand Lodge above of two of our most distinguished and long standing brethren. Indeed the scythe of time has wrought havoc and cut the brittle thread of life of Brothers Jimmy Hill and David Holmes.
Two brethren from different walks of life brought together by their love of this lodge and sharing so much in common. Men of integrity, of great warmth and sincerity, both slow to anger but quick to assist. Both have constantly gave selflessly of themselves to this lodge and Brother David also to the Lodge of Edinburgh. “True Freemasons” who genuinely followed the Tenets of Freemasonry and enjoyed to the full the companionship and camaraderie of this brotherhood whilst giving service to others. Neither sought the elation to more senior orders for everything they held dear in freemasonry was already here in Lodge St. John Fisherrow and for Brother David also in the Lodge of Edinburgh.
Brother Jimmy Hill
Brother Jimmy Hill spent his early years in Bellshill, born into a mining family deeply rooted in the Labour movement. Jimmy was the second son and was preceeded by his brother Peter, also a highly regarded member of the Lodge. When Jimmy was a youngster the family moved to Musselburgh where Jimmy’s father became a Member of Parliament for Midlothian. Something that the family were justifiably proud of.
Jimmy had a disability from birth but it never held him back and as a young man he was a keen cyclist, travelling all over Scotland using the network of youth hostels.
Jimmy worked in the paper mills and after its closure was handyman at Leemac in Haddington.
Jimmy entered Lodge St. John Fisherrow on, 21st March 1956, Passed to the 2nd Degree on 5th September 1956, and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on 15th May 1957. He gave outstanding service to this his Mother Lodge, registering visitors at the door, Jimmy was a warm meeter and greeter. Assisting at the bar and for many years setting up the Temple for Lodge meetings and of course of our long standing Tyler.
Jimmy will be fondly remembered as one of the “Three Amigos” along with his brother Peter and Jimmy Johnstone. Great characters woven into the rich tapestry of this Lodge At social functions Jimmy liked to dance and always had a wee glint in his eye for the ladies
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Lodge Obituaries continued: Many will rember the infamous ofJimmy and “The Dream Machine”. His sky blue 147cc 3 wheeled invacar. The stories are legendary and they were as recognisable in these parts as Del Boy and the “Trotters Independent Trading” van. Jimmy leaves behind daughters Nancy and Isobel, a son James and 8 grand children. He will be sadly missed.
Bro. David Holmes M.M. RWM, on the 6th July, Brother David Holmes one of our most highly respected and dedicated ambassadors left this life. Those who were fortunate to know him will remember him a thoroughly Decent, Honourable, Christian Man. Intelligent, Generous, Warm and Humorous. Never confrontational but always capable of fighting his corner. A man who loved his family and his freemasonry. A man who loved Musselburgh and made an enormous contribution to countless associations and institutions which make up the fabric of “Oor Toun”.
David was a man of great faith and since childhood was associated with the Congregational Church where the celebration of his life was held. He was involved in Lodge St. John Fisherrow and the Lodge of Edinburgh, The Old Musselburgh Club, The Rugby Club, Secretary of the Harness Racing Association, The Honest Toun’s Association, The Crusader Riding Club, The Staggs Bar Morning Club, The Scotch Whisky Society, The Scottish Story Telling Centre, The Pitlochry Theatre Group and many more. Brother David must never have been in the hoose???
David loved the rugby and the company of Welshmen and Gala men. An accomplished horseman who enjoyed the Border Common Ridings. He had a fulfilling career as Senior Finance Officer for the Scottish Fire Brigade, then for the Church of Scotland and Pitlochry Theatre and was rather put out when he had to move aside at the age of 80.
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Lodge Obituaries continued:
David was a much loved husband of Nan, a caring father to Jan and a devoted grandfather to Kyle. David sponsored grandson Kyle to join this Lodge.
Brother David entered this Lodge on 20th January 1954, Passed to the Degree of a Fellow Craft on 3rd February 1954, and was raised as a Master Mason on 7th April 1954.
He held several senior positions in this Lodge, even in latter years he was as accomplished ritualist introducing several candidates to Lodge St. John Fisherrow. He was a respected and much valued member of the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary’s Chapel) No.1and the large attendance by their members is indeed a testament to the high regard in which he was held. I would like to pay tribute to the staff at Sir James MacKay House Masonic home where Brother David was well cared for and to Brother Ewan Rutherford for the compassion and kindness afforded to our dear friend. Brother David made his mark on this earth and will be fondly remembered. RWM, Brothers Jimmy and David have both enjoyed long and well spent lives, these past couple of years may well have presented some difficulties, but they are no longer tired, are no longer weary. They have climbed to the top of the mountain and are in the promised land. They are smiling today, in good company of their family and friends who have gone before. And I will tell you this there will be plenty of whisky involved. May God rest their souls.
I take with me a scythe for the harvest there is great,
I take with me a mantle for the road is full of perils, I take with me a raven for I too passed the waters, I take with me a Stone the builders had rejected, I take with me an owl who calls her name in moon light, I take my time to get there as the end is full of sorrows, I take the way the grass is grown to see what they've been missing, I take the time to write this prose as no one here can listen
SMIB
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The Charity Work of Brother Johnny Jenkins 112 On Wednesday 5th June 2013, Brother Johnny Jenkins was awarded the Inspiring Volunteering Award presented by The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Donald Wilson at a ceremony held within the City Chambers.
His interest in the Veterans charity came from when his Grandfather John Jenkins, a Piper with the K.S.O.B was gassed at the Battle of Loos on 25th September 1915 and for the rest of his life spoke with a very husky voice. His charity work started by raising over £12,000 for Help for Heroes before joining ABF based in Edinburgh Castle. For the past seven years along with his wife providing musical entertainment to raise funds for the charity.
On 18th April 2019, Brother Johnny has be awarded the Montgomery Bowl to recognise his outstanding contribution to the ABF (Army Benevolent Fund) The Soldiers Charity, raising £70,000. As Johnny was unable to travel to London to receive his award, it will now be awarded to him at Edinburgh Castle in the next month or so.
Brethren as we all know that “Charity” is important to all our undertakings and we at 112 would like to congratulate Brother Johnny and his dear wife for all their extremely hard work and dedication to such a wonderful charity. Bro. Douglas Hoy PM 112
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THE MOON IN MASONIC HISTORY
On July 17th 1969, Bro. Neil Armstrong, Bro. Col. Edwin Eugene “Buzz” Aldrin landed on the surface of the Moon, claiming “One step for Man and one giant step for Mankind”. Here is just a short history of the Moon within our ritual.
There is no more spectacular reminder of our Masonic historical and ritualistic heritage than the moon at its height of fullness. While astronomers view the moon with the analytical eye of science, the moon has been a focal point for cultures around the world throughout history and has inspired music, poetry and religion alike. However, for Masons the moon has not just been a symbolic light in our ritualistic teaching but also a literal light to our brethren long ago. It thus behooves us to remember the moon has just not been a symbolic light in our ritualistic teachings but also a literal light to our brethren long ago. It thus behooves us to take a moment to remember the moon and its long association with the Craft and its origins. Our direct Masonic tradition regarding the moon begins with the ancient Hebrews. In Genesis 1:14-19, we are told that on the fourth day of creation, “God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night.” Despite the fourth day of creation, against lunar worship in Deuteronomy and the Book of Kings, the moon was still regarded as a strong symbol of permanence and regularity associated with its usage to measure the passage of time. In fact, the monthly offerings to the moon found in Numbers 28:11-15 are still read in some Jewish synagogues.
It is from the medieval European science of Alchemy that the first uses of the moon in the graphic and ritualistic manner that Masons are accustomed to derive their meaning. The Alchemists were a group of mystics who first appeared in the 12th century and were the forerunners of our modern chemists. They believed that with proper mixture of chemicals and methods of base metals such as iron and lead could be turned into gold and silver. Beyond this however, the Alchemists were true philosophers who used symbols and drawings extensively in their teachings and who insisted on strict secrecy from their initiates. Much od the graphic symbolism used in Masonry, such as images of the plumb, square and level, was taken from Alchemical texts.
To the Alchemists, the moon was a symbol of the metal silver and was used to depict that substance in the obscure writings which transmitted their secret formulae. One of the most prevent images used by the chemists was the stylized drawing of the sun and the moon with human faces. These images are now associated with the Masonic tracing board.
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It is in the Craft Ritual and the structure of a Masonic lodge itself that we must bring together all of the foregoing elements to give a true picture of the use of the moon in Masonry. In modern American ritual the primary reference to the moon as the second of the “lesser lights.” of Masonry. This modern usage follows from the early 18th century Scottish ritual reference to the three lights of the Lodge being the “Sun, Moon and Master.” In addition to these moveable lights, there were also in these early English Lodge rooms three fixed lights, which are described by some Masonic historians as three windows in the lodge rooms to light men to, at and from their work. These three windows were later replaced with three burning candles located at the East, South and West corners of the lodge and situated before the Master, Junior Warden and Senior Warden, respectively. The reference to the Sun, Moon and Master of the Lodge as the three lesser lights of Masonry and their particular association with these three burning tapers and the associated officers was developed by the so-called Antient Grand Lodge which was active in England from the mid to late 18th century. The Antients , who apparently consisting of Mason hailing from Scotland and Ireland, were at odds with another faction of Masons in England, the so-called Premier Grand Lodge. The ritual of the Premier Grand Lodge only referred to three great lights without the Antients’ reference to the lesser lights. The fact that the Antients held to the abov interpretation of the three lesser lights was particularly significant for American Masonry as was their use of deacons in their degree work.
In modern American Webb work ritual, the moon is referred to in the First Degree as one of the three lesser lights and is identified as the biblical ruler of the night and as a reference of regularity for the conduct of the Master of the Lodge. In the higher symbolism of the lodge, the moon has always been particularly identified with the Senior Warden in the West, thus following Egyptian tradition associating the moon with this direction. This reference also corresponds to the recitation of the Senior Warden’s duties in the lodge. Some Masonic philosophers have found this to be a fitting parallel for as the light of the moon is a mere reflection of the greater light of the sun, so the Senior Warden, associated with the Doric pillar of Strength, is intended to be a reflection of the light of the Worshipful Master who is associated with the Ionic pillar of Wisdom. It is thus particularly significant that the messenger of the Senior Warden within the lodge is the Junior Deacon who, as his jewel, wears the square and compasses enclosing the moon.
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Famous Scottish Freemasons Brother James Watt (1736-1819)
The Glasgow Royal Arch Lodge. Initiated, Passed and Raised (1763).
James Watt was born in Greenock on 18 January 1736. His father was a prosperous shipwright and Baillie in the Clydeside port. Watt initially worked as a maker of mathematical instruments, at Glasgow University, but soon became interested in steam engines.
The first working steam engine had been patented in 1698 and by the time of Watt's birth, Newcomen engines were pumping water from mines all over the country. In around 1764, Watt was given a model Newcomen engine to repair. He realised that it was hopelessly inefficient and began to work to improve the design. He designed a separate condensing chamber for the steam engine that prevented enormous losses of steam. His first patent in 1769 covered this device and other improvements on Newcomen's engine. Watt's partner and backer was the inventor John Roebuck. In 1775, Roebuck's interest was taken over by Matthew Boulton who owned an engineering works in Birmingham. Together he and Watt began to manufacture steam engines. Boulton & Watt became the most important engineering firm in the country, meeting considerable demand. Initially this came from Cornish mine owners, but extended to paper, flour, cotton and iron mills, as well as distilleries, canals and waterworks. In 1785, Watt and Boulton were elected fellows of the Royal Society.
In that year he married a cousin, Miss Margaret Miller, and left the employment of the University and set up in business as a mathematical and ‘philosophical’ instrument maker in the Saltmarket opposite St. Andrew’s Square. It was also in this year that he became a Freemason. However, his record of membership is not to be found in the register of members held by the Grand Lodge of Scotland and therefore some explanation is required. When a man was Initiated in a Scottish Lodge during the 18th century the names (and occasionally occupation) were meant to be sent to Grand Lodge where the details were recorded Lodge by Lodge in chronological order. Payment of one shilling was to accompanying these details. The temptation not to send details to Grand Lodge is obvious that there are numerous instances of Lodges recorded members which do not appear in the central register. This does seem to have occurred when Lodges were under financial pressure but merely had the effect of transferring financial problems to Grand Lodge.
Over time Grand Lodge reacted to this situation by creating Provincial Grand Masters who lived locally and who could therefore supervise Lodges more closely. By the early 19th century no one could be considered to be a Scottish Freemason without a certificate issued by Grand Lodge on payment by the Lodge in which the individual had been Initiated.
How then is it known that James Watt was a Freemason? During the 18th century it was the responsibility of the Lodge, not Grand Lodge, to issue each new member with a certificate. The certificate issued to James Watt is extant and reads: To all and Sundry to whom these presents Come Greetings. Know ye that the most worshipful The Grand master of Scotland and Grand Lodge aforesaid having Granted a Charter Constituting and erecting a Lodge of free And Accepted Masons in this place under the stile and title of The Glasgow Royal Arch Lodge.
These are to Certify that the Bearer hereof Brother James Watt was Admitted and Received and Entered Apprentice, Past a Fellow Craft and Raised a Master After having payed the usual dues According to the bylaws of the Lodge and has behaved himself as becometh. Given under our hands at Glasgow this 10th June A.M. 5763
Rob. Dobson (?) Master James Wright SW William Dick J.W.
Another question arises – How can we be sure that this James Watt is James Watt the inventor? The answer is simply because this document is filed among his personal papers.
Watt died on 19 August 1819. A unit of measurement of electrical and mechanical power - the watt - is named in his honour, and his image appears on the Bank of England ÂŁ50 note.
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DID YE Ken That In the Beginning?? We have encountered diversity of interpretation of the word 'freemason' in England. In Scotland it first appears in its modern significance in 1725 when the Lodge of Edinburgh is described as 'the Society of Free Masons'. The words 'frie mesones' used in the same lodge a century earlier clearly relate to the Freedom of a Burgh - the right to practise the Craft. In 1483 we have in Aberdeen 'Masonreys of the leige', here meaning the body of workmen who used the room or lodge. Much has been claimed on behalf of the Gild organization in England, but we have shown how tenuous was the thread of continuity. North of the Border, the disruption of war meant poverty and the Mason Gilds were forced to amalgamate with the organizations of other Crafts.
The general medieval organization ran on similar lines to the English, though direct labour tended to give place to the contract system. The term “4Master Mason� is constantly met with., sometimes describing the chief technical official, sometimes a grade of employee - a master tradesman working on a job with his own servants. The duties are nowhere clearly defined and examples of the second form are found at Holyrood House in 1735-36 where two master masons are engaged on the same job, one at 18 schillings a week and one at 16 schillings (Scots). Then, it is not easy to sub-divide the Scottish building craft; indeed no less an authority than Douglas Knoop divides them into three groups and admits some overlapping. These were quarriers who hewed and roughly prepared the stone, cowans, or builders of drystone walls, a craft not yet extinct in the north of England (or, alternatively and more commonly, masons without the Word) and masons, there being no distinction in Scotland between hewers and layers.
We have seen that in England there was little or no sign of organization among the masons before the latter part of the fourteenth century, also that the Gilds tended to develop on oligarchic lines. In Scotland the excluded humbler brethren did not supinely accept their lost status but built up their own organization which grew in power as the Merchant Gilds declined, despite attempts to 'suppress' leagues and bands of craftsmen. A statute of 1424 placed each craft under a Deacon (for the sake of simplicity we are omitting many delightfully medieval Scots ways of spelling and expression).
Two years later the Deacon's powers were restricted to a testing of the craftsman's proficiency while the fixing of wages was vested in the council of the local burgh. Within half a century the Masons and Wrights of Edinburgh were strong enough to obtain from the Burgh a Charter of Incorporation of the Freemen-Masons and Wrights of Edinburgh, the 'Seal of Cause' of 1475. Trade Regulations were drawn up.
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Bro.s Ward Bannerman P.M. D.S.M. and Derek Mather J.D. winning and collecting the Alex Beverage Trophy after beating Bro.s Davie Hosie and Kenny Ross in the final. The match was play at Newtongrange Bowling Club.
Wedding Bells
Congratulations also to newly weds, Bro Lawrence Thorburn and his beautiful bride Isabel who were married on Wednesday 10th September in Portugal. From all at 112 we wish you and Isabel every success for the future. 13
Each Mason’s hopes, aims and journey are for him and him alone. No two are the same so this is very apt as part of an initiation.
Dutch Masons have a very wonderful saying in their initiation ceremony of an Entered Apprentice.
The phrase "Op U komt het aan" is spoken at a very special moment and means (more or less) 'It is up to you'. It is then up to YOU as an EA, FC or a MM to begin building yourself; to begin contributing to your World, your Society and to your Craft.
It is up to YOU to seek and to knock; but also to answer and open the door when others need you. We must never forget that the strength of the chain is in the weakest link; and we must therefore be reminded to not become complacent in our endeavours to continuously build and strive for that perfect ashlar. INTEGRITY Is choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain 14
Halloween Fancy Dress Party Ticket ÂŁ10 Prize for Best Fancy Dress
TO H G NI R A L OR U C R A R T K HO O O & P S FUN
Christmas Party Night
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Saturday 7th December 2019 ÂŁ30 per person 3 course Dinner with a complimentary drink on arrival. Dance the night away. Open to members and guests
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OFFICE BEARERS FOR 2018-19
Right Worshipful Master.....................................................Bro. Brian Ritchie Immediate Past Master......................................Bro. John R. Thorburn P.M.
Depute Master..........................................................................Bro. Tom Edgar Substitute Master....................................Bro. Allan E. Williams P.M. D.S.M.
Senior Warden..................................................................Bro. Robert McNeill Junior Warden................................................................Bro. Terry Kirkwood
Secretary.............................................Bro. Andrew M. Raeburn P.M. D.S.M.
Treasurer................................................Bro. Douglas W.M. Hoy P.M. D.S.M. Almoner....................................................................................................Vacant Chaplain....................................................................Bro. Gilbert Meikle P.M.
Senior Deacon......................................................................Bro. Harry Bryson Junior Deacon.....................................................................Bro. Derek Mather
Master of Ceremonies............................................................Bro. David Innes
Ast. Secretary...........................................................................................Vacant
Ast. Treasurer...........................................................................................Vacant 2nd Master of Ceremonies..........................................Bro. James Rutherford
Jeweller.................................................................................Bro. Kenneth Ross
Bible Bearer.......................................................................Bro. Brian Marwick Architect......................................................................................Bro. John Tod Sword Bearer.....................................................Bro. Richard Hadden (BEM)
Director of Music......................................................Bro. Robert Ross D.S.M.
Organist..........................................................................Bro. Robert Law P.M. Marshall..................................................................................Bro. Stewart Lee
Standard Bearer.......................................................................Bro. Kris Edgar
Inner Guard...................................................................Bro. Stuart McDonald President of Stewards...........................................Bro. George Fraser D.S.M.
Tyler....................................................................................Bro. Robert Ritchie