Cross Keys Masonic Magazine March 2015

The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone

March 2015

Walking the Road / Seeking the Light

In this issue:

The Essence of Scottish Freemasonry ISIS Testing Masonic Obligations George Washington’s Letter A Masonic Incident Grand Lodge and Politics Knight Templar Encampments

Cross Keys March 2015

Number 183

The Essence of Scottish Freemasonry In order to make it clear that Scottish Freemasonry is so very different from that which exists in other countries especially regarding the interpretation, understanding and purpose of the various elements of the Scottish form of Freemasonry (for example; the Ancient Landmarks, Ritual, the 'meaning' of Masonic Words, Masonic Symbols, Regalia and Masonic history) a letter has now been sent to the Secretaries of every Scottish Lodge which was read in open lodge. The letter refers to a paper entitled 'The Essence of Scottish Freemasonry' which every Scottish Freemason is encouraged to read:

Recently there has been some discussion as the ‘meaning’ of Scottish Masonic Ritual, Regalia and Symbolism. On reading the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Lodge of Scotland (GLoS) one could be forgiven in thinking that there were no opinions on these subjects. The silence on the meaning of all aspects of Scottish Freemasonry not only in the Constitution and Laws but also in other official publications does not mean such opinions do not exist, quite the contrary. Why then are there no official explanations of any of the elements of Scottish Freemasonry? This question goes to the crux of what is Scottish Freemasonry.

The GLoS believes that Scottish Freemasonry is a framework in and around which individuals undertake their Masonic journey. This view is created partly by the history and origins of Scottish Freemasonry as well as the psyche of Scots in general. Without going into too much detail it is sufficient to explain that before the GLoS came into being in 1736 there existed a national network of Lodges, from at least 1598 if not earlier, the membership of which was comprised of stonemasons and non-stonemasons. There were Lodges the membership of which was entirely made up of stonemasons (for example, the Lodge of Journeymen Masons, No.8), Lodges which had no stonemasons as members (e.g. the Haughfoot Lodge) and Lodges that had both stonemasons and non-stonemasons as members (e.g. the Lodge of Aberdeen 1ter). These Lodges existed independently of each other and without any ‘head-office’ to direct them from a central point. This system was, and to some extent still is, well suited to the psyche of Scottish Freemasons (if not the population at large). The independence of Lodges before 1736 also translated into a significant degree of independence for Lodges founded after 1736.

Unlike other Grand Lodges, which have, and use, a great deal more power and authority than the GLoS, it functions more as a facilitator and advisory body. This nonauthoritarian method of governance is not known to exist elsewhere in the Masonic world and it has a direct impact on the nature of Scottish Freemasonry. First and foremost because participation in Freemasonry is a personal experience which differs from person to person the meaning of different aspects of Freemasonry can also differ from person to person. Although there may be a consensus among so m e Scottish Freemasons as to what any particular word or symbol might mean there can be other alternative explanations. The letter ‘G’ will suffice to illustrate this point. A Freemason who is a Christian by faith will usually interpret the letter ‘G’ as G_D but a Freemason who is a Muslim

Cross Keys March 2015

The Essence of Scottish Freemasonry (ctd) might well reject that idea because he cannot accept that G_D can be reduced to a mere letter of a human alphabet.1 He will, quite often argue that the letter ‘G’ stands for geometric or perhaps geometry. For similar reasons a Freemason who is Jewish m ight argue that ‘G’ stands for goodness – the innate goodness within every human being. There are several other possible interpretations. Once the GLoS expressed an opinion as to the meaning of the letter ‘G’ it would become the d e facto interpretation and therefore widely accepted by most Scottish Freemasons. If GLoS provided such interpretations it would, in effect, create a Scottish Masonic Dogma and which could be used to define Freemasonry as a religion – something that Freemasons have always rejected.

Scottish Freemasonry is therefore considered to be an individual experience, or journey, albeit one taken with the help, assistance and guidance of other Freemasons. The meaning and interpretation of Scottish Masonic Ritual, Regalia and Symbolism, for good reason, is not fixed and is left to the interpretation of the individual Freemason. This is one reason why Scottish Freemasonry remains unique in the world and long may it remain so.

Bro. Robert L D Cooper, Curator GLoS

Should you have any queries regarding the contents of this email or the ‘The Essence of Scottish Freemasonry’ please do not hesitate to contact, in the first instance, Brother Robert L D Cooper, Curator, at: curator@grandlodgescotland.org Brother Cooper will also be able to provide copies of the paper on request.

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ISIS Testing the Masonic Obligations As a Master Mason continues further down the line in the studies of Freemasonry, he will soon become interested in the Scottish or York Rites. Both Rites continue on with the Story learned in the Blue Lodge Degrees and emphasize on the lessons taught within the Blue Lodge. Under the York Rite, the candidate will go from the Royal Arch degree, all the way to the Knights of Malta and the Knights Templar. The Knights of Malta and Templar are emblematic of the original military orders organized to protect Christians traveling through pilgrimage into the Middle East. In the Knights Templar degree the Sir Knight takes an obligation to defend the Christian faith against any opposed.

Further, under the Scottish rite degrees the candidate learns his responsibility to duty, charity, toleration, impartial justice, protection of persons and striving to use the principles of charity, morality and kindness. It is therefore our obligation to tolerate those of different religious beliefs, political views and protect their right to such beliefs and views.

This obligation is taught to us through out Blue Lodge degrees by learning of toleration and emphasized further with each degree one progresses. Under the Scottish rite degrees it is even more our obligation to stand against intolerance and persecution.

Brethren, that intolerance and persecution is occurring as we speak. Regardless, your religious or political beliefs it is our responsibility to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. The original military orders had a purpose to protect Christians traveling into the Holy Land; Freemasonry, as a whole, has a purpose of protecting anyone who is being persecuted.

In the Middle East, Iraq to be exact, an organization has a foothold and is growing support rather quickly. They are growing support through fear. They earn the fear by killing innocent individuals and persecuting Christians who live in the country. ISIS, or Islamic State of Iraq and Al Sham, is teaching intolerance of anyone who disagrees with them on a religious and political scale by beheading innocent children, raping and killing women and hanging men. Even if our nations around the world refuse to stop history from repeating itself, as seen in Germany, our obligation to do something about ruffians destroying the beauty and sanctity of the Human Race.

I encourage you, if you know of any brethren in the area to contact to them and remind them of their obligation. If you are interested in helping we can start a fund to assist the families in persecution. We can either help get them out of the country or help them go into hiding. If you are interested in doing something to help, please contact me via email: aaron.r.gardner@me.com Together we can stop tyranny one ruffian at a time. We can show the world the revelation of Love and destroy persecution. We can demonstrate the only thing we as Mankind are intolerable of is ignorance, despotism, and fanaticism. Let’s be the Freemasons we were meant to be and shine our light for the world to see.

From Celestial Brotherhood, a Blog about Freemasonry from the eyes of American Soldier Bro. Aaron R. Gardner.

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Bro. Washington’s Letter The Archives of the Supreme Council in Washington contain two letters signed by Gen. George Washington. In the one pictured here, Washington—himself a Freemason—expresses his appreciation to the Grand Lodge of Georgia. He closes saying, "My best wishes are offered for the welfare of the fraternity, and for your particular happiness."

Clearly a mason getting married!!

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A Masonic Incident "The day after the battle of Antietam (18th Sept., 1863), the Fifth New Hampshire formed the picket line along the edge of the [Miller’s] cornfield where Richardson's division fought. The reserve was in one edge of the corn, and the pickets about middle way of the field concealed in the corn, as the sharpshooters of the enemy fired on all who undertook to walk around on the battlefield at that locality. Early in the morning one of the wounded rebels, who lay just outside the pickets, called one of the New Hampshire men, and handed him a little slip of paper, on which he had, evidently with great difficulty succeeded in making some mystic signs in a circle with a bit of stick wet in blood.

The soldier was begged to give it to some Freemason as soon as possible, and he took it to Colonel Edward E. Cross (right), of his regiment. The Colonel was a Master Mason, but could not read the mystic token, it belonging to a higher degree. He therefore sent for Captain J.B. Perry, of the Fifth, who was a also Freemason, and showed him the letter. Captain Perry at once said there was a brother Mason in great peril, and must be rescued. Colonel Cross instantly sent for several brother Masons in the regiment, told the story, and in a few moments four "brothers of the mystic tie" were crawling stealthily through the corn to find the brother in distress. He was found, placed on a blanket, and at great risk drawn out of range of rebel rifles, and then carried to the Fifth New Hampshire field hospital. He proved to be First Lieutenant Edon of the Alabama volunteers, badly wounded in the thigh and breast.

A few hours and he would have perished. Lieutenant Edon informed his brethren of another wounded Mason, who, when brought out, proved to be a Lieutenant Colonel of a Georgia regiment.

These two wounded rebel officers received the same attention as the wounded officers of the Fifth, and a warm friendship was established between men who a few hours before were in mortal combat. This is one of the thousand instances in which the Masonic bond has proved a blessing to mankind."

5th Monument at Gettysburg with inscription.

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18th Century KT Admission Ceremony The following is a description of an admission ceremony into Lodge Royal Arch Maybole No.198 in Ayrshire about 1800:

A pistol was fired and some person called out, ‘Put him to death.’ He was blindfolded first when brought into the room, and the covering being afterwards taken from his eyes, he was shown a stone jug in the corner of the room, and a candle burning in it. He was told by the panel that it was the representation of God Almighty in the midst of the burning bush.

Andrew was Master of the Lodge, and was reading the third chapter of Exodus. The witness was desired to put off his shoes, as it was holy ground he stood on; the covering was put down again on the witness’s face, and he was led under an arch, and, passing under the arch, he was desired to find the Book of the Law; it was taken up by some other person in the Lodge, who was called High Priest, and who said he would explain it. The witness was desired to put money on the book to pay for explaining it to him; the book, he was told, was the Bible. The witness put money on the book as desired, and John Andrew made observations on the chapter as he read it, but the witness does not positively remember any of them. Recollects that part of the chapter where the children of Israel are said to be in bondage. The passport for a Royal Arch Mason was, ‘I Am that I Am.’ After the above ceremonies, the witness, being taken out of the room, had his coat taken off and tied on his shoulders in a bundle, and was then brought in; a carpet with a rent in it was called the veil of the temple. He was led through it, and round the room. A sword was put into his hand, and he was ordered to use it against all who opposed him as a Knight Templar.

John Andrew read the fourth chapter of Exodus; the witness was desired to throw down the sword, and was told it was become a serpent; after which he was desired to take it up again, and was told it was become a rod. Andrew poured ale and porter on the floor, and called it blood.

Witness was shown thirteen burning candles. One in the middle he was told represented Jesus Christ; the others the Twelve Apostles. Andrew blew out one of the candles, which he called Judas, who betrayed his Master; one of them was dim, and was called Peter, who denied his Master. Something on the table under a white cloth being uncovered, was perceived to be a human skull, which the witness was desired to take up, and view it, and was told it was a real skull of a brother called Simon Magus. Porter was poured into the skull, which the witness was desired to drink; he did so, and it was handed round the whole Knights. Andrew put the point of the sword into it, and then touched witness’s head, saying, ‘I dub thee in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.’ He took an oath ‘to keep the secrets of then Knights Templars, murder and treason not excepted’: the penalty for revealing was that ‘his body would be rooted up like a fir deal.’

John Andrew was Master at his admission, and at two others at which he was present. The witness’s impression was that the ceremonies used were a scoffing at religion, and, though he cannot say positively, he thought they had a tendency to overturn the Government.

This was all in the days when lodges could confer the RA degrees, KT degrees, and various others. Despite being against Grand Lodge’s wishes, some lodges carried out this practice longer then other lodges into the 19th century especially if they felt they were under Kilwinning’s authority.

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PGL News PGL Curry Night—Saturday 21st March in Busby 7 for 7pm start PGL Divine Service— Sunday 26th April in Cathcart Congregational Church 2.30 for 3pm start PGL Tri-Annual Communication—Monday 27th April in Lodge 347 Rutherglen at 7.30pm.

Fellowship Without Frivolity & Education without Philosophy 3.

Whenever Masons decide to hold a function for fellowship, a discussion typically ensues about how to make the function have the smallest impact on the lodge’s coffers and the wallets of the members. This results in paper plates, meager meals, and boring events. To spend money wisely in order to make fellowship a grand time is wise for the lodge that wants to be successful.

4.

Many times, we think of Masonic education as being a lesson on the local lodge’s history, a famous Mason, the history of the world wide fraternity, or how to do the ritual properly. But if no philosophy is covered in Masonic education, then little self improvement is accomplished. Discussing Masonic lessons in terms of philosophy, ideas, and a man’s conduct is what truly transforms men into Masons. It is important to discuss topics that are foreign to a lodge’s membership and it is sometimes even necessary to challenge our preconceived ideologies through Masonic education.

From Seven Blund ers o f the Maso nic Wo rld (email) - continued from last month.

Cross Keys March 2015

Grand Lodge and Politics The Grand Lodge of Scotland has always distanced its self from becoming involved in politics—or has it? In 1760, The Grand Lodge recorded that: "It having been thereafter Represented to the Grand Lodge That as an Honourable Body of Gentlemen in this Country had Entered into a determined Resolution against Giving Vails (drink vouchers rather than money) to Servants w hich being a pernicio us practice and Detrim ental to Society the Grand Lodge would Consider of the Same Whereupon the Grand Master and Grand Lodge Recommended to the Committee to make up a Scroll of a Resolution against this Practice and Report the same to the Grand Master."

Consequently, the following “Scroll of Advertisement” was prepared by the Grand Secretary and approved by the Grand Master, and at “his desire published in all the Edinburgh News Papers for Notification to the General Lodges”: A Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, lately held in Mary’s Chapel, having taken into their consideration, the prevailing practice of giving vails, or drink money to servants, did unanimously resolve, to do everything in their power to remove the same. The zeal of Free masons for the welfare of the publick, and their readiness to promote every laudable purpose, will easily prevail on them to endeavour to discourage this practice, as by it the virtues of many servants have been destroyed and their pride and licentiousness increased; and, besides, as it has a tendency to obstruct that kind hospitality and disinterested friendship which the fraternity always wish to diffuse. The Grand Lodge, reckon themselves obliged to declare to all under their jurisdiction, their dislike of any custom prejudicial to the principles of Masons, and to require the officers of every lodge in Scotland, to intimate and recommend the above resolution in the first meeting, after it comes to their hands.

By command of the Right Honourable, and Most Worshipful DAVID Earl of Leven and Grand Master Mason of Scotland.

Alexander McDougal, G. Secretary This resolution was forwarded to all lodges, and by 1762 the practice of distributing vails was abolished.

This was a hugely populist debate at the time, and very much in the public eye so should the Grand Lodge today become involved in topical debates? Perhaps environmental issues where they do not need to be affiliated to one political party. This would certainly be one way to put the Craft into the public awareness in a positive way and maybe attract more men who recognise its relevance to society.

Cross Keys March 2015

A Common Problem?

Many lodges are now finding it difficult to maintain the numbers from before and mergers are more and more common. For example, under the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the following mergers were passed at the last communication: 

Richmond Lodge No. 230 merged with Solomon’s Lodge No. 3, both of phia, to be known as Richmond-Solomon’s Lodge No. 3.



Harry A. Houseman Lodge No. 717, Bristol, merged with Widener- ApolloKensington Lodge No. 211, Philadelphia, to be known as Houseman Lodge No. 211.



MacCalla Lodge No. 596 merged with Shiloh Lodge No. 558, both of Souderton, to be known as Shiloh-MacCalla Lodge No. 558.



Dallas-Lafayette Lodge No. 396, Easton, merged into Easton Lodge No. 152, to be known as Easton Lodge No. 152.



Lafayette Lodge No. 652 merged with Centennial Lodge No. 544, both of Carnegie, to be known as Centennial-Lafayette Lodge No. 544.



Milnor Lodge No. 287 merged with Dallas Lodge No. 231, both of Pittsburgh, to be known as Dallas Lodge No. 231.

Philadel-

Perhaps some Scottish lodges which meet in one premises should consider this option?

March Events in 242

Thursday 12th—EA by OBs Thursday 26th—Visitation by PGL & Talk by Bro. Gordon Fleming Asst. PG Tres.

Visit: Friday 20th—St. Andrew Annan No.1443 to confer the MMMD

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Yet another one bites the dust!

The Masonic lodge in St. Louis, Missouri has found the cost of maintaining the building to be too high. It was felt that money could be better spent on charity work, updating technology, and other services. The brethren, however, continue to meet at the building, but most of the space is unused.

The temple itself has seen its brushes with history and history-making persons. It houses the former officer of then-Senator and Free Mason Grand Master Harry Truman, prior to his becoming President of the United States. And before flying solo to Paris aboard the Spirit of St. Louis, Charles Lindbergh was initiated as mason at the temple. Actor Ernest Borgnine, a mason, not only attended meetings there, but also filmed a scene on the temple steps for the 1980 film Escape from New York.

Ground breaking for the temple took place in 1923, with the dedication and opening happening in 1926 so sadly it has not reached 100 year old before its use will change..

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One Saved?

On its Facebook page, Save the Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple has a posting on Feb. 6 saying, “We are pretty excited that Paramount Pictures is filming at the Scottish Rite for most of February.” When it asked if anyone knows the star of the film, most people who posted an answer said “Tina Fey.” We’ve said before we think the movie version of the book “The Taliban Shuffle” about a journalist’s experiences in Afghanistan is being filmed here. And Paramount is the studio behind that venture.

A little ad in the Green Fire Times showing activities at the Scottish Rite gives the name of the film being shot as “Fun House.” Sounds like an appropriate working title for the black comedy.

And the building’s architecture has a distinctly Moorish character, which might be able to extend to a Kabul setting…

From the Alburquerque Journal.

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London Hotel The Andaz Hotel in Liverpool Street in London has a hidden gem only discovered recently during some re-construction work—the building is notable also for its inclusion of two Masonic Temples. An Egyptian temple in the basement and a Grecian temple on the first floor. Caledonian Lodge No.134, a lodge of Scottish Masons, met at the Eastern (its former name) from 1920 to 1947.

Built in 1912, this forgotten chamber is a pure jewel of luxury, and probably one of the most grandiose Masonic temples in London. Neoclassic in style, the windowless room is known as the "Grecian Temple." The opulent room includes an organ, hand-carved mahogany chairs, bronze candelabras on claw feet, and no less than 12 different types of marble used in the floor, columns, and walls. The celling, a blue and gold dome, bears a five-pointed “blazed star� and zodiac signs. The room conforms to the classic Masonic temple setting with a checkerboard floor and discreet esoteric insignias.

A Masonic lodge in a hotel sounds a bit inappropriate nowadays, but in the 19th century Great Britain it was unusual but not unheard of. At the time, being part of a fraternal organization was very popular among gentlemen, and railway hotels developed a large variety of facilities to become more competitive. Having a Masonic lodge was a plus if you wanted to attract a certain class of patronage. In the case of the Great Eastern Hotel, freemasons helped to construct the hotel, and they were secretly given a room that enabled them to gather for rites.

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Committee of Correspondence Bro. John Rowe Grand Master of Massachusetts in 1773, the owner of the ship Eleano r, writes in his journal that he knew nothing about the raid of the Boston Tea Party led from St. Andrew’s Lodge in Boston. It was such a momentous event that he felt it was necessary to include his lack of knowledge in the Grand Lodge Proceedings! Smell a rat?

Never!

Need a Torch?

One of the most common sights in a town was the local lodge procession—even Johnstone used to

process from the lodge to the master’s house on St. John’s Day in December. And always at night used torches—sadly no more. This was an advert from a ritual book!

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Knight Templar Encampments The following excerpt is worthy of a mention as it contains the old names of the offices that altered during the changes made under Great Priory rather than Royal Grand Conclaves, etc. The Girvan Encampment (now preceptory) met in their hall in Struthers Street, Glasgow to confer the grade of Knight of Malta. It was agreed to postpone the installation as this ceremony would be conducted by Great Priory coming from Edinburgh. The list of officers is interesting - the following shows the old name and current name today (although I probably haven't got this exactly correct in terms if same or similar office):

Commander

Prior

Generalissimo

1st Lt

Deputy Commander

Captain-General

Central Captain

2nd Lt

Substitute Commander

Lt-General

Senior Captain

The Hospitaller

There are other offices in which I'm not sure if they have the same such as captains of the Black, Red and Blue, masters of Cavalry, Infantry and a Drill Master. Looking through the list of officerbearers, it would be confusing to a Knight of Malta OB today to recognise much.

Thought of the Month Francis Stephens, the Duke of Lorraine, received the first two Masonic degrees in 1731 in a special lodge convened at The Hague, Holland, becoming the first known royal freemason. Later he received the third degree in England. In 1735 renounced his title.

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In Memoriam The dead are like the stars by day … withdrawn from mortal eye… yet not extinct that hold their way In glory through the sky… .Spirits of bondage thus set free… .Vanish amidst immensity… While human thought… .Like human sight… .Fail to pursue…. Their trackless flight.

It is with deep sadness and much regret that we have to inform you of a loss sustained to the craft in Renfrewshire in the passing to the Grand Lodge above of the following Brother: Bro. Alex McKay

Cross Keys March 2015

To submit an article, contact the Editor: Grant Macleod E-Mail:

sec242pm@yahoo.co.uk

Lodge Website

www.lodge242.co.uk

Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo IPM for proof reading.

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Cross Keys March 2015