Cross Keys April 2017 (Freemasonry)

The Cross Keys April 2017

Cross Keys April 2017

The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone

Number 200

From the Editor On the 200th Edition of the Cross Keys, we

and legs and is now no longer printed but

find the lodge 206 years old, in its own prem-

sent via email, Facebook pages and pub-

ises and hopefully working towards the fu-

lished on Issuu with the last number of im-

ture in these difficult times in which the Craft

pressions being over 64,000 over a few

finds itself.

years. The map below shows some areas in

The Cross Keys started in 1994 as a one page

the northern hemisphere that use it from

newsletter to inform the brethren about fu-

Issuu.

ture meetings and events. It has grown arms

In this special issue: 3 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 19

Masonry in the Philippines Grand Lodge of England Minute Book 18th C Freemasonry in England English Freemasonry in Italy Masonic Certificates Early Lodges in Renfrewshire East 242 Minute Book Minute Book Johnstone Street Directory The Cross Keys 200th Edition Congratulations

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April’s Meeting Thursday 13th FC by OBs Thursday 27th EAD by Lodge St. Barchan No.156

7.30pm start

Masonry in the Philippines The first recorded masonic Lodge in the Philippines was an Irish Military Lodge attached to the 39th Regiment of Foot (Dorsetshire) which were in the Philippines as part of the British occupation from 1762 to 1764. When the British forces left the Philippines their Lodge left with them.

There were no further reported Lodges in the Philippines until 1856 when Admiral Malcampo, one of the officers who had been sent by the Spanish colonial power to combat an increase in piracy in the Philippine archipelago, founded La Primera Luz Filipina. Over the next few years a number of other Lodges were founded with primarily a Spanish membership although other foreigners and Filipinos were admitted. Following an uprising of workers in Cavite in 1872 against the imposition of a new tribute payable to Spain the Authorities laid the blame on the Filipino masons and a number of them were either imprisoned or exiled and Filipinos were banned from Masonic activity.

Although Filipinos were banned from joining Lodges in the Philippines there was no such restriction on them in Spain and a number of Filipino intellectuals and patriots who had travelled to Spain to further their education joined Lodges there. In 1890 Lodge Solidaridad No 53 was founded in Madrid and became the focal point of these Filipinos. Among it members were Bro Dr Jose Rizal, considered the greatest of the Filipino patriots, Bro Marcelo del Pilar, Bro Graciano Lopez Jaena, Bro Marianno Ponce and Bro Antonio Luna all of whom were later to be involved in the struggle to free the Philippines from the oppressive Spanish Cross Keys April 2017

rule.

In the meantime restrictions on Filipinos joining Lodges in the Philippines had been relaxed and in January 1891 Nilad Lodge No 144 under the Grande Oriente Espagnol became the first Lodge formed primarily for Filipinos. More Filipino Lodges were formed soon after throughout the Archipelago.

From these gatherings of like minded men grew the resistance movement against Spanish rule. Some were doves like Bro Dr Jose Rizal who favoured a political end to Spanish rule for which he was initially sent into internal exile then imprisoned and finally shot in the back by a firing squad. Others like Bros Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo were hawks and the Katipunan (Association in Tagalog) which they formed aimed at ending the abuses of the Spanish Friars, became a body seeking revolution against Spain. Because many members of the Katipunan were masons it was wrongly assumed by the Authorities that it was a Masonic organisation.

After a short period of mainly guerrilla war General Aguinaldo signed a peace treaty with Spain and was banished to Hong Kong.

Soon after General Aguinaldo’s exile the Spanish American war broke out during which Admiral Dewey led an American fleet into Manila Bay and defeated the Spanish fleet. En route to Manila Dewey recruited from Hong Kong a number of Filipinos to help guide his fleet including General Aguinaldo and Bro Francisco Aguado, a ships pilot who had joined Lodge St John No 618 SC when he was in Hong Kong. Following his return to Manila General Aguinaldo took the

Masonry in the Philippines (Ctd) opportunity of the confusion caused by the War and declared the Philippines independent and himself as President. His Presidency however was short lived as the Philippines were ceded to America at the cessation of the Spanish American War and independence was not again regained until 1946 under the Presidency of MW Bro Manuel Quezon.

With American control the Philippines became a free Masonic jurisdiction and the original Spanish Lodges, some American military Lodges and three Lodges under the Grand Lodge of California were established.

Bro Manuel Camus, a Filipino who had become a Mason in an English Constitution Lodge in Singapore, was admitted a member of one of the Californian Lodges, Manila Lodge, however he became aggrieved over the actions of his Brother masons who seemed to reluctant to admit any other Filipinos. As a result, he and Bro Francisco Aguado, who has helped guide Admiral Dewy into Manila Harbour, determined to organise a new Lodge “that would practice universality in all its purity” and petitioned the Grand Lodge of Scotland for a Charter which was granted on 7 November 1907. The Charter was sent to Hong Kong and Bros Camus and Aguado travelled there for the consecration of the Lodge on 23 April 1908 and held the first meeting in Manila on 4 May 1908. Although the original intention of the founders was to confine the workings of the Lodge to Spanish it was realized that English was quickly supplanting Spanish in the Philippines and the Lodge changed to an English speaking Lodge and expanded rapidly. By 1916 there were over 200 members of nineteen different nationalities. A Scottish ChapCross Keys April 2017

ter was formed in Manila in 1911 and in 1912 a second Scottish Lodge was chartered on the Island of Cebu. The chartering of the Chapter created a problem as, although the Philippines was considered open territory for Lodges, the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United States and its Territories considered that they had jurisdiction over the Philippines.

This was later to cause trouble.

In 1912 the three Lodges chartered under the Grand Lodge of California resolved to form a Grand Lodge which was formed on 19 December of that year. As previously mentioned the Brethren of these Lodges were predominantly American, many of whom were employed by the American Colonial authority. Progress however was slow and it was two years before another daughter Lodge was chartered. In the meantime the two Scottish Lodges and the Lodges chartered under the Grand Oriente in Spain also continued to operate. The Spanish Constitution Lodges started discussions towards forming a Grand Oriente of the Philippines however because of a long delay in getting a response from Spain negotiations were commenced with the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. After much discussion on the terms of the “merger” on 14 February 1917 the twentyseven “Spanish” Lodges affiliated to the eleven of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines.

Lodge Cebu No 1106 SC at that time decided to relinquish its Charter to Scotland and to join the expanded Grand Lodge of the

Masonry in the Philippines (Ctd) Philippines. Lodge Perla del Oriente No 1034 SC however delayed a decision because of the ongoing dispute with the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United States over Keystone RAC No 354 SC. By the time this dispute had been resolved by a visit to the US by the First Grand Principal, MEC The Earl of Cassilis, Lodge Perla had reached the decision that they were much happier remaining a member of the Grand Lodge of Scotland than joining the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. As part of the agreement with the General Grand Chapter of the US it was agreed that Keystone RAC would not attempt to set up other Chapters nor Councils of Royal & Select Masters in the Philippines. As at the time Ark Mariners and Red Cross Knights

present day and, earlier differences having been resolved, maintain good relations with both the Grand Lodge of the Philippines and the York Rite of the Philippines with the Grand Master and the Grand High Priest frequently guests at our Installations. Although the Grand Master was unable to attend our most recent Installation, because of Grand Lodge commitments, his representative read a message from him at the Installation Harmony which included the following comments:

were not part of the American York Rite system, and not covered by the restrictions, a Scottish Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners and Council of Red Cross Knights was consecrated in Manila in 1926.

the GLP and vice versa. We have enriched each other well. Together, we prove that Freemasonry is indeed universal, despite certain differences in forms and styles.

Lodge Perla del Oriente, Keystone RAC and Keystone L&C continue to operate until the

In my travels to foreign jurisdictions, I have been asked whether it is possible

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“The Grand Lodge of the Philippines is fortunate to share your distinct style of masonry bereft of any jurisdictional issues. Many of you are members of

Masonry in the Philippines (Ctd) for their Lodges to enjoy the same stature of Lodge Perla in the Philippines.

You know the answer well. Our distinct relationship was forged more than a century ago. Our historic ties will support the notion that Lodge Perla is not a sister to us but more of a great aunt.

Fortunately, you are not a grumpy old aunt.�

The Grand Lodge of the Philippines has grown over the years since its birth and now has nearly 400 Lodges operating throughout the archipelago. Their Lodges which were consecrated in China and Japan have since formed themselves into daughter Grand Lodges although the Grand Lodge of China meets in Taiwain as masonry is still prohibited in mainland China. In addition to Blue Lodges and York Rite the Scottish Rite and Shrine operate here. There is also a Provincial Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland and four Conclaves of the Order of the Secret Monitor.

There are also associated youth orders – Rainbow for Girls, Job Daughters and DeMolay and for the Ladies - Eastern Star and the Order of Amaranth.

Brethren visiting Manila are most welcome to attend our meetings. Lodge Perla del Oriente No 1034 meetings on the 3rd Saturday of each month while Keystone RAC No 354 and Keystone Lodge & Council No 354 meet on the 3rd Thursday in alternating months. The Chapter meets on the odd numbered months and the Lodge & Council on the even numbered ones.

My sincere thanks to Bro. Cameron Sloan PM for the information.

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The tercentenary of the United Grand Lodge of England will take place in June. However, the UGLE was founded in 1813 although the Grand Lodge of England is dated from 1717 (some believe this erroneous and should be 1721). The first Minute Book of that Grand Lodge started in 1723 under the Grand Master Francis, Earl of Dalkeith. The minute book gives a list of lodges and its members starting with The Goose & Grid Iron public house at St. Paul’s and then The Queen’s Head Inn at Knaves Acre.

The excerpt above is a Grand Lodge meeting held in Merchant Taylors’ Hall. Again some interesting characters such as The Duke of Wharton Grand Master, Rev. J. T. Desaguliers LLD FRS Depute Grand Master (and GM in 1719) and Rev. James Anderson as Junior Grand Warden. The latter was the Scotsman from Aberdeen who wrote the books of constitution for the English Grand Lodge for which this meeting would discuss.

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18th Century Freemasonry in England English freemasonry is very different from Scottish. Of course, the ceremonies are similar, but its origins and development are different and that is one of the strengths of the Craft across the globe.

While Scotland can boast a continuous link from out operative lodges and have a direct line in many cases, English freemasonry is a ‘new’ entity with the formation of the Grand Lodge of England which eventually became the UGLE which celebrates 300 years since 1717 when it was formed in London with four lodges.

But why is it different? The first Grand Masters were gentlemen: Anthony Sayer, George Payne, John Deasaguliers and then there was change! In 1721, it went up market and John, the 2nd Duke of Montagu, became Grand Master—the first of dukes, earls, lords and royalty. Freemasonry suddenly rose to become not just respectable, but a society that was ’in’ and anyone who was anyone had a great desire to join.

So who was the 2nd Duke? He married Lady Mary Churchill, daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough and Sarah Jenyns, on 17 March 1705 and died on 5 July 1749 at age 59. Although they had two sons, when Montagu suddenly died of a 'violent fever' he had no surviving male heirs and the title became extinct. Montagu House, his London home, became the repository for national treasures which opened in 1759 as the British Museum.

The duke held a number of official positions, officiating as High Constable at the Coronation of George I who appointed him Colonel of the First Troop of Horse Guards, Gold Stick and Governor of St Lucia and St Vin-

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cent. In 1740 during George II's reign, he became Master General of the Ordnance for one year, being reinstated in 1743 and holding the post until his death.

Montagu also raised a regiment of horse and a regiment of 'Ordnance Foot' in 1745, both of which served briefly in the south of England. He was Master of the Great Wardrobe, Colonel of the Queen's Regiment of Horse, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and a Fellow of the Royal Society. Clearly a man of considerable talents, he was something of a practical joker as his mother-inlaw, Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough irritably reported: he delighted 'to get people into his gardens and wet them with squirts, to invite people to his country house and put things in their beds to make them itch!

Desaguliers was pivotal in persuading the Duke to become the GM whose friend the Duke of Richmond followed a couple of years later.

18th Century Freemasonry in England (Ctd) This was an important move as it allowed the very small Grand Lodge to govern the increasing number of lodge spreading across the country and also to change venue from a public house to the much larger Stationers’ Hall.

today! It is therefore not surprising the Freemasonry developed from two to three degrees during this phase. The Craft in England never really looked back from having aristocratic men of high social standing as members and leaders.

Two years later, the Duke sanctioned the new Book of Constitutions which also exemplified the best examples of society as members. Meetings included antiquarian ritual, dining, toasting, lectures, symbolism and of course discussion. Still sounds attractive

Freemasonry has survived and will continue to flourish, but it might need another transformation in terms of fewer lodges which are stronger and have more to offer. We shall see. . . . .

Advertising or Not?

Should we advertise the Craft on a bigger scale? We are taught that candidates should ap-

proach us, but today is that feasible? If you come across a suitable person, is it wrong to talk to him about the Craft, give him a Grand Lodge Year Book or an Ashlar? We have a great deal to be prod about as Freemasons so why not tell people and let everyone know who we are and what we do. The Craft will never harm anyone; on the contrary it improves mankind as a whole.

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The Dawn of English Freemasonry in Italy It did not take long for English Freemasonry to arrive in Italy. The Grand Lodge of England was formed in 1717; evidences show, in 1735, at least two lodges (both with no name and unattached) were working in Italy, Rome and Florence. In those years a number of separate kingdoms were ruling over the peninsula. Principalities, dukedoms, kingdoms, the so called, large ‘kingdom of two Sicilies’ and the territories under papal control, from the Tirrenean sea to the Adriatic with Rome as the religious and political capital. Italy was a country where foreign powers were struggling to gain control by using separations and rivalry with the Roman Catholic Church also working to maintain its influence.

The lodge in Rome was run by Stuart supporters and the church authorities allowed it to exist hoping that James, who was exiled in Rome, might regain control over England. Shortly after, when hope had faded, the lodge vanished. A major Italian Masonic library will soon give details of their ongoing research on this Rome lodge.

I thus focus on the so-called ‘Englishmens’ lodge in Florence. Tuscany, ruled as a Grand Duchy under Gian Gastone de’ Medici (heir to the Medici family), shared borders with the Papal territories. Gastone did not like Rome’s influence in internal affairs. The previous ruler had given away too much power and privileges to Catholic bodies. Soon Gian Gastone realised his Grand Duchy could achieve a major improvement in overseas commerce: for this, however, he needed a freehand. Therefore, he blocked the power of Catholic institutions in Tuscany. Good relations with England brought a number of English citizens to Florence, including a representative from HM court, Sir Horace Mann.

This group of Englishmen loyal to the then King, started meeting as a lodge in a tavern. Charles Sackville, Earl of Middlesex, became the second master and details of

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his Masonic activity appeared in Quatuor Coronati Lodge no.2076, in 1911 (Begemann, volume n.12) and in 1945 (Chetwode Crawley, vol.58. A record from 1732, gives details on the initiation of Antonio Cocchi, doctor to many English sojourners: he was probably the first Italian to enter Freemasonry. Shortly after, more Italians joined, mostly not fluent in English and showing more interest in the British community in Florence than in Freemasonry. The Florence lodge was also a nest for spies, who would get useful information from its Italian members.

The lodge existed to 1739, shortly after Gian Gastone died. However, another Italian was to take an important office in Englishmen’s lodge. Tommaso Crudeli became the lodge secretary around 1735. Crudeli was a scholar and, by teaching Italian to some British citizens, he became close to Sir Horace Mann and others.

Crudeli was an excellent poet and writer. Some of his work set the basis for his struggles with the strong Catholic forces fighting not to lose their influence and benefits.

When Gastone’s successor, Francesco Stefano Lorena, was appointed a political war broke out against the local Catholic party, and Crudeli became the thin vase in the middle of thick vases clashing. His position was unprotected when the lodge closed, following a 1739 recommendation set by Lord Robert Raymond (lodge member elected GM.) right after his departure for London. The overall situation after the 1738 ‘In Eminenti Apostolatus Specula’ excommunication set by Pope Clemente XII was difficult, even if that papal bull was not acknowledged by Tuscan rulers. As British citizens were largely beyond the reach of papal

The Dawn of English Freemasonry in Italy (ctd) courts, they realised that some lodge members were in danger. Von Stosch, an Austrian noble suspected of being a spy, Buondelmonti and Giuseppe Cerretesi, both readily informed of the pending warrants, and Tommaso Crudeli was jailed on 9 May 1739. He spent five months in very poor conditions, including weeks in a horrible cell on heresy charges.

No trial was set up; meanwhile his health was worsening. Several months spent in these conditions caused serious concerns about his life. Eventually, following efforts from Tuscan emissaries, Crudeli was released in July 1740, being obliged to never leave his house in Poppi. He never underwent trial, nor did he ever confess or betray his brethren. Sadly, his health had already cracked and Crudeli died in 1745. He is considered by many as the first martyr of universal Freemasonry. In my opinion, Crudeli aroused hostility among individuals with his pen. A poet and not a politician, he did not realise the extent of his lyrics in that dangerous period. It is not just a matter of fighting for freedom of speech. He made serious mistakes and relied too much on someone else’s protection. The treatment he was given by clerics was useful to Tuscan rulers in order to cancel the Inquisition in their territories, and to start again collecting fees from the Church, reinforce civil power and foreign respect. Crudeli was the lamb in all

this and the clerical powers acted beyond any civil and moral law, thus originating a fierce fight with a large part of the Italian population, including of course the massoni, the Italian word for Freemasons.

It is, also, worth noting of a Grand Lodge of England petition dated 12 December 1739, of one ‘Thomas Crudeli, a prisoner in the Inquisition in Florence on account of Masonry’, which was warmly recommended by Lord Raymond, then Grand Master, and which resulted in a grant of 21 pounds being authorised for the relief of the petitioner (as in The Builder 11, 5 May 1925 in ‘Masonic Benevolence Between 1717 and 1813’- W.B.M. Bachcroft).

Englishmen interests later focused on the Tuscan seaport of Livorno (you may find it on maps under its English name, Leghorn), where four lodges were set between 1763 and 1771, having either Ancient or Moderns patents. Tuscany and Umbria are, to this day, considered the homeland of Freemasonry in Italy.

By Bro. Alessandro Ruzzi (Cross Keys of many years) Also a good friend and brother I met at a lodge in Rome.

The Anchor Lodge of Research No.1814 On 5th May, Bro. Grant Macleod PM 242 will present a talk on : Three Lodge before the Grand Lodge of Scotland looking at three old lodges, two of which still exist today. Meeting in the Masonic Hall, West Stewart Street in Greenock. It would be good to have a small deputation to visit 1814.

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Certificates A Master Mason certificate issued by Lodge No. 535 in Long Island of Ancient Masons "held in the Prince of Wales American Regiment and on the Register of Ireland" to Seth Fairchild and dated August 29, 1783. The Prince of Wales American Volunteers were a Loyalist regiment who fought during the Revolutionary War; these volunteers left New York in September of 1783 and set out for Nova Scotia.

A Master Mason certificate issued by Monitor Lodge (Waltham, Massachusetts) in 1901. It is signed by the master at the time.

Prior to Grand Lodges issuing certificates, it was common practice for lodges to issue their own. 242 has an example of one of our certificates on the left hand wall just after the Master’s Room.

Have a look if you haven’t noticed it.

These were issued by the lodge before 1880.

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Early Lodges in Renfrewshire East

The above is an excerpt from about 1860 showing the province’s lodges. There are quite a number of changes from the colours of regalia (might explain why 242 has a very old crimson apron with no blue as we do today) to lodges that were declared dormant: Lodges POW, Renfrew No. 426, Garthland St. Winnoch No.205, Thistle & Crown No. 1167 and Lodge Union & Crown No.307 (current numbers) were no longer in existence.

However, the latter which had slipped into darkness in the 1830s due to a recession in Barrhead was given special dispensation from Grand Lodge to re-open and work under the original charter in 1868 (similar to Lochwinnoch). Unfortunately, Lodge POW which lapsed in 1837 did not get dispensation and was given a new charter in 1863. Due to the renumbering by Grand Lodge, the Barrhead lodge received a lower number whereas the Renfrew lodge a higher number! The lodge in Neilston was in darkness for over 80 years and hence could not apply to work under its original charter as it really was a new lodge in 1918 when it was founded.

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Over the following months, there will be a series of excerpts of old minutes. It is important we know from whence we come.

The image of the minute below was written for the first installation in 1812 describes the master Bro. Robert Hodgart (owner of the Black Bull Inn) as the Grand Master. This was not uncommon in these days and the term was used randomly and varied depending on the secretary. The Hodgart and Snodgrass families were very active in the town, remembering Johnstone was in its infancy having been formed only a few years earlier.

Another name of interest is Bro. William Losh who was employed with the Houstoun family at the castle as a factor dealing with much of the land and proper-

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ty. He is the secretary of the lodge and would become master in 1821-23.

Bro. George Webster was the first treasurer and was clerk to George Houstoun & Co.’s mill at the bottom of Collier Street—his house was Cartside.

Bro. Robert Montgomery JD lived in Peockland House—his father owned the wick and cotton manufacturing works in Peockland Mills.

There is also Bro. Neil Snodgrass who is down in the office-bearers list as past master. It would appear this was an actual office, possibly similar to substitute master today where the brother would deputise for the master if absent. Bro. Neil Snodgrass had never been a master.

Johnstone Street Directory

The list of Johnstone societies from its existence. Today, we have only the lodge left from that era. Most are self evident, but does any brother know what the Loyal Johnstone Yeomanry Society could have been?

So officially, the lodge is the oldest society in the town now (and the band next) and that is something we should be proud about and ensure we continue as such.

Johnstone History Society The Johnstone History Society meets on the second Tuesday of each month from September to May from 7:30pm to 9.30pm in the lodge. The next meeting is: 11th April, 2017 and the speaker is Dr Ralph McLean. Curator of 18th Century Manuscripts, National Library of Scotland whose talk is on:

Burns and the Scottish Enlightenment

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Possible Special Visit

It is hoped that on 12th October, 2017 we will be able to welcome General John Joseph Pershing Lodge No. 307 of the Grand East of the Netherlands into 242. What’s the connection?

Bro. Daryl Gordon of 242 is now working in Maastricht as part of his job with the RAF and NATO. Bro. Daryl is pictured above with the 242 apron.

The exact format of the evening is still in the panning stages, but get this into you diary.

Distinguished Service Bro. Willie Fleming PM Lodge Craigends No. 1042 was presented with a certificate of Distinguished Service to the Craft by Bros. Neil Fraser PGM and Kevin Pollock PM 1042. It was also the night in which Lodge 242 conferred the MM degree in Linwood which made it very special as Bro. Willie is a good friend to 242.

Congratulations from all at 242!

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The Cross Keys Magazine This is the first issue of the Cross Keys from 1994. The format for many editions was five questions with answers appearing the following month, famous masons with a snippet/picture and dates of meetings. It was purely experimental to see if brethren were interested in having this newsletter. Within a year, it was printed on both sides to allow more in death articles to be written.

The first 36 followed this style until it was printed in colour (see over the page).

Ink was becoming cheaper and it was possible to print about 150 using one cartridge (remember the average attendance during the 1990s was about 100).

Like everything else, this became an expense when it cost about ÂŁ26/month to print and Bro. Ray Drennan helped out by producing copies for the brethren.

This edition also marked a name change from 242 Monthly to Cross Keys named after the Cross Keys Hotel (right) in Houstoun Square where the lodge met during the mid 19th Century. Before its demolition, the lintel stone with the square and compasses was acquired and now rests in our display cabinet. This was the main establishment along with the Black Bull Inn where the lodge met prior to this. The upstairs was known as the Masonic Hall and various other orders met in the hall as well.

The Cross Keys went online with a renumbering do the number of editions is more than 200, but 200 is close enough!

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The first edition, June 1994

The Cross Keys Hotel, Houstoun Square

The Cross Keys Magazine (ctd) Unfortunately, it is still difficult to get brethren to submit any kind of information for inclusion other than photos. These are always appreciated as the newsletter needs other input rather than just myself. However, like all good things it may have a finite life span and another mode of communication may take over.

The CK is also now part of the superb Zetland Hall’s (Hong Kong) website by clicking here.

For the mean time, enjoy brethren and anything you wish to submit send to me at: crosskeys242@gmail.com

Congratulations Congratulations to Bro. Brian (OJ) Kerr PM 242 who has affiliated to Amelia Lodge No.590 on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Bro. Brian on the left is welcomed on the night of affiliation by the master Bro. Chris Hunt.

We wish him very many happy years with the Amelia brethren—they have gained a real asset.

Perhaps 242 can look to the future and plan a visit to some Ohio lodges.

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Further Congratulations

Bro. Robert McGill (left) was presented with his Jubilee Certificate for 50 years by the master Graham Scott and the new PGM Bro. Neil Fraser (on the left). On the right, is Bro. Willie Lees who also received his Jubilee Certificate with his son Bro. Fraser (on the left to avoid confusion!!!!).

Degrees with a Difference

Lodges are often trying to find something away from the norm. One common practice in many constitutions is the outside degree. In Scotland, special dispensation would be required and might not be granted. However, many brethren have suggested that this would be a good idea (depending on weather!!) or meeting in historic places relevant to the lodge. Zedekiah’s Cave in Jerusalem is another common place for masonic meetings.

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PGL 2017 The PGL of Renfrewshire East held its last meeting of the old Commission and January and last month held the installation of the new Commission led by Bro. Neil Fraser. The PGM has sent the message out that he is looking for feedback for PGL to take forward as part of the plan for the new Commission so please email the PG Secretary if you would like to see PGL do something or change something. From all at 242 we wish Bro. Neil the very best.

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Royal Arch Matters Congratulations to Companion Costa, a brother and good friend of many brethren in 242, on being installed as First Principal of East and West Royal Arch Chapter No. 5410, Southgate, London.

Congratulations to Comp Gordon Renfrew on his recent appointment as Grand Superintendent of Renfrewshire.

First Aid Instruction Need First Aid? Contact Bro. John Ferguson PM 1436. John is a self-employed sub-contractor currently contracting with various organizations covering the UK, Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe. John speaks fluent German and basic Arabic.

John is currently studying a Degree in Medical Sciences which will see him obtain a Degree in Medicine. John is a highly accomplished medical instructor who engages well with all client levels and prides himself on delivering first class training on all medical/ survival requirements. Being a brother, he is also 100% reliable.

Tel: +44 (0)7581 394412 E-mail: info@medicfor ce1.com Cross Keys April 2017

Masonic Art

In Memoriam It is with deep sadness and much regret that we have to inform you of a loss sustained to the lodge in the passing to the Grand Lodge above of the following: Bro. Jim Williamson Bro. Donny McPhee

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To submit an article or want added to the mail list or Facebook group, contact the Editor, Grant Macleod: E-Mail:

sec242pm@yahoo.co.uk

Website: http://lodge242.bravesites.com/

Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo PM for proof reading.

Don’t forget to support The Ashlar magazine— Scotland’s only Masonic magazine.

Just click on the magazine to find out more.

Cross Keys April 2017