Freemason NSW & ACT – December 2020

AND... WE’RE BACK! R SEEKING THE GOLDEN LION R ORIGIN OF OUR RITUAL

v53 n4 December 2020

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Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

Back to business

Contents

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The Official Journal of The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons

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This issue of the Freemason is produced under the direction of: Editor & Chairman: RW Bro Richard Dawes Committee: RW Bro Graham Maltby (Secretary), RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM, Dr Yvonne McIntyre, VW Bro Andre Fettermann, W Bro Stephen Dally, W Bro Steve Lourey, W Bro Max Katz-Barber, W Bro Terry McCallum, W Bro Kim Nielsen Bro Simon Pierce and Lynne Clay

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32 • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Editorial 3 An address

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Vale Ray Brooke

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Touring and holidays

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Back in Blacktown

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Urban Property Group Advertorial

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From the Grand Chaplain

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Lodge Antiquity Bicentenary

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On the hunt for Gold

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IDPWD 18 Keep with the times

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A beacon in Cessnock

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Craft ritual in NSW

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• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Design & Production: Bro Simon Pierce, Megan Baumann and Pam Gill Freemason is published in March, June, September and December. Deadline for copy is 1st of the month preceding month of issue.

Lodge Middle Harbour

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All matters for publication in the journal should be addressed to:

Vale Bro John Lewis

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Letters to the Editor

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Snag a good fundraiser

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The Secretary Freemason Editorial Committee The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT PO Box A259, Sydney South, NSW 1235 Telephone: (02) 9284 2800 Email: freemason@masons.org.au

Quick Quiz

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Batemans Bay and beyond

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The observant lodge

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Regional Roundup

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Service Certificates and Initiates

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What’s on

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Quiz answers

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Published articles do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT. Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT. Advertising enquiries should be addressed to: Bro Simon Pierce APM Graphics Management 16 Springwood Street, Blackwall, NSW 2256 Telephone: (02) 4344 5133 Email: freemason@apmgraphics.com.au

Crossword 45 A Start in Life Advertorial

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Back to Business – Adapting and overcoming in the age of COVID.

EDITORIAL POLICY

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Aims of the Freemason magazine R To uphold and promote those values, morals and virtues which Freemasonry believes are universal and enduring.

R To foster a better understanding of Free­masonry within the general community.

R To provide a forum for discussion on masonic issues.

R To publicise the charitable works of Free­masonry.

R To provide articles of interest and education and to disseminate masonic news and views.

R To recognise masons who make significant contributions to the Craft and the wider community.

December 2020

ISSN 1836-0475 or ISSN 1836-0513 (Online) Print Post Approved 100007316 © 2020 Copyright: It should be noted that copyright for all text, photographs and illustrations (except where otherwise indicated) rests worldwide with Freemason.

INDEMNITY: It is the responsibility of the advertiser to ensure that advertisements comply with the Trade Practices Act 1974 as amended. All advertisements are accepted for publication on the condition that the advertiser indemnify the publisher and its servants against all actions, suits, claims, loss and/or damages resulting from anything published on behalf of the advertiser.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Editorial

By RW Bro Richard Dawes

Stand tall and be seen During the last nine months Freemasonry had been undercover.

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odges have not met and Masonic Centres have gathered dust. Every mason has been only too well aware of this. Unfortunately, the general public has probably been completely unaware! They have not noticed our absence because in most towns and cities they have not noticed our presence.

A lighthouse stands out and is noticed because it is usually tall and located on a headland. It is designed to be noticed, especially in the dark. So should it be for Freemasonry. We should stand out; people should notice us and notice what we do. We should set a shining example to the general community. However, we can’t do that by sitting in a lodge room.

We have to get out into the community – and shine!

This quote from the Grand Master’s newsletter of 15 September expresses it really well.

‘Now is the time for our Zoom business meetings to be planning how we

BLAZEAID VOLUNTEERS R TRAVELLING FULL-TIME R A BIBLICAL LOVE STORY

R STAN AND OLLIE TRAVELS IN ISRAEL R A RARE DISEASE

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AND... WE’RE

SEEKING BACK! R

THE GOLDE

N LION

R ORIGIN

OF OUR

ber 2020 PHOTO COMPETITION

RITUAL

R THE STORY OF JEPHTHAH

R LODGE VAUCLUSE

cover on back

entries Example

v52 n3 September

2020

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

acsinekss Virtual Maso Bnry – meetings

Rebirth from

adversity

beyond the lodgeto bu room

– The GM’s Appeal

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COMPETIT

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– Respect – Loyalty Integrity

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Broken Hill – a town

‘No doubt we have all taken the opportunity to dust off our lodge clothes, and consider when might be the best time to meet over coffee, perhaps run through the ritual book, and generally think about how to resume our visits to those in respite or aged care facilities.

This is the time to re-invent the role of the Masonicare Caring Officer.

‘We could plan to work with some new groups in the community to provide safety for children, opportunity for the disabled, respect and appreciation for the aged; the list surely goes on.

‘Similarly, with our buildings, no doubt we are all thinking of how we can best ensure our safety by planning our regular cleaning routines and acting out the safest environment which will ensure that we and our families stay safe.’

‘Please consider how Masonicare and its particularly beneficial interACTION grants can be put to best use to provide mutual benefit to the square and compasses and our community. As we emerge from our lockdowns, we have this wonderful opportunity to work toward lifting spirits, being there as the vision of hope and respite, and to be seen to be proudly standing up for our ideals and principles.

On a slightly different topic we applaud the work of the Masonic Education Network (MEN). They are using technology and imagination to break new ground in the spreading of masonic knowledge. Watch for a comprehensive article in the March 2021 issue.

Be a shining light in your community.

v52 n1 March 2020

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

can work with our community. A little volunteering would tidy up streetscapes, trim back the Widow Smith’s rambling garden, take away the pile of rubbish or garden clippings, re-pot shrubs, wash down graffiti, re-stain garden furniture, re-stock the winter wood piles and many other similar tasks which would make a real difference.

Get your own!

Are you borrowing someone else’s copy of the Freemason?

Did you know that you can receive your very own copies delivered to your door without being a mason?

For only $21 (or $26 overseas) per year, enjoy a four-issue subscription – just get in touch with the Secretary of the Freemason magazine by calling (02) 9284 2800 or by emailing freemason@masons.org.au.

of contrasts

Subscribe to the Freemason from only $21 per year! www.masons.org.au

December 2020

3

An address

By MW Bro Derek Robson AM

Waking up and moving forward In my ‘Welcome to Spring’ Newsletter, I noted that after five and a half months of virtual lockdown, we were now entering a brighter stage where we could genuinely look forward to what the future might hold.

I

noted too that our community was also waking up from the closed down COVID environment and that there is so much that Freemasons could do to help during this time.

This certainly is the time when we should be proud to be back doing what we have always done.

With most of us having had some access to Zoom meetings during the lockdown period, we should be happy that they have worked well to keep us in touch with each other and of course, many have also used this medium to advance their masonic knowledge. To date though, only a few lodges have used this opportunity to plan how we might be able to work with our community, and bring the charitable nature of Freemasonry to the fore.

Tell us a story!

Do you have a great idea for an article that you feel will interest other masons?

Email your article ideas to: freemason@masons.org.au

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December 2020

...there are always new horizons to conquer.

There is no doubt that there are many opportunities for us to inject ourselves into the community.

It is easy to forget that during this lockdown period, our country has seen some of the worst natural disasters in our history. With many areas having experienced dreadful bushfire damage, the work of clearing away debris and tidying up the streetscape continues. It would be easy for us to assist in this way, and whether it be through small working bees or individual effort, it would certainly help in restoring some dignity to those most affected. It would give them encouragement and confidence, and it would certainly be enormously appreciated. Similarly, in those areas which have suffered through the later floods, there is much opportunity for us to contribute.

Much closer to home, there is the opportunity to check on the welfare of the widows of our past members.

Through not a lot of effort, we could offer to trim back the rambling gardens and oleander bushes, take away any pile of rubbish or garden clippings, re-pot their

shrubs, re-stain their garden furniture, re-stock their winter wood piles, rake away the accumulated dog droppings, freshen up the general landscape, and many other similar tasks which would lift their spirits and make a real difference.

Not so many years ago when I was in the Chair of Lodge Canberra, my son and I used to regularly do just this sort of thing in our community. We would load the lawnmower, whipper snipper, a couple of bags of potting mix, garden sprays and other tools into the back of the station wagon, and drive about the streets looking for those yards which obviously needed some attention. There are many homes where a widow lives alone, or a family is without a man about the place, and it becomes obvious as you drive about where help might be best appreciated. We made it our business to quickly tend to the front, only entering the backyard if we were invited, and then equally quickly, bag up the rubbish to take away, thank the occupant, and quietly leave so as to save them any embarrassment. Some of our regulars would insist on offering a cup of tea, and this gave them the opportunity to talk about how proud they were about their grandchildren and how their personal health was holding up. We never accepted any money for our services, but we always had a sympathetic ear, and sometimes were able to pick up on where we might offer further assistance, or at least alert our local Rotary or other community association on how they might assist further. This was a

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

very fulfilling exercise for everyone, and we certainly gained much from it.

As Freemasons, we could plan to work with new groups in the community to provide safety for children, opportunity for the disabled, respect and appreciation for the aged; the list surely goes on.

As Freemasons, we regularly ask a lot of each other, but when was the last time your lodge gifted a bunch of flowers to your lodge widows, or remembered some significant date or milestone in someone’s life could be acknowledged through a simple kind act?

As Freemasons, we regularly look to Masonicare to assist in offering relief to projects with which we are involved in our community. We should not be proud that during the entire COVID-19 lock down period, we have had only one application for a Masonicare InterAction grant, and this at a time when there are so many community organisations struggling to continue their work, and in some cases even survive.

Now is the time to consider how Masonicare and its particularly beneficial InterAction grants can be put to best use in our community. There is enormous personal kudos for us in being able to assist, and the mutual benefit to the square and compasses and our community is immeasurable. As we emerge from our lockdowns, we have a wonderful opportunity to work toward lifting spirits. We can present ourselves as a vision of hope and respite, and be seen as proudly standing up for our ideals and principles.

As individual masons, we should take the opportunity to dust off our lodge clothes, and re-commit to what we do best. We can start by considering perhaps meeting over coffee and discuss how we might assist our community and those individuals who have done it tough.

Clearly, we will not be returning to enjoy lodge as we knew it for some time to come, and perhaps we will need to deal with how we manage restrictions for months and years, but there are always other ways we can conduct our business and there are always new horizons to conquer. Regular reading of our ritual book will keep us in touch with that side of lodge business and it

www.masons.org.au

...our country has seen some of the worst natural disasters in our history.

issue of the building itself. Our greatest asset involves the presentation of our masonic buildings. A smart well-presented lodge building will attract attention, it will attract enquiries and it will instil confidence in a community. Let us freshen up the portico, spruce up the surrounding shrubbery and put out a genuine and warm welcoming mat. It will work to our benefit.

There is so much we can do.

will always be possible to conduct our degree work and lodge Installations, albeit with smaller numbers in attendance, careful and discreet minimal touching, good social distancing and regular and continuous sanitation practices in place. Having accepted this as the way ahead, we now need to redefine how we can best attend to our other duties.

This is the time to re-invent the role of the Masonicare Caring Officer.

Traditionally, this most important lodge officer is required to attend upon those in need who are brought to his attention, and to make regular reports in lodge to advise other brethren. Clearly, many of us will have lost touch with each other and there is the risk that some might not be brought to our attention. We might now need to regularly ring or call on others to deliberately seek out those who might be in some need or difficulty. It is also the time for us to make some effort to think about how we might resume our visits to those in respite or aged care facilities.

Contact between each of our members is most important. It is important that we continue to acknowledge and support each other in every way possible. It is important that every member continues to be involved in our activities and that they receive any Service Certificates and other acknowledgements that might be due to them, no matter where they might be residing.

Having tended to each other, we can similarly deal with our buildings. No doubt we are all thinking of how we can ensure our safety by planning regular cleaning routines and creating the safest environment to ensure that we and our families stay safe, but there is also the

In every member’s first visit to a lodge, he is encouraged to proudly wear his badge for many years to come, with pleasure to himself, usefulness to the Craft and honour to the lodge in which he has just been accepted. He is made aware that the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason’s heart is Charity.

And importantly, as an individual, he is reminded to practise every moral and social virtue, such that Prudence directs him, Temperance chastens him, Fortitude supports him, and Justice is the guide to all his actions. High standards they might be, but what an opportunity we each have to strive and achieve.

Please look well to your conscience, and wherever you are and whatever you are seeking to achieve, may you conduct yourself with Integrity, Loyalty and Respect.

Yours fraternally, Grand Master

RAINBOW GIRLS 90th

23 January, 2021

The Rainbow Girls 90th Anniversary will be held on 23 January 2021 at the Grand Lodge, Adelaide We would love to hear from more of our past members, please pass on our details!

Email: rainbowaus90@gmail.com or call Lorraine on: 0417 082 631

December 2020

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Vale Ray Brooke

By MW Bro Derek Robson AM

Remembering Brother Brooke Vale, Most Worshipful Brother Raymond Barry Brooke, Past Grand Master, UGL of NSW and the ACT.

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W Bro Raymond Barry Brooke was installed as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, on Friday 5 August 2005, at the Sydney Town Hall.

Ray Brooke was born at Lakemba NSW on 27 of December 1943, the son of proud parents Beryl and Leo Brooke.

Ray’s father Leo was on active service with the Royal Australian Air Force at the time.

Ray was the eldest of three children and was educated at Campsie Primary, Punchbowl Primary, and Dulwich High Schools. At age 16, he completed his schooling at Granville Technical College.

He was baptised at Campsie Methodist Church and remained a regular worshipper at Merrylands Uniting Church.

Ray’s first job was at Hedges Brothers Hardware in Auburn and this was quickly confirmed as his chosen career path. After a few years, he left this firm to take up a position as Trainee Manager in the hardware section at the newly opened David Jones store in Parramatta. Here he met Sandra Leggatt, an attractive ticket writer working at the store, and after a three-year courtship, they married in 1966 at All Saints Anglican Church in Parramatta.

Ray moved to accept a position at the Devlin Brothers family owned business, Merrylands Hardware in 1964. Over the next 36 years, he rose through the ranks to become General Manager and

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December 2020

eventually Chief Executive Officer of Timber and Hardware. Throughout this time, both Paddy and Bob Devlin were very keen supporters of Ray’s masonic career.

Ray’s academic achievements include Certificates in Small Business Manage­ ment, Accounting, and Occupational Health and Safety. He became a Justice of the Peace in 1967 and was reappointed to this role in 2005.

MW Bro Brooke came from a family of Freemasons. His maternal great grandfather was initiated in Lodge Wardell No 182 in 1921, and his paternal great grandfather was a member of Lodge Sir Joseph Banks No 300. Ray’s father Leo was initiated in Lodge Sir Joseph Banks No 300 in 1952. He affiliated with Lodge Guilford No 321 in 1966 and remained a member until his passing in September 2004. His father-

...after stepping aside as Grand Master, Ray particularly enjoyed the extra time he had to spend with his family and his friends.

in-law, WBro L A Leggatt, was a member of Lodge Parramatta Saint George No 316 and a foundation member of Lodge Cumberland No 752, where he served as Worshipful Master for the masonic term 1955 to 1956.

Ray himself was initiated into Lodge Guilford No 321 on 8 March 1967, by WBro T A Robson. Ray and Tom Robson and their families became life-long friends. Ray was passed in August 1967, raised in January 1968, and served as Junior Warden in 1984, Senior Warden in 1985, and Worshipful Master in 1986.

He was elected District Grand Inspector of Workings, District 40, for the term 1990–92. He later received the Conferred rank of Past Junior Grand Warden in August 2000.

In 2001, Ray was appointed Assistant Grand Master by the then Grand Master, MW Bro George Currie, and then later in 2002, he was appointed Deputy Grand Master by the then Grand Master, MW Bro Anthony Raymond Lauer APM. He was Installed as Grand Master on 8 August 2005 and proudly served as our Grand Master until 1 August 2008.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Touring and holidays MW Bro Ray Brooke was also a member of the United Supreme Grand Chapter of Mark and Royal Arch Masons, The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and The Order of the Secret Monitor.

Ray had always been an active promoter of the Craft.

Throughout his service on the various Boards of Grand Lodge, the DGIW Conferences of 1992, 1994 and 1996, the Board of General Purposes where he served as a member from 1993 to 1996, the Membership Management Committee where he served in 1996, and his time as Chairman of the Masonic Accommodation Advisory Committee from 2003 to 2004, whenever it became time to make a particular decision, Ray’s enthusiastic catch-cry of ‘lock it in!’ would be loudly heard by all.

Ray and his wife Sandra lived in Glenhaven with their daughters, Lisa and Leona. In semi-retirement, and after stepping aside as Grand Master, Ray particularly enjoyed the extra time he had to spend with his family and his friends. His hobbies included gardening and cabinetmaking, and he maintained a keen interest in history, genealogy, and World War Two aircraft.

Sadly, Sandra Julene Brooke, Ray’s wife of 54 years, mother of Lisa and Leona and mother-in-law to Stephen, passed away peacefully on 5 May 2020.

Spoilt for choice!

COVID-19 has brought unprecedented disruption and challenges. It has inevitably forced the world to adapt and here in Australia the closure of State and Territory borders has added an unforeseen layer of complexity when planning holidays and short breaks.

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ut when it comes to travel, Australians are notorious for having ‘itchy feet’. A recent report – Moving Forward – the role of domestic travel in Australia’s tourism recovery has highlighted some surprising data and the important role of domestic overnight travel and day trips to Australian travellers.

When Tourism Research Australia analysed who spends what and where in Australian tourism, two key facts stand out from the 2019 data:

Ray, who had been in poor health for the past few years, quietly passed to the Grand Lodge above on 30 July 2020.

R Australians travelling internationally spent $26 billion more overseas than overseas visitors spent in Australia.

Ray’s funeral was attended by a number of Past Grand Masters and brethren, and while many could not attend due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions and border closures, a moving Masonic Tribute was conducted

by MW Bro Dr Gregory Henry Levenston, Past Grand Master, and our deepest sympathies were passed to Ray’s daughters Lisa and Leona and their families.

R The role of domestic overnight travel and day trips in Australia’s $152 billion visitor economy far outweighs that of international travel – domestic travellers already outspend international visitors in Australia by a ratio of more than 2:1.

MW Bro Raymond Barry Brooke, Past Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, will be sadly missed.

May he rest in peace.

www.masons.org.au

The report also predicted that a domestic-led recovery will see changes in the demographics and geographic spread of travellers. What is unclear though is the behaviour of those travellers who would have otherwise holidayed overseas.

Travel intentions Data collected in the National Visitor Survey during May and June of 2020 on domestic travel intentions showed that:

R more than one-quarter of Australian residents (29%) planned to take either a domestic day or overnight trip within the next month; R over half (53%) planned to take a domestic trip within the next three months; R most (80%) intended to undertake a domestic trip within the next 12 months.

Of the Australians planning a domestic trip, 59% were planning to take the trip in their own State or Territory and while various interstate border restrictions apply and flights are limited, regional centres within driving distance of cities are obviously extremely popular.

As we emerge from the limitations of the pandemic, a resurgent day-trip and short-stay market is happening, with people taking more short, spontaneous journeys as restrictions on gatherings gradually ease.

For residents of New South Wales and the ACT, families and solo travellers are spoilt for choice. Here are a few suggestions: Dreaming of big sky country? Head to Lightning Ridge. Tempted by a quick gourmet getaway? Head to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. Longing for some cool mountain air? Drive to Jindabyne.

Natural Beauty? Check out the Rainforest Way Drive!

December 2020

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Back in Blacktown

By VW Bro Edgar Dela Cruz

‘And... we’re back!’

These were the words of Lodge Blacktown Kildare’s Senior Warden following their Zoom management meeting on 10 August.

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he Secretary, VW Bro Edgar Dela Cruz had announced that the lodge had completed Stage Two of the Return to Lodge preparations and had received confirmation from the Grand Secretary enabling the lodge go ahead and meet if the brethren so desired.

The Worshipful Master requested an indication from the Management Committee whether they did desire to return to lodge. The unanimous answer was a resounding ‘Yes’.

But what work to do? The lodge had Fellowcrafts waiting to be raised, Apprentices waiting to be passed, and Candidates waiting to be initiated. All of them had been attending education sessions, all of them had been undergoing

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December 2020

...all attendees must not only be safe but must be made to feel safe.

ongoing mentorship, all of them were ready to advance.

The degree that involved the least amount of physical contact was the second degree so it was decided to pass Bro Michael Tan. This was appropriate

as Bro Tan was to be passed at the lodge’s March meeting but that event was cancelled as the Craft started to observe a general lockdown.

As a medical specialist, the Worshipful Master, W Bro Dr Raul Amor also explained that the longer brethren were together in the same room, the greater the risk of contamination. The lodge resolved that the safety and health of brethren was paramount so at a minimum, all guidelines set by government health authorities were to be followed; and all attendees must not only be safe but must be made to feel safe. As an added measure all attendees were expected to wear face masks. Any attendee could also wear disposable gloves if he wished. The use of hand sanitizers was emphasised by all the

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The brethren who had booked for the South were able to stay and enjoyed a relaxed fellowship, using the safety plan the lodge had registered.

The brethren who had booked for the South were able to stay and enjoyed a relaxed fellowship...

officers so there was an abundance of them in the lodge and in the South.

Hand sanitisers were placed on every pedestal, the altar, the secretary’s table, the inner guard’s station, and the deacons had portable hand sanitisers with them for use immediately before and immediately after any direct contact with the candidate. Hand sanitizers were to be used liberally during the ceremony. The Senior Warden also had an aeorosol sanitiser to treat the apron before and after investing the candidate.

The brethren exited in single file and in an orderly fashion directed by the Director of Ceremonies – those in the southeast departed first, followed by those in the northeast and each in turn by sections as seated in the lodge. Officers stayed behind to wipe down rods, gavels and other surfaces. Everyone was encouraged to use aerosol spray to sanitise their regalia before putting it away.

With these conditions for the ceremony, Bro Tan and all the officers were asked if they felt completely comfortable and if anyone didn’t we wouldn’t go ahead. This is in line with the general feeling about the return to lodge – that everybody’s opinion and concerns would be addressed.

The lodge room at Blacktown Masonic Centre can accommodate 41 but the South can only safely seat 30. For this reason, the lodge used an electronic booking system (trybooking.com) for brethren to book for the meeting and separately for the South. Only brethren who pre-booked were guaranteed entry and there was only one access door to the centre which was closed after tyling.

Lodge Blacktown Kildare looks forward to its next happy meeting.

The Worshipful Master can consider all degrees when he choses the work for the next meetings. Rest assured it will be safe, dignified and always adhering to the principles and tenets of the Craft.

There is a saying that ‘There is light at the end of the tunnel’. With the organised and considered return to lodge from the tunnel of this dark pandemic, Black­ town Kildare’s motto comes alive. With careful adherence to government endorsed procedures, with caring and considerate leadership in the Craft and the lodge, and with the commitment of the brethren to the masonic values of Integrity, Loyalty and Respect, the lodge continues to ‘illuminate’ the brethren – and ‘From light comes excellence’.

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Brethren entered complying with the 1.5 metre distancing rule, signing on the hall’s register using a QR code to record their presence at the lodge meeting.

At the close of the ceremony the Regional Grand Counsellor of Region 2, RW Bro Mario Baylon, paid the Worshipful Master a huge compliment, thanking him for conducting a meeting where everyone felt safe and welcome.

www.masons.org.au

- ghlilley.com.au

December 2020

9

Urban Property Group Advertorial

Benefitting the Craft and the community?

The other day I met with Bro Charlie Elias of Lodge Leichhardt over a cup of coffee. We spoke about the Masonic influence in business and about aging Masonic Centres. The discussion touched a nerve and the issue deserves some serious consideration.

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or many Districts the viability of their Masonic Centres is being swept under the rug. Yet the spectre of declining membership and rising maintenance costs looms large. Many Masonic Centres still rely solely on lodge rental income and when major renovation work is needed the costs are devastating. But much can be done and with benefit to the Craft and the community.

Urban Property Group (UPG), which numbers five masons among their senior management are showing the way. They focus on building sustainable properties that appeal to a wide cross-section of economic interests.

provides potential on-premise accommodation for aged masons and is a bright commercial hub within the community.

The writer has experienced masonic projects where ‘masonic experience’ has been given more credence than construction or development expertise.

The results have been forgettable!

A development professional such as UPG has the experience, plus the masonic philosophy to support their business ethic.

We appreciate that these comments put UPG ‘in the spotlight’ but the underlying fact of our aging Masonic Centres bears examination.

As Freemasonry grapples with economic challenges in coming decades the futureproofing of our Masonic Centres will become vital to our existence.

We must examine such ideas and this magazine will do exactly that.

Combined use spaces may be a way forward for Masonic Centres, like The Henry – a retail/residential project in Thornton.

Says Charlie Elias, Urban Property Group Construction Manager and a member of Lodge Leichhardt, ‘When the cost to maintain a Masonic Centre becomes too onerous a property can redevelop and build new premises that incorporate a mix of: R Masonic facilities R Retail R Commercial R Residential The last three can subsidise the building and maintenance costs with Urban Property Group receiving endorsement from NDIS for the construction of accommodation to suit the specific needs of NDIS’s clients.

Imagine a brand-new Masonic Centre that appeals to young millennials;

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December 2020

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

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Based on our founding philosophy “The way living should be” we are wholly dedicated to bringing to life spaces that are rich in style, high in quality and exceptional value. We are committed to achieving excellence through innovation, ingenuity and hard work.

We deliver the highest quality of buildings without any compromise. Urban works in conjunction with renowned Architects and has proven expertise and a track record of purchasing underdeveloped, underperforming assets and transforming them into modern, sustainable assets.

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From the Grand Chaplain

By RW Bro Leon Carter OBE

At Christmas all roads lead to home From early December each year, the airwaves and shopfronts come alive with the sound of Christmas carols and songs.

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ingle Bells, possibly the most played tune of all, owes its longevity not to any particularly fine musical construction, but to a regular reminder of the approach of Christmas.

Christmas draws countless people back to the family and home. This is the time when Christian families celebrate together with joy and rejoicing the deep religious significance of the period, which is the birth of Christ, and are comforted by the inspirational words of St. John 3:15: “That whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

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December 2020

Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God...

The family celebration at Christmas can be further enriched by attending a performance of Handel’s Messiah and reflection upon the beautiful words of

Minnie Louise Haskins, quoted by King George VI in his Christmas message in the grim days of 1939: And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: ‘Give me a light that I might tread safely into the unknown.’

And he replied: ‘Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.’

A Merry Christmas to all, may peace be with you.

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Lodge Antiquity Bicentenary

By RW Bro David Bahamonde

200 years young!

200 years ago, on 12 August 1820 Lodge Antiquity was born; the first lodge formed in the colony of New South Wales.

B

ut then it was named Lodge Australian Social No 260 IC. Sydney had a population of 12,000, smaller than today’s Grafton. But 4,000 were convicts; not exactly ‘free and of good report’. There is some uncertainty about the exact location of the consecration – read VW Bro Alan Gale’s article on page 14. There were twelve foundation members and the first WM was W Bro Matthew Bacon.

Turn another page and it’s 2020.

The year of COVID. The year of uncertainty. Now the Grand Master is MW Bro Derek Robson AM. Lodge Antiquity has 41 members. Dues are $420 pa but average weekly earnings are $1,714.

Lodge Antiquity enters its third century and the new WM is RW Bro David Bahamonde, of Peruvian descent.

Typical Dues were £1.1.00 per annum at a time when the wages of a skilled labourer were £42 per annum.

Lodge No 1, Lodge Antiquity, is poised to carry the Light of Freemasonry into the 21st century. Sound, confident and eager to work with, and live, the principles and tenets of the Craft.

Fast forward to 1920 and Lodge Antiq­uity No 1 had joined the UGL of NSW. There were 37 members and Australia was still mourning the dead of World War I. The Grand Master was MW Bro William Thompson, MLA, and dues were £5 per annum.

On 2 November 2020 Lodge Antiquity held its 200th installation.

The lodge was honoured by the presence of the Grand Master and the Installing Master was MW Bro Jaime Melville. The ceremony was truly Grand and the South was truly memorable.

www.masons.org.au

In his address to the guests the Grand Master spoke about the history of the lodge and focussed on the role of the military lodges of the 46th and 48th Regiments of Foot in the early years of the 19th century. He pointed out that the efforts of these two military lodges to nurture the foundation of Lodge Antiquity and the birth of Freemasonry in Australia had cast a beam of light into the early colony. The affects are still being felt today.

A comprehensive report of this auspicious installation will be published in the March edition of the Freemason.

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13

On the hunt for Gold

By VW Bro Alan Gale

Seeking the Golden Lion It would be nice to know exactly where Lodge Antiquity No 1 (originally the Australian Social Lodge, Irish Constitution No 260) held its first meeting 200 years ago this August.

I

t was, after all, the first meeting of an Australian warranted lodge. The received wisdom is that it took place in the Golden Lion Tavern, long since demolished and under what is now known as First Fleet Park, to the south of the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The lodge history does state its first meeting – held two and a bit weeks later on 30 August 1820 – was held at the Golden Lion Tavern, King’s Wharf Sydney.

Previous masonic historians are right about the venue, but wrong about the location.

Masonic historian Grahame Cumming and other writers place the Golden Lion on the east side of George Street. Indeed, Cumming calls for First Fleet Park to be declared a masonic sacred site. This would be incorrect.

Unfortunately, the official history of the lodge is little help – even the record of its Consecration and Installation of First Officers meeting simply states that a meeting was held on 12 August 1820 to install WM Matthew Bacon and invest his officers. No location given – nor even the details of who did what to whom.

References in archival records and digitised newspaper clippings between 1819 and 1836 sourced through ‘Trove’ provide a more accurate location than that of Cumming et al. The cross-referenced mentions locate the Golden Lion Tavern on the western side of what is now George Street, The Rocks; about

Above: Four key clippings from newspapers of the period referencing the Golden Lion.

Left: 1829 engraving of the East side of George Street, The Rocks. The edge of the Commissariat building is to the right, then King’s Wharf. The one storey ‘Kemp and Dobson’ building was owned by Isaac Nicholls (first postmaster), then Mary Reiby and Wollstonecraft and Berry (three storey building). It is likely one of the buildings to the right is the Golden Lion.

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December 2020

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Possible location of the Golden Lion

where Globe Street currently is. For those that know The Rocks, this is close to The Push and The Fortune of War hotel.

Altogether eighteen clippings have been found, dating between 1821 and 1836 that give locations for the Golden Lion Tavern. There is also a State Archives record of a Mr Thomas Wilson being given the licence to operate the Golden Lion Inn, George Street, in 1819.

The clippings cover a range of topics: announcements of licences for proprietors, advertisements of land sales in front of, and around, the tavern, as well as the leasing of the tavern and a series of reports about coronial hearings held ‘at the sign of the Golden Lion’.

A precis of five mentions provides a series of cross references that enable it to be placed near what is now Globe Street.

R 1819 – State Archives record of a Mr Thomas Wilson being granted

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a licence as the proprietor of the Golden Lion Inn, George Street in 1819.

R 17 February 1821 – Sydney Gazette government advertisement announcing Mr B. Williams has been granted a licence for the Golden Lion, on George Street.

R 22 May 1823 – Sydney Gazette – the tavern is being advertised for lease

...this is probably one of the best researched areas in this part of Sydney.

Above: An approximate overlay of an 1822 map showing a building that may be the location of The Golden Lion.

and described as being ‘opposite the Government and Public wharf’ – another name for King’s Wharf.

And then two different reports of the same coronial hearing held at the tavern: R One in the Sydney Gazette dated 11 August, 1825, giving the location as being opposite King’s Wharf.

Note opposite, neither ‘adjacent’ nor ‘next to’.

R And another, of the same inquest on poor Elizabeth Wilson, in The Australian, giving the location as the Golden Lion on Harrington Street.

If these are cross referenced on a map of 1822, it places the Golden Lion Tavern on George Street, opposite the King’s Wharf with a frontage on

December 2020

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On the hunt for Gold Harrington Street. This aligns with what is now called Globe Street. The 1822 map even shows a building in this location that matches the description.

Another reason why it is incorrect to say the Golden Lion is on the eastern side of George Street is that this is probably one of the best researched areas in this part of Sydney.

The east side of George Street opposite Globe Street has been minutely reported on and deeply archaeologically studied.

Using King’s Wharf as a central location point, to the north were the Commissariat Stores (a central government repository) that were built in 1809 and demolished in 1939 to make way for the Maritime Services Board office block that survives as the Museum of Contemporary Art. Along the east side and to the south are properties owned by some very well-known Sydneysiders of the time.

The first building (shown in the 1829 illustration as being leased to Kemp and Dobson, ship’s chandlers) was owned by Isaac Nicholls. Previously it was the first post office in Australia.

...the errors about the location of the Golden Lion have been corrected...

Next door there was land owned by colonial businesswoman Mary Reiby. At one time her building was a tavern, but it was the Rose and Harp. Next door to her were Alexander Berry and Edward Wollstonecraft, who shaped much of the lower north shore. These buildings, their uses and to whom they are leased are all well chronicled and there is no mention of the Golden Lion Tavern.

Grahame Cumming and the Lodge Antiquity history say the Golden Lion Tavern was between the Kemp and Dobson building and the waterfront.

This cannot be the case – contemporary drawings of the area (and the map of

1822) show nothing between their chandlery and the water (which of course is why they were there).

So – what happened to the Golden Lion and why can’t it be found?

This area of Sydney was massively transformed in the first three decades of the 1800s. Sydney was a rapidly developing town and the records are scanty.

There are several archaeological surveys of the area around Globe Street, but they all mention a lack of documentation covering the period from 1790 and 1830.

An 1833 property owners’ map is the best clue we have to hand, showing who owned what portions of land in our target area – but a document linking the Golden Lion to any of these plots is yet to be found.

However, the errors about the location of the Golden Lion have been corrected and we now have a better idea about where the first regular meeting of an Australian warranted lodge was held.

The search for the precise block of land on which it stood continues.

1929 photo of the Commissariat building. When constructed in 1810, it was the tallest building in Sydney. King St Wharf was to the right of the building.

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December 2020

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IDPWD

By RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM

Courage deserves a helping hand Do you know what the initials IDPWD stand for? If you shake your head and say ‘No’ you will be amongst a majority of people who are unaware the letters represent the United Nations theme of International Day for People With Disability.

T

his year it is celebrated worldwide on 3 December and has been recognised by the Australian Government for almost 24 years in providing funds to promote and raise awareness of the day around Australia.

In 1992, the UN General Assembly announced 3 December as the Inter­ national Disability Day and it has been celebrated annually to help people and organisations break down the structural, technological and attitude barriers affecting people with a disability.

If you check your dictionary, disability is defined as ‘physical incapacity caused by injury or disease’ and the odds are that every person knows or is associated with a sufferer.

This year is the end of a decade from 2010 in which Australia has been in­volved in the UN theme on how society can strive to help improve the lives of people with a disability, their families and carers.

The strategy’s national framework for reform focuses on better inclusion for people with a disability to fulfil their potential as equal citizens. As the new strategy is developed, work and consultations will continue closely with people with disability which will include further public engagement.

In former years, a person with a disability had problems finding work, mixing with other people, mobility and having their intelligence recognised. Fortunately, times and attitudes have changed and areas have opened for these people which were not available before.

The Paralympic Games, tennis, swimming, tenpin bowling quickly come to mind in the sports field, Prince Harry has started the Invictus Games for disabled servicemen and women, science and medicine have put out the welcome mat for researchers.

Three Australians have shown the way in the sports field – Kurt Fearnley, Louise Sauvage and John Maclean.

Louise Sauvage lights the Paralympic flame at the 2000 Summer Paralympics Photo courtesy of the Australian Paralympic Committee

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Fearnley was IDPWD Patron in 2019 and has more achievements than most able bodied people. He has powered his wheelchair to win three Paralympic track gold medals, two Commonwealth Games gold medals, contested more than 40 marathons including New York, London and Chicago, walked the Kokoda Track in 2009 to raise awareness for men’s health and in 2012 was part of the crew that steered Investec Loyal to victory in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

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Kurt Fearnley racing at the 2012 London Paralympics Photo courtesy of the Australian Paralympic Committee

He is a teacher, public speaker, broadcaster, an Officer of the Order of Australia, was named 2019 Australian of the Year and has been honoured by Sydney’s Centennial Park which named its new visitor hub as Fearnley Grounds.

John Maclean, after a promising career in rugby league and triathlons, was asked by his father ‘How far can you go’ after he became a paraplegic when he was knocked from his bicycle by a truck at the age of 22.

‘What I most want to achieve is for people to use this International Day as a launching pad for further action. People with a disability are entitled to the same respect, independence and choice as others. We need to talk honestly about the barriers in society that prevent this and we need to work together to break this down,’ he said.

’I suddenly realised that my abilities could let me do a lot more but in a different format,’ Maclean said.

Louise Sauvage won nine Paralympic gold medals and turned her talents in a wheelchair to coaching other athletes and helping them gain confidence and recognition.

However, she still rates lighting the cauldron at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics as one of her greatest achievements. ‘It really turned the Paralympics around,’ she said.

www.masons.org.au

That drive, commitment and self-belief took Maclean from initial despair to become an Australian sporting representative, an Olympic and Paralympic competitor carrying the torches for both Games in Sydney in 2000, as well as ironman, rowing and swimming triumphs. In 1998, he became the first paraplegic to swim the English Channel.

In the year 2000, he was awarded the OAM, and Australian Sports Medal. He became the first non-US citizen and the first paraplegic to be inducted into the Ironman Hall of Fame.

As an official at the Sydney Olympics and Paralympics, there were many moments I enjoyed. But one which still stands out was at the men’s high jump when I watched a male competitor measure his mark, look at the bar, put his crutches to one side and then hop on his one leg to clear the bar. It was a moment which showed what determination and belief can do and proved that disability is merely a word.

December 2020

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Keep with the times

By RW Bro Paul Schultz

Improved database on the way The Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM, has been concerned about the workload of lodge secretaries and treasurers.

H

e is also aware of the cumbersome nature of the general flow of information between the Grand Secretariat and lodges. Under his direction, the Chairman of the Board of Management, RW Bro Les Hicks, in conjunction with the Grand Treasurer, RW Bro Richard Collins, and the Deputy Grand Secretary, RW Bro Chris Craven, have established a working group which has been working towards improving the current database.

The Work Group conducted a detailed analysis of the current system and documented those features to be retained. It also analysed future requirements and documented a wish list of features that will enhance the future administration of the Craft. After comparing possible alternatives, the working group recommended that we upgrade the current iMIS system to iMISCloud, offered by ASI (Advanced Solution International).

Meetings commenced with ASI mid-September, and over the past weeks the new system has been installed and will run parallel with the current system for a period. Extensive testing will take place during November and December, with full implementation of the system early in 2021.

This system will provide Grand Lodge with an entirely new way of administrating the Craft. Secretaries, DGIWs, RGCs, committees and boards

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December 2020

will have customised levels of access and be able to retrieve pertinent information which will give them new ways of caring for our lodges and members.

Lodge secretaries will have new, easy to read online forms accessed from a computer screen task window that will have drop-down menus enabling them to input data directly into the database.

They will see at a glance both their members’ and their lodge’s profile. It will give lodge secretaries greater control over the information that Membership Officers, Masonicare Caring Officers and WMs need to ensure their brethren are being cared for and that their education and masonic development is progressing on schedule.

For example, they will be able to see when their lodges’ by-laws were last updated because there will be a copy available on their screen task window,

We will always have an optimal way of handling our administrative and members’ needs...

together with each member’s history.

Lodge secretaries will be able to instantly draw down a request to have a 40/50/60/70-year certificate printed and delivered; or a service jewel ordered and sent. When a member dies all the member information and the member’s entire masonic history will all be accessible. The new system will automatically generate invoices, receipts and other relevant correspondence.

DGIWs and RGCs will be able to see immediately which lodges are healthy and which ones need help. They will be able to see Notice Papers and also lodge attendance figures, course attendance figures and charity work attendance figures, all at their fingertips.

Masonicare will be linked directly into the same database and accessed via their webpage so that when a brother makes a donation the receipt is automatically sent to him. When a lodge makes a request for an interACTION grant, they will do so from a drop-down form on their screen task window, and the request will be automatically sent to each committee member for their consideration and approval will be received electronically.

District and regional Masonicare officers will be able to see how much charity work is being done by each lodge and district.

The Freemason magazine will share the database so that any returned

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A search for meaning

Lodge secretaries will have new, easy to read online forms...

magazines will prompt a reminder to lodge secretaries, automatically asking that member records be updated.

Events such as Grand Communi­ cations will be booked and paid for online and tickets issued automatically.

Receipts and invoices will also be generated automatically. In the future it could be possible for other events such as special lodge meetings and seminars, and the consequent catering bookings, to be booked through the new system.

And a new feature to help membership Officers—Candidate Tracking. When a candidate makes an enquiry, the system will record his progress: Who interviewed him? When was he interviewed? When was he initiated? If he was not initiated, we can find out what went wrong!

We will now be able to follow the new member’s progress as he pursues his masonic career and assist him to maximise the benefit from his masonic experience.

There will be a certification feature that will allow the College of Masonic Studies to run online courses, with the possibility of future courses being automated, such as mentoring seminars and leadership modules. On completion, a certificate will be automatically generated by the system.

This system will continue to automatically update itself. We will always have an optimal way of handling our administrative and members’ needs.

In summary, the improvements that are being made will enhance the masonic experience for everyone in the jurisdiction. The Work Group looks forward to cooperating with everyone to bring this to fruition and knows it will be a lasting legacy that will serve the Craft for many years to come.

www.masons.org.au

I didn’t know it meant that!

Taking a deeper look at the origins of some words and phrases that make up our rituals.

F

rom the First Degree and spoken by the Senior Warden:

stars, the sun, the moon and the signs of the zodiac.’

‘...as the lamb has been from time immemorial...’

From the Third Degree Raising:

Clearly means from ‘before memory’?

Actually, no!

It’s a legal term: ‘time beyond legal memory, fixed by statute in England as “prior to the accession of King Richard the First”; before 6th June, 1189’.

From the First Tracing Board: ‘...In depth from the surface of the earth to its centre, and as high even as the heavens...’

Obviously ‘to the outer limits of space’? No, it doesn’t mean that.

It’s a theatrical term from the late sixteenth century.

In her book, Globe, Catherine Arnold provides the following description of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: ‘The stage was covered by a roof consisting of three parts, a thatched gable, an attached prentice roof covered in lighter oak boards and a decorated ceiling referred to as ‘the heavens’. The ceiling of the heavens’ was painted midnight blue and divided into panels decorated with

‘Let me beg you to observe that the light of a M.M. is but darkness visible serving only to indicate the gloom...’

Most brethren don’t know what the phrase means, or think that it refers to a tiny glimmering light. In the 1730s, when the ritual was written, it would have been recognised by every educated mason as coming from John Milton’s Paradise Lost which had been published in the late seventeenth century.

The quote is: ‘At once, as far as Angels ken, he views The dismal situation waste and wild.

A dungeon horrible, on all sides round, As one great furnace flamed; yet from those flames No light; but rather darkness visible Served only to discover sights of woe, Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace And rest can never dwell, hope never comes That comes to all, but torture without end...’

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A beacon in Cessnock

Old wine in a fresh bottle?

Freemasonry is alive and exciting in Cessnock!

E

arlier this year Masonic Properties Pty Ltd started the next phase of the ongoing restoration work of Cessnock’s Free­ masons Hall – where Lodge Cessnock meets. The company has been fortunate to have passionate directors who are willing to go above and beyond to ensure the building is well maintained, and that the community has a hall that suits their needs. All concerned hope that the com-­ pleted works will secure Freemasonry in the coalfields for generations to come.

Since 2016 work has been under way to give the historic hall, built in 1907 and the home of Cessnock Freemasonry since then, a much-needed facelift. It has been a work in progress ever since, both with council and the acquisition of funding for the project. The first phase in 2016 included a fresh paint job for the exterior, its first in 43 years, and the replacement of the roof for the first time since its construction. In 2018 a DA was lodged for the next stage: to repair the building which had been savaged by termites.

DA approval was given along with a construction certificate after a number of local heritage issues were resolved.

long-time director of Masonic Properties Pty Ltd who said, ‘It has been a long time in the making, but it is exciting to see this transformation project finally under way. Cessnock deserves a state-of-the-art community space and once completed it will be a fitting home to enable Free­ masonry to flourish in Cessnock.’

In January 2020 the Federal Govern­ ment agreed to give the Freemasons $20,000 for the project through a Building Stronger Communities grant. This was topped up in March when the UGL of NSW & ACT granted a loan for the balance of the transformation project.

Without Grand Lodge and their task team, this project would never have reached this point nor included such a comprehensive scope of works.

The works for this stage include: R A completely new flooring system.

R New electrical wiring and plumbing.

R A new commercial kitchen.

R New toilets which also cater for people with disabilities and disabled access to the whole building.

R New air-conditioning.

R Restoration of heritage features in our main public hall (the South).

R Upgrades to the lodge room, including a hearing loop, new carpet and mosaic pavement.

The building is now approaching completion with the lodge resuming physical meetings in November, when WM Max Katz-Barber will invest his officers, present awards and arrange an educational talk on the ‘Basics of ritual’.

In the coming months the lodge has several third degrees, visits by travelling lodges, a Mark ceremony, the Freemasons Park dedication, and masonic-community get-togethers. All within our new, safe, and state of the art building. In the words of the MW Grand Master, ‘Freemasonry is alive and it is exciting!’ Brother Joel Chapman, one of Lodge Cessnock’s fellowcrafts adds, ‘My hope for the lodge is, new lodge, new members! With the lodge now a shining beacon showing that Masonry is alive and well in Cessnock, I hope we see an increase in interest for what we do; now that we’ve brought our lodge into the 21st century’.

Collectively, members and guests of Lodge Cessnock have marvelled at the upgrades and are incredibly excited to return to lodge.

Members hard at work giving the hall at Cessnock a facelift

Mr Max Katz-Barber, chair of Masonic Properties, said in relation to the works, ‘With tens of thousands of dollars invested in getting the transformation project off the ground and to a shovel-ready stage, it gave many of us a fresh appreciation to what goes on during major project planning. The hall has been a part of Cessnock’s skyline since 1907 and we cannot wait to bring it into the 21st century while also preserving our shared history’. This sentiment was echoed by Mr Fred Beveridge, a

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December 2020

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Craft ritual in NSW

By VW Bro Ian Shanley

Origin of our ritual The aim of this paper is to identify the sources (different ‘workings’) of the current Craft ritual of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, and the identity of the masons that compiled it.

www.masons.org.au

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Craft ritual in NSW

T

he workings and wording of the Craft ritual vary considerably by state and by nation, so what, one may ask, is the interest then to masons outside New South Wales? Three points come to mind.

One, as New South Wales was one of the first locations to print a ritual in this geographic area, it is highly probable that this was a source of other jurisdictions’ Craft rituals in the Antipodes.

Two, the results of the study indicate that ‘the colonies’ may prove an untapped resource of ‘fossilized’ ritual textual forms that may have been altered or lost in England, Ireland and Scotland. Three, it will provide other researchers with the tools to compare rituals from different jurisdictions to uncover the sources of the nuances of their own. The comparison software and numbering scheme (reclaiming Preston’s old ‘Section and Clause’ concept) should create a common language and extendable dataset for others to add to over time.

Regarding the who question of the compilation of the Craft ritual, two texts have been authoritative to date on this subject: A History of the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of New South Wales, volume 1, by Cramp and Mackaness; and the ‘Grand Secretary’s Preface’ to the current printing of the ritual (the Preface). Regarding the sources of the ritual, the authoritative text has been the first publication of the United Grand Lodge’s Craft ritual in 1889.

A paper given in the Research Lodge of New South Wales by Arthur Astin in 1996, entitled ‘General Observations on the Ritual of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and Some Other Overseas Masonic Rituals in use Today’, is the only research paper on the topic and relies primarily on the above sources.

As part of the research for the current paper, new materials have been identified: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, 1877–1880; and newspaper advertisements for New South Wales lodge meetings in the Sydney Morning Herald. These sources provide more information about which brethren were involved in compiling the rituals, and the constitutional background of the compilers: English (EC), Irish (IC) and Scottish (SC).

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The Preface states that the ritual is ‘based upon the practises followed in lodges holding Charters under the English, Scottish and Irish Constitutions...

New materials used in identifying the sources of the Craft ritual are an 1879 copy of the printed ritual of the earlier Grand Lodge of New South Wales, and an 1873 copy of Perfect Ceremonies (EC), owned by the United Grand Lodge library. A textual comparison of the 1889 (UGL) and 1879 (GL) rituals and the 1873 (EC) ritual was carried out to ascertain common and divergent material, so that it could be isolated and matched to other printed rituals from England, Ireland and Scotland. The First Degree of this comparison is shown in Appendix B.

Background This paper assumes that the constitutional background of the Freemasons compiling the ritual had influence on the source rituals used by them (for example, a mason from an Irish Constitution lodge would be more inclined to draw on the Irish ritual textual forms as a source for compiling the New South Wales ritual than the English). Therefore, it is important to explain the chronology and mix of constitutions in the colony at the time the ritual was compiled.

Preceding the formation of a Grand Lodge of New South Wales, the following Provincial and District Grand Lodges existed in the colony: District Grand Lodge of New South Wales (SC), formed in 1856. The first Provincial Grand Lodge in New South Wales, technically was a Scottish

Provincial Grand Lodge established in the Port Philip settlement in 1847 (then part of New South Wales). After the separation of Victoria from New South Wales in 1850, a new Provincial Grand Lodge was established in Sydney five years later. It was renamed a District Grand Lodge in 1879. The first private lodge under the SC was Lodge St Andrew No 358, Sydney, warranted in 1851.

Provincial Grand Lodge of New South Wales (EC), formed in 1849. The first Provincial Grand Lodge to be established in Sydney, it was renamed a District Grand Lodge in 1877. The first private lodge under the English Constitution was the Lodge of Australia No 820 (EC), warranted in 1828.

Provincial Grand Lodge of Australia (IC), formed in 1857. The Irish lodges were the first here and the last to set up a Provincial Grand Lodge. It had ceased to exist by 1885. The first private lodge under the Irish Constitution was the Australian Social Lodge No 260 (IC), warranted in 1820, but military lodges had been meeting there since 1814 (most notably Nos 227 and 218).

Subsequently as Masonry developed in the colony the following Grand Lodges were formed: Grand Lodge of New South Wales (GLNSW), formed in 1878. Founding lodges were four from the Irish Constitution and seven from the Scottish Constitution1. They were led by James Squire Farnell (IC), who resigned his post as Provincial Grand Master of the Irish Provincial Grand Lodge and became the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales. This Grand Lodge was not recognised by the three other constitutions.

United Grand Lodge of New South Wales (UGLNSW) (NSWC), formed in 1888. All lodges under the above four grand bodies amalgamated to form the United Grand Lodge. Its present title, the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory (UGLNSW&ACT), acknowledges the inclusion of the national capital within its jurisdiction.

This brief background serves to indicate that all regional forms of the ritual were being worked in the colony at the

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time of the compilation of the New South Wales Constitution Craft ritual.

Craft Ritual of UGLNSW 1889: Sources and Compilers Astin has previously traced the UGLNSW2 Craft ritual back to the first printed edition in 1889. Cramp & Mackaness inform us that it was written by a Ritual Committee appointed by the Executive of the then newly amalgamated UGLNSW. Few meaningful changes have been made in the text of the ritual since then, with the notable exceptions of the removal of the ancient penalties in 1980 and references to swearing oaths in 20043.

Charters under the English, Scottish and Irish Constitutions and under the Grand Lodge of New South Wales (formed in 1877)’5.

minority Scottish... ’6. This is understandable, given that the founding Grand Master of Grand Lodge of New South Wales was James Farnell, who had defected from his post as the incumbent ProvGM of the Irish Constitution and that the Irish Constitution appeared to be subsumed into the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, all but ceasing to exist with the birth of that new body7.

Astin identified the following problem with Cramp’s analysis: the UGLNSW Craft ritual text, compared to other existing printed rituals, demonstrates a significant Scottish influence, yet in Cramp & Mackaness the English and the earlier New South Wales Constitutions are listed as the sources.

Astin assumed that the New South Wales Grand Lodge was ‘an amalgam primarily of Irish ... with the dissident

To date there has been no concrete evidence of the ritual sources used by the 1889 Ritual Committee. Only Cramp & Mackaness and the Preface to the modern ritual book itself venture an opinion.

Astin used these in drawing his conclusions in 1996. Otherwise the field is bare.

Cramp & Mackaness write that the ritual was ‘based upon those [rituals] used by the majority prior to the amalgamation, namely those under the English and New South Wales Constitutions’4.

This is direct quote from the minutes of the Executive Committee and was attributed there to Bro T E Spencer, Chairman of the Ritual Committee, in his report of February 1889 to that body. The Preface states that the ritual is ‘based upon the practises followed in lodges holding

Two new sources of information have helped to resolve this problem and shed more light on the sources of the ritual.

First, summonses for old New South Wales private lodges printed in the Sydney Morning Herald. From these it has been possible to deduce the constitutional background of the brethren on the Ritual Committee. Second, and more importantly, is a Craft ritual printed by the Grand Lodge of New South Wales in 1879.

...as New South Wales was one of the first locations to print a ritual in this geographic area, it is highly probable that this was a source of other jurisdictions’ Craft rituals in the Antipodes.

While Cramp & Mackaness give us the names of those brethren appointed to the Ritual Committee, the Sydney Morning Herald summonses reveal what lodges they were active in and which Constitution. See Table 1, below.

The Ritual Committee clearly had a majority representation from the New South Wales Constitution, with the balance being English, and no representation at all from the Scottish Constitution8. While this agrees with Spencer’s report, quoted in Cramp &

Table 1: Ritual Committee of UGLNSW of 1889 Member

Const

Lodge

Pre-UGL

UGL no

Spencer, TE

NSWC

Howe, JP

Bevill, F

Year WM GL Office/Year

Leinster Marine

1

2

1887

GDC/1888

Committee Chairman Executive Committee Author

NSWC

Redfern

20

82

1881

GSW/1885

Alderman Board Member, Redfern Cricket Club

NSWC

Oxford

22

85

1888

N/A

M.A., Head Master

None

Organist Preceptor of LOI

GSwdB/1888

Architect by profession PGIW of PGL Mark (EC)

Chandler, WH

EC

United Services

937

24

??

Thompson, HS

EC

Empress of India

1761

57

1886

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Other

December 2020

25

Craft ritual in NSW Mackaness, it does not match the Preface, or a reading of the ritual itself.

Also, Spencer’s point that the new ritual was ‘based upon those used by the majority prior to the amalgamation’ is not supported. The Scottish lodges are the second largest group and are unrepresented9.

The answer lies in the fact that the first Grand Lodge of New South Wales is more sensibly viewed as an alternative Scottish Provincial Grand Lodge. The Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales demonstrates that at its formation the Grand Lodge of New South Wales had obedience from seven Scottish lodges and only four Irish lodges, with most of the Board of Management and leadership positions – with the notable exception of Grand Master – taken up by Scottish Constitution masons (see Appendix C).

Astin’s assumption of an Irishdominated Grand Lodge of New South Wales is therefore proved incorrect.

Spencer is right when he says that the Committee was based on the majority; counting the New South Wales lodges as Scottish puts the balance at 104 to 76 in favour of the Scots. The 1889 Ritual Committee, dominated by masons with a background in Scottish ritual, therefore produced the Scottish-influenced ritual of 1889—the influence that Astin’s comparative reading recognised.

Further confirmation of this can be found in the ‘rediscovered’ Craft ritual of 1879 of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales. On comparing the two rituals, it is clear that the 1889 Ritual Committee did what all committees have done from time immemorial when faced with writing a wordy document—they looked around for one to copy! In this case it was the 1879 ritual, which they virtually reprinted in toto as the new UGL ritual.

Most changes were in the rubrics and the trimming of some of the more flowery paragraphs. Now we understand why Spencer, in reporting to the Board of Management, was also able to say that their work was ‘chiefly of an editorial character, consisting, that is to say, of correction of faulty grammar and phraseology, and the removal of slight inconsistencies’. Not the epic amalgamation of three disparate Constitutions that the Preface indicates!

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December 2020

BIBLIOGRAPHY ...it is important to explain the chronology and mix of constitutions in the colony at the time...

The next issue will look at who wrote this earlier version of the ritual and what their ritual experience was.

FOOTNOTES 1. Lodges at the Convention for the formation of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales were: Australian Social Mother 260, Leinster Marine 266, Lodge of Fidelity 267, Widow’s Son 278 (IC), and Sydney Tarbolton 377, Newtown Kilwinning 378, Woolloomooloo 386, Excelsior 500, Peabody 513, Abbotsford 517 and Edinburgh Lodge 592 (SC).

2. The correct contemporary abbreviation for the jurisdiction is UGLNSW&ACT, adopted in the late 1990s. For consistency, UGLNSW will be used throughout, as it is historically correct for most of the time periods discussed.

3. It is possible to confirm the limit of the changes by running a comparison of a digital copy of the 1889 ritual and the 2007/2009 printings. The vast majority of the differences (with the exception of the above) 4. Cramp & Mackaness, in Astin 1996, 1.

5. First Degree UGLNSW, 2007.

6. Astin, 5.

7. Cramp & Mackaness, 51–52.

8. Cramp & Mackaness word the descriptions of committees at the Amalgamation to imply that had equal representation. They do this by topping and tailing the section on committee membership, with a strong focus on the Grand Officers of the Executive Committee (of which they are at pains to point out the prior affiliation of each member and that the 15 were taken five from each constitution) but the sub-committees’ compositions are brushed over.

(Cramp & Mackaness, 184–188) 9. English Constitution 76 lodges, 55 SC, 49 NSW. (Source: Cramp & Mackaness, Appendices I–IV)

ALLEN, J Mason: ‘Our Ritual: A study in its Development’ in the Year Book, Grand Lodge of Scotland, Edinburgh 1960.

ASTIN, A: ‘General Observations on the Ritual of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales, and some other Overseas Masonic Rituals in use today’, Research Lodge of New South Wales, Sydney 3/9/1996.

CARTWRIGHT, EH: A Commentary on the Freemasonic Ritual, Fenrose Ltd., Tunbridge Wells 1971.

CRAMP & MACKANESS: A History of the United Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of New South Wales, Angus and Robertson 1938.

MACKEY A: The Symbolism of Freemasonry, London 1869.

Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, 1877–80, Frederick White, Sydney 1880.

NSW CONSTITUTION RITUALS R UGLNSW, The Ritual of the Three Degrees of Craft Masonry, 1889.

R UGLNSW, The Ritual of the Three Degrees of Craft Masonry, 2007–2009.

R GLNSW, The Ritual of the Three Craft Degrees, 1879.

ENGLISH CONSTITUTION RITUALS. R The Manual of Freemasonry, Carlisle, 1825.

R The Whole of Craft Freemasonry, Claret, 1848 R The Perfect Ceremonies of Craft Masonry, 1871, 1884.

R Bristol Ritual.

R Castle Ritual.

R Emulation Ritual.

R West End Ritual.

R The Sussex Ritual of Craft Freemasonry.

R Stability Ritual, aka Muggeridge Working.

R MM Taylor’s Handbook of Craft Freemasonry.

R The Complete Workings of Craft Freemasonry.

R Oxford Working .

R The Logic Working of Craft Ceremonies.

IRISH CONSTITUTION RITUALS R Grand Lodge of Ireland, 2007.

R Lodge Ara, 2000.

R Lodge of Lights, 1913.

SCOTTISH CONSTITUTION RITUALS R Lodge Perth Royal Arch Lodge, 1970 (1770).

R Lodge Garrowhill, 1946.

R Lodge Dundee, 1931.

R Ritual of Scottish Craft Working (Queensland), 1959.

R Ritual of Kilwinning Craft Freemasonry (South Africa).

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Donations make a difference Whiddon has a proud awardwinning history and we rely on the generous support of our donors to continue innovating in the wellbeing space and improving quality of life for older Australians.

There are many ways that donors can support our work and help enrich the lives of current and future generations.

No matter how small or large a donation is, it makes a difference and helps us to fulfil our purpose of delivering care services that enhance wellbeing and quality of life for older Australians.

Our donations are typically used for various resident-focused purposes. Most recently, we have used donations to fund our PowerMoves gym program, which is now running at Whiddon Easton Park. It’s will also soon be established at our homes in Kyogle, Beaudesert, Grafton and Moree and Mudgee. We certainly couldn’t have done this without the donations.

Our gardening program – Growing Together – was something our residents across many of our homes requested. It was something they enjoyed doing during their time at home prior to moving to Whiddon, so we wanted to ensure they could continue doing the things they loved.

We worked with a horticultural therapist to train staff up to deliver a 4-season program to assist residents who can no longer garden to plant, tend and harvest plants every season.

We have also used donations to fund research and new programs in various areas, including cognitive scaffolding together with Macquarie University, which provides enhanced skills to carers around how they communicate and support residents with dementia. We’ve also had the opportunity to design and develop a holistic approach to falls prevention, a key area for improving physical wellbeing for older people, together with Neura (UNSW) and key experts and academics from other Universities.

These are just a few of the many programs and initiatives that we have been able to introduce across our Whiddon homes as a result of the generosity provided by our communities, families and partners who have donated. You can support Whiddon by donating today and making a difference to our residents’ lives by visiting www.whiddon.com.au/make-a-donation.

Support Whiddon to continue improving the quality of life of older Australians through innovation, research and new approaches to care.

Make a donation today at www.whiddon.com.au/make-a-donation.

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December 2020

Lodge Middle Harbour

By VW Bro Alan Gale

Back to business Lodge Middle Harbour was the first lodge in any Australian state to resume full meetings with a South after a five month COVID break.*

I

t returned to business on 13 August in its recently renovated Mosman Masonic Centre, a 1911 heritage listed meeting place that has been returned to its original glory.

‘The important thing was to make it a meeting place that has history and shows that we are proud of it,’ said Middle Harbour WM Tony Sulengkar.

‘We have an active hall committee that is very aware we are the custodians of a unique building that has been part of the Mosman community for 109 years.

‘The Lodge is also grateful the Grand Master and the Administration of Grand Lodge created a pathway that provided a relatively quick and easy return to masonic meetings in this jurisdiction.’

The renovation was also a rediscovery of the history of Mosman Masonic Centre. It was received wisdom that the two storey lodge room and hall were

built first, and then the two shops at the front of the building came later.

‘When searching our archives we discovered this was not the case – a Sydney Morning Herald article about the 1912 consecration and dedication ceremony describes the building as having two shops.’ said LMH85 Secretary Alan Gale.

During the renovation a curious discovery was made about the floor of the main hall.

‘This shows just how fore-sighted those brethren were. Unfortunately the majority of masonic centres built since did not copy the example and do not have a commercial source of income.’

During the renovation a curious discovery was made about the floor of the main hall.

‘It was long known that we had a sprung floor, making it an ideal ballroom dancing venue,’ said VWBro. Gale.

‘What we didn’t know was that there are two layers of floor – a layer of cypress pine and the top layer of tallowwood, which has been sanded back and restored to its original look. We are told this was a 1911 pest retardant – it seems borers and termites don’t like cypress pine!

‘Layer upon layer of wax polish gave the floor a dirty brown colour. It is now much lighter and together with the repainting, the hall is much brighter and appears to be larger.

Two layered floor construction – cypress pine running parallel and tallowwood running at a 45 degree angle across the top.

The hall feels much lighter and more spacious after the renovations.

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December 2020

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Vale Bro John Lewis

Socially distanced dining in the South

‘During the renovation we discovered the original hall colours, concealed in a cupboard built in 1912. We used those colours – including the gold trimming for the dado and mouldings as well as the original colour scheme for the plaster moulded vents – the red and green elements of the waratah mouldings are now back on show.’

Detail of new colour scheme that copies the 1911 original paintwork.

Post COVID meetings ‘We are fortunate to be in a jurisdiction that took a pro-active approach to returning to normal meetings,’ said W Bro Sulengkar.

‘Mosman Masonic Centre registered as a COVID safe business in early June so its commercial tenants could in turn comply with their requirements.

‘From then, it was relatively simple for the lodge to submit its COVID plan and we got a very rapid response from Grand Lodge, giving us clearance to meet.

‘We are now looking at ways to incorporate the Zoom meeting format we followed from March to August into our regular meeting schedule,’ he said.

‘We picked up two candidates via Zoom and also re-connected with brethren who had not been attending the physical meetings for various reasons.

‘Certainly Zoom meetings make it easier for prospective candidates to get

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to know members of the lodge rather than the sometimes awkward process of only being able to attend Souths or social functions.

‘One model might be that we conduct our business (motions, correspondence, confirmation of minutes) over Zoom and then reduce our physical meetings to just what has to happen (ballots, degree work or presentations). Our members think this would streamline things.’

The lodge has a strong calendar ahead – initiations in October and November, a double second in December, and an Extended First Tracing Board in February.

* When LMH85 resumed meetings on 13 August, Northern Territory Lodges had been holding full meetings with Souths for a month and Lodges in Tasmania were meeting, but without a South.

Vale Bro John Lewis Farewell to Brother John Lewis, a prominent political activist, leader of the African American civil rights movement and a member of the US House of Representatives for the Democratic Party for thirty-three years.

Born in Alabama 80 years ago and, as president of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, was one of the Big Six who in 1963 participated in the Washington civil rights march alongside Martin Luther King, he died on 17 July in Atlanta, where he had been initiated in 1999 in H. R. Butler Lodge No 23 of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia.

In 2011 he was elevated to the 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite.

In addition to the ceremony in the Chamber on Capitol Hill, a Masonic funeral was also held for him, attended by representatives of numerous U.S. jurisdictions.

December 2020

29

Letters to the Editor Send your Letters to the Editor by: Email to: freemason@masons.org.au

Post to:  The Secretary, Freemason Editorial Committee The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT PO Box A259, Sydney South NSW 1235

Have your say Good job GM Over recent months I have been reading the Grandmaster’s Newsletter with great interest.

May I congratulate him on the way he has led Freemasonry through these very trying times. We all look forward to the day we can meet again, but in the meantime our Grandmaster has certainly helped us stay positive.

RW Bro John Davison Lodge Burnside 729

Wood for the winning The hard workers from Lodge Federal United 193 at Harden Murrumburrah have been super busy cutting firewood ready for their wood raffle in Neal Street, Harden on Thursday 22 October.

A fine load of wood will provide a great start next winter for the lucky winner, Big thanks to Alan, Yogi and Bob. RW Bro Geoff Bunn Lodge Federal United 193

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December 2020

Back from the dark times It was a great experience coming back from the dark times of COVID-19. I had a lot of help from VW Bro Alan Gale at Lodge Middle Harbour to get the COVID-19 Business Plan sorted out.

The Grand Master’s Team have really helped a lot getting some of our upgrades done and their assistance is much appreciated. We are a small country lodge and the only one left in the Forster Masonic Centre so hopefully the upgrades will attract some more rentals to assist our finances.

W Bro Bob Mackinnon Secretary Forster Great Lakes United 994

That old-fashioned feeling at Vaucluse!

A couple of comments after the first tyled meeting of Lodge Vaucluse since this darn virus has changed the world.

ee tary The Secre Editorial Committ W & ACT on Freemas Grand Lodge of NS W 1235 d uth, NS The Unite Sydney So The Secretary PO Box A259, Freemason Editorial Committee The&Secret The United Grand Lodge of NSW ACT ary Freem ason Editorial Committee PO Box A259, Sydney South, NSW 1235 The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT PO Box A259, Sydney South , NSW 1235

All of the following comments have the ring of truth!

R The quality of the degree work was first class and the feeling in the room had a typical Lodge Vaucluse atmosphere about it and no doubt the South would have been the same.

R Well done on an excellent second degree and all that Simon said in his email to the WM is spot on.

R Special mention to Chris and Simon for taking on the huge work load in the lodge room.

R Just looking at the success in this shortened masonic year that Lodge Vaucluse has enjoyed, I am very proud to be a small part of the membership and can sense the fraternity that is clearly present.

R Congratulations on an excellent 2nd Degree, Worshipful Master. As a first physical meeting after so long away, the standard of ritual was very high and the COVID restrictions were well managed. How important was our rehearsal a week ago!

R There was a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout, which is what Lodge

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Vaucluse is all about. I think we were all looking forward to meeting together and there was a mood of happiness in the air. The relaxed conversation and banter in the South were most enjoyable. I went home much uplifted.

Thank you for your continuing leadership of Lodge Vaucluse and for your stewardship during these very difficult times.

Yes, WM, a job well done — once again thanks for a memorable evening.

Looking forward to seeing you in the Lodge!

VW Bro Bojan Vižintin Secretary, Lodge Vaucluse 266

Nowra’s glad to be back In September Lodge Nowra Unity No 60 held its first meeting since the shutdown of all masonic activities in March.

After a sit-down meal, our acting WM Brad Scotcher opened a Lodge of Sorrow in memory of Bro Geoffrey Herne. A presentation of the First Tracing Board was delivered

by W Bro Lauri Ball for the benefit of the four Entered Apprentices. All Brethren were

COVID-19 MUSIC ALERT FOR ALL LODGES

delighted to be back meeting face to face after such a long break and look forward to our next happy meeting.

RW Bro Philip Miller Secretary Lodge Nowra Unity 60

Vale MW Bro Julius Kearon PGM GLT Most Worshipful Brother Kearon, a leader in our fraternity, held the rank of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Tasmania from February 2005 to February 2008.

Julius led us with wisdom, grace and humility, enforcing by example the values that underpin our fraternity. By his staunchness and wholehearted engagement with our Masonic values and way of life, he added strength and lustre to our organisation, and reaffirmed our commitment to principles and tenets that have withstood the test of time and have shown us to have a rule of life and ethical values second to none.

Julius Kearon was born in Corfe Mullen in Dorset, England. He received his secondary education at Dorset’s Wimborne Grammar School, and subsequently graduated from the University of Southamp­ ton with a degree in Mathematics. He and his wife Ann, whom he had met in his student days, arrived in Australia in 1967 after having undertaken the momentous journey overland through Europe and Asia

by Land Rover. Both pursued careers in teaching, Julius as a secondary mathematics teacher. Julius rose through the ranks as a senior teacher to hold the position of Principal at Bothwell, Savage River, and lastly, at Deloraine High School.

MW Bro Julius Kearon

Julius was initiated into Freemasonry at Lake Lodge in Longford in May 1972. He became active in Grand Lodge in 1994 and occupied a number of offices in Grand Lodge before being nominated by Most Worshipful Brother Clarke as Deputy Grand Master in 2003. He was also active in many other masonic orders, holding office in all of them. He was Master of Meander Lodge in 1987 and 1990, and again in 2009.

Meander Lodge was dear to his heart and he was indeed the mainstay of that lodge.

For many years, until recently, he was Secretary of the lodge and in that role not only attended assiduously to its business affairs but offered wise council and support to the Master of the day, RW Bro David Macrow Grand Secretary Grand Lodge of Tasmania

Lodges are advised that assembly singing and wind instruments are not permitted in regular style meetings during the current conditions.

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December 2020

31

Snag a good fundraiser Be sure to provide plenty of sauce for your customers!

Planning a BBQ A ‘masonic’ BBQ can be a financial risk but with planning that risk can be minimised.

T

he following ideas have been gleaned from numerous BBQs – some of them successes and some failures!

Decide on your objectives Do you want to raise money? Or do you want to attract new members? Perhaps your objective is public awareness? Quite possibly your objectives are a combination of two or more of these. Make sure that you know your objectives.

...communication with the members of the Lodge, and across the District, are most important...

What are your goals?

Make sure that they are measurable. $1,000 profit? Two prospective candidates? Over 100 masonic brochures etc. handed out?

For this article we will consider two general alternatives for BBQs. A BBQ at a Bunnings Warehouse and what we might call a general or ‘custom’ BBQ.

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December 2020

Considerations Can your lodge provide enough workers to make the BBQ a success or should it be a District effort?

Planning a successful BBQ is as much a responsibility of the DGIW, and his

enthusiastic influence over the District through his addresses to brethren both in open lodge and the south, as it is the responsibility of the lodge executive.

Bunnings seem to prefer a charity to book two dates. Give yourself at least two months before the first date.

Remember that you will have to take what Bunnings have to offer.

Positives of a Bunnings BBQ Bunnings usually locate the BBQ area near the front entrance so you should have a good flow of potential customers.

Bunnings currently provide the BBQ, the gas, shade, a notice board and tables and chairs.

Negatives of a Bunnings BBQ Bunnings regulate what you can sell, the price you must sell it for and the start and end times. They may restrict the

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

amount of display material such as banners, bunting and masonic notices.

Be diplomatic and your Bunnings may be reasonable.

Consider extra options like eggs and bacon, especially around breakfast time!

Photo courtesy of Kgbo

For a ‘custom’ BBQ you need to provide almost everything.

The site. This is critical because you need passing customers no matter what your objectives are.

You will have to provide the BBQ, tables, chairs, cooking utensils, Eskies, a cash box, meat, breads, sauces, drinks etc.

Check the surrounding pavement to prevent accidents to masons or customers whilst selling and afterwards. Make sure that you have food handling protection (gloves) for those on the BBQ and serving and ensure that food handlers only handle food (not money etc).

Correct food handling is very important!

General considerations For this article we will assume that your objective is to combine profit with public awareness.

Check if there are competing BBQs in the same area. Be careful of date selections (Public Holidays, especially long weekends which may reduce customer traffic). If your BBQ is scheduled to be held on a public holiday, or at the same time as other significant local events, pre-order your supplies, as many stores run out e.g. on Australia Day weekend one lodge had to order sausages the day before as Woolworths had no stock on the Friday before the long weekend.

Advance Planning Secure your site. Don’t assume that people will walk half a block to visit your beautiful Masonic Centre. They probably will not. If you’re not going to have a lot of passing customers you’re wasting your time.

You have to get the word out to your community.

Traditional means include flyers, notices in local shops, churches (give it a go, you have nothing to lose!), big notices in your local Masonic Centre/s, email to all members.

Local newspapers do not seem to generate community interest in ‘Yet another BBQ.’ Social media creates more

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interest so focus on this area. Two major ways to do this: Ensure that your District has developed a truly comprehensive email forum. Do not assume that an email to all lodge secretaries in your District will generate customer traffic. It will not. Work with your DGIW to develop an email list that includes ALL the masons in your district who have email. Tell them what you are doing and tell them what you want them to do. Keep telling them. Once is not enough.

Every district should have a Facebook page. Use it. Keep it active. Get every mason in your district using it and encourage everybody to ‘comment, like and share’.

Got old

regalia?

The Hornsby and Ku-Ring-Gai Masonic Association is collecting, reconditioning and on-selling spare and used Grand Lodge and Craft regalia.

Funds raised go to local charities!

Contact VW Bro Brian Samson: Email: bsamson@optusnet.com.au Mobile: 0414 704 807

$2,350 raised so far!

December 2020

33

Snag a good fundraiser

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Keith

The objective is to spread the word about your BBQ, to encourage people to tell others and to get them to front up and buy your product!

Cultivate local suppliers of your consumables. You don’t want to pay full price for sausages, breads, onions, serviettes, sauces etc. Get the local suppliers to ‘sponsor’ multiple kilos of sausages, loaves of bread, peeled onions etc.

Not every brother is going to volunteer to work selling on the big day so offer them an alternative: Urge them to either work on the BBQ roster or contribute $20 towards the purchase of food. Give them a choice of a ‘yes’ or a ‘yes’!

Use some simple free software to roster your volunteer labour.

Aim for a maximum of two hours per person. Remember that you will need two people cooking away on the BBQ all the time. Probably two bread handlers/ servers. A cashier. A ‘spruiker’.

Cash from ‘front of BBQ’ should be regularly removed to a secure area,

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December 2020

preferably in a locked container that is out of sight of customers and away from the main BBQ area.

Book your masonic signage and banners – they may be a District resource.

Arrange for guy-ropes etc. to secure them in windy conditions.

Every district should have a Facebook page.

Use it. Keep it active. Get every mason in your district using it...

Obtain the brochures that you want to use and a bulk supply of Freemason magazine (they don’t have to all be the very latest issue.) Have membership application forms available.

If you are running a custom BBQ be imaginative with your food and drink.

For example, you might serve the usual sausage sandwiches but also bacon and egg rolls. Why not serve lemon squash as well as fizzy drinks?

Perhaps you could serve some sort of ethnic food as an alternative. Dare to be different!

Don’t forget extra sauces, mustard, serviettes, a cash float. AND SPARE GAS! Don’t forget to clean up and leave the area as you found it, or better; it gives a good impression of masons working for the community. Proper disposal of waste and recyclable material is a must.

Miscellaneous considerations Photographs. Arrange to have a brother present with a decent camera.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Quick Quiz

Safe BBQs during COVID Due to changing COVID regulations please contact Bunnings and/or review local restrictions to ensure that you protect yourselves and the community.

Test your knowledge!

Give your grey matter a tune-up with these twenty tricky tests of your trivia talents.

1

How many kangaroos are on the current Australian $1 coin?

11 How many individual items make up a gross?

2

Which tropic passes through Australia?

12 Prunes are a dried form of what fruit?

3

What is the popular Australian slang phrase meaning true, real or genuine?

4

What breed is the largest kangaroo?

13 Which famous actress sang Happy birthday, Mr President at JFK’s 45th birthday party?

5

What is Australia’s national floral emblem?

6

Customers + a spruiker, minus the Cost of Goods Sold = PROFIT

Which Australian State has on its number plates “Explore the possibilities”?

7

Customers + a spruiker = Public Awareness

Which star constellation is featured on the Australian flag?

8

Who was Australia’s Prime Minister when Princess Elizabeth was crowned Queen Elizabeth?

Invite local politicians to call in for a photo opportunity. (They all seem to love a camera!)

After the event Thank everybody. A handwritten note works wonders.

Send a story, with at least one photo, to Freemason magazine.

Remember

A sensible work roster + PROFIT = Viable future BBQs! OK, so what’s with the ‘spruiker’?

You need a man in front of the BBQ serving area who can entice the passing customers. This man needs the ‘gift of the gab’. He should be an ‘every man’s friend’ sort of person. The best spruikers can be a little bit cheeky – and get away with it. He will keep the customers happy while they wait for their order and will send them off with a smile on their face! DO NOT neglect this role. It’s the difference between a PROFIT and a LOSS.

9

Postcodes in which Australian State or Territory begin with the number 0?

10 What planet does Superman come from?

14 In which month did Donald Trump become US President?

15 A peloton is featured in what sport?

16 The melody Habanera is from what 1875 opera?

17 Which is the only American state starting with the letter H? 18 On the fifth day of (an Australian) Christmas my true love gave to me – what?

19 Anjese Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, born in 1910, was better known as whom?

20 In what year does Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall in the same year?

Answers on page 44!

?

??

Clear and timely communication with the members of the lodge, and across the district, are most important, and the real-time engagement and motivation of the local community are critical to success.

Good planning, and of course, good cooking!

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December 2020

35

Batemans Bay and beyond

By VW Bro Peter Loxton

Intrastate travel at its best Batemans Bay, about four and a half hours south of Sydney, is our favourite holiday destination. So much so that we bought a holiday house there, with an uninterrupted view of the ocean, Casey’s Beach, and the Tollgate Islands.

T

his area takes a lot of beating, with its unspoilt beaches and timbered hills, yet has excellent shopping, eateries and sporting clubs supported by a strong community.

for hire as are the Clyde River houseboats. Because there is a large sandbar near the entrance to the Bay, the Clyde River Ferry cannot cross the bar, and visiting cruise ships cannot berth. The ferry runs most days up-river to Nelligen and back.

As one approaches Batemans Bay from the north over the Clyde River, the view of the bay looking out to sea and the Tollgate Islands is spectacular, the smell of salt in the air tells you that you’ve arrived. The Tollgates were named by Captain Cook because he thought that they guarded the mouth of the Clyde River.

half a dozen outdoor sculptures forming a sculpture walk, all stunning works of art acquired through community support.

Cross the Clyde bridge and turn into Beach Road. You are in the heart of Batemans. Near the centre of town are

Deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, sailing, whale-watching and canoeing are catered for and small boats are available

Innes’ Boatshed

However, if all this is too energetic, then have a meal beside the river at the Oyster Shed in Wray Street, North Batemans, or for a view of Snapper Island and the Tollgates, go to JJ’s at the Marina. A local favourite is fish and chips at Innes’ Boatshed. where you can watch the huge stingrays at sunset, as you eat indoors or on the forecourt.

The Princes Highway bridge over the Clyde River at Batemans Bay Photo courtesy of eGuide Travel

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December 2020

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The Historic Water Wheel at Mogo Photo by 6excuser

Continue south on Beach Road and follow the coast south towards Moruya River and Moruya township. Hundreds of bays and beaches can be found along this route: Surf Beach, Malua (patrolled), McKenzies – great for surfing, all with rocky headlands and rockpools to explore.

Before you leave Batemans, the road passes Hanging Rock which was once a centre for the Aborigines who hunted and fished here at Corrigans Beach. The headland of Observation Point on the eastern end of Corrigans provided ochre for Aboriginal ceremonies and can be easily accessed from the beach. Other Aboriginal landmarks in the area are worth noting although you have to look hard to find them!

Find time to visit Mogo, a small gold-mining village just south of Batemans, on the Princes Highway.

There are many quaint shops and the Gold Creek Gold-mining Village to explore. Don’t miss the world-famous Mogo Zoo on the Tomakin Road.

Take the opportunity to meet fellow masons at Moruya Masonic Centre,

16 Page Street, Moruya. Batemans Bay Daylight Lodge meets 1st Wednesday of each month, Lodge Eurobodalla Daylight 4th Friday each month and Coeur de Lion – Narooma 2nd Thursday except October. The brethren will tell you all the best places to visit and you may meet your best friend for the rest of your life!

Nepalese Red Panda at Mogo Zoo Photo by Vanessa Pike-Russell

Further south, Moruya is set in beautiful dairy country, and fifteen minutes further still is Bingie, an unspoilt beach where you can explore the old wrecks on the exposed headland. The beach is of historic Aboriginal importance where you can join a walking tour, The southern access road to Meringo Beach and Bingie Bingie Point passes one of architect Glenn Murcutt’s earlier projects, Magney House.

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December 2020

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The observant lodge

By W Bro Andrew Hammer

Eight steps to excellence The growing popularity of the idea of ‘observant’ Masonry has found brethren in all corners of the Craft asking the question of what exactly an observant lodge is, and how they might go about increasing masonic observance in their own lodges.

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his document offers eight basic measures which, if observed, should result in the development of an observant lodge.

Each of these steps is either entirely consistent with Anderson’s Constitutions of the Free- Masons (the foundational document of the Premier Grand Lodge, published in 1723 and hereafter simply referred to as the Book of Constitutions), or historical masonic practice in North America, or both. Nothing proposed in them is alien to our Grand Lodges or their respective histories. The success or failure of these steps is entirely up to the brethren of each lodge.

First, however, it might be helpful to offer an answer to the primary question: what exactly does one mean by ‘observant’?

Simply put, observant Masonry means observing the intent of the founders of speculative Masonry. That intent was not to build a mere social club or service organisation. While the Craft—like any other human organisation—has always been burdened by men in its ranks who subverted the purposes of the fraternity to a more mundane or profane enterprise, that was never the intent of the institution.

That intent was to build an institution that calls men to their highest level of social being, in a state of dignity and decorum, which could serve as a place for serious, mindful discourse on the lessons and meaning of life, and search for the better development of oneself.

That intent means building a space where such an experience can be created, and carrying ourselves in a

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December 2020

1. Guarding the West Gate

The festive board conveys the sense of conviviality that helps build true brotherhood...

manner that is consistent with our highest ideals and noblest behaviours.

Observant masons believe that by observing what the history of our Craft tells us in regard to that intent, we will find the optimal masonic experience.

We say observant, and speak of observance, because we seek to observe the blueprints of that intent to the best of our knowledge and ability. Even more simply, we want to do things right, and we don’t want to settle for less. We want to pursue excellence in all aspects of our masonic labour.

The eight steps offered here have proven to be successful in greatly increasing the experience of Freemasonry for brethren new and old alike. They serve as a quality control system for the operation of any lodge, and when followed, result in a group of men who, regardless of the number of members in their lodge, or the external nature of their temple, can find a sense of accomplishment and pride in what they have done, and who they have become. That too, is consistent with the intent of our founders.

This point is first among these, because we are nothing more or less than who we let in to our fraternity. Not every man should be a mason, and not every man who should be a mason belongs in just any lodge. The brethren have a right and responsibility to determine the standards for their own lodge, and to ask incisive questions of those men who knock on their door. Lodges should take time to first get to know the men who knock at their doors, and not simply sign any petition just because a man has an interest. Brothers who sign a petition for a man need to know who they are signing for, and more important, need to be willing to serve as his mentor. This is a fundamental point of responsibility for all brethren. Do not ask a brother in your lodge to do the job of mentoring for you. If you are not willing to give that petitioner your time, how can you ask your lodge to give theirs?

2. Being proficient in masonic ritual and law Proficiency is an essential function of any observant lodge, because we must know both what we are doing, and why, if we seek to uphold the highest standards of our respective Grand Lodges. It does no good to claim the mantle of excellence if your lodge is not wellversed in the ritual and the masonic law of your jurisdiction. Masonry is a thing of order, not anarchy. If you wish to keep that order, as well as harmony between your lodge and the Grand Lodge, you must learn and follow the rules that each brother has obligated himself to observe.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

An observant lodge is not a renegade lodge. It seeks to be an exemplary one.

3. A commitment to advance brethren through the degrees by mutual and genuine effort Progress in the degrees requires a mutual commitment of time and effort from candidate and mentor alike. Some form of proficiency, be it the catechisms, or papers delivered before the lodge, should be required before allowing any brother to advance. Otherwise the brother learns that his advancement has no measurable value, other than his mere presence.

Certainly not every man can do memory work, and not every man is a writer. But if he is not willing to even attempt to do either, then perhaps he should simply not be a mason to begin with. The same goes for the mentor, who, though he may be experienced, must not take the easy way out when it comes to the knowledge he has pledged to impart to his apprentice.

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4. The selection and advancement of officers should be by merit alone This step, while admittedly difficult for some, is firmly grounded in the Book of Constitutions, without question.

Masonry has never intended the adoption of a progressive line. A progressive line should only function when the next man down has the full faith and trust of his fellows that he will rule and govern his lodge properly, because he has properly learned the requirements of his office.

Of course, human nature is what it is, and mistakes can always happen, but they can be mitigated if such a standard is put in place, because no one advances until and unless they are ready to do so.

The only way to justify a progressive line is if every officer is carrying his weight to the extent of his office, while at the same time preparing himself diligently to advance to the next one.

Lodges ignore this step at their own risk.

5. Dressing your best for lodge How one appears before the lodge is a sign of how much you value both the brethren and the Craft. In most lodges in the world, a dark suit and tie is the minimum required to gain admittance.

It’s what the brethren expect from each other in an observant lodge, and it certainly adds to the notion that a masonic meeting is not just another night out, but a special event, worthy of being considered as special as each of us should believe Masonry to be. Additionally, dignity expressed outwardly through dress, serves as a superstructure, helping to enhance that dignity that can only be created from within.

6. A lodge must offer quality assemblies and be willing to pay for them The dues of a lodge should be set at a level which allows the lodge to not only support and sustain itself, but enjoy a quality of experience which tells the brethren that their assemblies are

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The observant lodge opportunities to rise above the ordinary.

Good meals, served at proper festive boards, are essential. The festive board conveys the sense of conviviality that helps build true brotherhood, and it is historically established in the Craft as not merely a simple dinner, but quite honestly the second half of a lodge meeting. An observant lodge cannot forego it.

A lodge must decide that Masonry is a thing of value, and properly determine that value in such a way that it allows the lodge to work and assemble in a manner that clearly establishes that value. Our dining and social events should reflect the worth we place on ourselves. Excess is not the objective; quality is. The problem is that so many of us have forgotten what quality is to the extent that we consider any expenditure on ourselves to be pretentious. But if masons are to be men of inner distinction, then we are fully justified in treating ourselves to the best we can afford in life. We cannot expect less from the Craft or ourselves.

7. The return of a sense of awe to our ceremonies We should bring back those things that once were found in our lodges, and which helped create a very unique,

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...the observant mason holds the fraternity accountable to its promise to him to bestow light...

contemplative atmosphere for both the candidate and the lodge. Among these are the use of music, the manipulation of light and darkness, the Chamber of Reflection, and the closing charge which forms what is known as the Chain of Union. Consider that the candidate preparation room is not and was never meant to be a mere dressing room.

Consider that the notion of a ‘sacred band of brothers’ might allude to a physical manifestation of that sacredness. Consider that music has always been a part of our ceremonies, and that the Book of Constitutions ends with a collection of songs. All these things are part of who we are; they are not innovations from later jurisdictions or borrowings from European Masonry. Even the

use of incense is ritually alluded to in early exposures of the Craft. The idea is to stimulate and manage the sensory experience of the brethren, in the endeavour to create the sense of uniqueness one expects from a masonic experience. Here again, there is nothing strange about employing the senses in a masonic meeting. Our rituals teach the importance of each of those senses extensively; to not employ them in our meetings is the greater neglect and error. To refuse the restoration of awe to our rituals is to refuse to acknowledge our own heritage and history, and to deny the proper place and application of the pillar of Beauty to the Lodge.

8. Masonic education at every meeting The very origin of Freemasonry itself is in education. Whether it be the practical education in stone-cutting found in the operative Craft of Masonry, or the search for inner knowledge and science presented to us by the speculative Craft, the foundation of the art is inexorably based in teaching and learning. Without it, there is simply no Freemasonry taking place in a lodge. Therefore, every meeting of the lodge should offer some amount of masonic education, be it through the degrees, or through presentations on the various lessons of the Craft. Even a ten-minute talk focused on the symbolic meaning of a single working tool is far better than a meeting where nothing but donations, dinners, and dues are on the agenda. An observant lodge values the educational function of Freemasonry in its full bloom; the observant mason holds the fraternity accountable to its promise to him to bestow light, and he means to receive it from the Craft in every sense: spiritual, literal, and intellectual.

Numerous monitors and manuals from our Grand Lodges, spanning over at least the last two centuries, make plain the injunction to all masons to seek knowledge. That same injunction extends by natural progression to each lodge, and as a result, a lodge without masonic education cannot be an observant lodge, and is arguably not any kind of lodge at all. The search for more light is at the heart of Masonry. Observance is impossible without it.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Regional Roundup Send your masonic news by: Email to: freemason@masons.org.au

Masonic News from NSW & ACT Post to:  The Secretary, Freemason Editorial Committee The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT PO Box A259, Sydney South NSW 1235

NSW S

Regional roundup

ACT

L–R: VW Bro Brian Morgan, Bro Michael Avalos, VW Bro Peter Grellman and RW Bro Darren Price

Lodge Bland No 337 L–R: VW Bro Doug Marshall, RW Bro George Michael and W Bro Todd Shadbolt

Lodge Dawn No 511

Back with a bang!

Lodge Dawn celebrated its first regular meeting following COVID-19 lockdown on 2 September 2020 when 20 brethren witnessed RW Bro George Michael present a Fifty-Year jewel and certificate to VW Bro Doug Marshall.

Doug was initiated into Lodge Dawn on 4 March 1970, Passed on 5 August 1970 and Raised on 7 October 1970, and was installed into the chair of King Solomon in November 1975 by his nephew W Bro Robert Marshall.

RW Bro George Michael adds, “During the 1970s Tweed Heads APEX ran a driver training scheme for students from Tweed

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River High School. Doug was a driver-trainer. The driver-trainers regularly met at Toby’s Tavern, Tweed Heads, to discuss progress. One Friday Doug walked into the tavern ashen white and shaking like a leaf.

He asked a chemist, Bro Max Ganderton for a strong sedative. An incident had occurred when a student (being instructed by Doug) was standing in a side street at Bilambil waiting to drive onto the main road. As a car came along the student pulled out in front of it.

Fortunately, the other driver managed to avoid a collision. However Doug was still shaking like a leaf when he arrived at the Tavern.”

Bland plays on After a period of enforced inactivity, the brethren of Lodge Bland were delighted to resume their masonic activities and once again enjoy the fraternal companionship of their brethren.

They met on Thursday 17 September with a low key but interesting meeting.

Fourteen brethren were present to witness the investiture of several officers and the examination of two Fellowcrafts prior to their Raisings which will be carried out at future meetings. Our DGIW VW Bro Brian Morgan presented a Master Mason’s Certificate to Bro Michael Avalos and a Fifty-Year Certificate to VW Bro Peter Grellman.

The meeting concluded with a relaxed and jovial South.

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Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT

Lodge Army and Navy No 517

A Major event for Army and Navy W Bro Major Craig Youll and Bro Major Roland Millbank, received their 50 year Certificates and Jewels at the lodge’s last regular meeting. Both are retired Majors having a combined service of 60 years in the Australian Army.

It was truly a ‘Major event’ as it coincided with the Passing of Bro Major Yanal Abzack to the second degree. Bro Abzack is a retired Major from the Royal Jordanian Army who chose Australia as his home some five years ago. Bro Millbank was initiated in Lodge Parramatta Temperance on 22 April 1970 and W Bro Youll was initiated in Lodge Seymour on 24 June 1970.

Both brethren affiliated with Lodge Army and Navy 35 years ago and have been office bearers throughout that time. Bro Millbank was awarded grand honours last December and W Bro Youll has been Worshipful Master of the lodge twice.

L–R: W Bro Youll and Bro Millbank

Lodge Indus No 1055

Open for business On 25 September 2020, Lodge Indus held its first regular meeting since March 2020.

The meeting was held by W Bro Parminder Singh, as Master of the Lodge, at the Turramurra Masonic Centre to elect officers for the coming year. It was the lodge’s first meeting during the COVID pandemic and all COVID regulations were successfully complied with, thanks to prior preparation and due diligence.

The DGIW, VW Bro Brian Samson was delighted to be their first guest at the meeting.

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December 2020

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Lodge Ku-Ring-Gai No 1033

W Bro Gus (Angus) Miller celebrates his 17-year masonic journey!

Finally fifty On 19 October 2020 Lodge Ku-Ring-Gai met in lodge for the first time since March 2020.

The highlight of the night was the presentation of a 50-year certificate to RW Bro Dr Graham Piper. The Certificate was presented by VW Bro Brian Lemon who had initiated RW Bro Dr Piper 50 years earlier!

Lodge Broughton No 131

75 Years a mason In October, W Bro Angus George Chisolm (Gus) Miller, was presented with a 75-year certificate by his nephew W Bro John Miller in the presence of the DGIW and members of Lodge Broughton. His lengthy service was commented on by the Grand Master in a personal letter of congratulation.

Gus was initiated as a Lewis into Lodge Broughton on 7 July 1945. He has held many of the offices and was the Master on three occasions: 1957–58, 1983–84 and 2005–06. He is currently the Lodge Chaplain and still attends lodge.

Gus was famous in District 31 for his cheerful nature, great smile and his Junior

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Warden’s toast. To assist the visitors on their return home, he would point out four little known locations in the North, South, East and West. These were Fox Ground, Jasper’s Brush, Toolijooa and Bellawongarah.

He was a very talented rugby league player; for three seasons he played for NSW against Queensland. He was the only player ever to be honoured with life membership of Group Seven Rugby League.

Gus was a long-time member of the Berry Town Band, playing the euphonium.

Lodge Broughton is very proud of such a wonderful member of the local community.

RW Bro Piper receives his certificate in a socially-distant lodge meeting!

Got a story?

Did your lodge do something worth sharing?

Email us the details (and ideally a few photos!) to the following address: freemason@masons.org.au

December 2020

43

Service Certificates and Initiates

United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT

Congratulations to our masons

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YEARS SERVICE

HODGSON, William. . . . . . Lodge Balranald 214 JOHNSON, Kenneth. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Cooma Monaro 164

COSTAIOLAS, John. . . . Laurelbank Kuring-gai Daylight Lodge 230 COX, Noel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wallis Plains 4

ALLEN, Frederick . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Canberra Unity 465

LOWE, Alan. . . . . . . . . . . . Laurelbank Kuring-gai Daylight Lodge 230

GOSTELOW, Alan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leisure Coast Daylight Lodge 999

RAFFELL, Bruce . . . . . . Lodge Greater Taree 66 RICHARDS, William. . . . . . Lodge Thespian 256

FERNANCE, Leonard. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes 247

McKINNON, George. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Twin Towns Daylight Lodge 436

RILEY, Walter. . . . . . . . . Lodge Greater Taree 66

GOODALL, Richard. . . . . Lodge Enterprise 400

STRACHAN, Andrew. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes 247

HEXTELL, Kenneth. . . . Leisure Coast Daylight Lodge 999

WOODHILL, Ronald. . . . . Lodge Coffs Harbour Daylight 1016

INGERSOLE, Frank. . . . . . . Lodge Guildford 321

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YEARS SERVICE

ARNOL, Bruce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Twin Towns Daylight Lodge 436 BANKS, Alan. . . . . . Lodge Canoblas Lewis 806 GUNNER, Donald. . . . . . . . . Lodge Cronulla 312

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DAWES, Richard. . . . . . Lodge Wahroonga 674 EZZY, Allan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Resurgo 223

MILLBANK, Roland. . . . Lodge Army & Navy 517 PARKER, Alexander. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Eastern Suburbs 1050

YEARS SERVICE

BENINGTON, Stewart. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Loftus Macleay 203 CASTLE, Ronald. . . . . . . . Lodge Cavanbah 231

REDFERN, Gregory. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Canoblas Lewis 806 SMITH, Graham. . . . . Lodge Bulli Thirroul 1040 YOULL, Craig . . . . . . Lodge Army and Navy 517

EVENTS AND NOTICES What’s on Lodge Mayfield Daylight No 493

Newcastle’s only daylight lodge welcomes masons unavailable for or cautious about night-time meetings!

2nd Tuesday of every month.

Tyling at 9:30am. Lunch $10.

New Lambton Masonic Centre.

For details call 02 4968 4511.

International Order of the Rainbow for Girls

BECHARA, David. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Axiom 1047 CABACAR, Shan. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Blacktown Kildare 393 FREEMAN, Craig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Dawn 511 HANNAH, John. . . . . . . . The Cedars Lodge 1041

MENDOZA, Gian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes 247 ROGERS, James. . . . Lodge Army and Navy 517 SCIPIONE, Lois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Kingsford Smith 1028

Wishing you rainbows!

Red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) Fair dinkum.

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2 Capricorn 1 Five

Quiz answers!

December 2020

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List your event or notice here! freemason@apmgraphics.com.au

5

Contact Chris Tillott on: 0437 768 603 or email: yetam@skymesh.com.au

15 Cycling 16 Carmen 17 Hawaii 18 Five kangaroos (and a variable choice of other creatures) 19 Mother Theresa 20 Every year.

Watch this space for a new date!

7 Southern Cross 8 Robert Menzies 9 Northern Territory 10 Krypton 11 144 12 Plum 13 Marilyn Monroe 14 January (2017)

175 Year Celebration

Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha)

Bathurst District Freemasons

Quiz answers

6 Tasmania

Starting at Cumberland Assembly No. 2 New members welcome! Please come along and showyour support!

For further details please phone Talese on: 0401 213 800 or email: Talese_s@hotmail.com

Due to COVID and other events beyond our control, the 175 year Celebration of Freemasonry in Bathurst to be held in December has been postponed until a suitable date in 2021 can be arranged.

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Welcome to our new members

How many of these brain-burners did you get right?

WHAT’S ON

Calling Newcastle masons

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

AND... WE’RE BACK! R SEEKING THE GOLDEN LION R ORIGIN OF OUR RITUAL

v53 n4 December 2020

PHOTO COMPETITION R THE STORY OF JEPHTHAH R LODGE VAUCLUSE v52 n3 September 2020 BLAZEAID VOLUNTEERS R TRAVELLING FULL-TIME R A BIBLICAL LOVE STORY

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Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

Crossword

December 2020

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3

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

Back to business

FREEMASON FOTO COMPETITION!

Example entries on back cover

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

v52 n2 June 2020

Virtual Masonry Broken Hill – meetings beyond the lodge room

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– a town of contrasts

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Thank You

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to all our sponsors who have helped make this edition possible:

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Acorn Stairlifts

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Bathurst District Freemasons

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Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes of NSW

27 9

George H Lilley Regalia

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Hornsby and Ku-Ring-Gai Masonic Association

Lodge Mayfield Daylight No 493

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Rembrandt

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Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution of NSW

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Terry McCallum Photography

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The Law Offices of Dr. Dion Accoto

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Urban Property Group

SEPTEMBER SOLUTION

If you wish to become a sponsor: Phone: 1800 806 930 or email freemason@apmgraphics.com.au

I C R I E T C O N E N E E A A C A I C I T A

www.masons.org.au

A R E B U N T S S E P L O I N G A T B E

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International Order of the Rainbow for Girls NSW & SA

M A S O N A I N I G H T U H A C T O F L S T E P U N A G N A T S D H T H E T R I R O M A S O N E E E S T A R

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M A N L Z I M R T I S C N T S A E T G B O A C P O S T I R N A C M A N I F E S T

G I N N G E O N U R E S A R D H L E R L E

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Across

Down

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Strangely adore men with this manner (8) 5 Reveal in a flash large cut stone (6) 9 & 31 Upset rebel enthralls as a body of Christian Brothers (8, 8) 10 16 down & 23 down The pillars that support our Lodges (5) 12 Give us by the grace of God that we may have focus as intended (9) 13 Some pursued with the end to get a velvety nap (5) 14 & 1 down Naive adult in trouble in the time prior to the flood (4, 8) 15 Could our badge come from a porn show? (5) 20 Number three perhaps (5) 21 Surrender to a little antecedent after tenant is evicted (4) 26 20 across is in that place (5) 27 A cardinal virtue if tutored correctly (9) 28 Rugged up with a grievance (6) 29 Oh! Mike in trouble with an Ayatollah (8) 30 Old grass cutter had a chesty problem (6) 31 See 9 Across

See 14 across

2 Some quit when taken out of context (8) 3 A cheap representation of an Athabascan language (6) 4 Discovered opal in the sump (3, 3) 6 Old ships founder considering initiates right heel (8) 7 Jacob’s steps in some mixed salad dressing (6) 8 Impacted by poor Mr Mead (6) 11 Gut empty when bloke leaves to persuade (5) 16 See 10 across (8) 17 Feudal labourers ride the breakers we’re told (5) 18 Put Claire up in this odd manner (8) 19 Blind person from city in NE Italy (8) 22 Platform at a certain juncture (6) 23 See 10 across (6) 24 Hood of her car in repair? (6) 25 Destiny that ski met with an accident (6)

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A Start in Life Advertorial

Leaving a Legacy A thank you from RW Bro Allan Elliott, RW Bro Olly Bergstrom, VW Bro Dale Thomas-Berrier, VW Bro John Carroll PDGIW, and W Bro Joseph Hansell.

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or over 95 years, the generosity of Freemasons and their families has enabled A Start in Life to provide vital support to disadvantaged students. Bequests are one of the most important sources of this generosity. As fellow Freemasons and Executive Committee members of A Start in Life for a collective 60+ years, we acknowledge and thank you for this support.

The commitment masons have shown by leaving a bequest to help educate future generations is extraordinary. Who could have anticipated that these philanthropic intentions, initiated many years ago, would become a critical lifeline for the education of children in the year 2020? With many regular supporters’ ability to donate currently limited, we have been able to call upon reserves established by previous endowments to sustain A Start in Life’s program of life-changing services. This has been crucial at a time when care and consistency are more important than ever.

We also witnessed consideration and compassion in the various bequests received over the previous 12 months.

Though the amounts and the circumstances behind these gifts differ, the donors are united by a belief in the importance of education.

Legacies from the Craft Tony Ostler of Lodge Star of Wauchope understood that every amount counts.

Throughout his life, he would collect and return recyclables, using the proceeds from their refund to make occasional

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December 2020

L–R: RW Bro Allan Elliott, RW Bro Olly Bergstrom, VW Bro Dale Thomas-Berrier, VW Bro John Carroll PDGIW, and W Bro Joseph Hansell.

Daylight No 997 before his death in 2012. This year we were notified he and his wife Maureen provided A Start in Life with a bequest in memory of their son, Martin, who had died at 21.

...donors are united by a belief in the importance of education.

donations. His children recall him often speaking of their luck, the importance of education, and the need to help others.

Tony lived by the motto, ‘everything helps.’ On his death at 92, Tony made this motto his legacy by leaving A Start in Life a bequest that perpetuated the depths of his convictions.

W Bro Donald Baldwin, a dedicated and enthusiastic Freemason, learned of A Start in Life’s work when attending Castle Hill lodges and Lodge Westlake

Another particularly devoted mason surprised us with a generous endowment that will aid our cause for years to come.

Although he was an active masonic member, he was not a regular donor.

His bequest was, however, inspired by a desire to better society and his belief in education as the way to achieve this.

A very senior member of our Craft also made a provision in his will, drawn up many years earlier, for A Start in Life.

We were honoured to be chosen.

While the highest values of Freemasonry – integrity, friendship, respect and charity – help define our path in life, we can continue to foster these ideals through the legacy we leave for the future of others. Causes such as A Start in Life ensure that the good we do ripples through generations to come.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

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RFBI was founded in 1880 to help people in need and over our 140 year history, we have supported thousands of people with the help of our benefactors and your generous donations.

In the last financial year alone, we gave $1.31M to provide financial support and assistance to families in our local communities, provide subsidised accommodation and fund initiatives that help people enjoy a better quality of life.

If you would like to support our Benevolence Program and help us help others, making a donation or bequest is easy. Simply visit rfbi.com.au and complete the form online or call Ray Vickers, RFBI Ambassador, on 02 8031 3200.

140 YEARS OF SERVICE

December 2020 Feeemason Ad.indd 1

5/11/2020 3:49:35 PM

Here are some examples of the sort of thing we’re looking for as entries to the Freemason Fotos competition.

You will see that some are a little more artistic than others, or have a bit of a different ’take’.

We encourage creativity in your submissions, but are open to any entries just being of interest to our readers while still meeting the entry criteria!