Cross Keys December 2022

The Cross Keys Number 249

December 2022

The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No.242

Cross Keys December 2022

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From the Editor In case the TV is awful over Christmas, then have a look at this link. It is the London Museum of Freemasonry which has many fascinating videos of about 2 minutes.

Looking for Christmas present, try the company So Mote it Be Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

Grant Cover—Past Principal of an Irish Royal Arch Chapter under Ireland (see P.7).

The Grand Lodge of South Africa celebrated 250 years and here is a 5 minute video of the event (click on the image below).

The Cross Keys is a free magazine distributed across the many countries in order to spread the good (and sometimes not so good) qualities of the Craft. All views are of individual brothers and not any organised body.

Editor: Bro. N. Grant Macleod PM of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No. 242 PM of The Anchor Lodge of Research No.1814 Past Provincial Grand Secretary of the Province of Renfrewshire East Provincial Grand Scribe E of the Province of Renfrewshire.

Proof Reader: Bro. Allan Stobo PM of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No. 242 Treasurer 242

In this issue: 3 4 5 7 9 11 12 14 15 16 18 19 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31

Ritual Approach Meeting in a Cavern, not a Tavern!

Shanghai Tuscan Lodge Irish RA Certificates Freemasonry in Belgium Montgomery Mill St Mark’s Hall, Glasgow Pomegranate Installation 2022 & 1956 Another Masonic Cruise Meeting Formula One Lodge Ayrshire Young Masons’ Assn Kenning Masonic Depot Lodge 205 in 1870 San Diego Temple Masonic Hotels Bits & Pieces Royal Arch - Review GL News Hurricane Ian Installations

January Meetings Thursday 12th MM Degree

Thursday 26th EA Degree Both by OBs 7.30pm start

All Scottish Constitution.

Full Syllabus (click here) Cross Keys December 2022

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Ritual Approach 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Where is the VSL opened in your lodge?

Why are wardens’ columns up/down (not when)?

What orders of architecture do the master ad wardens represent and why?

The numbers 3, 5 and 7 are important—what can they represent?

Give two important points you remember in the closing charge of an EA. Why do we have signs and secrets?

What moral significance do you attach to the chisel?

Now these are straightforward questions with the answers in the ritual. However, if you’re struggling to answer at least 5 then perhaps the procedure of expecting candidates and brethren to sit and listen are not working. I have already written before about bite size chunks, Twitter expecting less (although they have increased their tweet length), etc but it is a reality and just saying they need to listen more simply doesn’t work.

How many teachers write in reports that pupils should listen more but still fail. Empty words!

well over 100 years ago.

So if we don’t change the ritual what do we do? We have fewer degree meetings (which is not difficult with fewer candidates) but more meetings with the ritual explained. I’m not suggesting lectures as some enjoy these, but many have found them tedious after lockdown. However, there is most defimiately a place for lectures.

What we need are more meetings where aspects of the ritual are focused upon—perhaps a young OB could recite the working tools in a degree and these are then discussed especially in a modern context. The EA tracing board could be given (rarely heard in Scottish lodges today) and again this could promote discussion on certain aspects leading to the layout of a lodge room.

However, we should do something! It used to annoy me when I asked a PGL or GL OB a question and he was as knowledgeable as I was when I joined. Then I realized it was the norm and often the response was “listen to the ritual more carefully.” If it was that simple, why could they not give me a response?

Because they didn’t know the answer!

The possibilities are endless, but brethren need to take the initiative and put more maAs time moves on, our archaic ritual becomes sonry into freemasons. This was actually even more archaic to younger and newer the reason why the Cross Keys was started brethren. Having an archaic ritual in many way back in 1994. It’s as relevant now as it ways is what the Craft is all about—it allows was then. brethren to go to their lodge and forget much of the outside world. They can sit with like February edition will have a follow on minded brethren and enjoy a ceremony simi- about rituals. lar to one that might have been conferred

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Meeting in a Cavern, not a Tavern!

Last September 2022, Miles Coverdale Lodge No. 5069 held their regular meeting in the caves at Kents Cavern. Miles Coverdale Lodge previously celebrated its 700th meeting in the spectacular underground setting of Torquay’s prehistoric caves at Kents Cavern on 20 October 2016. The cavern is owned by Bro. Nick Powe, Secretary of Miles Coverdale Lodge. His family have been custodians of the prehistoric cavern for candidates (£25 per person). five generations since 1880.

Dining will be an informal BBQ in the gardens following the ceremony. Members of

This was a regular Lodge meeting of Miles Coverdale with a focus on promoting the benefits of Freemasonry in general and Miles Coverdale Lodge in particular. Members are encouraged to invite prospective

the Lodge, representatives from the Provincial Membership and Mentoring Teams, and Masonic Charity Foundation provided a parallel social event to entertain potential candidates during the ceremony.

New War Memorial, Linwood

Bro. Robert Boyd, master 1042, and Bro. Willie Fleming PM 1042 HM 242 laying a wreath at the proposed war memorial Linwood. This should be placed across from Tesco next to Candren Road. Hopefully, further news about this to follow.

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The Shanghai Tuscan Lodge No.1027 (EC) Last April, the article on Bro. Robert F. Gould time. It was a testament to the ambition and mentioned Shanghai Lodge formed in 1864 drive of the founding members to grow and in China then moved to London. support the local Masonic community.

In 1864, there were two English Lodges in Shanghai:  The Royal Sussex Lodge, No 501, founded in 1844 in Hong Kong and transferred to Shanghai in 1863  The Northern Lodge of China, No 570, founded in Shanghai in 1849.

The ceremony of Laying the Foundation Stone took place on 3 July 1865. It was the last Masonic function Bro Gould would undertake in China.

In the ensuing years, the Tuscan Lodge sponsored the founding of three other Lodges in China and assisted various others. It This was deemed insufficient, and on 5 also lent its support to the China Fleet Lodge March 1864, 16 brethren from these two of Instruction, which had branches in ShangShanghai Lodges met and discussed creating hai, Hong Kong and Wei Hai Wei. a new Lodge under the English constitution.

The Tuscan Lodge kept very busy throughout The meeting took place in its existence, especially if the house of W Bro Robert compared to present-day Freke Gould, who then ocstandards. It was not rare cupied the Chair in The that over ten meetings Northern Lodge of China. would be held in a single The Brethren petitioned to year. Records show that institute and hold a new some of these meetings Lodge they called Tuscan. lasted for several hours, during which all three cerThe inaugural meeting emonies were conducted. took place on June 18th Up to 1914, the Lodge 1864 at the Masonic Hall saw an average of seven in Canton Road. Bro initiates per year. The Gould, the installing Massteady routine continued ter, would achieve fame after the first world war, with his History of Freewith an average intake of masonry in 6 volumes. W Bro Cornelius five initiates per annum.

Thorn, a Past master of the Northern Lodge, was installed as Worshipful Master of the Peace would not last very long, and in 1927, Lodge.

China was gripped in hostilities against Japan. British troops were sent to the defence The Tuscan Lodge received its regular war- of Shanghai. The year 1932 marked an esrant from UGLE in February 1865. During its calation in the tensions between Japan and first year, the Lodge supported other English China. Masonic activities were disturbed Lodges in Shanghai in proposing the con- once more. Japanese forces took control of struction of a new Masonic Hall in Canton the region in August 1937. Despite the severe Road. The total cost for the building was restrictions imposed on residents, the Tuscan split into 40 shares. Tuscan Lodge took 5 of Lodge held its 75th anniversary on 18 June these shares, which in its first year of exist- 1939. A reception and dinner followed the ence demonstrates a solid commitment to meeting. The brethren and their ladies raise a significant amount of funds in a short danced until midnight. December 1941, eve-

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The Shanghai Tuscan Lodge No.1027 (EC) (ctd) rything changed. War was declared on Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbour. Within a year, several Freemasons and leaders of the British community in Shanghai were arrested by the Japanese. They were interrogated, and their families interned. So many masons found themselves in Japanese camps that it is said they managed to rehearse some ceremonies by pretending they were playing a game of cards.

Liberation came in 1945, and those who could, decided to return home. The Lodge didn't meet until June 1946. By then, the membership had fallen from 113 to 77. The political instability led to the Communists taking complete control in 1949.

A significant departure of the foreign population immediately started. Membership of the Lodge reduced further, to the point where it could no longer function. In 1954, the Master of the Lodge, W Bro Dean Barrett, started transferring the Charter to England and later that year, the Lodge met for the first time in London.

From there, the Lodge has continued to meet regularly, but its membership has slowly declined. So much so that its future became uncertain. The 23 members came to realise that organic growth for the Lodge was implausible. In 2020, they voted to petition the Metropolitan Grand Master to approve the Lodge for inclusion as a member of the UGLE Universities Scheme; this happened in June 2021.

It is hoped that over the next three to five years, the transformation of Shanghai Tuscan Lodge into a formidable and growing lodge of young, enthusiastic masons will come to fruition.

The Shanghai Tuscan Lodge, No 1027 regular meetings are held at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London WC2, in the late afternoon on the 2nd Wednesday of February, October, the 4th Monday in November and 4th Wednesday of May (when the new Master in Installed).

There was already a London Lodge with the same name, Tuscan Lodge No 14. As a result, the transferred Lodge was renamed Shanghai Tuscan Lodge at its following meeting in February 1955. Five members were present, and a further 34 brethren from other Shanghai Lodges were elected as joining members on the day.

In 1964, the Shanghai Tuscan Lodge celebrated its centenary with a healthy 102 members. It had recovered well. In 1972, it became a member of the Commonwealth Lodges Association which helps promote fraternity among Lodges that originated from the Commonwealth. In June 1996, the Shanghai Tuscan Lodge hosted the 13th Combined Commonwealth Lodges Festival.

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Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ireland Certifcates The certificate to the right is issued to Royal Arch companions in Ireland. The official description is as follows: upon a tessellated pavement, a Pedestal or Tablet in monumental style, evidently copied from the English “Gloria” Royal Arch Certificates, but much fainter in shading. The Tablet stands upon a base formed of five courses of steps, then a dado course, two courses of moulding, and over the Tablet there is an Entablature. Resting on the top of the latter is a cushion, on which lies a closed Book, back facing outwards, marked “ Holy Bible,” over which is an equilateral triangle “Rayonnant” with eighteen streams of light issuing from it, and in the centre a Sun of sixteen irradiations. Over the foregoing, in a segment of a circle or crescent, the letters I.T.N.O.T.G.A.O.T.U., and surmounting all the words “Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ireland,” the whole being framed in a plain border consisting of one heavy and one light line. On each side of the Tablet is an ornamental panel, that on the right terminating at the lower end with the red Seal of Grand Chapter the panel to the left terminating in a hexalpha within two circles.

Companion James S. Heron’s Royal Arch Certificate. Chapter of Lodge No. 88, Belfast. Registered 22nd January, 1855. Dated 19th November, 1857. The Craft Warrant for St. John’s Lodge, No. 88, Belfast, is dated 1811, and the Royal Arch Chapter connected with it was warranted in 1848.

The three Principals of Irish Royal Arch Chapters are styled Most Excellent King, M.E. High Priest and M.E. Chief Scribe respectively.

There is a separate installation ceremony for each. The First Principal on retiring from office after his year of service, is entitled to a Past First Principal’s or King’s Certificate. In the 18th and early part of the 19th century the High Priest was the First Principal, and many old Chapter Certificates are extant signed by the officers, the H.P. ranking first.

The Certificate of a Past King is a very hand-

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some one, representing an Egyptian doorway.

We are unable to fix the date of its introduction, but it was probably between 1865 and 1872.

Upon a tessellated pavement, a handsome doorway in Egyptian style, cuneiform opening between two sets of pillars, with human heads under the capitals. On the front of capital to the right, is an interlaced double triangle or hexalpha, and on that to the left a Mark Keystone. At the foot of these pillars and in front of same, are two Sphinxes, both facing inward towards the doorway. The pillars and walls are ornamented with numerous hieroglyphics and figures. Over the pillars rests an entablature, ornamented in centre by a globe or egg, on each side of which is a bird with outstretched wing, and over this a sword and sceptre crossed under a crown. Sealed in the centre, underneath pavement, with the previ-

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Historical Aspects of The Royal Arch Part 2(ctd) ous seal and under the Seal is a space for recipient's signature, marked “ Ne Varietur.” The whole is surmounted by clouds, in which in bold letters are the words “Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ireland.” The wording of the Certificate occupies the door space, and is in English only.

The wording is quite straightforward:

To all whom It may Concern Greeting.

These presents Certify that our Excellent and well beloved Companion—James C. Cunningham who has signed his Name in the Margin hereof, having been duly Installed, served the Office of

First Principal Officer (K) of Royal Arch Chapter No. 22 on our Registry in the Year 1884.

Therefore all regular Royal Arch Chapters throughout the World are requested to recognize and receive him as such.

The newer certificates are very similar although had the new seal below in the bottom centre of the certificate (see front cover which shows a certificate issued in 1933).

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Early Freemasonry in Belgium This paper was written 3 months before the start of WW1 by Bro. Frederick Fleeman and delivered to Howe & Charnwood Lodge of Instruction, Leicestershire & Rutland No. 1007(EC) and concludes the series.

Gould says, ‘The history of Freemasonry in Belgium may briefly be divided into four welldefined periods, every political change of status producing a transfer of Masonic jurisdiction.

From the Peace of Utrecht (1714) to the French revolution (1795) we have to deal with the Austrian Netherlands, from thence to 1814 with a French province under the Masonic control of the Grand Orient, from 1814 to 1830 Belgium was merged in the Kingdom of Holland, and from 1830 Belgium must be treated as a separate and independent kingdom, under its own Grand Orient.’

In 1786 the Emperor of Austria & Hungary issued an edict restricting the Craft to three lodges in each provincial capital of his empire and wholly forbidding it in cities where no provincial government existed. In consequence of this, eleven lodges in Belgium had to close, although it is asserted that one lodge each in Maastricht, Liege, Tournai and Spa continued to meet secretly. The edict was in no way intended to be oppressive, but, in May 1786, the Emperor became alarmed at the national sentiment of the Craft in Belgium and closed all the lodges except three in Brussels. In 1787, anticipating the outbreak of the Revolution in France, he resolved to close even these last lodges. This brings us to the end of the first period.

Of the sixteen former lodges only six, one each at Namur, Tournai, Liege, Brussels, Ostend and Mons lived through 1793. With 1795 and French supremacy, the Belgian Fraternity came under the jurisdiction of the Grand Orient of France and between 1799 and 1813 the Grand Orient warranted no less than 28 lodges. It is noteworthy that in 1811 the Provincial Grand Lodge of Heredom in France (Royal Order of Scotland) constituted a Chapter at Brussels and that many of the French higher degrees were introduced. In all respects

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the Masonry of this period my be considered identical with that of France.

In 1830 the Netherlands separated, and Belgium acquired its independence and the Brotherhood followed in 1832 and 1833 by detaching itself from the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands and forming the present Grand Orient of Belgium which has supreme authority and jurisdiction over the Craft Degrees. There are eighteen subordinate lodges, but the total membership is not recorded or at any rate not available. The clothing is said to be ‘of the simplest description.’

The early history of Speculative Freemasonry in Belgium clearly establishes the fact that it was an offshoot like much other present day Masonry of the First Grand Lodge of Scotland. For just as the Mithraic mysteries were spread in the Roman Empire through travellers, merchants, and especially military men, who opened Mithraea (complex system of seven grades of Initiation and communal ritual meals. Initiates called themselves ‘syndexioi’, those "united by the handshake") wherever they stayed, so Speculative Freemasonry was propagated abroad by British travellers, residents and officers who founded the first continental lodges. This was essentially the case in Belgium, where between 1721 and 1788 many lodges were opened under English and Scottish warrants. The lodge at Mons, ‘La Parfaite Union’, still in full prosperity (and today) claims to have been instituted in 1721 by the Grand Lodge of London under Lord Montagu, and there is proof, at any rate, that this claim was endorsed in the Lodge as early as 1749. Among the lodges which went back to their origin to the Grand Lodge of Edinburgh there was one lodge at Brussels and two at Tournai.

The new ‘statutes’ adopted in 1769 by the Lodge L’unanimite at Tournai state that in March 1765 it had been constituted under the auspices of H.R.H. Prince Charles de Lorraine, Governor General of Austrian Netherlands, by some Masons belonging to La Grande Loge de Sainte Andre a Edinbourgh (sic). Although thus of Protestant origin, the Tournai lodge was much frequented by Roman Catholic Ecclesiastics in spite of the Papal anathema Page 9

Early Freemasonry in Belgium (ctd) already in full force against Freemasonry. One of nel, and finally a score of noblemen, lawyers and its members was the Vicar-General of the diocese. merchants.

Another lodge, Les Amis Inseparables, later revived after a long sleep, was working in the same city towards 1765. Its true origin remains unknown, but its officers were annually elected on the day of St. Andrew, and on the roll of its members are two Scottish names, Alexander Gordon and John Cunningham.

The latter was a Captain in the Dutch forces which at that period garrisoned some of the Belgian fortified towns. He must have been a zealous Mason, as, two years later, he petitioned the Grand Lodge of Scotland to obtain a patent for the creation of a lodge at Namur, where he had apparently been transferred. This was granted, and there sprang into existence in 1769 the lodge which, in point of antiquity, has precedence, with one exception, over all other Belgian lodges.

This lodge, La Bonne Amitie, fell into inactivity shortly afterwards, and on being revived in 1777, severed its connection with the Grand Lodge of Scotland and became affiliated with the Provincial Grand Lodge of Austrian Netherlands.

Amongst the members of the lodge at this time were H.R.H. the Prince of Sohms-Baruth, a French duke, the Burgomaster of Namur, a Canon of St. Martin at Liege, several officers including a Colo-

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When Freemasonry revived in Belgium under Napoleonic rule in 1808, the lodge reopened with the assistance of its surviving members who had religiously preserved the old records and swore allegiance to the Grand orient of France. After the fall of the French Empire in 1815 (Waterloo) it placed itself under the jurisdiction of the Grand Orient of Holland.

After the revolution of 1830, which parted Belgium from Holland, La Bonne Amitie passed under the jurisdiction of the Grand Orient of Belgium, which it had helped create in 1832, and where it headed the list as the oldest Belgian lodge, till, in 1898, some documents were discovered which assigned a still greater antiquity to the Parfaite Union at Mons.

Bro. Count Goblet d’Alviella, P. G. M. Belgium, writes.

‘It was specially the time when Belgian lodges meddled with politics, perhaps more than was good for them, and certainly more than would have seemed fit to our Anglo-Saxon brethren. But account must be taken of the difficulties with which Belgian Freemasonry has to contend, especially in country towns, on account of the bigotry and intolerance of the Catholic Church, which, nearly every Sunday in the year, from every pulpit in the land, hurls thunderbolts at the heads of Freemasons, their families and their supporters.

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Montgomery Mill This mill was also known as Biggarts, McGregor and then Peockland Mill and was built in 1796 by Bro. Robert Montgomery PM. The complex occupied both sides of the High Street at the bottom of Thorn Brae. Unlike the bigger mills which were powered by the river Cart, Montgomery Mill was powered by the Peockland burn. Given that the Peockland burn was also the main sewer for part of Johnstone you have to imagine what the working conditions were like!

The trade directory of 1850 shows Bro. George Houstoun and Co as owner and Robert Lang as Manager and residing in Peockland Cottage. It has been suggested that the dentist surgery in Leighcartside Street was the same building but maps of the time cast doubt on this theory. Gerry was going to do some research on this subject but I don’t know if he came to any firm conclusion.

was destroyed by fire. 1868 sees the mill up for sale again, this time the North side. The trade directory of 1870 shows the owner to be David Biggart.

A newspaper report from 1873 shows the mills being extended by Messrs D. Biggart and Son and a newspaper report from 1886 boasts that Biggart’s now has the tallest chimney in Johnstone (200 feet). 1888 sees yet another extension so business must be doing well.

The last mention of the mill I can find is in the 1929 trade directory. I assume it closed shortly after that and Peockland Gardens was built in its place.

I have uploaded an early photograph of Peockland Gardens to compare with the photograph of the mill. You can see part of Loudon’s (same building in both) in the July 1856 sees the mill up for sale again as background of both photographs so can get part of the estate of the late Bro. Houstoun some idea of location and scale. who had died in February of that year. The sale appears to cover only the buildings on It was a beautiful building and would have the south side of the High street so the fate enhanced that end of Johnstone had it surof the buildings on the North is unclear at vived. this point. Shortly after the sale a newspaper report shows that the “Peockland Wee Mill” From Johnstone History Facebook page

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St Mark’s Masonic Hall, Glasgow The following appeared in the Masonic News tic, and, if possible, improved manner, we paper in 1871a bout the new masonic hall at find only a paltry, gaudy copy of an Egyptian tomb!

213 Buchanan Street in Glasgow.

What on earth an Egyptian tomb, or temple either for that matter, has to do with a Freemasonic-hall 1 know not, more especially the hall of a lodge which prides itself upon being such a purely croft lodge.

Were the St. John's lodge intending to revive the "Egyptian Masonry" of the notorious Cagliostro, which flourished for a short time about eighty years ago, or to practise the rite of Misraim, or some similar tomfoolery, we might see cause why Egyptian symbolism should be copied, and gilded wooden sphinxes, &c., introduced, but as we understand such is not their intention we must consider their innovation a great mistake.

The response by an unknown author to this article was as follows: Sir, — I observed at P. 492 (above) in your last number a notice anent the New Hall of St. John's Lodge, Glasgow, in which are several mistakes. I am not aware that said Hall really stands "due east and west," for upon consulting a large new map of Glasgow I find that, as it fronts Buchanan Street, it must have a considerable dip towards the south at the east end. Then the chair for the Senior Warden is at the west end, not at the "east;" and there is no "Grand,” but a Junior Warden.

Even the manner of carrying out the work is anything but good ; the cornice is all executed in paint, and is most unnecessarily broken into in six different places, to the height of about nine inches, by six large ventilators, so shown off as if each one had a large poster on its breast with the inscription " I am a ventilator!" Then as a representation of "chaos,” we have the circles of a shooting-target with a thunderbolt striking the bull's eye; and for "light" we find a large yellow gowan, or "sun," about two feet in diameter pasted up against a lot of dirty muslin, alias "clouds," I suppose, the effect being rather more allied to the ludicrous than the sublime. So much for masonic artistic decoration and architectural forethought and propriety in Glasgow!

I sincerely hope that any such sham gingerbread work will not be again attempted in Glasgow. It may perhaps please the vulgar and ignorant to see a lot of gaudy flaming colour stuck up all around them, but any person of good taste is sure to be disappointed.

However, these are only small verbal errors: the chief point of interest is the Hall and its decorations, which in my opinion, are anything but satisfactory. Freemasonry delights in holding by what it calls "the ancient landmarks," or established usage — these, howevThe proper plan to do would have been to imer, have in this case been discarded, and inprove upon St. Mark's, just as the old thirstead of the approved emblems, symbols, &c., teenth-century cathedral builders did upon being employed in an able, appropriate, artisCross Keys December 2022

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St Mark’s Masonic Hall, Glasgow (ctd) the works of their predecessors: any paltry copying, or attempted revival of an old dead style, is seldom satisfactory. We might as well go back to the old Egyptian style in the carriage of our goods.

By Masonicus St. Mark’s Hall was for general public use although it was mainly the lodges that used it prior to 1900. One example is the first meeting of Lodge Dramatic No.571 in 1875. It was commonly known as the (St. Mark’s) Masonic Hall although may have been colloquial rather than official. Today, a shoe company oc- be seen, the whole building has been demolcupies the spot where the hall was situated at ished for the new shops and flats. the top end of Buchannan Street and as can

Office Bearers Duties Below is from the 2005 syllabus which shows the duties of an OB at that time. Although the instruction class never really took off, the rest of the duties are as relevant today as then. I will not dwell on these but for the new team installed last month, let’s hope they relish these duties and do all in their power for th good of the lodge and the Craft.

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The Significance of the Pomegranate Recently discovered at Shiloh Excavations were directed by Dr Scott Stripling with an archaeological team has completed four seasons of excavations at the site of biblical Shiloh. Among the finds was a ceramic pomegranate (FC tracing board).

grains enumerated in the Hebrew Bible (Deuteronomy 8:8) as special products of the Land of Israel.

When Solomon described the decorations of the first temple we read; And he made the pillars; and two rows round about upon A bit of History the one net-work, to cover the chapiters that (were) upon the top, with pomegranWhen the Israelites arrived in the land, ates; and so he did for the other chapiter.. they set up there the ancient wilderness (I Kings 7:18). tent shrine (the Tent of Meeting: Heb. Ohel-Mo'ed). There Joshua and Eleazar di- The Pomegranate is a Biblical sign of blessvided the land among the tribes who had ing. In Christian theology, the high priest not yet received their allocation (Joshua would have put aside the symbolism of the 18:1–10) and dealt with the allocation of law on the day of atonement as he entered cities to the Levites (Joshua 21:1–8). Sub- into the Holy of Holies to sprinkle the sequently, Shiloh became one of the lead- blood on the Mercy Seat. Christ blood was ing religious shrines in ancient Israel, a sta- the fulfilment of the law! tus it held until shortly before David's elevation of Jerusalem. Shiloh also significant The pomegranate is a fruit that is made up because in the bible, 1 Samuel 1–3, the mostly of seeds and contains very little sanctuary at Shiloh was administered by pulp. Therefore, it symbolizes a fruit with the Aaronite high priest Eli and his two the unselfish desire to grant further blesssons, Hophni and Phinehas. According to ing in the world without being too conthis account, this is the temple where cerned with itself and its own needs. That Samuel was dedicated to God by his moth- is why it has the "crown of Royalty” at the er Hannah at the steps. top. Most fruits are made up of pulp and seeds. The pulp of the fruit is what the Sacred Pomegranates fruit uses to sustain and "feed" itself. The seeds of the fruit are what the fruit uses to Pomegranates adorned the robe of the high bring new fruit into the world. The seeds, priest who entered the Holy of Holies. (The then, are all about granting further blessHoly of Holies is a term in the Bible which ing. refers to the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle where God's presence appeared).

In 2018, the team discovered a ceramic pomegranate near a large East/West wall Exodus 28:33-34 Make pomegranates of dating to Iron Age I, a period when the blue, purple and scarlet yarn (well known tabernacle was in operation at Shiloh. It is to Royal Arch Masons) around the hem of believed that this is part of a massive the robe, with gold bells between them. building was from the time of Samuel.

The gold bells and the pomegranates are Amazingly, the Shiloh Pomegranate was to alternate around the hem of the robe. discovered in situ (literally "on site" or "in Exodus 39:24-26 They made pomegranates position) at Shiloh excavations 2018 so we of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely do do have a clear understanding of its twisted linen around the hem of the robe. origin.

And they made bells of pure gold and attached them around the hem between the pomegranates. The bells and pomegranates alternated around the hem of the robe to be worn for ministering, as the Lord commanded Moses It is traditional to consume pomegranates on Rosh Hashana (the first of the Jewish High Holy Days specified by Leviticus 23:23 –32) because, with its numerous seeds, the pomegranate symbolizes fruitfulness. Pomegranate are said to have 613 seeds, which corresponds with the 613 commandments of the Torah. Additionally, Pomegranates are one of the Seven Species of fruits and Cross Keys December 2022

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Installation 2022 and 1956 Possibly the most noticeable difference is the lack of PMs in office. Secretary was always a common office for PMs, Treasurer less so and Almoner varied over the years. In theory, if no one dropped out, it could take over 15 years to reach the chair or longer when it was a two year term in office.

Last month’s installation has 6 PMs plus possibly one to act as SD and DoC. Changed days indeed.

Another University Lodge

The number of university lodges is increasing—many provinicaes have realized what a rich source for candidates. Bro. Tony Harrison PGM of West Lancs has approved participation of Preston Guild Lodge No. 4408 (EC) in the University Scheme, linking with University of Central Lancashire. That’s three Uni Scheme Lodges now involved in West Lancs.

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Another Masonic Cruise Meeting There stood six Master Masons, on the starburst side of a cruise line’s top deck, admiring the spectacle of the moon subduing the sun and the silent glow of the celestial hemisphere overtaking the blazing sky. The scene on this warm September evening reminded the brethren of the previous day’s lecture regarding ancient Polynesian Mariners.

Lodge and simultaneously pay homage to the resolve and resiliency of their founding fathers. Mariners Lodge 67 was chartered on September 7, 1825 and consisted of Masons from the naval armed services, merchant marines and those involved in other mercantile trades. While there were always Mariners traveling abroad, a Degree at sea has never been recorded in minutes of the Lodge.

We learned of their highly evolved understanding of seafaring and superior memorization, resulting from a very unique interpretation of the oceans and constellations. As these marvelled at the sky, praising the ancient mariners for their ingenious deciphering of the heavenly bodies, reality began to permeate. In less than twelve hours the six Brothers, along with three others and their Master, were destined to perform in one of the most memorable ceremonies in Masonic memory.

With plans for the Degree finalized in early summer aboard the Grand Master’s Cruise 2014, the Brothers at Mariners Lodge 67 met several times a week throughout the summer to rehearse the Degree. On the morning of September 10, 2014 the brethren of Mariners Lodge 67 awoke, assembled for breakfast and reflected upon the fact that the Brothers aboard the Explorer of the Seas that day were about to make a new print in the footpath of our collective history.

With the pressure to execute perfect delivery of our respective roles in front of the Grand Line, coupled with the fact that this was the very first performance of the most recently elected and appointed officers of M67, the brethren pushed forward and embraced their destiny.

In the history of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of New York, never has there been reported a Degree conferred at sea. Even as the perils of war raged in our nation’s history, no record exists of any Masonic rituals being performed on a traveling vessel. Such an undertaking would require a unique dispensation from a Grand body. When Most Worshipful William J. Thomas, Grand Master, presented the opportunity to confer the Fellowcraft Degree on a cruise ship, Masons responded.

WM Levent Ozkurt and the brethren of Mariners Lodge 67, First Manhattan District in New York City, an historically seafaring, 188-year-old Lodge, fully internalized the gravity of the situation. For the brethren of Mariners Lodge 67, a Degree at sea would epitomize the very history of their Cross Keys December 2022

The Brother Masons from various Lodges, of different ages and creeds, converged for this memorable event and began to trickle into the Caribbean Conference Room on deck 2. With two Entered Apprentices awaiting their fate in the anteroom, WM Ozkurt donned his Captain’s hat and proceeded to seat the Lodge. It felt as if dear Mother Nature was in ominous support of our humble endeavour and did all she could to add special effects to the occasion by giving us the strongest display of winds thus far on the trip, causing the ship to rock furiously back and forth.

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Another Masonic Cruise Meeting (ctd) As the ship continued to sway, the officers assumed their roles and opened Lodge. A highlight of the occasion was when MW Thomas took over the East in the second half of the Degree, Captain Philip-style. MW Thomas looked WM Ozkurt squarely in the eyes and said, “Look at me, I’m the Captain now!” and had the whole room in suspense before we all joined in the laugh.

sentative to the State of Florida. With his new honour in hand and the satisfaction of a job well done, MW Thomas closed the Lodge. In true Masonic style, upon reaching the pinnacle of one mountain, we find ourselves at the base of the next. Amidst the celebration and after the congratulatory remarks from MW Thomas, we were immediately made aware of next year’s GM’s Cruise.

In 2015 our travels will take us to Alaska and we hope you will join us as the Grand Lodge of NY and Mariners Lodge 67 embark on yet another voyage and further solidify the tradition of the Degree at Sea. Mariners, Haul!

In addition to the honour of MW Thomas leading from the East for the second half of the Degree, he presented to the brethren of M67 the corn, wine and oil used in the Degree to be kept in their historical archives.

Another treat for the brethren present was an impromptu opening of a Grand Chapter My thanks to Bro. Bill Thomas Past Grand of the Royal Arch by Grand High Priest ME Master of the GL of the State of NY. Piers A. Vaughan for the purpose of appointing MW Thomas as his Grand Repre-

242 in c1920 I have used this photo before but it’s worth a reminder as some brethren didn’t see it before. The lodge can be

seen with the original lamp past above the entrance.

Unfortunately, this was removed (date unknown) which is a great pity. To the right (now the lodge’s car park) was the house belonging to Bro. James Galbraith PM— only the lodge and the High Parish Church still exists exactly on the fue lines of Bro. George Houstoun in the 18th Century. All the houses to the right were demolished.

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Formula One Lodge No.4168 Prior to becoming F1 Lodge, it was known as Jeanne d’Arc Lodge 4168, however, it would not have been in existence if had not been for the original Jeanne d’Arc Lodge No. 5 of France. No. 5 came into being through the activities and stewardship of a number of Freemasons who were serving with the British Military Forces stationed in the Rouen area during the 1914-1918 war. They wished to form a Lodge in that city and the name was aptly chosen as there are many historical associations with Rouen and British history. No. 5 France was consecrated on the 16th December 1916. sent for the Lodge to be ‘Overtaken’ and repurposed as Formula One Lodge 4168. The In early 1920, several founders of No. 5 France, ‘Overtake’ had a few challenges, namely in the when realising they would be demobilised from form of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the France and on their return petitioned for a new vibrant energy and harmony of the brethren Lodge to be formed in England. The consecra- was remarkable. Formula One Lodge allows tion of Jeanne d’Arc Lodge 4168 took place on brethren to share their passion of F1 and practhe 16th December 1920, which was on the 4th tice their Freemasonry together, whilst maintaining the principles and creating new tradianniversary of No. 5 France. tions of the Lodge. 4168 celebrated its CenJeanne d’Arc supported the Duke of Connaught tenary on the 16th December 2020 and will be and Strathearn’s appeal for erecting a new Ma- formally celebrated in 2022. sonic Peace Memorial and in turn it qualified to The lodge meets in Freemasons’ Hall in London become a Hall Stone Lodge. with the next meeting being Saturday 12th NoDue to falling membership and the failure to vember—interested in attending, contact the attract suitable candidates Jeanne d’Arc Lodge Secretary: secretary@f1lodge.com decided they would surrender their warrant shortly after reaching their Centenary in the latter half of the 2020. At around the same time a group of F1 and motorsports enthusiasts was looking to form a new special interests Lodge.

Expressions of interest in this special interests Lodge grew rapidly and after initial discussion, Jeanne d’Arc Lodge started its association with this enthusiastic group of motorsport fans.

The brethren of Jeanne d’Arc granted its con-

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Ayrshire Young Masons’ Association History was made in the Province of Ayrshire recently. On June 17th, 2022, the Provincial Grand Master of Ayrshire Brother William C. Steel, officially inaugurated Ayrshire’s first ever Young Masons’ Association.

meeting Depute Provincial Grand Master and Depute Grand Master of Scotland Brother James Bell proposed a £1000 financial endorsement to help kick start and provide the PGL’s support to the association.

During the pandemic and after several lockdowns, Brother William Rowan of Lodge St. Thomas Kilwinning Dalmellington, submitted a proposal to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire to have a Young Masons’ Association started in the Province. On returning to regular Lodge meetings in September of 2021 Brother Rowan approached the Provincial Grand Master personally to float the Idea and vision. Brother Rowan said “The idea was born out of an observation of dwindling numbers within Freemasonry in Scotland (and beyond), especially with younger generation of men in a fast paced, ever changing and challenging society.”

Brother Rowan said “The Provincial Grand Lodge’s buy-in and support is something that I wanted to achieve from the outset and has proved to be fundamentally important. This idea could have been fulfilled without their support, but we would not have been able to achieve the scale, professionalism, and status I had hoped for. The constitution, for example, could have been written on the back of a fag packet and it could merely have been a group of young masons In the province getting together with no formal structure to it, but that was not the vision.”

After the conversation with the PGM, Brother Rowan was assigned a contingent of younger PGL Brethren to assist and advise on the best way forward for the association, two of whom are now age-related qualified members. With a lot of hard work and fine polishing the AYM association submitted the final draft of their Constitution to the PGL, which was accepted at the February 2022 communication. At the same

A working committee of Brethren duly elected from the membership, by the membership was then formed to act on behalf of the association alongside the PGL advisory group. The committee takes the form of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer (trustees) and three other elected Brethren to serve as general committee members (shown). This committee will work hard to provide the association with its road map for future events, Lodge visitations, Educational programmes and Charitable work.

The AYM Chairman, Brother Rowan said “The association will primarily function within three distinct spheres, Social, Charitable and Educational, all the while acting under the auspices of the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the bye-laws of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire. This association, however, potentially has the power to achieve so much more. My hope is that it will also help to retain young members of the craft, increase visitations to Lodges in the province and beyond, Cross Keys December 2022

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Ayrshire Young Masons’ Association (ctd) and potentially bring a lot more suitable young their information pack or to get men through the doors of our Lodges.” in contact via email at ayrshireyoungmasons@gmail.com.

The Ayrshire Young Masons association was officially inaugurated by the Provincial Grand The Chairman’s closing remarks Master, Brother William C. Steel on June 17th, “We have a real opportunity to 2022. On this occasion, the constitution was of- make a significant difference in ficially adopted and signed off by the PGM, our Province with the new genChairman and Secretary. The membership re- eration of young Freemasons ceived their membership cards and new AYM coming through. During my ties. This was also a fundraising occasion with term as Chairman, I want to the theme of a “Gala Night, At the Races” and it highlight Masonic education, was a roaring success with funds being raised in not only the generic history of excess of £2000 which will later be dispersed to our Scottish Craft but delve into local charities that are in need. such things like Masonic etiquette, walk through the degrees and teach them the knowledge that The Chairman, Brother Rowan said “Our Gala they might otherwise not get in their Lodges.

Night, At the Races” was a momentous occasion This might take the form of mentorship proand tremendous success, that marked history in grammes, Lectures, and interactional talks from the Province. The success of this event fills us senior Brethren of our Craft. In turn, this might with hope that there are great things to come turn out to be a method of bullet-proofing them from the association in the future. We currently for their future endeavours in Freemasonry and have a membership of over 80 Brethren from will hopefully instil in our members a twenty-seven Lodges in the Province and that confidence that will encourage them to number continues to grow, which is a huge posi- take up offices in their Lodges. This tive. It is our hope to have representatives from will not only help them, but the Lodges all Lodges in due course.” they belong to and our craft in general.”

My thanks to Bro. Will Rowan for the For further information on the AYM association article. please use the QR code which will direct you to

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Christmas Present If you’re looking to buy yourself a present or maybe someone will buy you one, especially in the Jubilee year try, this: Buy The Royal Family & Freemasonry by Dr John Hawkins | Shop at Freemason's Hall (shopatfmh.com) The connection between the Royal Family and Freemasonry has been a popular topic of masonic research for over 100 years, but this is by far the most comprehensive and profusely illustrated work on the subject to have been published to date. Dr Jim Daniel, Prestonian Lecturer, 2017 John Hawkins is an independent researcher and author with interests in art, family, local, masonic, military and social history, having published in most of these areas and others.

Ayrshire Masonic Bursary The University of Glasgow used to hold Bursary Exams where the top 100 would received money from the university. These became considerable and often used for holidays in recent times (1980s) by students . . . However, when instituted they were vital and the Province of Ayrshire supplemented them:

1892

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Kenning Masonic The forerunner of what is Toye, Kenning & Spencer and also George Kenning & Son. Right—Bro. George Kenning Below left—the deport at 16 Great Queen Street Below right—showroom inside the depot Kenning acquired Spencer & Co., during 1947, the original manufacturer of masonic Clothing, which was produced in 19-21 Great Queen Street, and moved his branch in that street, number 17, into 19 -21, whilst Spencer had previously bought out their Metal Manufacturing high quality manufacturing supplier, WJ Dingley, based at 77 Warstone Lane, in the Birmingham Jewellery quarter.

Too Much?

I have posted a few photos of brethren wearing the extra attachment sleave for their jewels, but this ‘takes the biscuit’ and is unusual as the brother is from a Scottish Constitution lodge. There are so many jewels from various orders that his regalia is hidden. It is obvious why Grand Lodge forbids jewels from any order to be worn in the Craft lodge.

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205 Celebration 1870 The following is from The Freemason newspa- Johns’, Greenock. In the absence of Bro. W. C. per dated February 1870: Patrick R. W. M. of Woodside, whose health did not permit him to be present, the duties of “The brethren of the Lodge Garthland St. Win- the chair were ably discharged by Bro. R. noch No. 205 met on Friday evening last Wylie DM, supported by Bro. Ledgerwood SM week, in the hall of the Eagle Inn (Bro. Rob- on the right, and on the left by Bro. Gemmell ertson's), Lochwinnoch to celebrate their an- SW. nual festival. The above lodge received its charter of erection from the Grand Lodge of After the loyal and patriotic toasts were disScotland upwards of seventy years ago (the posed of, the various lodges represented date being 6th August, 1799) and is now in were given from the chair, according to sengood health and working order, although pre- iority on Grand Lodge Roll and replied to by vious to about four their respective years ago no meetMasters. The Beith ings for election of Instrumental Band, office-bearers or most of whom are initiation of candibrethren, was in dates had been held attendance, and pafor a good many raded the village years. during the evening, to the delight of the The lodge is now inhabitants. revived by the exertions of some of the The following old members, asbrethren contributsisted by brethren of other lodges residing in ed much during the evening to the harmony the village; and their labours have been well of the meeting by song and sentiment: Bros. rewarded by the admission of a good many Robertson, Guy, Henderson, Wallace, mementrants who will be a credit and honour to bers of the band and others. The lodge having the Craft. The following lodges were repre- been closed in due and ancient form, the sented by deputations, along with the breth- brethren departed to their respective homes ren accompanying them: highly satisfied with the evening's entertainment.”

Bros. Wallace, R.W.M. St. Mirren's 129, Paisley; Oliver M'Gregor, R.W.M. 156, St. Bar- The lodge continues to meet in their hall in chan's, Kilbarchan; W. Craig R.W.M. 157 St. the High Street on the 1st and 3rd Monday– John’s, Beith; William Guy R.W.M. 242 September to April, at 7.30 p.m.

Houstoun St. Johnstone; John Orr R.W.M. 399, Royal Blues, Kilbirnie; C. M'Donald 175 St.

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San Diego Temple For half a century, there’s been no missing the strikingly Modernist Scottish Rite Temple in Mission Valley. Now, as the building prepares for demolition, with a Home Depot slated to take over the space, Masons are saying farewell to the architectural blast from the past.

Googie elements were most prominent in roadside establishments like restaurants, gas stations, motels, and coffee shops. (The name references the 1949 Los Angeles cafe Googies.)

Now the Mission Valley site is getting ready for a new phase of life. In May, San Diego’s City Council approved plans to demolish the original building, which will be replaced by a Home Depot store. As part of the plan, a new two-story, 40,000-square-foot temple will be constructed nearby—giving the Scottish Rite much-needed rental income and a more manageable footprint of its own, representatives say. [Good news in the long term:Ed]

With its monumental, angular entry and gabled roof, the temple is a classic example of Googie-style midcentury architecture.

Opened in 1957 as Bowlero— at the time, the largest fully automated bowling alley in the country—the 64,000-foot space initially had 55 bowling lanes, plus a cocktail bar, a restaurant and kitchen, offices, a pool room, and a beauty parlor. The bowling alley only lasted until 1964, when the building was sold to the As for lamenting the loss of such a distinctive San Diego Scottish Rite, which has occupied piece of midcentury style, there’s some good the space ever since. news: Developers say they have every intention of retaining the Googie styling in the new The Googie aesthetic was a short-lived archi- façade. tectural style defined by bright colors, oversize signage, and exaggerated or abstract Thanks to California Freemason magazine Noshapes typical of the dawning space age. Invember 2021 tended to catch the eye of passing motorists,

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PO Directory 1890

The above excerpt shows both the lodge and chapter meeting the 1st and 3rd Friday whereas today it is the 2/4th and 3rd Thursday respectively. The other thing to note is that the lodge met once per month until the mad days of the post war era when it went into overdrive to mass produce masons!

Follow Up on 3bis Jewels Last September, there was an article about unusual jewels from Lodge St. John No.3bis.

It would appear that these are members’ jewels but whether every member received (or bought) a jewel is unknown. The symbolism at the top certainly indicates the lodge’s antiquity from before the Craft was de-Christianised early in the 19th Century.

Thanks to Bro. David Jack RWM 3bis for the info and January 2023 to see the charity box.

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Masonic Hotels In Nelson at the top of the South Island in New Zealand was built of wood in 1850 but was destroyed by fire in 1867. It was replaced by a two storied brick building. The Masonic Hotel was later demolished in 1955.

Hotel shown in 1902.

A further 140 kilometres up the North Island is the city of Palmerston North. The Masonic Hotel was built in 1893, on the site of the former Palmerston Hotel.

The building has been extensively renovated but remains an hotel, with bar and accommodation as seen below.

Another in the Bay of Plenty is bottome left.

There are so many more in New Zealand with the Harashim Magazine of March 2022 showing them all.

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Bits & Pieces Where is this lodge? It has a splendid engraving above the doorway.

THE FREEMASONS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE, NOV. 16, 1861

To help contain loss and damage from everpresent fires, in the 1700s and 1800s many city dwellers formed groups in which members agreed to help each other extinguish fires and protect property. Bro. Zachariah Stevens, the owner of this bucket, belonged to the Masonic Fire Society of Gloucester, Massachusetts, a group which drew its membership from area Freemasons. Marked with Stevens’ name, this bucket could be easily returned after it had been used to help put out a fire. Over the years, masons have emblazoned anything and everything with symbols.

Right: Knight of the Orient apron which dates from the 18th century is on a leather.

The painting Le combat des Amazones by Rubens, dating from 1617, was the source of inspiration for the creation of this decor. Rather unusual and possibly a one off.

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Spiritual Freemasonry—Royal Arch I had two objectives when writing this book; the first was to consider the role of the Royal Arch Degree in Freemasonry as the last of the Blue Degrees, and secondly to explain the ultimate spiritual exercise of Daoism, which closely aligns with the Third Degree. Because of its spiritual content, it was decided to separate it out from the explanation of the Third Degree in “Freemasonry: Quest for Immortality.”

markably similar to the ritual of the Third Degree. The newly perfected Master Mason has experienced his immortal self and learns that this is just the beginning of an astounding adventure, which was explained to a professor at the University of Oxford by a Chinese mandarin and candidate for ordination in 1687 as given in “Freemasonry: Initiation by Light.”

The four books of the Spiritual Freemasonry series show the objective of the early Grand Masters, they were not concerned with teaching morality, this is a Victorian idea, what they wanted to show was that “Freemasonry at its core is a search for immortality.” The First and Second Degree rituals are just preparatory work for the transformation that occurs in the Third Degree, but even more than this is the work that the Master Mason must do on his own. The Third Degree is not the end, it gives the Mason the tools to achieve great things, if he has really understood the degrees. The ritual is both simple and profoundly deep, this is because of the steganography that was employed when it was written. In conclusion, I hope the Brethren will reevaluate the Degrees for the remarkable esoterica that they are!

The book is divided into three sections. The first gives the history and importance of the Royal Arch Degree to not only the Blue Lodge, but also the Scottish and York Rites. It is shown how the ritual corresponds to the secrets of Trinitarianism. Also introduced are several “Chinese Masonic” rituals, and how they came to be. In the second section, the remaining Signposts that were not explained in “Freemasonry: Spiritual Alchemy” because of their spiritual nature, are explained together with the Arcana of the Third Degree.

Another important subject is what Freemasons of the day would have understood about spirituality, especially given the watchful eye of the Church. What we find is that the Church itself was unable to explain many miracles that still occurred in the 1700s, and tried to hide the reality from believers.

In the third section, a secret Daoist teaching Perhaps with Christmas approaching, one or is explained in detail and is shown to be re- all four books would be a great present!

Christopher J. Earnshaw PhD 33° is a British Citizen living in Tokyo and author of the “Spiritual Freemasonry” books. He is a Past Grand Historian, Grand Lodge of Japan, Past Master of the Research Lodge, Grand Lodge of Japan, Scottish Rite 33° IGH, Past-Chairman of Education Committee, recipient of the Order of Merit, Grand Lodge of Japan, for educational activities and a Past Master of Sinim Lodge, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

Social Media Links: Spiritual Freemasonry videos: http://youtube.com/c/spiritualfreemasonry Twitter: @AuthorEarnshaw: https://twitter.com/AuthorEarnshaw Podcasts: Freemasonry in 7 Minutes or Less: https://anchor.fm/earnshaw-christopher Website: http://chris-earnshaw.com

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Festival of St. Andrew At the Festival of St Andrew last month, The Grand Master Mason, Brother William Ramsay McGhee, presented Adam Gaines, director of Prostate Scotland, a cheque for £1.125 million on behalf of Scottish Freemasons.

The money, raised over a 10-year period, has already begun to make an impact on men with Prostate Cancer. Adam Gaines said: "This very generous donation enabled us to complete an appeal to raise funds to help bring about robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery in the east and west Scotland. The £126,000 raised by Freemasons who completed a zip slide in 2016 was specifically used to pay for robotic surgical equipment. This form of surgery is the most advanced technique available and already a few thousand men have been treated in this way."

Bro. McGhee added: "I would like to thank each and every one of the Scottish Constitution Freemasons at home and abroad who have worked so hard for more than 10 years to raise this magnificent sum.

PGL Renfrewshire News We are now almost two thirds of the way through the Installations and the vast majority have been very well attended. Brethren are once again keen to get out and enjoy their masonry.

As we move into December and approach the festive season, can I extend an invitation to all brethren and their families to join us at our Carol Service on Sunday 18th December in Maxwellton Road, Paisley, 6pm for 6.30pm.

The service will be conducted by Bro George E. Paul PG Chaplain; tea, coffee and mince pies will be served after the service. May I also take this early opportunity on behalf of PGL to wish everyone, a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2023.

Ronnie PGM

On Sunday 13th November the brand new master laid a wreath at the Johnstone War Memorial supported by many brethren.

This was Bro. Alistair’s first official duty since the installation on Friday.

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Hurricane Ian I’m sure many brethren have heard about Hurricane Ian across Florida and the surrounding area although amny may not as it did not receive much coverage. However, the devastation was shockimg with many people (and brethren) losing houses or having severe damage. One such lodge with some damage was Fort Myers Beach Lodge No. 362. There was significant water damage and the floors are covered in mud. Water made it about 1 foot up into the building so it is necessary to open the walls and rip out the flooring before mould sets in. Being higher up than the road, the lodge was lucky, if that’s the correct term. With power back on after 5 days, the building was “fogged” with mold prevention, and antibacterial. Damage could be around $100,000. A crew of lodge Brothers as done all of the work. At least seven brothers have lost everything they owned and all have been relocated—at least they are safe.

Brethren from the east and also Grand Lodge provided food and water in Tropical Lodge No.56 to help towns. Many brethren unloaded the supples and distributed them to the waiting cars. This went on for about week as more food distribution sites opened up. Noah Lodge in North Fort Myers and The Lodge on Punta Gorda both lost the roofs.

The before and after on the right gives a better indication of the devastation with over 100 deaths. Out thoughts are with the many families who have been affected.

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Installations It was great to see Bro. Willie Fleming PM 1042 Honorary Member 242 being installed as the Provincial Grand Master of the Royal Order for Glasgow and the West of Scotland on 31st October in the Trades Hall.

The Royal Order of Scotland is one of the most historic Orders within Freemasonry and can trace its regal roots back seven hundred years to Robert the Bruce.

Congratulations to Bro. Alistair Griffiths as the new master of 242. The installation took place on 11th November with over 80 in attendance. Congratulations also to Bros. David Black PM and Alex Stobo PM Sec as installing masters.

On Saturday 12th November, the knights of St. George Conclave No.79 in Port Glasgow attended the Grand Imperial Conclave in Perth to witness the new Intendant General of Strathclyde, V Ill Kt Grant Macleod, being commissioned. This was unusual in that he was taking over from V Ill Kt Ken Blackie, both from 242.

The Installation of Bro. Des McCulloch PM into the chair of Lodge Captain Spiers No.791 took place last month with a super turn out from his Mother Lodge as shown.

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Nice colourised version of the ceremony of laying the foundation stone at Lodge Firth of Clyde No.626 in Gourock with a local militia, some brave ladies and the brethren all mixing.

Another Christmas Present

250th Anniversary token from Paisley St. Mirrins; they are priced at £8.00 and available from the Michael Campbell RWM at schiehallion@gmail.com 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/

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