112 On The Level Masonic Magazine for St. John Fisherrow No.112
Issue No.14
March 2021
From the Editor Hello Brethren, and welcome to another edition of “On the Level”. We hope you will find this issue March No. 14 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. Back issues of the magazine can be found on on website.
Website/facebook: stjohn112.co.uk 112magazine “On the Level”
Temple
THE PURPOSE OF FREEMASONRY:
The Greeks had temenos, a sacred enclosure, a plot of ground marked off to be a holy place; the Latins had templum, a consecrated place. A temple is a building set apart because it is holy, dedicated to religious uses. It has its place in Masonry largely because of the prominence of Solomon’s Temple in the Ritual. It is interesting to note that in Masonic nomenclature the ideal life, here and hereafter, is described metaphorically as a temple, one of a thousand examples of the extent to which Freemasonry is saturated with religious language and emotions.
What is the purpose of Masonry? One of the most basic purposes is to make "better men out of good men." We try to place emphasis on the individual man by strengthening his character; improving his moral and spiritual outlook; and broadening his mental horizons. We try to impress upon the minds of our members the principles of personal responsibility and morality; teaching each member to practice in his daily life the lessons taught through symbolic ceremonies in the lodge.
Warden
One of the universal doctrines of Freemasonry is the belief in the "Brotherhood of Man and the Fatherhood of God". The importance of this belief is established by each Mason as he practices the three principle tenets of Masonry: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. William Harvey
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“Ward” is of Medieval origin, having been used in early English, French, German, etc., always in the sense of to guard something, a meaning preserved in warden, guard, guardian, wary, ware, ward, etc. A warden is guardian of the west gate of the Temple, the Junior Warden of the south gate.
The Right Worshipful Master
Hello Brethren and welcome to this edition of the magazine. Well after January we found ourselves again back in full lockdown, with most shops, pubs, restaurants etc. closed, and travel severely limited after second but more lethal spike in the coronavirus figures. Unfortunately, for many it could not have come at a worse time, when we had hoped that getting back to some normality was in view.
112 is no different from many institutions in the town, and throughout our wee country as the government and the health service try to get to grips with the pandemic. We haven’t had a regular meeting since the first week in March, almost a year ago.
Derek’s Diner, which had been operating successfully with a whole host of safeguards in place, has also fallen foul to the lockdown, and in limbo once again.
As we all heard that the Heads of the Orders in Scotland met to discus the way forward at their meeting back in January and again to the decision to further suspend any masonic activities which will be reviewed in June, hopefully by then we will all have had the vaccination and maybe some kind of normality can be resumed. We all appreciate how difficult this has been for us but the priority is for the brethren and their families to keep safe and well.
Brethren although he celebrated his 70th Birthday in January, I and the brethren would like to wish Brother Jim Rutherford a very happy 70th Birthday. Bro Jim also marked another big milestone in 2020 during the lockdown when he retired from his job with Police Scotland. Like many of us Jim is a very keen golfer and looking forward to spending more time on the course.
Brethren, we will be posting further updates from Grand Lodge on our facebook page and by email but until we can meet again please stay safe and more importantly stay well. Bro. Brian Ritchie R.W.M.
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THE CORNUCOPIA
characterization of this religion is the secrecy associated with the particulars of the initiation and the ritual practice, which may not be revealed to outsiders." Pluto, probably to show the difference between him and Hades, is often depicted holding a Cornucopia in contrast to Hades who is depicted holding a drinking horn. Pluto was the giver of agriculture, mineral and spiritual wealth.
The Cornucopia as a symbol of plenty and abundance of nourishment stretching back to Classical Antiquity (a period of time in the Mediterranean that generally encompasses the Greco-Roman period). It is most commonly associated with Zeus, King of the Greek gods. When Zeus was born he was hidden away by his mother to prevent Kronos, his father, from eating him, as he did Zeus' siblings. Kronos in doing this was trying to prevent the fulfillment of a prophecy that one of his children would destroy him. While Zeus was in hiding from his father, he was fed and cared for by various divine attendants including Amalthea (the Nourishing Goddess) who appeared in the form of a goat. The legend states that Zeus accidentally broke off one her horns. Later he gave to the horn to the world of man as it would provide whatever was desired.
In modern times the Cornucopia has been adopted the world over as a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
For Freemasons the Cornucopia is most commonly known as the symbol for the stewards who are stationed in the Masonic South. The Masonic South is tied with nourishment of the brothers. Often one of the duties of the stewards is to help with meal preparation and other times when nourishment is provided to the members of the lodge.
In other myths of the period, Heracles (the Roman equivalent of Hercules) broke off the horn of a river god, with similar results as Amalthea's horn. The Cornucopia is associated with a variety of gods and goddesses around the Mediterranean.
The one Greek God that the Cornucopia is associated that is probably most fascinating to Freemasons, is it's association with Pluto, god of the underworld. This version of the God of the Underworld, formerly Hades, was taught in the Mystery Religions, sometimes called the sacred mysteries or mysteries. The Mystery Religions of the Greco-Roman world were religious schools that were only for the initiates. At least one source about the Mystery Religions states that "The main
A huge Happy 70th birthday to our MoC Bro. Jim Rutherford.
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We hope that under these crazy circumstances you still managed to a great day with your family. Now that you’ve retired you will be able to spent more time with your grandson on the golf course.
~ Our Lodge Our History ~
Below left: R.W.M. Bro. John Cunningham at No. 10 Ladies Night Ball in1962
Church Service Parade 1993
Bro. John Downie Town Champion 1974
Bro. Archie Lister R.W.M. 1970-72
Lodge St. John FisherrowNo. 112 Installation of the Right Worshipful Master Bro. Brian Ritchie & Office Bearers
Saturday 8th December 2018
Tyle 4pm
Golf Match V No. 1 at Archerfield 2018
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Tickets £16
Why is there an edict in the 3rd degree?
The Trowel The tools of a true Master Mason A man who has proven his skill Are any or all that he chooses, His task to correctly fulfill. Foremost of these is the Trowel, Which practical builders all class As the tool for spreading of mortar Uniting the house in one mass.
The Second Section of the Master Mason Degree should implant in the mind of the candidate a deep and lasting impression of the fundamental teachings of Freemasonry. Anything which distracts his attention from the reception of these ideas is foreign to the purpose of the work in hand. Undue roughness, acting in a manner to arouse the amusement of the Brethren, or audible laughter from the sidelines cannot fail to produce such distraction. It is the direction of the Grand Lodge that the work be conducted with a dignity and decorum that the ritual envisages and that the candidate has a right to expect.
But we as Freemasons would use it For purpose more noble and grand, As craftsmen have faithfully taught us, As Masonry's ritual's command, To spread the cement of affection, Devotion and brotherly love, To bring peace, good will and contentment On earth as in Heaven above.
The Edict that is read before the Drama in the Third Degree is very explicit in directing the brethren present to treat the following ritual with the reverence it, and the candidate, deserve. Why is it that some members of the Craft, even those participating in the drama itself, feel it permissible to treat the experience as some kind of comic relief ? If one of the actors is playing the fool, the W.M. of that lodge should make sure he either smartens up or vacates the role to someone who can conduct himself in a serious manner.
Most of us may find ourselves for the first time in our lives in an acting dramatic role. Embarrassment may be a reason for the behaviour but it is no excuse. The Ritual is not something to be taken lightly. We are trying to convey to the candidate an important lesson. Becoming a Master Mason can be a life changing event and we should not allow the trivialization of this important step in a man’s life. This problem is one that has been around for a long time as can be seen by the need to put the Edict in the Ritual in the first place. So please, treat the drama as a solemn and important event. As part of the audience, try and look at the lessons it teaches us and as a participant, don’t play to the audience, play to the candidate.
Yea this is the cement that unites us In one sacred union of friends Brothers 'mongst whom no contention, Nor discord nor diff'rence portends, Except that most noble contention By Masons Accepted and Free Or rather that fine emulation Of who can best work and agree.
Michael N. Salmore
Famous Quotes:~
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Brother, I, too, own a television set, but that does not keep me at home on lodge night. I have never yet had one of the characters on television come off the screen and shake my hand. They have never offered me the warm friendship that my lodge brothers do. They have never handed me a cup of coffee or a doughnut. No! Never!
Robert Le Bruce
The Circle
(1274-1329)
The Circle, which plays so prominent a part in Freemasonry, is doubtless derived from the circuit of the Sun in the Heavens. It represents the Boundary Line of a Freemason’s conduct, and the Circle of his duty is that laid down in the V… of the S… L…, which teaches him the important duty he owes to God, to his neighbour and to himself. The Circle is bounded between North and South by two grand parallel lines, one of which in ancient days represented Moses, and the other King Solomon, but in Christian times these represent the Holy Saints, John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. On the upper part of the Circle rests the V… of the S… L…, which contains the Laws and the Prophets, and which supports Jacob’s ladder, the top of which reaches to Heaven. If the Freemason were as conversant with the Holy Book and as true to the doctrines contained therein, as these early and later parallels were, he would be led to Him who will not deceive neither will He suffer deception. In traversing the Circle, the Freemason must of necessity touch both of those parallel lines as well as the V… of the S… L…, and while he keeps himself thus circumscribed it is not possible for him to err.
King and liberator of Scotland. Opposed to Edward I of England as King of Scotland in 1296 and fought against him in 1298, but adhered to him during invasion of 1302-4.
He murdered John Comyn in 1306 and was crowned as Robert I, King of Scotland, at Scone in 1306. In the same year he was defeated by the English and took refuge on the coast of Ireland, excommunicated and outlawed. He returned the following year and in two years wrested most of Scotland from the English, routing Edward II's army at Bannockburn in 1314. He repulsed the English time after time until Edward III recognized the independence of Scotland and Bruce's right to rule by the treaty of 1328 at Northampton.
He is traditionally said to have introduced Freemasonry into Scotland and in 1314 established the Order of Herodom for the reception of those Knights Templar who had taken refuge in his dominions from the persecutions of the Pope and King of France.
10 days after he granted the Burgess charter to Edinburgh he died of leprosy. The Black Douglas removing Bruce’s heart and carried it to fight in the crusades but while trying to reach Jerusalem to fight in the Crusades Douglas was killed in Teba, Spain. Bruce’s heart was brought back to Scotland and burried in Melrose Abbey.
As part of a combined order, he is said to have established the Royal Order of Scotland at the Battle of Bannockburn in recognition of the Freemasons who helped him defeat the English. His descendant, Lord Elgin, is present head of the Royal Order of Scotland and the possessor of the great sword of Robert le Bruce.
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Famous Scottish Freemasons
Bro Andrew Douglas Alexander Thomas Bruce (b 1924) 11th Earl of Elgin and 15th Earl of Kincardine, KT, CD, JP, DL
This month we turn to a military hero, who led his countries forces during the Great War of 1914-1918 Bro Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig (1861-1928) Douglas Haig was born on the 19th June 1861 in the family house in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, son of John Haig, who was the head of the family’s whisky business. His mother, Rachel was from a gentry family fallen into straightened circumstances. And her cousin, Violet Veitch, was mother of the playwright, composer and performer Noël Coward.
Haig's education began in 1869 as a boarder at Mr Bateson's School in Clifton Bank, St Andrews. Later in 1869, he switched to Edinburgh Collegiate School, and then in 1871 to Orwell House, a preparatory school in Warwickshire. He then attended Clifton College, a public school. Both of Haig's parents died by the time he was eighteen.
After a tour of the United States with his brother, Haig studied Political Economy, Ancient History and French Literature at Brasenose College, Oxford, 1880–1883. He devoted much of his time to socialising (he was a member of the infamous Bullingdon Club) and equestrian sports. He was one of the best young horsemen at Oxford and quickly found his way into the University polo team. Whilst an undergraduate he was initiated as a Freemason in Elgin’s Lodge at Leven No. 91 at Leven, Fife, taking only his EA and FC Degrees. In 1920 the Earl of Eglinton encouraged Haig to complete his Masonic progression, and he returned to his lodge to take the third degree, subsequently serving as Worshipful Master of the lodge from 1925 to 1926. He became an officer of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
He enrolled for officer training at Sandhurst in 1883, and was commissioned into the 7th (Queen’s) Hussars. Haig saw service in India and the Boer War. During his time in South Africa, Lord Kitchener recognised his potential as a leader, and in 1901 he was promoted to CO of the 17th Lancers. On his return to the UK in 1902 he was appointed AdC to His Majesty King Edward VII and by 1904 he’d achieved the distinction of being the youngest Major-General in the British Army, with various high ranking roles in the subsequent years.
Haig married the Hon. Dorothy Vivian in 1905 and they had a son and 3 daughters. Involved in the organisation of the British Expeditionary Force as the Great War loomed, success at Mons and Ypres saw him promoted to Full General and given command of the First Army, before promotion to C-inC of the BEF.
Haig’s role in the Battle of the Somme, still attracts controversy and debate today, as historians cannot agree over his tactics. It is perhaps unfair to single out Haig for any blame, as other generals should also have their part in the Great War examined. Haig was appointed Field Marshal on 1st January 1917 and led the final offensive as the war drew to a successful conclusion.
Haig was raised to the Peerage as Earl Haig of Bemersyde in 1919, taking his title from the estate in the Scottish Borders, presented to him by a grateful nation. After leaving the army, he spent most of his remaining years promoting the welfare of those who had served under him, and their families, with perhaps his greatest legacy the Royal British Legion.
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Douglas Haig died in January 1928, aged 66 and as a mark of respect he was afforded a State Funeral in London, before his body was taken to St Giles Cathedral in his native city of Edinburgh, where it lay in state before burial at Dryburgh Abbey under a simple white military headstone, typical of most of the men who had served and died under him.
A celebrated Brother, who has contributed much to Freemasonry for almost 70 years the eldest son of Edward Bruce and the Honourable Katherine Elizabeth Cochrane, he was educated at Eton and at Balliol College, Oxford. A direct descendant of King Robert the Bruce, he was styled Lord Bruce before 1968, when he inherited both Earldoms upon the death of his father, he is Chief of Clan Bruce.
In 1943, he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the 3rd (Armoured) Battalion Scots Guards and was wounded during Operation Bluecoat, the break out from Normandy in August 1944. Subsequently invalided out of the army in October 1946, with the honorary rank of Lieutenant, he was appointed an instructor in the Army Cadet Force in 1951.
Following in the footsteps of his father, he was initiated in Lodge Elgin & Bruce, No.1077 in 1948, and served as RWM of his Mother Lodge in 1950, the same year he because a Grand Lodge Office-bearer. He became PGM of Fife & Kinross in 1957, a position he held for 45 years. His family have been most prominent in Scottish Freemasonry for over 200 years, and it was fitting that he became MW Grand Master Mason in 1961, almost exactly 40 years after his father had also been installed as GMM. He is also a Past Senior Grand Warden of the GL of England, and served as First Principal of the Supreme Grand RA Chapter of Scotland for 34 years until 2004. He also served as Deputy Grand Master & Governor of the Royal Order from 1970 for almost 40 years. He is universally known (with affection) as ‘Elgin’ within the Craft.
In July 1963, by then the County Cadet Commandant for Fife, he was awarded the Cadet Forces Medal. He resigned his commission in April 1965, retaining the honorary rank of LieutenantColonel. Since 1970, he has been Colonel-in-Chief of the 31 Combat Engineer Regiment (The Elgins), and was Honorary Colonel of the 153 (Highland) Transport Regiment until 1986.
Lord Elgin was President of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, and the Scottish motor racing team, Ecurie Ecosse. Appointed a JP in 1951, he was Deputy Lieutenant of Fife for over 30 years until his appointment as Lord Lieutenant in 1987, a position he held for 22 years. A former Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, HM The Queen installed him as a Knight of the Thistle in 1982. Awarded the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav in 1994, he is a former Captain of the Queen’s Body Guard in Scotland – The Royal Company of Archers, and served as President of the Boys' Brigade from 1966 to 1985.
He is a Freeman of Bridgetown, Regina, Saskatchewan, Port Elgin, Winnipeg, Manitoba, St. Thomas, Ontario, and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Lord Elgin is a Past President of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club.
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1768 Robert Blair 1814 Andrew Sily 1841 Robert Aitken 1842 James Wilson 1843 James Simpson 1845 Henry Kemp 1848/49 Robert Aitken 1850/52 Robert Millar 1861 Peter Wilkie 1862/68 Lodge Dormant 1869/71 David Thomson 1872/75 Murdoch MacKenzie 1876/77 Thomas Carse 1878/80 George Wood 1881 George Nisbet 1882/87 Lodge Dormant 1888 James Hogg 1889/91 Robert W. Robertson 1892/93 John Little 1894/95 John Dobbie 1896/97 George Blair 1898/1900 James Kinnaird 1901/02 James Henderson 1903 James Robertson 1904/05 William Constable 1906/07 John Reynolds 1908/09 John Anderson 1910 Andrew Colville 1911/12 Matthew L. Young 1913/14 James Baird 1915/16 James Thom 1917/18 Sam Greenwood 1919 William S. Lowe 1920 Sir John A. Hope 1921 William C. McGregor 1922 Sir John A. Hope
1923/24 Richard Shields 1925/26 Fred Lockwood 1928/29 A.H. B. Dunlop 1930 Andrew King 1931 Thomas McCosh (Died 2. 1931) 1931 Andrew King (Installed 15/4/1931) 1932 Thomas Ormiston 1933 Thomas Ormiston (Died 2/1933) 1933/34 Fred Lockwood 1935 Sam Greenwood 1936 Peter Muir 1937 Robert S. Marr 1938 Robert S. Whitelaw 1939/40 Robert B. Cumming 1941/42 Peter Grassick 1943/44 Robert H. Weatherhead 1945/46 Robert R. Law 1947/48 John Mitchell 1949/50 William Clement 1951/52 David B. S. Steedman 1953/54 Alexander Kerr 1955/56 George B. Milne 1957/58 David M. Steeples 1959 Robert R. Law 1960 Graham McKinlay 1961 John Johnstone 1962 John Love 1963 John D. Cunningham 1964 John Scott 1965 Robert Millar 1966 John Scott 1967 Andrew Kay 1968 John Y. Gray
Our Lodge ~ Our History ~ Part 4
During the period 1869 to 1881 the number of Initiates was sixty six and the number of affiliates were forty four. In the years 1880 to 1881 there were no initiates or affiliates and once again the Lodge became dormant.
It is interesting to note that in 1871, the Lodge had a visitor from No.490 Lodge Pyramid N.Y. - Bro Robert W. Robertson who affiliated to the Lodge the following year. Special mention is made of this Brother as became the Right Worshipful Master in 1888 and held that office until 1891 during which time he proved to be one of the stalwarts of the Lodge.
It is obvious from the minutes that every endeavour was made to keep the Lodge active but in spite of all efforts it became dormant in 1881. At the monthly meeting held in St. John’s Hall on 24th November 1881 the Treasurer informed the Lodge that there was a sum of £7.7.0d due and no funds to meet it. Bro. Nisbet, the Master, proposed disposing of the jewels and other properties of the Lodge which was seconded by Bro. Brown. Bro. Bissett moved that the jewels be disposed of in one fortnight from this date to be sold singly or that one of the members should take them and pay what was due. A Committee was formed to dispose of everything belonging to the Lodge.
The last meeting appears to have been a Special held in St. John’s Hall on 8th December 1881. Bro. Doleman J.W. moved that Bro. Gray get the jewels and other properties of the Lodge upon his relieving the Lodge of all its liabilities, seconded by Bro. Black. Bro Blair proposed that a subscription should be got up to defray the expenses of the Lodge and that a Committee be formed for the collection of same which was seconded by Bro. Wood and unanimously agreed to. The Committee was duly formed and here the matter seems to have ended. Minute of 24th July 1888 - St. John’s Hall:
1881 - 1899
Acting under remit from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, the Visitation Committee of the Metropolitan Committee have this evening in presence of a large number of brethren formally re-opened the Lodge of St. John Fisherrow No.112 and have appointed the Nomination and Election of Office Bearers to take place on Tuesday 31st July current at which the Chairman of the Committee will preside. (signed)James Crichton, Chairman, A.J. Abbott M. of V. Comm. A. MacKenzie M. of V. Comm. D. Murray Lyon Grand Secretary. The Lodge having been duly opened by Brother James Crichton, Chairman of the Visitation Committee of the Metropolitan District with Brother Abbott, Senior Warden and Brother MacKenzie, Junior Warden, Bro. Crichton delivered the address in which he expressed the pleasure it gave him to come and open the ancient Lodge St. John Fisherrow No.112 after having been in abeyance for some years. The Interim Secretary read the following circulars viz:Dear Sir and Brother
I am instructed by the Committee appointed at the preliminary meeting held in St. John’s Hall, Fisherrow on 2nd July to intimate that the arrangements contemplated at the meeting have been consumed as follows:- Freemasons Hall, Edinburgh 16th July 1888.
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To Mr J. Russell, Secretary No.112
Dear Sir and Brother The Committee on the Visitation of Lodges of the Metropolitan District will attend in Musselburgh on the 24th inst. To re-open Lodge St. John Fisherrow. Have the goodness to arrange accordingly.
Ever faithfully (signed) D. Murray Lyon, Secretary.
In accordance with the above, I have to ask your attendance at St. John’s Fisherrow on the evening of 24th July to meet Grand Lodge at 7pm. All brethren in the Metropolitan District are cordially invited to be present at the ceremony.
Yours Faithfully (signed) J. Russell Int. Secretary
The first business done was to affiliate fourteen brethren who had been duly proposed and seconded. The ceremony was performed by Bro. Crichton. The Nominations and Election of Office Bearers was fixed to take place on 31st July 1888 at 7.30pm, Bro Crichton again to preside. The Lodge having been called from Labour to refreshment expressions of goodwill and encouragement to the Lodge were made by various visiting brethren and responded to by Bro. Hogg. The Lodge having been called to labour was closed in due and proper form. (signed) John Russell, Int. Secretary (signed) James Hogg, R.W.M.
31st July 1888 - St. John’s Hall, Fisherrow ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ According to the appointment made at the meeting of this Lodge No.112 on 24th instant, the Visitation Committee of the Metropolitan District attended here this evening and conducted the Nomination, Election and Installation of Office Bearers for the current year all as recorded in the minute of this meeting as written by the Secretary of the Lodge. On the invitation of Bro. Crichton, Chairman of Committee, Bro Allan MacKenzie, P.M. No.2 conferred the degree of Installed Master upon Bro. James Hogg the newly elected Right Worshipful Master and on Brothers James McLean and Robert John Noble, Past Maters of Lodge Dalkeith Kilwinning No.10. (signed) James Crichton, Chairman, A.J. MacKenzie, M of V. Comm, A.J.W. Abbott, M of V. Comm D. Murray Lyon, Grand Secretary
The Committee on the Visitation of Metropolitan Lodges met this evening, 31st July 1888 at 7.30pm for the purposes of conducting the Election and Installation of Office Bearers. There were 58 brethren present including Grand Lodge, as per Attendance Book. The Election of Office Bearers having taken place the following were elected:-
Brother James Hogg R.W.M. Unanimously, Brother George Nisbet I.P.M, Brother I.H. Forrester D.M, Brother Robert Teasdale S.M, Brother John White S.W, Brother Robert Wooley J.W, 15 votes - Bro. Teasdale 3 votes Brother Alex. R. Peacock Treasurer Unanimously, Brother John Russell Secretary, Brother Alex Howie S. D, Brother A. Dickson J.D, Brother R. Gibson I.G, Brother John Summers Tyler.
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The Chairman of the Committee then installed Bro. James Hogg, R.W.M., Bro. I.H. Forrester D.M., Bro. Robert Wooley J.W, Bro. John Russell Secretary, Alex Howie S.D, Bro. R. Gibson I.G, and Bro. John Summers Tyler, into their respective offices.
On the motion of the R.W. Master it was unanimously resolved to confer Honorary Affiliation on Brothers Crichton and D. Murray Lyon. They were accordingly affiliated to this Lodge. The Lodge having been called from labour to refreshment the R.W.M. Bro. James Hogg proposed the health of the Visitation Committee and in the name of the Lodge thanked them for their great services which they had so cordially rendered to Lodge St. John Fisherrow No. 112.
The following brethren having been proposed for affiliation were accordingly received into the Lodge:- James Campbell, John Sullivan and R. Alexander.
The following brethren were duly proposed and passed to be affiliated:- James Wybar, Newbigging; John Inglis, Newbigging; James Knox, Prestonpans; Wm. McGregor, Fisherrow; Wm. Shand, Eskside; John Laurie, Fisherrow.
The following gentlemen were proposed by Brother Secretary seconded by Brother Wood, P.M. as fit candidates to be initiated into the mysteries of ancient Freemasonry:- John Dobie, Dalrymple; John Little, Dalrymple; John Downie, Fisherrow Links; T. Strormonth, George 1V Bridge; J.A. Macpherson, Bridgend Cott; John Williamson, High Street, Fisherrow; Wm. Telfer, High Street, Fisherrow; Alex McDonal, Bush Terrace, Fisherrow; James Brown, High Street, Musselburgh; James Robertson, Millhill, Musselburgh. The next meeting having been fixed to take place in St. John’s Hall on 9th August at 7.30pm for the purposes of balloting for new members and other business, the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form. (signed) James Hogg R.W.M. John Russell Sec.
Regular Meeting - 19th September 1888 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was unanimously agreed to pay a debt due by the Lodge to Bro. Hugh Gray who held a bond over the Lodge property. In the cash book under date 19th October all entry appears thus:- Hugh Gray debt due 1881 - £6.10.8d A new set of Bye-Laws were drawn up and revised and were accepted at this meeting. A copy to be sent to Grand Lodge for approval.
Meeting - 28th November 1888 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Before proceeding with the business the R.W. Master said he would like to draw the brethrens attention by the great loss the Lodge had sustained by the death of Bro. Alex R. Peacock, Treasurer. He paid tribute to the work of Bro. Treasurer.
Special Meeting - St. John’s Hall, Bridge Street - 27th December 1888 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brother Robert R. Robertson was duly installed as R.W. Master for the ensuing year.
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Regular Meeting - St. John’s Hall - 2nd April 1889 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brother Robert R. Robertson, R.W.M. informed the brethren that having seen the organ now standing in the Lodge Room advertised for sale and knowing that it was the general wish of the brethren to have one purchased for the sum of £10. The meeting unanimously agreed to retain the organ.
Minute of Special Reception Banquet - St. John’s Hall - 1st May 1889 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Lodge having been opened in the Third Degree, the R.W.M. asked all but Installed Masters to retire. On the return of the members Bro. Allan MacKenzie, R.W.M. of Portobello No.226 intimated from the East, West and South that the R.W. Master Bro. Robertson and Bro. Thomas Carse, P.M. had received the Installed Masters Degree.
Regular Meeting - St. John’s Hall - 2nd July 1889 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Secretary read a communication from Grand Secretary with reference to a Grand Bazaar in connection with the Fund of Scottish Masonic Benevolence, as also did the R.W.M. regarding a Bazaar to be held in Kirkwall in aid of their Masonic Hall Fund.
Special Meeting - St. John’s Hall - 13th August 1889 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The R.W. Master on behalf of the Lodge presented Bro. John Russell, S. W. with a gold watch bearing the following; “Presented to Bro. John Russell, S.W. by the brethren of St. John’s Lodge, Fisherrow No. 112 (F & A.M.) on the occasion of his leaving Musselburgh 13th August 1889.”
Special Meeting - St. John’s Hall - 24th August 1889 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The R.W. Master informed the brethren that they had met there that day for the purpose of laying the foundation Stone of the Hall for Inveresk Parish Church with Masonic Honours. After having moved that the Lodge should confer Honorary Affiliation on him the R.W. Master called on Bro. Sir Charles Dalrymple, Bart. The Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of Scotland to preside at the laying of the Foundation Stone. The procession proceeded by way of Bridge Street, High Street, Fisherrow, Eskside High Street, Musselburgh, Newbigging West vennel to Dalrymple Loan where the Ceremony was carried out in due and ancient form.
Special Meeting - St. John’s Hall - 26th December 1889 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bro. Robert W. Robertson was Installed as R.W. Master for the ensuing year.
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Freemasonry and the Prayer
It has been described as a petition or solemn or humble request to God for His blessing or thanksgiving. It is a communication between man and God and is a means by which man can coordinate his mind with the will of God.
Prayer is an important part of the ritual in the Craft. The opening and closing of the degrees and ceremonies invoke prayer and guidance from God, the “Great Architect of the Universe.”
Prayer is universal because it speaks to some basic human need. As Thomas Merton put it, “Prayer is an expression of who we are. We are living incompleteness. We are a gap, an emptiness that calls for fulfillment.”
Beginning with an examination of the earliest Manuscripts of “Old Charges”, the Regis Poem Manuscript of 1390 A.D., shows that all lodge activities were begun with prayer to God.
Merton’s thoughts on prayer fit into the Masonic Philosophy of making good men better.
Prayer is considered by Masons as being an important and integral part of the Order. The Universality of Prayer in Freemasonry can best be expressed in its acceptance of a principle as that “in which all good men agree.” The initiate is required to profess a belief in a Supreme Being who is the Creator, Maker and Sovereign over us all.
Prayer in Lodge raises the sights above the petty circumstances of life and affords a glimpse of that lofty perspective. Prayer is a declaration of dependence on God. It brings together the mind of man and the divine Spirit giving confidence to the suppliant that his petition for Divine Guidance will be granted. It creates reason and logical thinking within the petitioner.
Masons are taught from the very beginning not to start any enterprise without first invoking the guidance of the Deity.
The Ancient Hebrews exercised a “dialogue” with Jehovah whose “ineffable name” could be pronounced only by letters or syllables.
On entering the Lodge the initiate is asked “In whom do you put your Trust?” The reply forms the foundation of belief in the one True God. The affirmation of that belief inspires within the Mason the spontaneous praise, thanksgiving and honour for the maker and giver of life.
It is the Mason’s duty to continue that “dialogue” as a response to the moral imperative set forth by the 24-inch gauge. The main purpose of prayer in the Lodge is not to make life easier, nor gain magic powers, but to get to know God “in whom we put our trust”.
The need for prayer is further affirmed for the E.A. when he is presented with the Working Tools of the degree. He is taught the moral interpretation of the 24-inch gauge and that he should apportion a part of each day Prayer, Labour, Refreshment and Sleep.
Thus he is encouraged to bring balance to his life and honour to his God by opening the day with prayer. It is significant to observe the order in which the explanation of the 24-inch gauge is given; prayer is stressed as the first requirement. What is Prayer?
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The early Masonic Fathers were sincere men of faith and dedicated the Fraternity to the moral and spiritual improvement of mankind. The ceremonies that they developed contained moral lessons that were intended to enhance the spiritual improvement of candidates and the brethren. The ceremonies contained in the modern rituals of our Grand Lodge are intended to foster that spiritual improvement. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion.
We are joined together in pursuit of universal brotherhood- recognizing the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. All Masons acknowledge the Supreme Being that imposes order on the Universe. The use of Scripture illustrates the fact that God-fearing men practice our gentle craft. Our ritual clearly demonstrates the extent to which Freemasonry places its dependence on God and the efficacy of prayer.
Freemasons, as builders of character, work on the inner man to polish and refine the raw material. The lodge is a quiet place conducive to reflection and introspection. The lectures, charges and prayers of the several degrees are intended to assist a man to contemplate the deeper meaning of life and to ponder his place and purpose in it. To think seriously about the eternal:-
Why am I here?
Where did I come from? What am I doing here?
And where do I go from here?
God is not the Great I Was, but the Great I am.
In Him we live move and have our being. He speaks to us in nature, in the moral law, and in our own hearts, if we have ears to hear. He speaks most clearly in the V.O.S.L. which lies open on our Altar.
Every prayer in the ritual has a purpose and has an appeal to the Deity for direction and guidance. It is necessary not just to learn the prayers by rote but to reflect on them and think about their meaning for the life a Mason.
The place of prayer in Masonry is not perfunctory. It is not a mere matter of form and note. It is vital and profound. It is truly a great prayer when we join in and place ourselves in the very hands of God, as all must do in the end, trusting His Will and way, where there is no path into the soft and fascinating darkness which men call death. The response of the Lodge to that prayer, as to all others offered at its Altar, is the old challenging phrase “So Mote It Be.” taken from The Educator
When a man puts the timeless precepts and time honoured principles of Freemasonry into practice the world will indeed be a better place. His prayers will have been answered.
Freemasonry’s attitude toward things spiritual is an important part of our belief in the Supreme Being and in the future life. Masons believe that at the time of death the soul returns to God who gave it. Freemasons are bound by the “eternal truths” contained in the Volume of the Sacred Law and those sacred truths are given to us to govern the rules of life and conduct.
References, therefore, in the rituals of the Masonic Degrees to the omnipotence of God impresses upon the candidates and the brethren the power of prayer in Masonic Work.
NEXT ISSUE MAY 2021