Freemason NSW & ACT – June 2019

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER R EDWARD LARKIN R FEMALE FREEMASONS

v51 n2 June 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

Bee Busy as a

Contents

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 Ted Simmons OAM Committee: RW Bro Graham Maltby (Secretary), Dr Yvonne McIntyre, VW Bro Andre Fettermann, RW Bro Richard Dawes, W Bro Stephen Dally, W Bro Steve Lourey, Bro Simon Pierce and Lynne Clay Design & Production: Bro Simon Pierce, Megan Baumann and Pam Gill

24 •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••

Editorial 3 Quarterly Communication

4

Charity in Wisconsin

6

GM re-elected

7

Female Freemasons

8

Masonic etiquette

9

NSW Rural Fire Service

10

Freemasonry in the spotlight

11

From the Grand Chaplain

12

Tercentennial Essay

14

A Start in Life

16

Masonic Widows

18

Book reviews

20

Writing for Freemason

21

•• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••

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Freemason is published in March, June, September and December. Deadline for copy is 1st of the month preceding month of issue.

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

What’s on?

21

Associated orders

22

The size of a lodge

23

Busy as a bee

24

Touring Iceland

26

Making mentors

30

Masonicare 31 Famous mason

32

Letters to the Editor

34

Freemasonry in Australia

36

Regional Roundup

37

Initiates 44 Crossword 45 Service Certificates

46

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 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 Freemason is proudly designed and produced

by APM Graphics Management 16 Springwood Street, Blackwall NSW 2256 Printed by Ovato Distributed to all NSW & ACT brethren and sister Grand Lodges in Australia and Worldwide.

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EDITORIAL POLICY

Aims of the Freemason magazine

See sroty on page 24

COVER IMAGE:

O

The beehive is a common masonic symbol in some countries.

Electronic versions of FREEMASON can be viewed or downloaded at www.masons.org.au

RR To uphold and promote those values, morals and virtues which Freemasonry believes are universal and enduring.

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

RR To provide a forum for discussion on masonic issues.

RR To publicise the charitable works of Free­masonry.

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

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

June 2019

ISSN 1836-0475 or ISSN 1836-0513 (Online) Print Post Approved 100007316 © 2019 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 Ted Simmons OAM

To be, or not to be It’s not often that author William Shakespeare is quoted in this magazine but it was too hard to bypass the opportunity to slightly change one of his better known phrases.

I

n the play Hamlet, the soliloquy uses the well-known words ‘To be or not to be, that is the question.’ But Wisconsin Past Grand Master Jack Allord in the United States paraphrased the words into ‘to go, or not to go … to lodge tonight’ as he speculated on members who may think they are too busy or don’t have enough time to attend.

Let’s add a few extra words such as ‘is that a question?’

If people such as prime ministers, premiers, kings and princes can find time amidst all of their activities to go to lodge, why should it be so difficult for others. Is one night a month really so hard to put aside?

staged for the benefit of the elderly, disabled, sick or children or providing necessary equipment for hospitals, nursing homes or schools. Admittedly, these functions are not held every month but do they differ much in going to lodge.

I suppose it all depends on what importance you place on being a member of a lodge. The average person puts aside time for birthdays, holidays, social functions, theatres and sport.

That doesn’t provide any problem.

Of course, there are always the nights on which a favourite or special program is being shown on television which just can’t be missed.

And, occasionally, they will take part in a community activity which is being

So is the infrequent lodge member really too busy to go out one night a

INVICTUS GAMES R CHIVALRY R LODGE INDUS IS FORMED

v50 n4 December 2018

FAUNA R STROKE RECOGNITION GRAND INSTALLATION R FIERCE

v51 n2 June

FIREFIGHTER

D R EDWAR

LARKIN

E R FEMAL

2019 COMMUNITY RADIO

FREEMASONS

R ALEXANDER FLEMING

R WHEN THE GUNS FELL

SILENT

– Respect – Loyalty Integrity

v51 n1 March 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

Our

On the

Ghan

Grand Master

BeeJordan Busy as a

Travels in

I don’t pretend to have the answers to all questions. I do know however, that if I commit myself to a function or to an organisation, my conscience would not allow me to ignore my responsibility of attending or at least making contact to say why I couldn’t attend.

It must be disappointing for those who do attend to see so many empty seats and not even an apology for non-attendance, even in today’s world of multi-mobiles which can get your message anywhere around the world.

Maybe members should regard Masonry as similar to a flower garden where seeds have been planted in the hope that ultimately there will be a crop which can bloom or be harvested.

Such a garden does not grow without constant attention, perseverance and thought. Why can’t we take the same attitude for our lodge?

v50 n3 September 2018

www.masons.org.au VOLUNTEER

It must be disappointing for those who do attend to see so many empty seats...

month and his time so locked up that he can’t find three hours to spare?

Get your own!

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June 2019

3

Quarterly Communication

MARCH COMMUNICATION The meetings of the Grand Lodge became more widespread at the March Quarterly Communication when the proceedings were extended to further areas throughout NSW.

I

n his welcoming address, the Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM noted that at the December Communication, he was thrilled that so many joined with us on what was the

OUR NEXT

COMMUNICATION The Grand Lodge Quarterly Communication will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre on WEDNESDAY 12 June 2019 at 7:30pm.

The Communication is open to all members of Grand Lodge, which includes all Master Masons.

The Grand Master extends an invitation to all other brethren to attend as observers.

Brethren attending as observers are not entitled to vote on matters being considered by Grand Lodge.

RENOVATIONS COMPLETE! Grand Lodge is pleased to inform all bretheren that the renovations are complete and so all services are returned to normal availability.

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June 2019

first occasion that our proceedings were live-streamed to eight centres across the jurisdiction.

‘Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have extended that reach, and we are now live-streaming to twenty-two centres across the jurisdiction,’ he said.

‘This is important for several reasons.

The proceedings of our Grand Lodge are an integral part of our masonic journey, and yet so many of you have never been able to be part of it. We have always acknowledged that many in our membership have enormous distances to travel, extensive family and community responsibilities to tend to, and general lifestyle issues demanding our attention, but now brethren, we have moved to ensure that you can be better informed and involved in our Grand Lodge.

‘As your Grand Master, I am honoured that you have shown the interest and respect to take the time to be involved in the workings of your Grand Lodge tonight, either through your attendance here, or in one of our streaming centres.’

A caring attitude is one of the fundamental principles...

The Grand Master again explained the various seatings in the Grand Lodge room, including the officers of Grand Lodge, Past Grand Officers, Past Grand Masters, District Grand Inspectors of Workings, visitors and brethren from all parts of the Jurisdiction.

He said his program in the past three months had been very interesting and varied.

He attended The Cedars Lodge Christmas meeting and was honoured to receive a $5,000 donation for the Grand Charity; at Lodge West Wyalong he witnessed their first Initiation in fifteen years resulting in some wonderful media coverage; a visit to Lodge Ballina United and a presentation of eleven Service Certificates totalling 500 years’ service; wheelchair presentations to Byron Hospital and Ballina LifeCare; attendance at the Order of the Eastern Star Grand Installation; and various other Installations.

‘I want to especially mention the coming ANZAC commemorations. Many within our numbers have seen service to our country and have all the elements of the ANZAC Spirit ingrained into their psyche. Many others enjoy the respect and dignity our commemorative and reflective activities bring. I trust we will all recognise the historical involvement of our frail and elderly, and the widows of our departed members, and consider how to involve them at this most important time in our national calendar. It is also important to hold the memory of the 364 masons whose names are forever etched on the magnificent honour roll on the third floor of this memorial building. Let us never forget the promise which was made to them that “we would never forget.”

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

MW Bro Robson addresses brethren all over the state

‘I trust that you will understand that once we were aware that there would need to be an election at this Commun­ ication, I suspended all activities by the Task Team but I can assure you that we will work hard to make up this time-lag and I look forward to being able to announce yet more improvements through the Task Team's program.

Regarding further Training the Mentors course programs, we are now looking to how these can be extended to all areas we have not already covered, so that every lodge has access. Our new mentors have much more significant information to work with, they are more informed and they will bring a much more enlightened resource to your lodge. The mentors role is not one which will simply support the progress of our new masons, but they will be available to support and manage all issues relating to all our long-serving and generational masons, should the need arise.

‘I regularly speak of the words of our final Ode in the Lodge Installation program, where we join in singing the words ‘may we in harmony combine’.

Brethren, if we can better understand what this means and work together in harmony, there would be much less tension in our relationships. I am sure that we would all prefer a better adherence to our Tenets and Principles, and a far better understanding of our personal obligations, and I look forward to the mentors being able to assist in tackling these issues.’

‘Brethren, I have already mentioned that whenever possible on my trips to the country, I take the time to visit those masons who are in care or respite

www.masons.org.au

Still from the December Communcation stream

facilities and no longer able to participate in lodge activity, and the pleasure on their faces when realising that someone has taken the time to visit them is most gratifying. I do urge you to spend a little time with your older and frail members, and your lodge widows, just to let them know that they are not forgotten, that their efforts are still being appreciated, and that we are still all of one family. A caring attitude is one of the fundamental principles of a mason, and it is personally very rewarding.

‘There are many exciting things happening in our midst, and to follow my theme of highlighting some particular lodge or centre’s activity, I bring the Liverpool Masonic Centre to your attention tonight. In 2008, Lodge Liverpool No 197, the only lodge then meeting in the Liverpool Masonic Centre, had just 25 members. Management then put its mind to how it could improve its prospects and attract more attention and attendance. In 2010, a body of the Ancient and Accepted Rite relocated to the centre. In 2015, the centre celebrated 50 years, and I had the pleasure of rededicating the centre. In 2017, Lodge Honour was consecrated with 42 members, and a Royal Arch Chapter relocated to the centre. At the end of 2018, Lodge Liverpool had a total of 60 members, Lodge Honour had 46 members, and the Other Orders continue to thrive. This is a remarkable turnaround in one of our city centres, and I congratulate RW Bro Frank Ingersole and his Committee for extending the hand of Freemasonry in this way.’

The Board of Management reported a new project has commenced to create and produce new video materials both short and long versions for a series of 12 masonic subjects for distribution on the Grand Lodge website and social media which will show subjects such as What Freemasonry is, What it does for its members, What we stand for, Our charities at work and many more.

In his report, the Deputy Grand Secretary said the Sydney Open Day will again be held in November and the Sydney Masonic Centre will be available.

Volunteers will be needed to assist the many visitors attracted to the centre.

The Grand Treasurer, in his report, submitted proposals which were app­ roved at the Grand Lodge meeting that capitation fees be increased by 4.8 per cent to cover increased costs.

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June 2019

5

Charity in Wisconsin

Masonic

charity

This is a report on charity work by masons in Wisconsin.

M

asonic Charity can take many forms. Masonry is not a charity in and of itself, but as masons we are by our nature charitable. In the United States, masons are fortunate to have many opportunities to practice charity. While we are extremely proud of some of the ‘big’ work that our foundations and boards do, it is important that charity is not always done with ‘dead guys’ money.

Charity needs to be a living breathing thing and a way of life.

There are four basic cornerstones to charity in Wisconsin. While this won’t be a detailed description, it should help give a flavour of how we as Wisconsin Freemasons can make a difference.

Our first cornerstone is ‘brother-tobrother’ charity. This is our most basic and purest form of charity, and it comes from each individual brother’s heart. As a brother, each of us can offer assistance to our fellow brothers. This could take the form of financial help or it could be in other forms. Helping a brother by

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June 2019

As a brother, each of us can offer assistance to our fellow brothers.

offering him a ride, helping with some chores or just visiting are often the most important ways to help a brother.

The second cornerstone is ‘lodge level’ charity. As a lodge we need to be aware of the struggles of brethren and stand ready to help. This might involve passing the hat, using a lodge charity fund or scheduling a work party to help a brother or widow. Helping as a lodge also helps to develop camaraderie and strengthen our bonds of friendship.

Lodges might also hold fundraisers to sponsor a charity fund or scholarships.

Our third cornerstone is ‘statewide’ charity. These are extremely important and active in Wisconsin. Our state-wide charities include the Board of Service and Assistance, the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation and also Three Pillars, or our Masonic Home. State-wide charities help us to match funds for scholarships and sprucing up our lodges. We also match funds for medical equipment such as AEDs (defibrillators). Scottish Rite Learning Centres might fall into this category as well.

Finally, as masons, we are able to tap into larger charities; this is our fourth cornerstone of charity. These include the Shrine Hospitals, The Masonic Medical Research Lab, the Scottish Rite Almoners Fund and the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, among others.

Charity, my brothers, comes from the heart. Charity is also personal. There is no need to feel badgered into donating to any one cause. Let your heart speak!

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

GM re-elected

Grand Master re-elected The Grand Master of the UGL NSW & ACT, MW Bro Derek Robson AM was re-elected for a further year in office at the Quarterly Communication held at the Masonic Centre in March.

‘I

am grateful and appreciative of the decision by the members. I am also honoured and humble to be serving as Grand Master,’ he said after voting favoured him over challenger RW Bro Glen Green, PSGW.

In his nomination form, MW Bro Robson pointed out that members expected him to provide sound and considered leadership, offer responsible advice on management and governance issues and present a clear representation of the issues and concerns of the membership and the Craft in general.

‘In the short time I have had so far, I believe I have displayed most of the attributes you would expect, including good corporate governance, tight fiscal management, adherence to core business and a positive response to the needs of our Craft and our lodges,’ he said.

‘During my earlier period in office, the leadership and management teams strived to instil a new confidence in the Craft and a greater awareness of our talents and life skills. These actions made a difference.

I promise to develop all these aspects which will contribute to a sound Craft...

‘I have continued this forward-thinking approach with establishment of the Grand Master’s Task Team. Using this very committed group of masons, we have examined and reviewed many of the inter-related and inter-connected issues related to buildings, timely meeting practices, interesting programs, community activity, social media, charity and membership recruitment, retention and renewal and we have offered solutions to these issues.

‘For the first time in many years, over 200 masons across the jurisdiction have

already participated in the new and much broader mentor training and their influence will assist our retention efforts enormously and provide for a much more enjoyable experience for our newer members.’

The Grand Master also invited all masons to consider several points: RR Take every opportunity to concentrate on those aspects that enhance the tenets and principles of the Craft; RR Have the utmost respect for each other; RR Make better connections with the community; RR Pursue ideas that benefit all members of the Craft; and RR Ensure that lodges understand our clear lines of responsibility.

‘A Grand Master can only do so much, but with your support I promise to develop all these aspects which will contribute to a sound Craft and offer far stronger retention capabilities, such that our lodges and our masons will further develop,’ he said.

Dr. Dion’s Brainteasers Q: Can a man legally marry his widow’s sister in the state of NSW? A good lawyer looks beyond the surface!

Want to know the answer? Ask Dr. Dion Accoto next time you see him at Lodge, or email him. Contact details are on the inside back cover of this issue!

Dr. Dion Accoto LL.B. GCLP. DBL. Legal Counsel and Corporate Advisor

Liability Limited by a Scheme Approved Under Professional Standards Legislation

www.masons.org.au

June 2019

7

Female Freemasons these women went on to develop women’s Freemasonry.

Women’s rites The subject of women and Freemasonry has been a point of discussion for centuries but has rarely reached the stage of serious argument.

O

ver recent decades, many women have moved away from only assisting social committees and have created their own organisations, as well as playing a major role in raising funds for masonic and other charities.

To get a better example of the woman’s viewpoint, the following are excerpts taken from an interview with Christine Chapman, the Grand Master of the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons in England also known as Freemasonry for Women.

Christine Chapman, the Grand Master of the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons in England

‘I was inspired to become a Freemason because of my father who was a mason and loved every minute of it. My mother joined at his behest and my husband also. My mother asked me to join, so I took the plunge. I’ve now been a Freemason for 42 years and I’ve never regretted it for a minute,” said Christine, who became Grand Master in 2014.

‘The old myth that it began with inquisitive women being discovered hidden in lodge cupboards, grandfather clocks and under floorboards – and that they were made masons to protect the secrets – is entertaining, but none of

‘It began in pre-revolutionary 18th century France with the Lodge of Adoption, which were female masonic societies under the adoption of masculine lodges. When the French Revolution arrived, all these lodges were for the chop, at least metaphorically.

‘However, women were coming to the forefront of French intellectual society and Maria Deraismes, a well-known writer and supporter of women’s rights, was invited to become a full member of Loge des Libres Pensurs, working under the Grande Loge Symbol­ique de France.

Her initiation in 1882 caused a schism, so this lodge and nine others seceded to form a new Grand Lodge called La Grande Loge Symbolique Ecossaise.

And a new parallel movement was formed that eventually became known as Le Droit Humain, or the International Order of Co-Masonry.

‘Not long after this, the radical feminist Annie Besant travelled to France to join this movement and when she returned to England she decided to form the British Federation of the International Order of Co-Masonry in 1902. However, in true masonic fashion there was a breakaway by members who wanted their Freemasonry to run along similar line to UGLE. ‘So in 1908 a new Grand Lodge was formed, called the Honourable Fraternity of Antient Masonry, although they added The Order of Women Freemasons to their title.’

Grand Master Chapman was quite vocal about the type of Freemasonry practised in her Order and said for the first five years of its existence, they practised only the Craft degrees. In November 1913, another Grand Lodge known as the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons was formed, which is her Grand Lodge.

This meant that in 1913 they had three Masonic Grand Lodges admitting both men and women but eventually it was decided to become single sex and by 1933 they had achieved that aim.

On misconceptions about women’s Freemasonry, she said they had to fight people who thought women were upset that they couldn’t join the men.

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June 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Masonic etiquette

Even nowadays, women need to be empowered.

‘But in our organisation, we want to work as women, for an organisation of women, doing things for women. We sometimes come across men who don’t think we could possibly be doing it at the same level as them. We have a saying: it’s like football – the same game, the same rules but different teams,’ she said.

‘At present, we have very committed and enthusiastic overseas lodges in Spain, Gibraltar, Romania and India and this year a lodge will be opening in Washington DC. We have a very good working relationship. Take the Gender Reassignment Policy; we worked together on that. Our policy mirrors UGLE’s, so if any of our members want to become a man, they can remain a member. And we have an agreement to accept members from each other’s organisations if they’d feel happier in an organisation filled with members of their new gender.

We’ve also been working with UGLE in the Universities Scheme since 2016, as students now demand that women be given the same opportunities to become Freemasons.

‘Even nowadays, women need to feel empowered. Freemasonry offers that by making women more confident, selfaware and self-assured. It’s a wonderful system of morality and guidance to help you lead a better life, achieved through allegory and symbolism. Women appreciate belonging to a group of other women and they take Freemasonry every bit as seriously as the men. I can honestly say that my life has been transformed immeasurably by being a female Freemason.’

Based on an interview first published in Freemasonry Today, a publication of the United Grand Lodge of England.

www.masons.org.au

Brethren, please rise!

The Australian Oxford Dictionary defines the word ‘upstanding’ as meaning standing up, well set up, honest and straightforward.

When brethren are often asked at the Festive Board to ‘please be upstanding’ are they being asked to be standing up, be well set up, be honest or to be straightforward? To be standing up is the closest of the three but it can still cause confusion.

The correct term to be used at the Festive Board is ‘Brethren, please rise.’

with their hands by their sides. The glasses should be left on the table.

The WM then proclaims ‘The Queen’. Extra words such as ‘Her Majesty’ or ‘God bless her’ are not in accordance with protocol and should not be used.

The brethren lift their glasses, drink the toast and replace the glass on the table.

The WM then says : ‘Brethren, be seated.’

The Loyal Toast The Loyal Toast is the first to be given after Grace has been said at a masonic banquet and is currently given in many different ways by the Worshipful Master. However, according to protocol, there is only one correct method.

The Director of Ceremonies calls the brethren to attention with the request ‘Brethren, please pay attention to your Worshipful Master.’

The WM then stands and says: ‘Brethren please rise and join me in a toast to the Queen.’

The WM should wait for a moment for the brethren to stand

Do you have an etiquette question?

Mail it to: Ted Simmons, PO Box A259, Sydney South NSW 1235 or email: TedS@masons.org.au

June 2019

9

NSW Rural Fire Service

Researched by RW Bro Richard Dawes

My first fire The NSW Rural Fire Service is the world’s largest volunteer fire service and members provide fire and emergency services to approximately 95 percent of NSW. This is the story of a new member.

A

s you probably know, the Rural Fire Service is the primary bushfire fighting service in NSW, every state has a bushfire service and the people on the ground doing the work are volunteers. We handle bush and grass fires, house and structure fires, storm damage, search and rescue, motor vehicle accidents, community education and bush fire mitigation.

I have soot in places I didn’t think it would go...

The paid members of these organisations run the system on a day to day basis and do most of the paperwork to keep the system accountable as well as keeping volunteers updated on legal changes and system requirements.

happen ‘on the paddock’ and what you can do to protect yourself, other people and their property.

The brigades are managed by the volunteers and as in any other group, you need a president, secretary, treasurer and captain to operate the brigade.

Add to this other needed tasks such as training, community education, hazard mitigation, catering to raise funds for items the system does not supply, WHS and general safety.

After you join you are required to do some training to prepare for your time on the truck. The first requirement is to open your knowledge base on what can

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June 2019

The real training then begins, going out and putting into practice what you were taught, to gain experience on how to do it and learn that each fire is different and doesn’t always go the way you were shown on course. It teaches you to be flexible and observant.

For your first fire (hopefully a small one to get your bearings!), the boss of the truck orders all out and get dressed in your protective gear. You find your hat and gloves and someone tosses you a face mask and reminds you to put your goggles on; the boss says get on the

back of the truck and use the hose to put water on the base of the fire as we drive down the fire flank.

Wow this sounds like fun, off we go, but something’s happened – I can’t see, my eyes are watering, I am coughing and can’t breathe... I forgot to put on my goggles and face mask.

After what seems like hours but is only a few minutes, my eyes stop stinging and I can breathe so I get to work putting water on the fire, yet as we go past small bits of fire are missed, so we do a long turn and start again but the boss calls for the truck to stop while he checks something on the back of the truck.

Then as we start the run again all this foam comes out with the water and the fire is being put out quicker and more completely. I ask what happened and the boss said he forgot to turn a valve on for the foam proportioner.

As we drive further we reach a large blackberry bush that is alight and its

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Freemasonry in the spotlight heat is burning my exposed skin.

Then I remember my training course said depending on the day and what is burning we can have about 40kW per square metre coming at us as well as the 40 degree day around us.

As an example, a two-bar electric radiator is about 2.4kW; 40kW is about equal to 20 bar heaters in every square metre that hits you. No wonder I’m hot and my skin’s burning. The boss keeps telling me to drink water and I don’t know how many I’ve drunk but it’s a lot and by day’s end I still haven’t needed the toilet. Finally the fire’s out and we go home, replenish the truck with drinking water (36 bottles between three of us over the day), refill the vehicle with water, foam and fuel, give it a quick wash and clean out ready for the next call. The boss asked how we went and we asked questions on why we did various things and how we could do better next time.

I learnt that breathing smoke is bad for you, without your goggles you can’t see anything from the tears, fire is hot, foam is better than straight water, don’t run or rush, keep drinking water no matter what, the first toilet stop after the fire hurts and it takes several hours to rehydrate after the fire.

Also, at the end of the day a shower takes twice as long as normal as I have soot in places I didn’t think it would go, my uniform and boots are putrid and require washing and polishing, I need a few more personal items to make the day a little more pleasant such as flavour for the water bottles, a pair of pliers, a knife, a torch, a pen and some paper to write on.

Now I’m better prepared for the next call out!

NSW RFS firefighters on loan to Tasmania, 2016

Masonry in the media

Every year, British newspaper The Economist publishes its top ten most read articles. Last year, the article What is Freemasonry? placed fifth on that prestigious list.

T

he paper said on most days it publishes an explainer that adds context to a story in the news, or diverts readers with something more whimsical. This year it has examined birthright citizenship, Mark Zuckerberg testifying in Congress and no-deal Brexit. But as the foundations of the liberal world order shake, it may be a relief to contemplate Freemasonry and happy Finns.

This is its article on Freemasonry.

‘Freemasonry grew out of medieval stonemasons’ guilds. In the 17th century, they began accepting non-stonemasons —men interested in mathematics and antiquity—and when guilds became obsolete these gentlemen enthusiasts made up the majority of members.

Freemasonry survived as a network of groups, known as lodges, defined by a commitment to universal brotherhood and self-improvement. But because it had secretive and elaborate rituals, and because it is secular, non-partisan and based on enlightenment values, Free­ masonry has long drawn the ire of the Catholic church and right-wing politicians.

‘And in another media area, SBS television in Sydney in its Great Train Journeys in England recently found the

narrator on a train to Gloucester which stopped at a city on the way where he visited a Masonic Centre.

‘The camera was allowed into the lodge room to show in detail the furniture and fittings and all questions by the compère were openly answered by the mason in charge.’

It was an intelligent and interesting interlude which answered many questions often asked about the Craft.

Got old

regalia?

The Hornsby and Kuring-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

$1,400 raised so far!

Photo courtesy of RFS NSW

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June 2019

11

From the Grand Chaplain

By RW Bro Leon Carter OBE

Do not tolerate

Intolerance

Difference of opinion has been with us throughout the history of mankind.

I

ntolerance and conflict in family situations and business matters can have serious consequences. Peaceful demonstrations which become violent have disastrous outcomes.

the virtue of tolerance and respect for the view of others in his majestic oration in 1963, ‘I have a dream’. King spoke eloquently against racial intolerance.

His dream was ‘one day people will be judged not by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.’

Whilst peaceful demonstration is permitted in many countries including our own, it is unlawful in many other countries.

With few exceptions, violent public demonstrations are usually put down by the ruling authority wth the intervention of the police or the military.

Instead of compromise and tolerance of other points of view, we are now also being subjected to an increasing degree of dishonest argument, such as personal insult, confusion, sarcasm and even lying.

Intolerance offends against the principles of scripture and is contrary to the spirit of charity, which in the beautiful

Jacinda Ardern meeting with Muslim community members in the wake of the Christchurch shooting.

Photo courtesy of Christchurch City Council Newsline/Kirk Hargreaves

language of the King James Bible ‘suffereth long and is not easily provoked.’

Intolerance can only be subdued by habits of just reflection.

Martin Luther King Jr, who gained the title ‘king for all ages’ emphasised

King asserted ‘we must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.’

People world-wide will long remember the powerful words of the New Zealand Prime Minister following the recent act of terrorism in her country. With a brilliant display of leadership, Jacinda Ardern denounced the religious intolerance which led to the shocking act in her country and encouraged her nation to show unity, harmony and compassion in the face of intolerance and racism. In effect, rising to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force as so eloquently advocated in 1963 by Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr addresses a crowd from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

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June 2019

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Tercentennial Essay

By RW Brian Louis Chaytor and Brian Lawrence Chaytor

Is Masonry relevant?

The 21st century has turned out to be an era of colossal changes – globalisation, artificial intelligence, space exploration, social media, and the expansion of private enterprise which have seen growth of unprecedented proportions.

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n spite of these great advancements, the new millennium has also presented us with an escalating number of challenges – social divide, terrorist attacks, political unrest, and an alarming increase in the frequency of natural disasters. These events have all had a radically transformative effect on the economic, political and ecological systems on a global scale. We are living in the midst of a rapidly changing world.

It’s often been said that change is what makes the world go around.

Energy in motion permeates the entire universe, causing a state of constant transformation. As a consequence of this universal law, the human race continues its dynamic forward march perpetually transitioning from a state of lesser complexity, into a state of greater complexity. In a nutshell, as our inner and outer realities change, the world as we once knew it, is no more.

This brings us to the question: After enduring 300 years of time has Freemasonry evolved enough to make it relevant to a new generation of young men in 2019?

The answer is beyond the deceptive veil impressed upon our senses by the wonders of this fast changing information age. In order to gain an appropriate degree of perspective, it is necessary to delve into a deeper source by exploring the very essence of human nature.

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Emotional needs are inherent in all human beings. In order for a man to achieve a degree of self actualisation, his emotional needs, those that are a part of his essence, must be satisfied first. It is due in part to Masonry’s proven ability to fulfil the finer needs of man, which has enabled its resilience to the passing of time, ultimately cementing its staying power.

Freemasonry is a selective institution where not everyone is accepted; unless of course the applicant is willing to prove himself as a man under the tongue of good report. Once he’s received, the new member is granted access to a world-wide fraternity which honours the brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God. It is this noteworthy aspect of membership which fulfils a young man’s intrinsic need to belong; particularly to something that’s important and worthwhile.

Freemasonry provides a young man with the opportunity to establish longlasting friendships with like-minded individuals. Having this type of bond with fellow members reassures the new mason that should he ever feel the need to turn to someone for advice, he can do so at any time by confiding in one of his brethren. It is this aspect of membership which fulfils some of the other innate desires in man, namely: the need to be sociable, while experiencing a feeling of safety in his environment.

Just as importantly, Freemasonry equips a young man with the necessary tools to improve all aspects of his character. The masonic system enables the member to rid himself of some of his less favorable traits by improving his weaknesses; and it also facilitates a deeper understanding of who he is by refining his strengths. The process is transformational and enlightening, conducive to a journey towards self-actualisation, which gradually becomes a mason’s ultimate destination.

These are only a few of several transcendent and unconditional qualities which set the institution of Freemasonry apart from the rest.

Some people may say ‘all of this sounds very appealing, but... what type of specific knowledge can a young man expect to obtain from Masonry which makes it strictly unique, and could not be found anywhere else?’

By becoming a mason a young man can expect to have access to a type of knowledge that is unaffected by the passing of time.

He may expect to learn that... Masonry is universal.

Masonry knows no creed, race or colour. The tenets of liberty, equality and fraternity which Masonry advocates and champions know no bounds. These proverbial axioms embrace all cultures and

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

transverse every geographical line; promulgating a genuine sense of brotherhood amongst all nations. And although Masonry is neither a religion nor a substitute for one, the Craft acknowledges the significance of all religions, grasping their corresponding qualities, unifying their variances; but yet remains impartial to all. It counts within its circle Jews, Muslims, Christians and Hindus amongst many others. Freemasonry’s embracive nature also makes it equally welcoming to those men who are not necessarily creed bound, but who being true to their conscience, will only profess a belief in a Supreme Being. The abbreviation GAOTU, meaning the Great Architect of The Universe, truly is a most egalitarian, unbiased and integrating expression.

The term is non denominational, allowing each mason the right to follow the spiritual path he so chooses.

A young man may also expect to learn that... Masonry is educational.

One of Masonry’s principal facets is the applicability of its wise philosophies to everyday life. The Craft inculcates morality by encouraging its members to be ethical in all their undertakings. It instills charity by emphasizing the existing interdependence and common ground of all mankind. The lessons are imparted in their purest form, proclaimed unpretentiously, and demonstrated with candor. The charges and lectures are sources of great inspiration,

derive benefits from the teachings in proportion to his individual capacity.

Freemasonry equips a young man with the necessary tools to improve all aspects of his character.

motivating each initiate to furnish favourable contributions toward society, making it a better place for every one to live in. Freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and freedom of thought are the three timeless precepts which rest on the cornerstone of the masonic foundation, ever ready to obliterate the imminent threat from humanity’s three principal enemies, namely: ignorance, fanaticism and tyranny. Its rituals are the channel which transmits this timeless knowledge, making the essence discernable. Such rituals play a fundamental role in keeping the flame alive.

The masonic system of communication is expressed through symbols, an idiom that is comprehensible in all of the world’s languages, and decipherable by all initiates, enabling each mason to

Since the inception of The Grand Lodge of England, Freemasonry has progressively become an organised, policy making body. The essence infused the substance giving it identity, the spirit acquired form making it intelligible, and the foundation which had been laid in centuries gone by gave rise to a superstructure. For three hundred years the Craft has disseminated its ancient wisdom the world over. This perennial knowledge has been transmitted from the homely repose of its temples of instruction, those distinctive dwellings we commonly refer to as ‘the lodge.’ It is at the lodge where each mason is extended the privilege to partake of its mysteries, and it is there where he learns that such invaluable ancient knowledge truly is time transcendent.

Since time immemorial the essence of Masonry has lived and breathed in the heart of mankind. From that defining, enlightening moment when man first became aware of his consciousness and developed a sense of self, the torch of Masonry rose and soared; emerging as an inextinguishable beacon of light for all seekers of truth to revere and follow.

This essay was written by father and son Brian Louis and Brian Lawrence Chaytor, of Claude M Kent Lodge No 681, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

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June 2019

15

A Start in Life

By RW Bro Ted Simmons

Recognition for students Talented students from multiple schools, including two sets of sisters, were the star attractions when 23 Awards were given at the Annual Prize Giving staged by A Start in Life at the Taronga Park Function Centre in April.

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amily, friends, sponsors and officials were generous in applause as the students qualified for honours in five different categories: primary school, high school, tertiary, humanitarian and general awards at the 2019 ceremony.

A Start in Life expressed its thanks to all the lodges, masons, organisations and individuals who have given their support to assist the organisation to continue providing for the educational needs of students as long as they require assistance.

The sister duos were Anna (Primary school) and Agnes (High School) and Casey (High school) and Amy (General).

The Hodgson Memorial Prize for Tertiary Top Graduate was claimed by Hannah while Melissa received the Old Masonian Jubilee Prize as the Outstanding All Rounder.

Hannah began receiving support in 2018 when in her final year of study in Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science and after completion was able to obtain employment as a radiographer. When her parents were unable to help financially, the organisation support given to her included contributions towards accommodation, internet, living expenses, food and transport, laptop and printer consumables.

Taronga Zoo provided a stunning backdrop for the Prize Giving

Melissa, the Outstanding All Rounder, had few doubts about the future. She is in Year 9, lives with her mother in government housing and obtained an A grade in English, Maths, History, Technology and French and a B grade in all other areas.

‘I motivate myself by trying to get a higher mark than last time and when I see an improvement I know my hard work has paid off. I know my mum is proud of me as well and this is what motivates me to keep going,’ she said.

The support she was given included school fees, excursions, uniforms, school shoes, reading books and tuition.

Winners of the Beryl Rudd Prize for Humanitarian Awareness with Garry Sayer of the Leichhardt Masonic Hall Co (back left) and Anne Ellison, A Start in Life Executive Committee member (back right).

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June 2019

Sometimes it is difficult to adjust when transferring to a higher class but Ryan was so successful he was given the Albert C Petrie prize for Encouragement and Achievement in the transition from Year 12 to university. In his second year at university, he is studying for a Bachelor

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Bro Bruce Sheldrick of the Artarmon Masonic Hall Co (left) with Richard Winckles, A Start in Life Executive Committee member (back-right) with some of the Tertiary prize winners.

of Science. Though he has had to move 300km from home to attend university, assist his mother with her health issues and keep on top of their financial problems, he has passed all eight university subjects in 2018 and wants to become an engineer. His assistance from A Start in Life was towards accommodation costs on campus, living expenses in food and transport, printing costs and books.

The Chief Executive Officer of A Start in Life, Neil Robinson, thanked everyone for joining them for a small celebration of some rather large achievements by the students.

‘We are honoured to have been part of another remarkable year for our students. Our innovative model of tailored and in-depth support continued to inspire improvements in academic performance, confidence, resilience, motivation and wellbeing. It did so whilst also giving students opportunities to explore new hobbies, learn new skills and develop new friendships, within both their school and wider communities.

‘Today, however we will provide some extra special recognition to just 23 of these students who overcame the various obstacles each faced to education and whose efforts were both extraordinary and nothing short of inspiring.

‘Each of these students eagerly took on every opportunity that was provided,

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Eagerly awaiting the start of the award ceremony

and each of you approached your studies and extra-curricular pursuits with a level of passion, dedication and drive that will, no doubt, pave the way for your brighter future.

‘To these students, we trust you will take home not only your well-deserved awards and prizes, but also a great sense of accomplishment. You have done extremely well and you have every reason to be very proud. We are certainly very proud of each one of you!

‘It is just over a year ago that we made some enhancements to our program of support. Key within those enhancements was the development of learning goals that Jason and Georgina, our Student Support Team, now agree with each of our younger students and their parents.

‘These learning goals seek to address areas of academic underdevelopment, encourage behavioural change, such as building a study routine, lifting classroom participation, fostering new interests and focusing on the attainment of personal goals, for example raising self-esteem.

‘We are very pleased that so many of these learning goals have been attained, or are well on their way to being reached.

What has however, really delighted us, are the many other unexpected outcomes we have been advised have arisen from this. For instance, parents indicated it was easier to remind their children of what they had agreed to do. Parents also

The Taronga Zoo residents were nearly as much an attraction as the Prize Giving!

had a greater understanding of their role in after school study. These goals helped our Student Support Team to tailor support to newly identified classroom needs and helped ensure there was a consistent understanding of student expectations between home and school.

‘I also wish to acknowledge the generous individuals, community groups and organisations that A Start in Life has been able to count on for support, over the 96 years in which we have been assisting students and families in need.’

Please note that winners’ full names have been witheld to protect their privacy.

June 2019

17

Masonic Widows

By Yvonne McIntyre PhD

The broken column ‘His work was not done, yet his column is broken; Mourn ye and weep, for ye cherished his worth; Let every tear-drop be sympathy’ a token Lost to the Brotherhood, lost to the earth.’

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– Extract from the poem The Broken Column by Robert Morris

n Freemasonry, the broken column symbolises the untimely death of a mason. It was referred to in early masonic manuscripts, but it wasn’t until 1819 that it appeared as an illustration in a document titled True Masonic Chart published by Jeremy Cross.

The illustration depicts a broken column on which rests an open book regarded as being a record of the brother’s masonic works. Reading from the book is a weeping virgin holding a sprig of Acacia in her hand. Behind her stands Father Time counting the ringlets in her hair.

The broken column has also been adopted as the Masonic Widows’ lapel pin to symbolise Freemasonry’s continued concern and honour for the widow of a brother mason. The pin consists of a broken column encircled by a gold plated, small diameter laurel wreath.

I write this article as a masonic widow who has worn the broken column pin with pride since the death of my husband whilst on masonic duties in 2003. You learn to live with the loss but you never really get over it.

At one time, the pin was presented to the widow of a mason together with a certificate which stated: ‘This pin was created as an emblem to symbolise our continued concern and honour for the widow of a brother mason, a brother whose name added lustre to the Craft as he laboured with us in the quarry. Now that his name has been entered upon the roll of celestial lodge, we cannot forget those things for

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June 2019

which he loved so deeply, nor can we be unmindful of our duty to him. It is my distinct privilege to present this emblem to you that you may wear it with great pride. It is our desire that it be to you a reminder of your ties with us; a relationship where you will find friends who will assist you in time of need, join with you in times of gladness and welcome you to a continued association with us as we continue our labours of friendship, brotherly love and truth.

‘You are not alone. When moments may cause you to doubt, look at this emblem, and be assured that we are there, and we care.

‘The Masonic Widows’ Pin was created with hope that it would be worn by the widow of a mason on all appropriate occasions, especially when travelling so that she may be recognised, greeted and assisted when necessary by masonic friends throughout the world.

It is an emblem of honour, and should be worn separately, not in conjunction with other jewellery.

‘May she who wears this emblem find that she is not alone. We are there and we care.’

The thoughts expressed in the masonic widows pin certificate are wonderful, but are they just that – ‘wonderful thoughts’?

I have no doubt that masons have a place in their heart for masonic widows and many actively ensure that they are being cared for; however, the vast majority of masonic widows will tell you that after their husband’s funeral, contact with his former lodge ceased. It is a sad indictment of the principles of Freemasonry for those widows.

Freemasonry acknowledges the importance of women by ensuring that a prospective candidate for Freemasonry has the support of his wife or partner before endorsing his application for membership. After all, it would be virtually impossible for a mason to enjoy his lodge or progress through the various offices of his lodge and beyond his lodge, without that continued support.

The acknowledgement continues throughout a mason’s active service.

We have all heard the praises of women

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

being extolled by way of masonic toasts on ladies nights. Worshipful Masters and senior masons constantly speak of the support received from their wife or partner during their term in office.

Despite the words, there appears to be little emphasis placed on ensuring that women are retained as members of the masonic family following the death of their masonic husband or partner.

Whilst the support of masonic widows will always be voluntary, there is a need for a more formal approach to ensure they are not forgotten. Perhaps a section titled Masonic Widows in the Handbook of Masonic Information and Procedures would emphasise this important need. The additional section could include suggestions on how regions, districts, lodges and individual masons can put into practice the thoughts so beautifully expressed in the words of the Widows’ Pin Certificate.

There is an attempt to engage with masonic widows through the Masoni­ care Caring Officer whose handbook requires the brother to maintain contact with the widow of a former member and ‘…attempt to ensure that any of the widow’s needs not satisfied by the family, may be met by the lodge.’ The handbook goes on to give practical advice of a non-financial nature and the approach to be taken in the event of a bereavement.

Whilst there is much that can be done by Freemasonry to more closely embrace its masonic widows, being part of a family is a two-way street. The key from a masonic widow’s point of view is involvement and there are many ways to maintain an interest in what has for most, been a lovely and important part of their life.

Most masonic associations admit women as members and provide an opportunity for masonic widows to maintain a relationship with the masonic family. I am a member of the Freemasons’ Association (NSW & ACT) and served on its Committee of Management as President and Registrar for several years.

The Association was formerly the Present and Past Grand Lodge Officers Associa­ tion which was formed in 1908. The Association changed its name to the Freemasons’ Association in 2008 and

www.masons.org.au

Spring

Cleaning

The following poem by MW Bro Neil Neddermeyer PGM, Grand Lodge of Minnesota will strike a chord in every Masonic Widow She’s cleaning out his closet; it’s not the first time that she tried, But this time she’s going to do it; it’s been six months since he died.

She can smell her husband’s aftershave, he’d always used Old Spice; She remembers how he loved her so, and made their life so nice.

Is this what life is all about? If it is, it feels like hell To search my husband’s closet and decide if he’d done well.

If he hadn’t been a Mason we’d have had a few more bucks; He would not have bought this Shrine fez; he would not have owned this tux.

I’ll give his ties to our son-in-law, the suits to the corner Goodwill.

It’s hard for me to remember he’s gone; it seems like he’s with me still.

If he hadn’t been a Mason would our time have been less grand?

Would I still have given my life to him when he asked me for my hand?

Here’s his Masonic pocket watch; every hour it would chime When he was with his brothers, he was always home on time.

And here’s his Scottish Rite ring, and here’s his York Rite pin; Oh how I miss his laughter, oh how I miss his grin.

And to me a list of promises; an odd thing for him to save; I think I’ll ask about it, the next time I visit his grave.

He had always kept his word to me; he would never cheat or lie; I thought he’d live forever, I thought he’d never die.

And here’s his coded ritual with its secrets locked inside; And here’s his clean white apron! We couldn’t find it when he died.

And here’s his dad’s Masonic pin; I’ll keep it just in case, So when our son is older, he might take his father’s place.

I remember at the funeral his brothers held me snug – Where are all those Masons now I could use just one more hug?

Did the fact he was a Mason make him a better man?

Did Masonic obligations make him follow some life’s plan?

She was doing her spring cleaning, just like she always had, But this year is for remembering, this year is more than sad.

Did it really make him better? It is hard to understand, But he had become a Mason; and he was a better man.

You just know she’ll keep a few things; his apron, that list, and his ring; And you know that she’ll remember him, while cleaning every spring.

June 2019

19

Masonic Widows amended its Constitution to allow women to become members.

Freemasonry acknowledges the importance of women by ensuring that a prospective candidate for Freemasonry has the support of his wife or partner...

The Mission Statement of the Freemasons’ Association (NSW & ACT) includes a requirement to ‘strengthen the bonds between members of the Craft, their families, other masonic orders and masonic widows’ associations.’ A further requirement is to ‘encourage and assist regions, districts and lodges in the formation of masonic widows’ associations and ensure that masonic widows generally remain as important members of the masonic family.’

The association went some way to achieving its mission through invitations to members of masonic widows associations to attend luncheons and Christmas parties; through the purchase of first aid kits for each of the masonic widows associations and by arranging for masonic widows registered with the association to receive a free copy of the Freemason magazine.

Involvement was my saviour. It included membership of a Masonic

there will always be opportunities.

Women are born managers and are renowned innovators, especially those in rural areas.

If you would like to discuss ways in which you might maintain your interest in the masonic family, write to me, Yvonne McIntyre, c/o Freemason Magazine, United Grand Lodge of NSW & the ACT, PO Box A259, Sydney South NSW 1235.

References: RR Administrative Regulations – United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT – RR Masonicare Caring Officer’s Handbook RR Handbook of Masonic Information and Procedures

Order for Women, a Masonic Widows Association, the Freemasons’ Association, writing articles for the Freemason magazine, and organising fundraising events. The opportunities available to me may not be available to those living in rural areas; however,

RR Mission Statement and Objectives – Freemasons’ Association (NSW & ACT) RR Dictionary of Freemasonry RR Short Talk Bulletin, Vol 34, February 1956 – Phoenix Masons RR Masonic Poems – MW Bro Neil Neddermeyer

Book reviews

A GRANDMOTHER’S PILGRIMAGE Anzac Day still stirs memories among the Australian people and there has been many books on this memorable event.

Sydney author and journalist Louise Evans began a non-fiction book about the impact of war on an Australian family which evolved into a multi-media project including a documentary and exhibition.

Her book Passage to Pusan tells the true story of Australian matriarch Thelma Healy and her brave 15,000km solo journey to war-torn South Korea in

Publisher: PB Publishing

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June 2019

1961 to find the grave of her soldier son Vince, who died fighting in the Korean War a decade earlier.

It follows Louise as she retraces her grandmother’s pilgrimage to Pusan to try to find some peace and has basic themes of love, family, survival and redemption.

According to the Australian War Memorial: ‘Passage to Pusan fills a vacuum in our understanding of life experiences that were duplicated in many families across Australia during this volatile period of our history.’

ISBN: 9780987191182

by Louise Evans, reviewed by RW Bro Ted Simmons

Available from: passagetopusan.com and selected retailers

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

By RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM

Tell us your story So many times, the question gets asked ‘Why wasn’t this printed in Freemason?’ The simple answer is we never heard about it!

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any items are received, most are used, some are not considered suitable. But if a story is not submitted, it cannot be printed!

Remember, it’s your magazine...

Here are some guidelines on how to help make sure your story gets printed.

What’s the story?

Every week, a lodge somewhere does something newsworthy! It may be a meeting with multiple initiations, a father/son/grandfather event, an inspiring speaker or a new program. Your magazine is a good forum to tell others about your success but we want to know as soon as it happens, not months later!

Keep it short!

Don’t submit 1,000 words on a social night, a certificate or jewel presentation or an installation. Read Regional Roundup and get an idea of the word length of similar stories.

Don’t handwrite!

Handwriting can be impossible to read, especially where names are concerned.

When sending the photo via email make sure to attach a high resolution file. Photographs from inside a Word document often cannot be used.

Deadlines The magazine deadlines are listed on the inside cover. Try to stay with them rather than sending copy a few days before publication. It may not get in and could be too late by the time the next edition is printed. If there is an important event near deadline time, let us know and we may be able to hold space for it.

Comment All comment is appreciated, even criticism. Remember, it’s your magazine and your views are important!

Next issue Email it to the magazine. Always put your name and contact details with each article in case a check is needed.

Photography The smartphone in your pocket is more than good enough these days! Simply ensure that you are using the highest quality settings (often called ‘megapixels’) your phone allows, and select the automatic setting appropriate for the situation at hand!

If you aren’t familiar with your smartphone camera, take some time to explore it! It’s far better to have some ‘just okay’ pictures of an event than none at all!

When taking photos, here are some easy-to-remember tips.

Centre the subject in the photo, and don’t highlight the back­ground. Good sharp photos are great, out of focus photos are a disaster. Identify every person by name and masonic rank (if possible) in the photo and include it with your email. If you’re sending multiple photos, be sure to clearly indicate which caption goes with which photo!

‘Action’ photos such as shaking hands, mid-presentation, or talking are more interesting than posed head and shoulders shots.

Time to put plans into action! The deadline for the next issue of Freemason comes out in September, so send in your stories, articles and photos by 31 July!

Email: freemason@masons.org.au or post them to: The Secretary Freemason Editorial Committee The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT PO Box A259, Sydney South, NSW 1235

EVENTS AND NOTICES Lodge Mayfield Daylight No 493

Calling Newcastle masons 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

Meeting invitation The International Rainbow Girls now meet at the OES Hall, 23 Railway St, Wentworthville.

3rd Friday of each month at 7.00 pm For further details please phone Danielle on: 0418664518 or email: rainbowgirls74@gmail.com

WHAT’S ON

Writing for Freemason

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

What’s on? www.masons.org.au

June 2019

21

Associated orders

New leaders for

Eastern Star

A wide array of distinguished guests were present to witness the Grand Chapter of NSW & ACT install Sister Lorna Dunkley and Brother Graham Smith in March for the 2019–2020 term of office.

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t was a dignified rendition of the Installation ceremony by the Installing team which set the scene for a happy, emotional beginning to the Grand Chapter’s new season.

The District Grand Committees were Installed into their offices in February, prior to the Grand Installation and added to the glitter present.

Among the invited guests were MW Bro Derek Robson AM, Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT, along with Most Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Helen McLaughlan (WA) and Most Worthy Grand Patron, Brother Michael Struthers (SA) who added colour to the proceedings with their ‘Dress of the Order.’

Brother Graham Smith’s own brother, Brother Paul Smith, Most Worthy Grand Patron (elect), United Grand Chapter of Australia and his sister, Sister Lorraine Rayner, Supreme Deputy for the

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June 2019

L–R: GDC RW Bro Andy Conlon; Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Lorna Dunkley; Worthy Grand Patron, Brother Graham Smith; MW Bro Derek Robson AM; Gael Knox; Sister Margaret Ray

International Order of Rainbow for Girls were also present to witness his elevation to this high office.

Prior to the commencement of the Grand Installation a $4,000 donation was presented to Mr Grahame Ryan, of the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation

by Sister Jennifer Shepherd WG Matron and Bro Kenneth Auld WG Patron (2018– 19 term). Mr Ryan explained the workings of the Foundation and thanked the Grand Chapter for their substantial donation.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The size of a lodge

By RW Bro Richard Dawes

How big (or small)

should a lodge be?

I’ve asked this question from Temora to Ballina. To about 400 masons of all ages and a range of experience. I have received about 400 different answers!

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nswers have ranged from, ‘enough members to at least open the lodge,’ to, ‘at least 100.’

I next asked the obvious second question: ‘Why that particular size?’

In other words, I asked them to justify their answer. The answers were just as varied but illustrated the fact that somewhere within the range of answers was a supposition that the ‘lodge’ had an objective.

What is your lodge’s objective? What is its vision? Is it merely survival? Is it to make all men masons? Is it to attract a specific demographic – all firemen, all residents of Narromine, all men of a Chinese background? Or is it something deeper, subtler and perhaps more akin to the tenets of Freemasonry?

We are a Brotherhood. We keep saying so. We are proud of the fact. But what does this really mean? And could it affect the number of brethren in a lodge?

Brotherhood implies closeness and caring.

Which takes time. It is a bit like mentoring; if we are going to do ‘it’ properly

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it’s going to take time. But brotherhood is different from mentoring. If we mentor a brother, it is a one-on-one relationship whereas an exercise in genuine brotherhood is a many-to-many relationship – far harder and far more time consuming.

Perhaps a very small lodge can theoretically do a better job of instilling brotherhood throughout its ranks; but then it may be small precisely because it did a poor job with brotherhood.

On the other hand, perhaps, a large lodge may find it very difficult, but its size may be a result of its noticeable efforts to strive to be a true brotherhood.

What are the indicators of successful brotherhood?

All meaningful indicators have to be at the level of the individual brother; not the lodge in general, although the benefits will be experienced by the lodge as a whole.

Having accepted a candidate into the lodge as a brother it behoves us to genuinely accept him into our brotherhood.

This means more than shaking his hand on the night of his Initiation and then

smiling at him once a month. Perhaps we could include his photo and a few words about his background in the notice paper. Perhaps a few brethren might phone him in the month following his Initiation. Perhaps this might reinforce the feeling of welcome that he experienced when he joined the Craft?

But does our brotherhood only exist once every month? In many lodges we need to do more. A new man’s mentor can certainly help but it is the duty of every member, every month to show brotherhood in action. So, socialise outside lodge. Hold dinners, theatre nights, or sports events. The list is endless but is meaningless unless personal action takes place.

Some lodges seem to be able to do this sort of thing really well. And these lodges seem to have an inner strength not seen everywhere.

We can leave it too late. Don’t procrastinate. The time for Brotherhood is now. Don’t think about it. Do it.

Remember our tenets: Brotherly love, Relief and Truth.

June 2019

23

Busy as a bee

By W Bro Steve Lourey

The beehive The beehive is another masonic symbol common in United States Freemasonry, but almost unheard of in emulation style working. Although extant in older rituals and charges, in England and Wales it was dropped after the Union of 1813.

T

he beehive occurs in the Third Degree emblems on the Tracing Board of Royal Cumberland No 41, Bath.

An early 18th century ritual says of the symbol: ‘The beehive teaches us that as we are born into the world rational and intelligent beings, so ought we also to be industrious ones, and not stand idly by or gaze with listless indifference on even the meanest of our fellow creatures in a state of distress if it is in our power to help them without detriment to ourselves or our connections; the constant practice of this virtue is enjoined on all created beings, from the highest seraph in heaven to the meanest reptile that crawls in the dust.’

The honey bee has been used in art and culture as a symbol of industry and a well-built community for thousands of

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years. Honey bees have also been used as symbols of love, sensuality, immortality, death, and resurrection. Emperors, pharaohs, popes and conquerors have all used the honey bee as their personal symbol, and it has been a revered creature for countless centuries. The honey bee has been treated as a gift from the gods in nearly all cultures and has appeared in important roles in mythology.

While the honey bee is a small creature, people have always respected the bee as a force to be reckoned with, because of their stingers and the ultimate teamwork of the swarm. Bees have provided honey for humanity for thousands of years, and honey itself was regarded as a nearly holy substance by many cultures and was a common offering to their gods.

Freemasons have always used the beehive as a symbol; and the industrious

bees extracting sweetness from every flower in the field and storing it up in their ‘properly tiled ‘ and darkened dwelling, present an excellent illustration of masonic life. Masonically, the beehive is a symbol of industry and cooperation and also by implication, a symbol of social obligation; reciprocal love and friendship.

Social obligation as a part of the symbol is seen in the harmonious working together of many units to a single end and reciprocal love and friendship in the fact that in the most crowded hive, bees live in peace and harmony with their fellows. The beehive, being an emblem of industry, emphasises the desirability of that virtue.

Street1 says: ‘To the operative mason could anything be more important than industry? By it he lives, and by it were

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reared those dreams of architectural beauty which excite our wonder and please our fancy. In all nature nothing is more constantly busy than the bee, and from ancient times it has been an emblem of industry. “Busy as a bee” has become an aphorism. A place of great industry we call a hive, and while I do not find it to have been employed in ancient symbolism, no symbol of labour could be more appropriate than a beehive. Strange to say, this symbol is now obsolete in England.’

Macoy2 notes: ‘The beehive is an emblem of industry and recommends the practice of that virtue to all created beings, from the highest seraph in heaven to the lowest reptile in the dust.

It teaches us that as we came into the world rational and intelligent beings, so we should ever be industrious ones; never sitting down contented while our fellow-creatures around us are in want, when it is in our power to relieve them without inconvenience to ourselves.’

To Muslims, the honey bee is one of god’s creatures that not only provides sustenance (honey) but also symbolises the power of collective action. The hive mentioned in the Qur’an symbolises the omnipresence of the bee’s industriousness and, perhaps by coincidence, the beehive also became an important symbol to western culture at the dawn of the industrial revolution in northern Europe. As a 1724 masonic catechism put it, the beehive was a ‘grand hieroglyphic’ because the industrious honey bee ‘excels all living creatures in the contrivance and commodiousness of its habitation or combe.’

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Harvey3 suggests the beehive is an emblem of industry, and, as such, severely reproves idleness, which is the parent of immorality and ruin. Because of industry, the Freemason enjoys the necessities and even the luxuries of life, and by diligence in labour of whatever honest kind merits the respect and esteem of men and proves to all the world that he is not a useless drone in the busy hive of nature, but rather is constant in his high endeavours to live up to the purpose for which he was created by an all-wise and all-powerful god.

The Odd Fellows regard the beehive as a symbol that represents associated industry, system, and unity in working for a common purpose; of busy forethought in making ample preparation for the future; of obedience, because of all the lower forms of life, the bee alone, after the ant, has a supreme ruler.

In the Christian tradition Saint Ambrose is sometimes represented as a mitred bishop with the crosier with a beehive at his feet; for his words were ‘sweeter than honey.’ Bernard of Clairvaux is often similarly depicted, the beehive being a symbol of eloquence or rhetoric.

People have always respected the bee as a force to be reckoned with...

The beehive can be seen as a model of the masonic fraternity. The individual bee has a synergetic relation with the others. They support each other and, thereby, the hive.

Citations: 1. Street, O. D. (1922). Symbolism of The Three Degrees. Washington: The American Masonic Press, Inc. 2. Macoy, R. (1870). General History, Cyclopaedia and Dictionary of Freemasonry. New York: Masonic Publishing Co. 3. Harvey, W. (1919) The Emblems of Freemasonry Described and Explained.

Dundee: T. M. Sparks, Crosswell Works.

Bibliography: RR de Paula Castells, F. (1943). The Apocalypse of Freemasonry: A Constructive Scheme of Interpretation of the Symbolism of the Masonic Lodge. Kessinger Publishing.

RR Decker, J. Komando V.(n.d.). Animal symbolism.

RR Ford, W. H. (1904) Symbolism of Oddfellowship. Providence, R.I., The author.

RR Francaviglia, R. V. (2011). Like the Hajis of Meccah and Jerusalem: Orientalism and the Mormon Experience.

RR Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of California. (1962).

Handbook for Candidates Coaches. San Francisco.

RR Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Canada in the Province of Ontario (1989). The Newsletter of The Committee on Masonic Education, Vol. 8(3).

RR Harrison, D. (2015). The Lost Symbols of Freemasonry: The Beehive. dr-david-harrison.com

June 2019

25

Touring Iceland

By RW Bro Ted Simmons

Iceland is (n)ice To think of Iceland immediately conjures up images of a land full of ice, cold conditions and plenty of warm clothes.

B

ut a visitor can also find that Iceland is a country of fire, magical nights and fascinating tourist sites.

Summer months are the best time to tour particularly June, July and August when the average maximum temperature reaches almost 15 degrees Celsius in the capital of Reykjavík.

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There are two methods of reaching Iceland – by air and by sea. I chose the delightful Cunard liner Queen Victoria departing from Southampton for this interesting sightseeing adventure.

The Greater Reykjavík area has a population of 200,000 while the entire country has a population of nearly 315,000, similar to the people in the ACT.

And in size, Iceland is 50 percent larger than Tasmania.

Reykjavík is a modern city and it is heated almost exclusively by geothermal water from the hot springs which surround it.

Before we start touring, some pertinent historical facts include that the first permanent settlement was recorded in

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Harpa Music Hall and Conference Centre, Reykjavík Photo courtesy of Ivan Sabljak

Freemasonry in Iceland The Icelandic Order of Freemasons (Frímúrarareglan á Íslandi) also known as the Grand Lodge of Iceland, is the governing body of Freemasonry in Iceland.

874AD, Iceland united with Norway in 1262, Britain and Allies occupied neutral Iceland in 1940 while in 1944 Iceland became an independent republic.

With that knowledge behind us, as the locals say ‘let’s go touring’ – but where do you start? There are glaciers, waterfalls, hiking, caves, thermal pools, whale watching and national parks. In addition there is the non-stop sunlight where it is as bright outside at midnight as it is at midday and if you’re lucky, the display of the Northern Lights.

Most visitors are attracted by the Golden Circle tour which is a 300km loop of Southern Iceland and includes the areas which have made Iceland a popular attraction.

Reykjavík is a good starting point and a walking tour takes in the city shops as well as historical sites like the Harpa which is Iceland’s version of the Sydney Opera House, Höfði House where Presidents Reagan and Gorbachev met and the current presidential palace of Bessastaðir. The Maritime Museum and the Museum of Photography are other interesting stops. A fascinating day ended with a visit to The Pearl at Öskjuhlíð which boasts an observation platform with a glass dome built over hot water storage tanks and a great view of the capital.

Coach travel is a good choice for sightseeing with experienced Englishspeaking guides to point out interesting

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The history of Freemasonry in Iceland began when a ‘society of brothers’ called Edda, was established in Reykjavík in 1913.

Edda went on to become a lodge of instruction in 1918.

Reykjavík is a modern city and it is heated almost exclusively by geothermal water from the hot springs which surround it.

Icelandic Freemasonry was under the jurisdiction of the Danish Order of Free­ masons until 1951 when they constituted the Grand Lodge of Iceland as a sovereign order.

Icelandic Freemasonry operates according to the Swedish Rite which is the dominant system in Scandinavia.

Unlike other forms of Freemasonry, the Swedish Rite consists of up to eleven degrees, divided into four degree groups: St John’s: Apprentice; Fellow Craft; Master Mason St Andrew’s: Apprentice and Companion of St Andrew (a double degree), Master of St Andrew

details especially in reference to geysers, thermal pools and waterfalls.

However, what does come as a surprise is the number of horses and sheep that can be seen. For more than a thousand years, the small but strong Icelandic horse has played a major role in the country’s history and development and literally with the survival of the Iceland people. They were brought over from Norway by the first settlers and a visit to Laxnes Farm, ten minutes from the city, allows time for an enjoyable ride for beginners or experts, young and old.

Sheep farming is as old as the settlement and lambs actually outnumber the population. They are sheltered during the harsh winter but for the rest of the

Chapter: Very Illustrious Brother, Knight of the East; Novice (in Danish Free­ masonry only); Most Illustrious Brother, Knight of the West; Enlightened Brother of St John’s Lodge; Very Enlightened Brother of St Andrew’s Lodge Grand Lodge: Most Enlightened Brother, Knight Commander of the Red Cross.

As part of the Swedish Rite, Ice­landic Freemasonry requires its members to profess a belief in Christianity. There are currently 17 lodges in Iceland.

Visiting overseas lodges can be a rewarding experience! Before you go, make sure to get a letter from the Grand Secretary and be sure to take your current lodge notice paper with your financial standing.

June 2019

27

Touring Iceland

Iceland’s geysers are amongst the world’s most spectacular.

year roam free in the countryside or run wild in the highlands.

column of steam and boiling water, at times rising to a height of 75 metres.

The tour continues to the fascinating geothermal area of Geysir where there is an abundance of hot springs, fumaroles and mud pools. The main attraction is Strokkur geyser which entertains camera fans every few minutes with a

An opportunity to do something different arises as you travel 45 minutes through the volcanic landscape to spend two and a half hours at the natural geothermal spa called the Blue Lagoon.

This is a huge pool of hot water rich in

Santa’s House, Akureyri.

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minerals and sulphur where you can relax, let your worries disappear and dip into boxes along the pool sides to gather handfuls of mud to apply to your body in a deep cleansing exercise. After that, the obvious next move is a long cool drink at the Spa bar.

Heading out of town, set your next visit to Akureyri which is Northern Iceland’s largest fishing port and its cultural, industrial and trade capital.

The town is nestled at the bottom of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord and surrounded by steep mountains. Close to the town, you can explore the world’s most northerly Botanical Gardens or shop at Santa’s House where you can take a brief return to your childhood with a fascinating display of Christmas goodies.

There are many waterfalls in Iceland with Goðafoss a popular choice. It carries a huge volume of water from the river Skjálfandafljót with a 10 metre drop providing great photos. It’s only a short walk up the western bank to a viewing point close enough to feel the mist of glacial water on your skin. The roaring crescent of cascading water gained its name at the time when Icelanders voted to convert to Christianity in 1,000AD. After the vote, the area became known as

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Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord.

the ‘Falls of the Gods’ when the chieftain Thorgeir threw his wooden idols of old pagan gods representing Norse mythology into the water in a symbolic gesture which swept away the old religion.

It’s easier to stand outside and look but if you take the opportunity to go inside Langjökull Glacier you will be stepping into an icy, man-made wonderland and one of the world’s largest manmade ice caves. The cavern consists of an extensive system of tunnels and chambers stretching 300 metres into the solid ice cap. An eight wheel glacier truck conveys passengers to the ice cap

where a specialist guide will walk you over a huge ice crevasse on a specially constructed bridge. The further you walk the more the colours of the walls turn from white to deep blue, a sure indication you are in the middle of an ice chamber.

After all of these incredible sights of ice, geysers, lava, thermal pools, if you wanted a quiet moment to pause, there is hardly a better experience than getting up close to whales. These gentle giants can be seen from different venues but we chose Husavik. known as the ‘whale capital of Iceland.’ Board one of

the renovated wooden fishing boats with daily trips available where the organisers guarantee a 99 per cent chance of seeing whales because of the broad variety that visit the area over the season.

In Iceland, the weather is warm and the days are long in the summer months of June, July and August when there could be up to 21 hours of daylight, while you will need much warmer clothing for November to March. Whichever you choose, the visit will leave an indelible memory of a fascinating country and its people.

St George Masonic Centre – 480 Forest Rd Bexley – lease or hire today!

After an extensive modernisation, the historic St George Masonic lodge room and dining room facilities are now available for approved masonic lodge meetings. p Lodge and dining room accommodates 100 guests p Modern air-conditioning p Off-street parking p Disability access compliant p Modern lift to first floor

p Fully carpeted p Most nights available p Long term leases preferred but ready to negotiate p Competitive rate p Catering options available

Contact the Secretary of Lodge No 7 at patrick@wpsa.org.au or 02 9556 1537 for a brochure!

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June 2019

29

Making mentors

By RW Bro Richard Dawes ritual is the spine of the plan for every candidate but almost everything else can and should be customised for the individual.

Mentoring,

Candidates are special, are different and should be treated as different.

getting serious When the New Mentoring Course was held in Ballina one of the attendees, when talking about mentoring, said: ‘mentoring is, in effect, brotherhood: one on one.’ (He went on to say that brotherhood is mentoring but many on many!)

M

entoring and brotherhood are both key concepts within Freemasonry. In fact, it is the breakdown and misuse of mentoring that is a primary cause of call-offs in the Craft. Is this an exaggeration? No. For example, our statistics show that in NSW of all the initiates in the period 2005–10 we have lost 60–66% either as call-offs or struck off. For the previous 5-year period the statistics are almost identical.

Remember, men join Freemasonry expecting to be challenged...

This is appalling!

And the story gets worse. When we analyse the reasons for the horrendous rate of call-offs over 60% cite: ‘We did not experience what we had been told we would experience when we joined.’

In other words, their expectations had not been met. This is not surprising when we consider that in most lodges every candidate is treated the same. Of course every candidate is different and needs to be treated as an individual.

In lodge after lodge a candidate is initiated and is treated as if his reason for existence is ritual whereas many, if not most, candidates are primarily interested in learning the ‘mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry’. This itself is a challenge for in many lodges few brethren understand the original meaning of our ritual and so cannot explain to initiates or Fellow Crafts how to apply the teachings within the ritual

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to improve their daily lives and improve their relationship with their fellow man.

(Masonic education is the answer but is sadly lacking in this jurisdiction.)

The key to successful mentoring is establishing the candidate’s preferences.

The New Mentoring Scheme explores a method of teasing out a Candidate’s preferences so that a Personal Development Plan can be made to suit the individual candidate. Every candidate needs to be treated as an individual, as unique – because no two are the same. The new mentoring system emphasises that the personal development plan must be developed as a cooperative effort between the candidate, the mentor and perhaps some input from other lodge officers.

For every candidate the ritual portion of his experience remains the same.

After all we are an initiatory order and

A significant element of the Personal Development plan sees the introduction of tasks whereby the candidate is encouraged to ‘Do something FOR the lodge’. We have found that if a candidate does something for the lodge, he subtly changes from being a non-participant spectator to ‘a member of the lodge team’ and as a member of the team he develops a loyalty to that team which increases his likelihood of staying with that team!

Effort is required if real mentoring is to be expected.

Mentoring is not a trivial pursuit!

If a mentor is doing his job properly it will be time-consuming, and it is very unlikely that a mentor could perform a quality role for more than two mentees.

Mentoring needs to start as early as possible, as soon as it is confirmed that a candidate has applied to join your lodge. This enables the mentor to work with the candidate for two to four months before his initiation. But when should mentoring cease? Certainly not after the candidate is Raised because since, in some respects, the spotlight moves away from the Master Mason, we need to plan to continue his challenges so that his focus on Freemasonry is maintained. Obviously, this needs to be planned – it does not just happen.

Find, or create, a job for each Master Mason. If he has administrative ability give him some responsibility – for example Newsletter Editor, Assistant Secretary, Social Media guru, it will keep him busy and generate some depth in a lodge’s administrative team. Remember, men join Freemasonry expecting to be challenged, expecting to be stretched a little.

Remember that the men we initiate today may, in ten years be our DGIWs and in fifteen years may well be our potential leaders. So, mentor them well!

For further information on the New Mentoring Scheme contact RW Bro Richard Dawes on richardmdawes@ gmail.com.

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Masonicare

MASONICARE

Your Grand Charity

Productions

Masonicare and Dramatic productions send donations from shows such as Heathers (left) or the upcoming Producers (below) to local charities.

make a dramatic difference Masonicare began a partnership with Dramatic Productions, a Canberra based community theatre company, in 2018 as part of an initiative to drive greater interaction with the community in fundraising efforts.

Dramatic Productions committed to donate 10% of gross ticket sales each night to a chosen charity and Masonicare matched these donations to local charities delivering local projects.

The first show, Heathers – The Musical went to stage in October 2018, with 12 charities chosen and committing to programs within NSW/ACT. With the support of Masonicare more than $12,500 was raised and in addition to these funds, the charities enjoyed increased awareness through stations in the foyer on their night and strong social media campaigns. The program was highly successful with over 2,000 people attending the musical, all assisting in raising much needed funds to support a number of great causes including Soldier On, Daineres Rainbow and the Newborn Intensive Care Foundation.

Following this success, Masonicare is again partnering with Dramatic Productions

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Twelve charities will be chosen over the coming months that will enjoy the support of Dramatic Productions...

in 2019. The first show took place in April which raised close to $3,000 over a short run of Baskerville, a Sherlock Holmes story and these funds will be allocated to six charities.

In October a particularly exciting event will take place under the direction of Rachael Beck in which Daryl Somers will star in the musical The Producers.

Masonicare is again partnering with Dramatic to engage with the local community and support some wonderful causes.

Masons and families will enjoy a discount

of $10 per ticket for tickets booked prior to the end of June.

Twelve charities will be chosen over the coming months that will enjoy the support of Dramatic Productions and Masonicare.

This initiative was seen by the Masonicare board as a great opportunity to support brethren in charitable activities, but also as a beacon of what interaction grants are really about, working with the community to support that community.

June 2019

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Famous mason

By W Bro Tom Mather

Larkin’s goal The name Edward Larkin will mean little to many people; he is one of Australia’s sporting greats, now long forgotten.

W

ithout his efforts the game of Rugby League would not hold the position it does today despite him being almost forgotten by supporters and administrators of the game. So just who was Edward ‘Teddy’ Rennix Larkin?

Larkin was born on 3 January 1880 in North Lambton, New South Wales, one of six children to William Larkin and Mary Rennix. His father served two gaol terms for cattle rustling and horse theft, but from such humble beginnings Larkin rose to great heights. The family moved to Newtown in Sydney and Teddy was enrolled at St Benedict’s school, Broadway. As school captain he was recommended by the school for a scholarship at St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill where he was enrolled as a boarder. At the age of 16 he entered the world that was Sydney in 1896.

Leaving school well qualified, he was soon employed as a journalist with The Year Book of Australia. Given his humble working class background, unsurprisingly his politics leaned to the Labor Party. His socialist tendencies remained with him all his life and he was always a champion of the working class and the underdog.

He was also heavily involved with his local rugby union club in Newtown, playing the game at the highest level.

Things came to a head for him in 1903 at the age of twenty three. He was now a well-known hooker with New­ town and attracted the attention of the selectors who were preparing for a visit by the New Zealand ‘All-Blacks’. In the two games between NSW and the tourists Larkin acquitted himself well enough to win the hooker’s jersey for the Test against New Zealand on15 August 1903,

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Edward Rennix ‘Teddy’ Larkin

Australia’s first International rugby union game.

That same year saw him marry his sweetheart May Josephine Yates at St Joseph’s Catholic Church and also resign from his job on the Year Book to join the police force. After basic training he was stationed on the North Shore where he quickly gained a reputation for his organisational skills. The future looked good, he was in a steady job with good prospects but the problem was that his political ambitions were becoming more and more to the fore and at odds with the views of the police force who frowned on such ambitions.

Once again, in 1909, his life was to take yet another twist. Professional rugby had come to Sydney in 1907 when Albert Baskerville had arrived on his way to tour England to play Northern Union football. James Giltinan had been behind the scheme and in 1908 had founded the NSW Rugby League. He then took a team to tour England in an ill-fated move that

resulted in him being removed from office as secretary of the new League.

The League committee advertised for a paid secretary and ‘Teddy’ Larkin was appointed at a salary reputed to be £180 per year.

He took the job when the League was to all intents and purposes bankrupt.

They had just 4½ pence in the bank when he entered his office for the first time so he set about reviving the fortunes of the league with great fervour. He introduced a great many innovations which were so far ahead of their time that they are still employed in the game today. He obtained more enclosed grounds, to take the clubs and their supporters back into their own suburbs. He organised entertainment during the half time interval in the form of professional cycling races or professional running races. He introduced to the league the fore-runner of the membership schemes in use today by way of a season ticket that would allow entry to any of the grounds and any games being played on any Saturday.

He realised that the people wanted to see international matches and so arranged for the New Zealand league to play a three match series in Sydney.

He followed that with a tour on similar lines by a New Zealand Maori team.

In the space of a few months he had turned around the financial fortunes of the League and put it on solid foundations. He continued to look for ways to assist the growth of the game, realising it needed to be played in schools if it was to flourish, and began courting the Marist Brothers. In 1914 the game was finally taken on board by the Marist Schools and is still played today.

It seems that his imagination knew no bounds. In 1910, after organising the first ever tour here by the English Northern Union, the League agreed to play a testimonial match for ‘Dally’ Messenger.

Larkin suggested the game be played at night under electric lights at the Agricul­ tural Showground. On 21 September 1910 he arranged for a practice match to be played under lights which was probably the first time a football game had been staged under lights in the southern hemisphere. As his first year in office was coming to a close he was also now a fully paid up member of the Willoughby Branch of the Labor Party.

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Throughout his time as secretary of the league he never stopped looking for ways to promote the game. In 1914 on the day of the now famous ‘Rorke’s Drift’ Test, he arranged for Australia’s first home-made airship to take off from the Agricultural ground and fly over the cricket ground prior to kick-off. By then his career had made yet another change.

When the 1913 election was announced, Larkin was selected as the Labor candidate to fight the new seat of Willoughby.

In February 1913, in an effort to make this staunch Roman Catholic candidate more palatable to the local conservative Protestant electorate, he was initiated into Centennial Lodge Number 169 in Sydney. A month later he was passed to the second degree and in June became a Master Mason.

On a second ballot in December 1913, against all expectations he won the Willoughby seat with a majority of just 319 votes. When he made his maiden speech in Parliament on 4 March 1914 we saw once again his far reaching imagination. He advocated the building of a bridge across the harbour to connect the city with the North Shore.

He also wanted a bill introduced to allow the State to set up a totalisator (a precursor of the modern day TAB) in order that the government could control the recently legalised gambling, whilst making money at the same time. He championed for a ‘Fair Rent Act.’ He could have brought other innovations to Parliament but on 4 August 1914 the Great War broke out. As a married man with two young children he had no need to enlist, but such was his nature that on 21 August he joined the First Battalion as a private along with his brother Martin. The following day he was promoted to Sergeant when the military discovered his identity. Despite this, he was sent to basic training like thousands of other ‘diggers’ before sailing for Cairo to prepare for the landing at Gallipoli. On 25 April 1915 the first Battalion went ashore, their objective to capture the so-called Hill 700. In the afternoon, whilst leading his men, Larkin was struck down by machine gun fire.

Larkin has no known grave and is remembered at the Lone Pine Cemetery.

With his death, the sport of Rugby League lost an administrator of true

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The Australia v England ‘Rourke’s Drift’ test match, Sydney, 29 June 1914

genius. He had picked up a sport that was on its knees and in danger of slipping into oblivion, and placed it on a sound financial and administrative footing. There is no way of knowing just what he would have achieved had the war not claimed his life. Equally there is

1947 - 2017

no way of knowing just how innovative a politician he would have become had he lived because he was being touted as a future State Premier.

Larkin is named on the Masonic World War One Memorial at the Balcombe Heights Estate.

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June 2019

33

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 Membership drive These days one is constantly reminded of falling membership and the need to find ways to reignite interest in retaining current members plus find ways to attract new members into our order.

Survival of our order demands this and of course other orders also look to the Craft for their membership recruitment else they too will ultimately struggle to find ways of survival – a fact which cannot be ignored.

ee tary The Secre Editorial Committ W & ACT on Freemas Grand Lodge of NS W 1235 d uth, NS The Unite Sydney So , 59 A2 x The Secretary PO Bo 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

activities. Here then is the question... why do we ignore such a unique idea and help dispel the subject of ‘a secret society’ which plagues us due to the hesitancy to alter it.

‘We describe ourselves as “An organisation of excellence.” Do each of you truly think that YOUR lodge delivers a truly, TRULY, excellent experience to your candidates?’

It is not known why the short-lived invitation system was erased but sufficient knowledge still exists to recall the impression and interest it created.

The most positive answer I heard was, ‘Perhaps, in some areas.’

Perhaps the Board should once again take a considered look at this suggestion because to not open up the door to understanding in a public spirit is to silently watch the clouds of despair magnify.

One item of yesteryear which was introduced for a short time and created much interest and publicity was that of permitting ladies and non-masons to enter the lodge rooms for the closing ceremony. This attracted much interest and furnished a window of interest into the public arena.

A Truly Excellent Lodge

We permit guests and non masons to witness Grand Lodge Installations. Other states, in particular Victoria, have long accepted public interest into the lodge

During the last quarter I have been conducting mentoring courses in many country areas. I have always put this question to the attendees.

RW Bro W Richards OAM Lodge Thespian 256

If we are to provide a real example to encourage the pursuit of excellence, we need to be able to point to a lodge which IS truly excellent in all its parts.

What might such an excellent lodge look like?

RR Not very big. Perhaps a maximum of 30 brethren so that the ultimate in Brother­ hood can reign supreme.

RR Every brother being able to TOTALLY MASTER a charge in every degree. This would include practice on elocution, body language and delivery style of the ritual – not just mastery of the ritual itself but mastery of its delivery for communication of meaning (aka the art of rhetoric).

RR No reading of ritual – none.

A winner for masonry The CEO of Masonic Care Western Australia, Marie-Louise MacDonald, has been elected as the new president of the Retirement Living Council.

The Retirement Living Council (RLC) is the peak representative body for retirement village operators, representing approximately 1,000 private and not-forprofit villages and operates under the umbrella of the Property Council of Australia.

Masonic Care WA operates 11 retirement villages and one aged care facility.

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RR No initiation or affiliation papers accepted until after attendance as a visitor at six Festive Boards.

RR Strong emphasis on the ‘mysteries and privileges’.

Ms MacDonald started her career as a Registered Nurse and is the WA Chair of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. She has been CEO of Masonic Care WA for six years and previously led private and not-for-profit retirement, aged care, industrial relations and health care businesses in the West and overseas.

RR Officers all ‘move up one’ at every rehearsal.

Her election is the second major Masonic achievement following the recent success by Tasmanian Masonic Care CEO, Daniel Findley who was named national winner for the Australian HR Institute Lynda Gratton CEO Award.

The objective is to set a superb example and then to challenge other to match, or better it!

RR Tails for officers, dinner suit for brethren and gloves for everyone.

RR Formal, quality, festive board – but not as in an epicurean lodge.

RR Not easy to join and no multiple candidates at degree work.

RW Bro Richard Dawes Lodge Wahroonga 674

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Drumming up

health and wellbeing A drumming program at Whiddon’s Belmont and Redhead aged care homes is encouraging residents to keep active, connect with others and boost their mood.

First introduced in October 2017, the program has proven popular, with the group tripling in size since the fortnightly program first began.

Led by former music teacher Jo Cook, who after being involved in a university research program that explored music and movement as a therapy for people with dementia, designed the workshops for our residents. Using music from the 1940s to 1960s and drumsticks, buckets, balloons, ribbons and scarves, the workshops help residents to exercise in a different way.

A typical session starts with a warm up using scarves to encourage arm movement and throughout the session, several instruments such as egg shakers are used to encourage residents to reach high and low, along with a combination of fast and slow drumming movements, keeping to the beat of the music.

The program brings a range of health and wellbeing benefits for residents, in addition to the benefits of exercise, residents enjoy sharing wonderful memories that the music brings and social benefits of being part of the group.

99 year old Norma, who has always enjoyed exercise, loves attending the sessions and says it’s a fun way to keep moving and an opportunity for a good laugh with others.

A dance program with a difference!

Whiddon has launched Dancewise, an innovative and evidence-based dance program that offers residents the opportunity for self-expression, creativity and movement – regardless of mobility issues.

Developed by The Dance Health Alliance and now run across Whiddon’s aged care services, the program was developed in Holland and originally aimed at enhancing the physical and mental wellbeing of people with Parkinson’s. It takes moves from various dances styles and evidence-based coordination and exercises and combines this with fun and unique moves and music chosen by the group’s participants.

The chair-based program offers a range of benefits for Whiddon’s residents, including increased physical mobility, improved coordination and opportunities for enjoyment, fun and social connection.

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.

whiddon.com.au 1300 738 388

Freemasonry in Australia

By RW Bro Ted Simmons

Colonial foundations The history of Freemasonry in Australia, when it started and where, has been the subject of many scholars and students over the years. It is also a question often asked by candidates and the following articles, touching on this history, may be of assistance to mentors and others in search of knowledge.

I

n a minute book of the Grand Lodge of Ireland it is recorded that on 6 July 1797, a petition was received from George Kerr, Peter Farrell and George Black praying for the issue of a warrant to be held in the New South Wales Corps then serving at Port Jackson.

Action was deferred and nothing more seems to have occurred.

Lodge St John No 1 was apparently formed on Norfolk Island some time prior to 1800. Documentary evidence that the lodge was meeting on Norfolk Island in 1800 appears in records of the Department of Lands.

Norfolk Island was settled in 1788 by a party from Port Jackson under lieutenant (later Governor) Philip Gidley King, who was appointed commandant of the island. He complained that settlers and

...an association which it seems they called the Fraternal Society of Norfolk Island.

others on the Island had entered into an association which it seems they called the Fraternal Society of Norfolk Island.

It is likely that this Fraternal Society later emerged as Masonic Lodge of St John No 1. This lodge was apparently an irregular one as no trace of it could

be found in the records of the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland and Scotland.

In a bundle of papers which came from Tasmania there was found a Masonic Certificate, issued under the Grand Orient of France in 1802 to Captain Anthony Fenn Kemp by some officers of a French Exploration Fleet when in Port Jackson.

This certificate is not that of a Master Mason but the Rose Croix.

It is also known that as early as 1802, Masonry was practised on board HM Ships Glatton and Buffalo, at the time moored in Port Jackson.

Above: Governor Philip Gidley King, commandant of Norfolk Island.

Left: An article from the 9 September 1804 issue of the Sydney Gazette’s Norfolk Island section describing the Masonic funeral of a settler by the name of Charles Wood.

Image courtesy of the National Library of Australia

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June 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT

Send your masonic news 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

NSW S

Regional roundup

ACT

Lodge Bland No 337

A good citizen The Glen Innes Lodge No 44

A father son double It was a unique Installation night for the Glen Innes Lodge in February when W Bro James Donald had a dual role of Installing Master and father of his successor.

W Bro Donald was the WM of the lodge and handed control to his son James in a moving ceremony.

Both men had been initiated, passed and raised together (by dispensation) and

W Bro Ron Cooper of Lodge Bland receiving his award as ‘West Wyalong 2019 Citizen of the Year.’

W Bro Donald installed his son James as WM of Glen Innes Lodge

young James had followed his father through all of the offices.

The lodge has also been active in its charity efforts and in December and January delivered three wheelchairs each to Glen Innes Hospital and Vegetable Creek Hospital (at Emmaville) where they were gratefully received and will be put to good use.

W Bro Ron Cooper receiving his award

Lodge Paxton No 608

Honours for Paxton Lodge Paxton members, visitors and the DGIW VW Bro John Whittaker congratulate the WM, W Bro Dale Goldie on being awarded the OAM for services to his community.

www.masons.org.au

June 2019

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Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT

Lodge Cessnock No 252

Much ado in Cessnock Lodge Cessnock has been busy and active over recent months and its members have been rewarded with successful campaigns to raise funds for those in need especially in drought areas.

It conducted a mega 100 club where they sold tickets each valued at $100 to raise $4,000, which was matched by Masonicare, allowing the proceeds to be divided between Aussie Helpers and Need for Feed.

Members were told the total of $8,000 could buy 5,330 litres of diesel to allow farmers to plant crops and tend their farm, buy 67 bales of hay with each bale feeding a cow for a week, or has the ability to deliver and supply 368,000 litres of drinking water to farmers’ tanks.

In a different area, the lodge was amazed at the philanthropic efforts from its membership especially from Bro Callan Goldman of Goldman Wines who donated a pallet of his finest to the lodge to help its fundraising efforts.

Lodge Cessnock couldn’t raffle off 64 dozen, even if it had years up its sleeve, so a decision was made to share its fortune will every lodge in the district with the result that lodges and chapters as far north as Port Macquarie and as far south as Sydney benefited from this masonic generosity.

The lodge is also proud to support Chantel Sinclair of Cessnock who has been selected to represent the youth of the area at the annual Schools Spectacular held in Sydney. Only 80 students in the state get to participate in this auspicious event, with Chantel the only one from the Hunter Valley.

To assist her, Lodge Cessnock has covered the cost of Chantel and her mother for the week-long stay in Sydney to enable her to be at her performance best.

Chantel said that, having been chosen is a great honour for her and the WM of Lodge Cessnock, W Bro Bryce Gibson added it is equally an honour for them to be able to help this young lady realise her full potential.

‘We would normally say good luck but in this instance Chantel has made her own luck getting herself this far. On behalf of the lodge we hope you have a great time and continue to do Cessnock proud,’ he said.

saving device available we are pleased to be taking a leadership position in the community and we’re truly thankful for the kind donation made by the RFBI.’ Finally, Freemasons of the Greater Cessnock area were proud to announce that Cessnock City Council has voted to proceed to ask the Geographical Names Board to rename the park on the corner of Quarry St and Maitland Rd Cessnock as Freemasons Park.

Amongst Freemasonry’s numbers in the area have been civic leaders, mine workers, business owners and service members.

Many of them have created or have been involved in creating local institutions such as the Cessnock race course, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Royal Freemason Benevolent Institutes (West Haven and Kurri-Kurri masonic villages) to name a few.

‘We are honoured by Council’s endorsement of our fraternity’s work of the last 112 years locally and 230 years within NSW,’ said W Bro Gibson.

Our long term goal with Council’s approval is to transform this park into a gateway destination for all members of the community to enjoy.’

In another area, the Cessnock Masonic Centre and Lodge Cessnock are proud to have received a defibrillator, kindly donated by the Royal Freemason Benevolent Institution (RFBI).

W Bro Gibson said ‘With no other public hall in Cessnock having this life

The RFBI donated a defibrillator to Cessnock Masonic Centre

The newly-named Freemasons Park

Bro Callan Goldman of Goldman Wines donated a pallet of wine to help lodge fundraising efforts.

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Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The Freemasons’ Association W Bro May WM, VW Bro Reade, RW Bro Whittet, RW Bro Robinson and Bro Krolke during the ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony

Lodge Balgowlah No 392

Transplants and ANZACs Lodge Balgowlah had a double feature at its April meeting when it held Anzac Day talks and charity presentations.

After the ANZAC ceremony, RW Bro Robinson spoke of his 35 years service in the RAN and then of a recent trip to Somme where the great uncle of his partner Ms. Lesley Mortimer had fought during World War I and whose remains had been identified by DNA and interred in the war cemetery.

The WM then presented a cheque for $6,180 to Mrs H Edgell, Secretary of Transplant Australia NSW, Northern Beaches Chapter. This money was raised by members of the lodge assisted by members of Transplant Australia NSW Northern Beaches running the Bunnings

The Hills Lodge No 1025

John scores 100 RW Bro John Hile celebrated his 100th birthday on 8 April at a function arranged by his daughter Paula and held at the Aminya Centre for Aged Care in Baulkham Hills.

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Community BBQ and a donation of $3,000 from Masonicare.

Mrs Edgell thanked the lodge members for their support and added the money would be used to raise awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation, help improve the health of those fortunate enough to have had a transplant with development days and also participate in National and World Transplant Games.

She also mentioned that RW Bro Purdy of the lodge had received a liver transplant 21 years ago and she had a kidney transplant 40 years ago and that those who assisted at the BBQs had a total of over 100 years of extended life because of transplantation.

ANZAC Day 2019 The Freemasons’ Association (NSW & ACT) held its annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Martin Place Cenotaph on ANZAC Day with RW Bro Major Douglas James, RFD, Ret’d, PJGW as the Parade Commander Wreaths were laid by the Grand Master, MW Bro Commander Derek J Robson AM, RAN Ret’d, the President of the Free­masons’ Association (NSW & ACT), RW Bro Ross McAlpine, and the Immedi­ ate Past President of the Association, Dr Yvonne McIntyre.

The ceremony has been held since 2009 and is an opportunity for Freemasons to publicly pay tribute to those who gave their lives that we may live in peace.

After the Ceremony, those attending accepted the NSW Masonic Club invitation to the Club for complimentary tea/ coffee and biscuits.

The function was attended by six brethren from District 25 who were members of John’s lodge, The Hills Lodge or the Order of the Secret Monitor of which John is a longstanding member.

The WM of The Hills Lodge, W Bro Gary Williams, presented a congratulatory letter from the Grand Master and a congratulatory certificate from the Grand Supreme Ruler of the Order of the Secret Monitor.

RW Bro Hile was initiated into Freemasonry in 1970, was WM of Lodge Lidcombe No 462 for two terms 1978/80 and was the Grand Director of Ceremonies

RW Bro John Hile celebrates 100 years

for MW Bro Ron Johnson AM CMH during his first term as Grand Master.

June 2019

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Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT Mystes Rosae No 100

Mystes Rosae’s big night Lodge Swansea Belmont No 1030

GM visits Belmont The Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM spent a mixed day in Belmont in February visiting Whiddon Group’s Redhead Gardens meeting for a Morning Tea hosted by RW Bro John Read and Mrs Jenny Read, and later attending a Haggis night at Lodge Swansea Belmont.

A number of residents from retirement villages across the Hunter were in attendance at the Morning Tea when the Grand Master presented a 70 year jewel and Certificate to Bro Geoffrey Borham. Bro Borham was initiated on 6 November 1948 in Lodge Earl Kitchener No 308.

The Grand master was accompanied by 18 Grand Lodge Officers to Lodge Swansea Belmont’s Burns night, where he was welcomed by the WM, VW Bro Kevin Allen. Ladies and guests were admitted to hear piped solos by W Bro Len Stoker and the Burns address delivered by RW Bro Ken Burns.

During the meeting, the Grand Master presented the Regional Grand Master’s award to Mrs Carol Burns and presented two cheques on behalf of Lodge Swansea Belmont and Lodge Chelmsford Technology No 261 to Belmont 16’s Sailability.

Lodge Young Burrangong No 20

New WM for Young Burrangong It was ‘all systems go’ for Lodge Young Burrangong’s Installation in March when every progressive office was filled by Master Masons.

Local Peter Ledger was installed in the presence of 59 masons as the new WM by Trent Jamieson who had been Master of the lodge for the previous two years.

The Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM, who attended, thanked the grand delegation of 22 which included four DGIWs. There were also visiting masons from Temora, Harden, Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Gundagai, Yass, Cowra,

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It was a big double for Mystes Rosae Rose Croix Sovereign Chapter when they celebrated their Diamond Anniversary and an Enthronement on the same night.

The November meeting, hosted by MWS Em Bro Phillip Holden 32nd, saw the reEnthronement of Em Bro Roger Broadbent 32nd as the new Most Wise Sovereign.

The event was attended by Supreme Council Officers, Most Illus Bros Gregg Summerhayes 33rd, Grand Prior, Richard Pickering 33rd, Grand Chancellor, and Dominic De Candia 33rd, Grand Secretary General HE. Brethren and visitors from the NSW Hunter Valley District and outside the area attended the meeting along with one surprise visitor.

The District Commander NSW Hunter Valley Very Illus Bro Kevin Allen 33rd presented Illus Bro K9 Companion Bingo with his Certificate. Bingo is Illus Bro Don Smith’s guide dog and is always in attendance.

During proceedings, the NSW District Hunter Valley elevated Illus Brother Don Smith to the 32nd degree and Illus Bros Allan Campbell, Gary Dowling and Darryl Hayes to the 31st degree.

Queanbeyan, Campbelltown, Lockhart, Parkes and Canberra some of whom helped during the ceremony.

Entertainment for the ladies was provided by Dawn Elrington from Cootamundra who showed magnificent jewellery which can be used as art on a wall using nature’s objects such as leaves, set in acrylic.

The installation dinner was held at the Blue Still where 80 people sat down for a well presented meal and to witness the cutting of the masonic cake by Peter and Lyn Ledger.

L–R: M Ill Bro Gregg Summerhayes, Em Bro Roger Broadbent and Em Bro Phillip Holden.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

their respective community hospitals and health care providers in the last year. This does not include the initial donation made of another 22 wheelchairs in conjunction with District 22 and has created an environment for masons from the two districts to work together as one team. VW Bro Baylon believes this made his job as DGIW easier than expected and proved to be a vehicle for managing the district and its various challenges.

Districts 25 and 25A

Showing the way!

Representatives of St John of God Health Care receiving wheelchairs from District 25, with representatives from District 25 and 25A.

When a District impresses a Grand Master, it has to be doing something right!

Recently, the Grand Master saw a Facebook post regarding a District 25/25A Association Meeting and was impressed with the attendance and commitment of the Worshipful Masters and Wardens of the Districts.

District 32 was re-numbered District 25 and then split into 25 and 25A. They decided to focus on a combined District charity and kept one District Secretary and Treasurer which turned out to be more efficient and avoided duplication of roles. This does not preclude each district

from holding its own district activity. At the last District 25A meeting at The Star of Australia No 200, the Worshipful Masters and Wardens of the District lodges all took part in the work. There are also Masonic Mentoring Courses, Grand Lodge Demonstration Team Expositions and other masonic education activities that see the two Districts combine for the benefit of all parties.

The immediate past DGIW of District 25, VW Bro Mario Baylon found the District BBQs at local Bunnings Warehouses a notable charity activity as they have donated more than fifty wheelchairs to

Lodge West Epping 731

Epping Installation Castle Hill Masonic Centre was filled to capacity on 8 March to witness the Installation of W Bro Garry Barker as Worshipful Master.

In attendance was the Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM and a delegation of over 60 Grand officers including MW Bro Ron Johnson AM CMH, RW Bro John Armfield AGM, RW Bro Tom Bell RGC and RW Bro Andy Conlon GDC. There were also five fraternal visits from local lodges.

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W Bro Barker was initiated into Free­ masonry in Lodge West Epping on 10 May, 2013 and quickly became known for his commitment to Freemasonry and as a very accomplished piper as evidenced by the number of pipers attending in full formal Highland dress.

After the Installation ceremony, the Grand Master presented W Bro Barker with his Installed Masters Certificate, 50 year service awards to W Bro Rob Taylor and the

Another positive outcome is that if a lodge does not have a dedicated charity, all it needs to do is to attend and support the district charity and nominate the lodge’s charity and they get their share (usually it is $3,000, plus another interactive grant from Masonicare) for their specified charity. Less organisational work for the lodges but obviously, the Association does not discourage lodges from staging fundraising events to support their own charities.

To communicate with all of the lodges the combined Districts have a ‘BloGazine’, email group and two Facebook pages (most are private and for members only).

If a brother does not have Facebook, he can rely on email or the Association’s website; if that fails, a good old-fashioned District Notice Paper is available.

With the cooperative effort of both Districts and the obvious support of its members, D25 and 25A support each other’s activities which makes great experiences for all. It is possible to build a truly masonic culture in your District. Districts 25 and 25A have done it and they are happy to share their experiences with others.

Installing Master, W Bro Graeme Bauchop, together with his Past Master’s jewel.

A further presentation of a 60 years service award and jewel was made to RW Bro Roger Donsworth by the Grand Master. RW Bro Donsworth throughout his 60 years has been a member of Lodge West Epping since his initiation, twice serving as WM, and was also Chairman of the Board of General Purposes.

A musical interlude was presented on the great highland pipes by Bro Aaron O’Neill and in keeping with the Highland theme, the tables in the South were adorned with alternate Royal Stewart and Black Watch tartan table runners and matching serviettes, with over 100 sitting down to a fine refreshment.

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Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT

The Jubilee Southern Highlands Daylight Lodge No 162

Highland games The annual Bundanoon Brigadoon Highland Games was held at Bundanoon Oval in the Southern Highlands in April.

Jubilee Southern Highlands Daylight Lodge was part of the day’s event and hosted an information gazebo where nearly 200 Freemason magazines were given to members of the public who came from Sydney, Canberra and the South Coast.

The brethren manning the gazebo spoke to many members of the public who showed interest and it was also a pleasure to meet so many of the masons who were with some of the pipe bands.

District 37

Big night at Kensington A multitude of masons attended to create a special atmosphere for the District 37 Combined Meeting at the Kensington Masonic Centre in April at which two candidates were passed to the Second Degree and two special presentations were made by the Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM.

W Bro Younan and MW Bro Robson presented a cheque for $16,000 to Vanessa Johnston and Lorna Reardon, representatives of the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation

Lodge Woollahra was the host and the WM, W Bro Raymond Younan, chaired the meeting at which Bro John Antaky and Bro Sarkis Alderjani, both Woollahra members were the candidates.

time to present a cheque for $16,500 to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, which was money raised by District 37 from its recent harbour cruise and a well-attended ‘Scottish Night.’

All nine District lodges were represented, with more than 100 members and visitors packing the lodge room as the work, organised by the DGIW, VW Bro George Shenouda, was admirably performed.

District members had worked tirelessly in their efforts to support the hospital Foundation which covers the Prince of Wales Children’s Hospital and Westmead Children’s Hospital. Two representatives were present to receive the cheque, Vanessa Johnston, Head of Marketing and Communication and Mrs Lorna Reardon, Nursing Unit Manager at the Prince of Wales Children’s Emergency Department, and both were highly appreciative of the efforts by the masons in Sydney’s eastern suburbs’.

After the ceremony, the Grand Master presented VW Bro Nick Matis (Lodge Eastern Suburbs) with appropriate acknowledgement of his 50 years of service to the Craft.

Lodge Woollahra members provided a lavish Festive Board during which the Grand Master again stepped forward, this

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June 2019

Lodge Armidale No 641

Eight and counting!

Lodge Armidale was the place to be for the Re-Installation of VW Bro Les Jarman in April. Les was first installed in 1976 but this was his eighth re-Installation into the chair of King Solomon.

The Grand Master’s representative, VW Bro Wayne Jones DGIW D18, was accompanied by five PAGMs and a number of Grand Lodge Officers.

VW Bro Jarman was capably reInstalled by RW Bro Ray Weston and VW Bro Jones spoke on the quality of the work and the number of Master Masons holding office who are coming through the ranks.

Every lodge in District 18 joined the brethren of Lodge Armidale No 641 for a most enjoyable function and at the Installation banquet all brethren wished VW Bro Jarman a successful and enjoyable term as Master of Lodge Armidale.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Coffs Harbour Freemasons Association

Coffs donates more wheelchairs The Coffs Harbour Freemasons Association has donated six new ‘sets of wheels’ in the form of lightweight wheelchairs to the Coffs Harbour Health Campus (CHHC).

The donation, valued at more than $4,000 is part of a statewide Masonicare initiative to donate wheelchairs to public hospitals in rural and regional NSW. CCFA Chairman RW Bro Phil Robertson said the masons were delighted to help mobilise patients at CHHC as it is a big hospital and it will make it easier for patients with mobility issues to move around the site more easily.

Kalinda Gosewisch from CHHC said: ‘This donation is such a practical gift to our hospital. Thank you doesn’t seem sufficient but we are truly grateful to the Freemasons for these amazing new wheelchairs that are making such a difference to our patients and their carers.’

Kalinda Gosewisch from the Coffs Harbour Health Campus receiving the wheelchairs

VW Bro Geoff Bown DGIW, Bro John Bourne and W Bro Norm Little

Lodge Morning Star No 410

An ornament to Freemasonry Freemasonry, charity and volunteering are synonymous and represent what Freemasonry is all about. Bro John Bourne of Lodge Morning Star celebrated 60 years of service to Surf Lifesaving and

www.masons.org.au

was marched off Killcare Beach after his last patrol on 19 April.

On a perfect autumn day, John’s farewell was witnessed by a large number of family, club members and friends. His

service to the community started 60 years ago when John was a resident of the inner Sydney suburb of Erskenville. He and a group of friends would travel by steam train to Woy Woy every weekend, catch a ferry to Killcare wharf then walk to Killcare Beach.

John subsequently joined the Killcare Surf Club where he obtained his surf lifesaving bronze medal.

He subsequently coached the ladies and men’s beach sprint teams as well as the men’s open beach relay team, achieving national and international championship status. His efforts earned four world teams titles and five Australian titles and the men’s lifesaving team was installed into the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame.

John has scaled down his lifesaving activities but maintains an active interest in the Killcare Surf Club.

District 21 has had a long association with Surf Lifesaving on the Central Coast and was instrumental in sponsoring the introduction of the ‘Pink Rashies’ bearing the Freemasons logo and which are now worn in all competition activities Australia wide.

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Editorial Initiates

United

By RW Grand Bro Lodge Ted Simmons of NSW &OAM ACT

Welcome to our new members

It’s easy to be nice ALCAFAR, Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sydney St. George 269 ALEX, Bony . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hills Lodge 1025 ALLAN, Mat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Silver City 141

ANNELLS, Mark. . . . . . . . Lodge Castlereagh 72

BROWN, Michael. . . . . . . . . . . The Central Coast Lodge 2001 BROWN, Tim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Dawn 511 CALUAG, Louie. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Guildford 321 CANT, Jonathan. . . . . . . . . Lodge Horizons 1032 CENCIGH, Adam. . . . . . . . The Hills Lodge 1025 CHARLTON, Brenton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Lodge Federation 196 CRADOCK, John. . . . . . Lodge Burns Wentworth Tuscan 21 CRISAFULLI, Kurtis. . . . . . . Lodge Thespian 256 DANILLO, Ruchell . . . . Lodge Bulli Thirroul 1040 DE GUZMAN, Johnel. . . Lodge Wahroonga 674 DORRINGTON, Kane. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Prince Leopold 87 EDWARDS, Aaron . . . . . . Lodge Allan Stuart 416 ELLER, Leon. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Mark Owen 828 ENRIQUEZ, Gerry. . . . . . . Lodge Jose Rizal 1045 FINONES, Reagan. . . . . . . . . . The United Lodge of Sydney 11 GACKOWSKI, Greg . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Kiama 35 GERADO, Rey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Australian Lodge of Fidelity 101 HAIGH, Phil. . . . . . . . Lodge Cooma Monaro 164 HARICANDEAN, Sridass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Castlereagh 72 HARTLEY, Stuart. . . . . . . Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew 56 HINGSTON-YAHYAEI, David. . . . Lodge Sydney St. George 269 ICAO, Alex. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Victoria Cross 928 JABBAR, Musa. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge St James 45 JALLOH, Musa. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Axiom 1047 JORDAAN, Jaques. . . . . . . . Lodge Vaucluse 266 KAKAR, Nes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Thespian 256 KATINIC, Ivan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyvern 813 KHAN, Ammar . . . . . . . The Queen’s Lodge 229 KING, Gavin. . . . . . . . Lodge Army and Navy 517 KNOWLES, James. . . . Lodge Morning Star 410 LEBON, Olivier. . . . . . . . . Lodge Mark Owen 828 LEIPER, Cameron . . . . . . . . Lodge Silver City 141 LOCKYER, James. . . . . Lodge Morning Star 410 LUCIANO, Jon. . . . . . . . . Lodge Commonwealth of Australia 633 LY, Al Hassane . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Blacktown Kildare 393 MACDESSI, Adam. . . . . . . Lodge Woollahra 341 MACDONALD, Elijah. . . . . . . . . . . . Wallis Plains 4 MACGREGOR, Ben. . . . . . . . Lodge St James 45 MALABANAN, Kevin. . . . . . . . Lodge Epping 390 MALLARI, Clark. . . . . . . . .Lodge Jose Rizal 1045 MAMMEN, Easaw. . . . . . . . Lodge Burnside 729 MARKEZIC, Jordan. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Frenchs

Forest United 249 MARSHALL, Scott. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Burns Wentworth Tuscan 21 MAUBERT, Benjamin. . . . . . Lodge St James 45 McCAULEY, Jadyn. . . . . . Lodge Horizons 1032

As a youngster, my Woollahra parents ANNESLEY, Justin. . . . . . . Lodge 341taught me many habits which still McFARLANE, Kiel. . . . . . . . Lodge Macquarie 53 ATHAYDA, Warnie. . . . . . . . Lodge Courallie 235which now seem to be part of today’s persisted as I got older but McMILLAN, Brad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Ibis 361 ATTIEH, Daniel. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Toxteth 1052 MHANNA, Alan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sir Joseph modern ‘it’s old fashioned, throw it away’ system.

BABIKIR, Marco. . . . . . . . . . . . . Australian Lodge of Fidelity 101

I

BALMER, Doug. . . . . . .

Lodge 1033 ’m referring to words andKu-Ring-Gai actions which BARNSLEY, Marius. . . . .

Lodge Sttoday Davidand and St do not occur as frequently John 180 which still rankle by their absence.

BAYLOUNI, Marcel. . . . . . . . Lodge Honour 1054

You remember them – grace, BEDWANY,civility, Justin. . . . . . . . . . manners, courtesy.Lodge Axiom 1047 BEKES, Mario . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Blacktown For example, grace is something you Kildare 393

would think of as belonging to an older BERTI, Daniel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lodge Trinity 666 era, when people were automatically BERTI, Benito. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lodge polite, when you wrote letters byTrinity hand,666 ladies and gentlemen were easily recogBONNEFIN, Jamie. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lodge Harold Herman Unity 428 nised, being kind and a willingness to help others.

BRABANTE, Jose. . . . . . . . . . . Elysian Lodge 418 Manners of course were automatic with respect given to elders, not interrupting when someone else was talking, thanking people for gifts or assistance, giving up your seat in the tram or bus and even holding the door open.

Regional

extra!

Goldfields Lodgecould No 40also be consistent These actions with the words ‘courtesy’ and ‘civility’ which was part of the era when children were taught what was considered the correct thing to do.

A worthy recipient

People say to me that the world has progressed since then and we must adjust to modern times and methods. But I wonder whether we should.

The Goldfields Lodge at Parkes, at its Wemeeting don’t listen anymore and itinispreApril had great pleasure becoming endangered skill.his We70talk to, senting BroanKeith Jones with years or at, each other but not with each Certificate and Jewel.

Keith, who celebrated his 90th birthday in March, said he could remember joining Lodge Lachlan 46 Forbes in April 1947 where he eventually became Treasurer, an office he held for 38 years.

His memory is still sharp and if information is required about Forbes or a Forbes mason from long ago Keith has the answers. He is still an active mason and attends every meeting of the lodge.

44

June 2019

As Freemasons, we are taught to be civil, to help and to become better people, to give aid and support to our community...

Banks 300

MURPHY, Nathan. . . Lodge Victoria Cross 928 NASTOV, Trayan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Kiama 35 NEMATALLA, Jaryd. . . The Queen’s Lodge 229 NEOUCHI, Bassem. . . . Lodge Punchbowl 244 NIBLETT, Wilfred. . . . . . . Lodge Germania 1036 PRICE, Jaye. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Pacific 298 PRYKE, Lachlan. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sylvania 853 QUINN, Nathan . . . . . . . . . Lodge Cessnock 252 REYES, James. . . . . . . . . . . . . . The United Lodge of Sydney 11 RODGERS, Keiran. . . . . Lodge Warragamba 541 ROYDS, Charles. . . . . . . . Lodge Germania 1036 SABIH, Mohammed. . . Lodge Punchbowl 244 SANTOS, Al . . . . . Lodge Sydney St. George 269 SCARR, Edward. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Capitol 612 SHOKRALLA, Eddie. . . . . . . . . Lodge Picton 258 SILVERIO, Gerard. . . . . . . . Lodge Education 814 SKINNER, Simon. . . . . . . . . . Hunter United 246 SPENCE, Brendan. . . . . Lodge Commonwealth of Australia 633 SUGATAN, Melvin . . . . . . . Lodge Celebration of Fairfield 345 TAFKIKI, Matthew. . . . . . . Lodge Horizons 1032 TANNER, Brendan. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Verity 570 TATLONGHARI, Melchor. . . . . . . Lodge Frenchs Forest United 249 TAVITIAN, George. . . . . . . . Lodge Thespian 256 TERRETT, Nathan. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sir James Hardy 1046 TESTER, Luke. . . . . . . . . Lodge Emu Plains 860 VANHOLLAND, Sean. . . . . . . . Lodge Ethos 963 WATERS, Edward. . . . Blue Mountains Unity 118 WEIR, Kurt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Nepean 29 WEST, Jackson. . . . Lodge Lake Macquarie 243 WILKIE, Jack. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Horizons 1032 WOODWARD, Andrew. . . . . . Balmain Lodge 23 WRIGHT, Dylan . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sylvania 853 YOUDAN, John. . . . . . . . . . . . . Elysian Lodge 418 ZAMEL, Martin. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Liverpool 197

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Editorial

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER R EDWARD LARKIN R FEMALE FREEMASONS

v51 n2 June 2019

COMMUNITY RADIO R ALEXANDER FLEMING R WHEN THE GUNS FELL SILENT v51 n1 March 2019 INVICTUS GAMES R CHIVALRY R LODGE INDUS IS FORMED

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

v50 n4 December 2018

By RW Bro Ted SimmonsJune Crossword OAM2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

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Bee Jordan Ghan

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It’s easy to be nice Busy as a

On the

Travels in

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Thank You As a youngster, my parents taught me many habits which still 11

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to all our sponsors who have helped persisted I got older but made this editionas possible:

which now seem to be part of today’s 13 14 15 modern Barbara Glasson ‘it’s old fashioned, 5 throw it away’ system.

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7 & 47

DA Amaton Lawyers

’m referring to words and actions35 Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes of NSW which do not occur as frequently Georgetoday H Lilleyand Regalia 33 which still rankle by their absence.

Hornsby and Kuring-gai 11

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Masonic Association

You remember them – grace,

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manners, civility, International Order of thecourtesy.

Rainbow for Girls NSW & SA

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For example, grace is something you would think of asNo belonging to an older Lodge Mayfield Daylight 493 21 era, when people were automatically Lodge St George and St Andrew No 7 29 polite, when you wrote letters by hand, ladies and gentlemen were easily recogNSW Masonic Club 15 nised, being kind and a willingness to Rembrandt 13 help others.

26 27

28

29

30

Across

Down

1 across, 23 down, 9 across, 23 down, and 10 down Collectively 8, 12, 13 across and 17, 24 down (3, 4) (5) (6, 2) (12)

2 Sense mate is upset about these rights of way (9)

Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent 47 Manners of course were automatic Institution of NSW

with respect given to elders, not inter-

Terry McCallum Photography 9 rupting when someone else was talking,

thanking people for gifts or assistance, giving up your seat in the tram or bus and even holding the door open.

Freemason is supported in large These actions could also be consistpart by our generous sponsors. ent with the words ‘courtesy’ and ‘civil-

ity’wish which part of the era when If you towas become a sponsor, or children were taught what was considwould like a rate card, please contact: ered the correct thing to do.

Phone: 1800 806 930 or email freemason@apmgraphics.com.au People say to me that the world has progressed since then and we must adjust to modern times and methods.

But I wonder whether we should.

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4 Misplaced by a ragman (7)

3 Some Visa account opened for Abraham’s son (5)

8 See the clue starting at 1 across (6)

4 Managers rent subject to new agreements (12)

9 See the clue starting at 1 across (6,2)

5 1st Hebrew letters could be a help (5)

11 1st zodiac sign hides in dramatic formation (3) 12 See the clue starting at 1 across (10)

6 A star arranged for one of Haile Selassie’s mob (5)

13 See the clue starting at 1 across (5)

7 Peeve 1001 Romans very loudly (4)

15 Formerly ranked group has crazy hairy Cher (9)

8 Hung around and made irate Dr upset(7)

19 Pull tin medals to bits (9)

10 See the clue starting at 1 across (12)

20 Evil spirit makes men do wrong (5)

14 Catholic Health Australia promotes tea (3)

21 And so twice arranged for wall panelling (10)

16 33.3% of an ampersand (3)

25 Some borrowers conceal obligation to repay (3)

17 See the clue starting at 1 across (9)

27 Large deer transport our basic requirements (8) 28 Is Rudd tangled up in their ancient Celtic religion? (6)

S

29 Honest and open but since regretted running away together (7)

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30 The most delicate fabric with patterned holes tattered from torn elastic (7)

18 Seek any other placements for this team (7) 22 Stir an oar for the brother of Moses (5) 23 See the clue starting at 1 across (5) 24 See the clue starting at 1 across (5) 26 The apostles’ book of the bible plays (4)

June 2019

45

EditorialCertificates Service

By RW Bro United Grand TedLodge Simmons of NSW OAM & ACT

Congratulations to our masons

It’s 70 easy to be nice YEARS SERVICE

BROWN, Brian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Scone 183

HARVEY, Frederick. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Hunter United 246 HETHERINGTON, Athol . . . . Lodge Temora 168 MACASKILL, Donald. . . . . . . . . Lodge Swansea Belmont 1030 MANWARING, Ian. . . . . . . . . Lodge Pacific 298 McCARTNEY, James. . . . . Lodge Burnside 729 McGAVIN, Peter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge City of Newcastle 170 McGUIRK, Ronald. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Temora 168 MERCADO, Albert. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Scone 183 MORTIMER, Kevin . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Unity 6 MURRAY, Keith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Frenchs Forest United 249 SAUNDERSON, Leonard. . . . . . . . Lodge Middle Harbour 85 WILLIAMS, Edwin. . . . . . . . . . . . . The Goldfields Lodge 40

CLEGHORN, Stuart. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Unity 6 COOKE, Charles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Prince of Wales Lodge 102 EDDES, Phillip . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Oatley 381 FITZPATRICK, Ian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Middle Harbour No. 85 FOSTER, Lloyd. . . . . . . . Lodge Woolgoolga 705 HUER, Christopher. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Kiama 35 MATIS, Nicholas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Eastern Suburbs 1050 McCORMICK, Rex. . . . . . . . . Lodge Toukley 933 MORGAN, Peter . . . . . . . Lodge Gloucester 291 PARKER, William. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge City of Newcastle 170 QUINELL, Brendon. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Scone 183 RELF, George. . . . . . . . . . . . Bankstown Daylight Lodge 996 SCOTT, Ian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Chelmsford Technology 261 SMART, Cecil. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Gundagai 25 SMITH, Geoffrey. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Nepean 29 STEVENSON, Jeffrey. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Ibis 361 TAYLOR, Robert . . . . . . Lodge West Epping 731 TILBURY, Ian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sydney St George 269 WAKEM, Ronald. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Scone 183 WILLIAMS, Peter. . . . . . . . . Lodge Silver City 141 WOLFE, Kevan. . . . . Lodge Middle Harbour 85

As a youngster, my parents CARPENTER, Alfred. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The City oftaught me many habits which still Newcastle Lodge 170 persisted as I got older but which now seem to be part of today’s HOGARTH, Gordon . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Cronulla modern ‘it’s old fashioned, throw it away’ system.

JONES, Keith. . . . . . . . The Goldfields Lodge 40

I

LAYZELL, Charles. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Blacktown Kildare 393 ’m referring to words and actions which MAGANN, Winstanley. . . . . . . Lodge Scone 183 do not occur as frequently today and McPHIE, Robert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Cooma which still rankle by their absence.

Monaro 164 You Barry. . . . . . . . remember them – grace,Lodge 23 WALKER, The Balmain

manners, civility, courtesy.

60

For example, grace is something you YEARS would think of as belonging to an older SERVICE era, when people were automatically ALLEN,when Ronald. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lodge polite, you wrote letters byTemora hand, 168 ladies and gentlemen were easily recogALTASS, Ross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Farrer 93 nised, being kind and a willingness toLodge help BLANCH, Terence. . . . . . . . . . . Australian others. of Fidelity 101 BOLTON, George. . . . . . . . . .

Lodge Resurgo 223 Manners of course were automatic COLBERT, Maxwell. . . . . . . . . .

Lodge Scone 183 with respect given to elders, not interrupting when someone else was talking, DAVIS, Norman. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Hastings 69 thanking people for gifts or assistance, DONSWORTH, Roger . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lodge West giving up your seat in the tram orEpping bus and 731 even holding the door open.

GWILLIAM, Graeme. . . . . . . . . Lodge St George & St Andrew 7 These actions could also be consistent

“

with the words ‘courtesy’ and ‘civility’ which was part of the era when children were taught what was considered the correct thing to do.

As Freemasons, we are taught to be civil, to help and to become better people, YEARS to SERVICE give aid and BELLANTO,support Anthony. . . . . . . . . . . . to ourThe Schools Lodge 639 community...

BIRCH, Peter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Epping 390

50

BLOWS, David. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Silver City 141 BRADFORD, Robert. . Lodge Helensburgh 566 BUSCH, Rodney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge City of Newcastle 170

‘Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.’

People say to me that the world has progressed since then and we must adjust to modern times and methods. But I wonder whether we should.

‘A nation that forgets its past has no future.’

We don’t listen anymore and it is becoming an endangered skill. We talk to, or at, each other but not with each

‘The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible.’

‘Everyone is in favour of free speech.

Hardly a day passes without it being extolled but some people’s idea of it is that they are free to say what they like but if anyone else says anything back, that is an outrage.’

‘There is nothing government can give you that it hasn’t taken from you in the first place.’

‘You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.’

‘A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.’

Applicable aphorisms

46

June 2019

‘Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.’

‘One man with conviction will overwhelm a hundred who have only opinions.’

‘I’d rather argue against a hundred idiots than have one agree with me.’

‘A lie gets halfway around the world befored the truth has a chance to get its pants on.’

‘However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.’

‘In the course of my life, I have often had to eat my words and I must confess that I have always found it a wholesome diet.’

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The Law Offices of Dr. Dion Accoto

DA Amaton. Just. Smart.

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LAWYERS & ADVISORS

WHAT WE DO: Dr. Accoto advises businesses large and small on how to maximise success.

He also advises on serious and complex court matters.

Dr. Accoto has a degree in law, and a doctorate in business (leadership).

He has advised government, corporates and other lawyers.

* Over 25 Years in the Legal Profession * Call one of our friendly team on:

(02) 9020 5122 web: www.dalaw.com.au | email: dion@dalaw.com.au Liability Limited by a Scheme Approved Under Professional Standards Legislation *Admitted to practice in 1999, working in the profession from 1991

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MELBOURNE: 11th Floor 456 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000 BRISBANE:

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Thank you for your support For 139 years, Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution (RFBI) has provided assistance to those in need. Today we continue this important work through our Annuity Assistance and Benevolence Programs.

Thank you to all who have generously donated to the 2019 RFBI Annual Appeal. We have so far raised just over $5,000 and every dollar donated will be used to assist those in need.

Improving people’s lives is at the core of all we do at RFBI and we are always happy to hear from people with ideas on how we can help more people in our communities.

If you identify a need that you think we can help with, please email us at admin@rfbi.com.au For all enquiries regarding benevolence, please call RFBI CEO Frank Price on 02 8031 3200 or email admin@rfbi.com.au

Lange Powell, designer

Photo courtesy of Nathan Distel

The Square and Compass suspended above the main entrance on Ann Street

Monumental Masonry –

Masonic Temple, Brisbane Built from 1928–30, the heritage-listed Masonic Temple was designed by Lange Powell, Freemason and architect from Atkinson. He was selected by a competition held to determine the final design of the building.

Photo by KGBO

Photo courtesy of Tony Hisgett

Air Raid shelters in front of the Masonic Temple, 1942