Cross Keys February 2016

The Cross Keys February 2016

The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone

In this issue: Evolution & a Scottish Freemason GL of NY in Cuba Thornhill When is a Lodge not a Lodge Asia Minor Campaign Early Lodge Numbers in England Principles of Recognition Grand Lodge of Israel Lodge Liberation No.674 Cross Keys Feb 2016

Number 190

Was ‘Evolution’ first suggested by a Scottish Freemason?

Our understanding of Judeo Christian ethics are supported by tension between a belief in the free will or choices made by individuals, and a world where laws are determined by divine fiat. As enlightened freemasons we take the idea that that natural phenomenon can be explained by natural laws rather than theological doctrine as ‘self-evident’ truths that require little discussion or debate. What science cannot explain must be determined by an external force beyond our understanding. That we can have such debates is the essence of freemasonry. That we can fundamentally disagree about politics, religion or systems of government and still ‘meet on the level’ and ‘part on the square’ is the essence of the cosmopolitan nature of our craft. We take all of this for granted, however history documents that freedom of expression is not a universal ‘right’. To challenge orthodoxy could bring scientists to the attention of established institutions, leading to ideas being suppressed. Freedom of though is a luxury that freemasons hold dear; this article suggests that freemasons may have contributed a great deal to the understanding of natural science.

During a recent visit to Grand Lodge in Edinburgh, John Murray and I had the opportunity to view the original oil painting depicting the inauguration of Robert Burn’s as Poet Laureate of St Mary’s Canongate Kilwinning. This print which hangs on the wall in many Scottish Lodges, including The Lodge of Erskine, in Inchinnan Masonic Temple, close to Glasgow Airport in the West of Scotland, is well known to many freemasons. While its historical accuracy may be disputed, others depicted in the painting are interesting.

In the northwest corner of the painting there is a man in a white wig sitting at a table. This is a portrayal of James Burnett (1714-1799), later to become Lord Monboddo. (seen bottom left)

Lord Monboddo was born in Kincardine in 1714, admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh in 1737 later becoming a Judge of the Court of Session (indeed some of his judgements are still quoted in Scottish Law Courts to this day). He was also seemingly a freemason given that he is painted as being in the Lodge. Lord Monboddo was renowned for his eccentricity.

He wrote a book entitled “The Origin and Progress of Language” published in the late eighteenth century in which he states that language was acquired by an evolutionary process and not gifted by God as early philosophers had suggested. Noam Chomsky later expanded on this in his work suggesting that language was innate in human beings, that is, we are born with the capacity to make sounds and understand the patterns in them suggesting that boundaries of language must stem from biological conditions. James Burnett (Lord Monboddo) suggested that biological processes had created humans suggesting that: “Man is formed, not however all at once, but by degrees and a succession” (1).

Implying that evolutionary processes were responsible for mans elevation as the ‘king’ of species, rather

Cross Keys Feb 2016

Was ‘Evolution’ first suggested by a Scottish Freemason? (ctd) than through any absolute divine action. Monboddo also believed that male babies were born with tails, which midwives surgically removed at birth, and that Orang-utans were capable of a form of language. The suggestion of a common ancestor between humans and the apes seemed implicit in many of Monboddo’s ideas. While we accept these as ‘self-evident’ truths, in his lifetime these ideas were revolutionary, even absurd.

Lord Neaves (one of Monboddo’s successors in the Scottish Law Courts) wrote of him.

“Though Darwin now proclaims the law And spreads it far abroad, O! The man that first the secret saw Was honest old Monboddo.

The architect precedence takes Of him that bears the hod, O! So up and at them, land of Cakes, We’ll vindicate Monboddo”. (1) Erasmus Darwin (physician and naturalist) refers to Monboddo in his book “The Temple of Nature”.

That grandson of Erasmus, Charles Darwin (1809-1882) studied medicine at Edinburgh University, where he could have been influenced by the ideas of the eccentric Monboddo. Erasmus believed that evolution has occurred in living things, including humans, however his ideas remained undeveloped about the factors responsible for this change. He wrote of his ideas about evolution in poems and a relatively obscure two volume scientific publication entitled ‘Zo o nom ia; o r, the Law s o f Organic Life’ (1794-1796). In this latter work, he also suggested that life on the Earth must have been evolving for "millions of ages before the commencement of the history of mankind." Erasmus' idea that "the strongest and most active animal should propagate the species, which should thence become improved" was virtually identical to the future theory of survival of the fittest, put forward as a theory of ‘natural selection’ by Charles Darwin.

Erasmus Darwin was familiar with the earlier proto-evolutionary thinking Lord Monboddo, and cited him in his book Tem p le o f Nature, p ublished in 1803. It is interesting that the theories that underpin the seminal work of Charles Darwin notably his ‘Origins of Species’ may have been originally the brainchild of a Scottish Freemason, Lord Monboddo. Food for thought indeed?

1. Henderson, Jan-Andrew 2000. The Emperor's Kilt: the two secret histories of Scotland. Main stream Publishing 2. O’Neil, D, (2006) Behavioural Sciences Department, Palomar College, San Marcos, California accessed at: http://anthro.palomar.edu/evolve/evolve_1.htm

Thanks to Bros. Iain McPhee SPGM RE and John Murray, The Lodge of Erskine No.1566.

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Bro. Tristram Freeman, Grand Master Who was Bro. Tristram Bampfylde Freeman most brethren will ask? Well on a recent trip to Pennsylvania when we stayed with some good friends, the portrait (to the right) by Jacob Eichholtz of this brother was pointed out to me in an old farmhouse dated from the 18th century in Robesonia.

Tristram Bampfylde Freeman “was born into a good Georgian family in London in 1767 – his grandfather the scion of an old Devonshire noble family (according to the family history his grandfather was an English lord), his father was a man of the cloth, his brother an officer in the British army.”

His father had wanted him to join the clergy in the Anglican church and he was educated for that, but he became a printer instead. The Freeman print shop was at 22 Henrietta Street, London. It produced broadsides, woodcuts, engravings and pamphlets.

His first business venture ended in bankruptcy according to records filed on June 28, 1788.

This was shortly after he married Sarah Sophia Gibbard. The Masonic records in Philadelphia refer to her as his “second” wife whom he met in Philadelphia. However, there are marriage records in the Church of St. Paul’s, Covent Garden that show the date of the marriage there being March 29, 1788. They were married exactly 44 years as he died on their wedding anniversary. Tristram William Lockyer Freeman was his second son, born in 1792 and baptized at St. Clement Danes, Westminster on May 7, 1793.

At that time, T.B. Freeman printing company was located at 95 Strand on the edge of Covent Garden. The company was known for its “picturesque printing”. Freeman’s could claim to be “printsellers to King George III” as the king was amongst his patrons. Unfortunately, this second incarnation of Freeman’s printsellers ended as the first had. By January 20, 1795, he was 32 years old, had a wife, three children with another on the way, and two failed businesses.

They sailed from Liverpool to Philadelphia in the spring of 1795 – an eight- week voyage!

The earliest mention of T.B. Freeman in the U.S. was in the May 25, 1795 edition of the Federal Gazette. Prior to coming to America, he had been in contact with a John Nicholson, who was a land speculator and involved in varied manufacturing and business ventures. Freeman, Nicholson and a group of other investors established the first color printing works in Philadelphia. The company was named Freeman, Annesley, & Co. It offered “an elegant assortment of the newest London prints of recent importation” and “a variety of elegant-looking glasses and girandoles of all patterns.” They advertised that the firm “will be conducted by a partner who has long been a publisher in London … who is the original inventor of picturCross Keys Feb 2016

Bro. Tristram Freeman, Grand Master (ctd) esque printing.” Less than six months later, by November 1795, Annesley was bought out and the business became Freeman & Co. Unfortunately, by 1797, Freeman was in financial difficulties again. The company went bankrupt in July of that year. His personal possessions were seized and sold at sheriff’s sale to cover some of his defaulted debts. His friend and former business partner Nicholson did help him with his debts. And, instead of moving to New York, as he had considered, he remained in Philadelphia.

By 1800, Nicholson who had invested in land speculation along with Robert Morris was himself bankrupt and died in debtors’ prison owing $4 million. (That was a whole, hell of a lot of money then and now!) Meanwhile, Freeman’s fortunes finally started to go the right way. He gave up manufacturing and printing and became a commission merchant. He brokered deals between ship owners and city merchants and auctioneers. These deals were conducted in local “coffee shops” and “watering holes.” He had many contacts but limited financial means, so he did not have a fixed place of business.

The “potentially lucrative positions of general or specialist auctioneer were appointed by the governor and numbers were strictly limited.” “On November 13, 1805 it was reported in the American Daily Advertiser that Tristram Bamfylde Freeman had, by order of Thomas McLean, governor of the state of Pennsylvania, been appointed to the office of auctioneer for the city of Philadelphia and Districts. He set up business at 177 Market Street.” In seven years, Freeman went from bankruptcy to the coveted position of auctioneer in Philadelphia.

“As business allowed, T.B. Freeman had also become more and more involved in life beyond the shop door. He joined a number of the city’s emigre societies, devoted time to the Masonic duties he took so seriously and directed a few dollars into the path of the city’s poor with whom he could empathize closely.” Early biographers were, apparently confused about his nationality because he was a member of: the Society of Sons of St. George (1799); the St. Andrew’s Society (1804); the Hibernian Society (1808); and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick (1808). He was remembered in his obituary as “a kind and generous man.” And, he was a talented “networker.”

In 1809, it seems funds were short again, but not as desperate as previously. Unable to provide security for his license when it came up for renewal, he lost his position as a Philadelphia auctioneer. For the next ten years, he went back to being a commission merchant. But, by 1819 he was able to reapply for his auction license. Tristram William Lockyer Freeman joined the firm in 1823 and the company changed its name to T.B. Freeman and Son. “By 1836, as he assumed the position of Right Worshipful Grand Master at his lodge, T.B. Freeman chose to relinquish his auctioneer’s license yet again. But this time it would be to hand over the reins to his son. “ Cross Keys Feb 2016

Bro. Tristram Freeman, Grand Master (ctd) “Tristram B. Freeman, who likely became a Mason while living in London, would assume a prominent role within Lodge No. 51 Philadelphia. He was admitted to ‘the 51’ (instituted in January 1792) as a Master Mason in 1805, on the day of Jefferson’s second inauguration. At the time, Robert Polk (circa 1771-1836), an auctioneer known to every grocer in the city was also a member. By 1836, Freeman had risen to the position of Right Worshipful Grand Master. A noted speaker on Masonry, his most important address titled Principles of Masonry was delivered on June 22 1821, at the English Presbyterian Church in Germantown, and was published nine years later by the Philadelphia printer Robert Desilver. His tenure oversaw a turbulent period in the history of the Pennsylvanian masonry. It included the Panics of 1837 and 1842 that necessitated the temporary sale of Freemason’s Hall on Chestnut Street, and the defense of the fraternity at a time when anti-Masonic feeling was at its height. When, in 1835, the House of Representatives appointed a committee to investigate ‘the evils of Freemasonry,’ Brother Freeman was among those called upon to vigorously rebuff its detractors’ charges. A chapter of the Royal Arch Masons – the Tristram B. Freeman Royal Arch Chapter No. 243 of Philadelphia – was also named after him, although it now has been disbanded. Tristram’s first son, Henry Gibbard Freeman (1789-1875), who chose law over the family business, was also a member of Lodge 51.”

“The death of T.B. Freeman as it was recorded on the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer dated March 29, 1842.”

“In the obituary column this morning, will be found a notice of the death of T. B. Freeman, Esq. an old and highly respected citizen of Philadelphia – one whose generosity has been conspicuous, and whose liberality and charity has made for him a fame that wealth could never purchase. He has, in a good old age, sunk away into rest, and after an active and useful life, he met death with an humble cheerfulness, relying on other merits than his own for that happiness towards which he looked.”

“Mr. Freeman has left no enemy, we believe; and many who knew the kindness of his heart, will lament that they shall no longer enjoy his intercourse. But they will find a consolation in the reflection, that whither he has gone, pain and anguish, such as have wasted him away, cannot come.”

Quotations from Arkell, Roland & Saunders-Watson, Catherine: The Vendue Masters, Tales From Within The Walls Of America’s Oldest Auction House. Pottstown: Antique Collectors’ Club Ltd., 2005. Vendue is a public sale of anything by “outcry” to the highest bidder. In other words, an auction. A vendue master was an auctioneer. (See also Page 17).

My most grateful thanks to Mrs Marie Altemus who wrote this article and possesses the superb portrait and whose daughter we stayed—she is the great-great-great-great granddaughter of Bro. Freeman.

Cross Keys Feb 2016

Grand Lodge of New York in Cuba Front cover—the library of the Grand Lodge of Cuba.

Last December, Bro. Bill Thomas Grand Master NY visited The Grand Lodge of Cuba to strengthen ties and remove walls between both Grand Lodges after many years of silence between the two Grand Lodges. As a result of the successful meeting, the following letter was sent to Bro. Bill demonstrating how important it is to work together in the Craft no matter the distance.

Dear Brother, After many years of traveling over many dark roads, we were loss and looked to others to help find illumination, we reach out our hands hoping to find satisfaction in this reunion. Your visit marks a historical and important moment for our poor masonry, that is now enriched by the hope of a better tomorrow.

Thank you very much in the name of our Grand Lodge which I represent, from the deepest part of my heart.

Thank you very much.

Lazaro Cuesta Valdez, Dec 3, 2015 Havana Cuba The Grand Lodge of Cuba is well know for the imposing globe with the square and compasses on top—this can be seen for miles.

Bro. Bill GMNY (third left) and Bro. Lazara Cuesta GM Cuba(4th from left)

Cross Keys Feb 2016

The House of Thornhill The map shows the position of the old Thornhill Maternity Hospital, now a housing scheme.

However, prior to that it was huge house with gardens, called the House of Thornhill, belonging to Bro. Campbell Snodgrass the local coal mine proprietor and founder member of 242.

He was originally a member of the defunct lodge Paisley Kilwinning before moving to Johnstone. The house is likely to have existed in the early 1800s when Bro. Campbell’s residence was given as Thornhill.

The Cross Keys Inn Last month had a photo of the Cross Keys Hotel where the lodge met in the late 1880/90s. This photo is the Cross Keys Inn (to the right of the hairdresser’s on the corner). The lodge met here before the inn came the hotel on the other side of Houstoun Square. Full details in the lodge history book available from the secretary.

Cross Keys Feb 2016

When is a Lodge not a Lodge?

There is a great deal of talk about the education and retention of candidates, making meetings interesting, etc. but often it is the lodge that is the problem. We have all been to lodges where the degree work is less than inspiring, lodges are meeting in public halls that need a bit of refurbishment or there are only handful of (old) brethren and most of them have been through the chair (many times in some cases) or its been so long since they had a candidate that only the business is conducted.

Can you imagine the first impression on a new candidate when he sees that sight? I would imagine, not great. Perhaps its enough to put him off for life and never come back to the Craft; worse still, he will have only negative comments to make about it. Who could blame him?

How small can a lodge become in reality? All will have pseudo members on the books (ie. might only appear once a year or less, but enough to keep a lodge afloat in terms of numbers), but in reality rely on visitors to help open and close the lodge. They might not even be able to confer a degree any longer and rely on visiting brethren or lodges to conduct an exemplification to keep the interest alive.

Should Grand Lodge or PGL take action? Most lodges are unwilling to merge or return their charter as their members would lose their PM status. Life members would now lose this and return to being test fee members窶馬either option is attractive to brethren and so they hang on. But if they are doing a disservice to new candidates, should this be allowed. A catch 22 as we should help a struggling lodge. However, when is it time to puts hands up and say time up?

Cross Keys Feb 2016

Asia Minor Campaign The Greco-Turkish War of 1919–1922, known as the Western Front of the Turkish War of Independence in Turkey and the Asia Minor Campaign in Greece, was fought between Greece and the Turkish National Movement during the partitioning of the Ottoman Empire after World War I between May 1919 and October 1922.

The Greek campaign was launched primarily as the western Allies, particularly British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, had promised Greece territorial gains at the expense of the Ottoman Empire. The armed conflict started with the Greek occupation of Smyrna, which is contemporary Izmir, on 15 May 1919, and Greek forces occupied several other cities in Anatolia during the war, including Manisa, Balıkesir, Aydin, Kutahya, Bursa, and Eskişehir, but their advance was checked at the Battle of Sakarya in 1921. The Greek front collapsed with the Turkish counter-attack on August 1922 and the war effectively ended with the re-capture of Smyrna by the Turkish forces.

As a result, the Greek government accepted the demands of the Turkish national movement and returned to its pre-war borders, thus leaving East Thrace and Western Anatolia to Turkey. The Turkish victory also brought an end to the Occupation of Constantinople by the British forces. Greek and Turkish governments agreed to engage in a population exchange.

Failure of the Greek military campaign and the expulsion of the French military from Cilicia in Anatolia forced the Allies to abandon the Treaty of Sevres to negotiate a new treaty at Lausanne with the Turkish National Movement. The Treaty of Lausanne recognized the independence of the Republic of Turkey and its sovereignty over Asia Minor, Constantinople, and Eastern Thrace.

Freemasons demonstrating at the Acropolis of Athens for the Asia Minor Catastrophe

Cross Keys Feb 2016

What makes you a mason?

What makes you a Mason, O Brother of mine?

It isn't the Due Guard, nor is it the Sign.

It isn't the jewel which hangs on your breast, It isn't the Apron in which you are dressed.

It isn't the step, nor the token, nor grips, Nor lectures that fluently flow from the lips.

Nor yet the possession of that mystic Word, On the Five Points of Fellowship newly conferred.

Though these are essential, desirable, fine, They don't make a Mason, O Brother of mine.

Your use of Life's hours by the gauge you must try, The gavel to vices with courage apply, Your walk must be upright, as shown by the plumb, On the level your bourne whence no travellers come.

The Book of your Faith be your rule and your guide, The compasses your passions, shut safe inside.

The stone which the Architect placed in your care Must pass the strict test of His unerring square.

'Tis then you will meet with Approval Divine, And you'll be a Mason, O Brother of mine.

That you to your sworn Obligation are true.

'Tis that, Brother mine, makes a Mason of you.

Secure in your heart you must safeguard your trust, With your Lodge and your Brother be honest and just, Assist the deserving who cry in their need, Be chaste in your thought, in your word, in your deed.

Support him who falters, with hope banish fear, And whisper advice in an erring one's ear.

Then will the Great Lights on your path brightly shine, And you'll be a Mason, O Brother of mine.

Masonic Lodges Worldwide Sadly, I shown too many lodges which either no longer exist or have been converted. As a wee change, I will now show some fine examples pf building over the next few issues—all unashamedly taken from Bro. Jim Campbell’s pinterest page (Jim is a PM of 1361). The first is from Honolulu Masonic Temple Hawaii and the second from The Masonic Hall, Hermosa, South Dakota.

Cross Keys Feb 2016

Lodge Numbers in early 18th Century England Following on from the Grand Lodge of Scotland's lodge data, thee is a similar story in England. During the 1720s, just after the formation of the Grand Lodge of England, freemasonry's numbers increased from less than one hundred brethren who formed the Grand Lodge to over 1000 with over 50 lodges mainly in London. This soon expanded to the cities outside the metropolis by 1726 to 1500 brethren in over 80 lodges.

Unlike Scotland, the transition from operative to speculative was not the same with the 1720 seeing many new changes to lodges such as Laws & Constitutions being written, warrants being issued, lectures being presented in lodges, new rituals being written and the emergence of the third degree. Another notable change was in the membership where few operatives joined, but many aristocrats took an interest and filled the ranks.

Although some lodges only lasted a few years, by the late 1730s, the Grand Lodge of England had extended from America to India—literally issuing charters wherever the army served.

This expansion must be due in part to John Theophilus Desaguliers, the third Grand Master in 1719 and Depute Grand Master for three years. A Google search on this mason/scientist will produce a huge amount of information about this very influential brother and is well worth further study. Perhaps someone will send an article on him alone?

Interesting variation on the square and compasses. This is the crest of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

February Events in 242

Thursday 11th—FCD by Lodge Craigends No.1042

Thursday 25th—MMD by OBs Visit: 1st—FCD at Lodge Mauldslie Castle No 1630, Wishaw

Cross Keys Feb 2016

Lodge Liberation No. 674 The first Master was Wor.Bro. Gershom (George) Abramovitch and the Acting I.P.M. was V.Wor.Bro. Rev. J.J. Benjamin. Immediately prior to the investiture of the officers, the Grand Master, acting on behalf of Bro. General Sir Thomas Blamey, presented the Foundation Master with the Samurai sword relinquished by Lt. Gen Teshima to General Blamey at the surrender of the Japanese in 1945. The sword was for use by the Tyler. It was felt to be appropriate that the sword, which had been used as a weapon of offence against Masonic brethren, should find a more honourable place as a guardian of the brethren whilst at labour in the lodge.

After the night of Consecration, regular meetings were held at the Prahran Temple until the move was made to the Waverley Temple in 1995.

The Lodge Banner was presented to the Lodge by Wor. Bro. L.N.Talbot on behalf of the Stewards of the Lodge in October 1958. The original was paint on canvas, over the years the paint has deteriorated and the Banner has become fragile. This new banner is embroidered appliqué fabric on fabric and was presented to the Lodge in 2004.

In the centre of Changi Gaol, there was a tree some 150 feet high, towering above well the Malayan jungle. It was so prominent it featured on Admiralty charts. In the frantic fighting before the fall of Singapore, Army sappers were ordered to destroy it as it was considered to be an aid to Japanese artillery. As a result a tall, blackened column was all that remained of the Changi tree. As the months passed, new growth sprouted out of the Changi tree and it became a symbol and source of inspiration to the prisoners. It was adopted as a motif by the Changi Prisoners-of-War Masonic Association.

Today it forms the centrepiece of Lodge Liberation’s Logo, around which are the words: — ’Dissectus non Mortuus( Broken, not Dead ).

Cross Keys Feb 2016

Principles of Recognition

The Grand Lodge of Scotland will only consider the recognition of those Grand Lodges which profess and practise, and can show that their constituent Lodges and the members thereof have professed and practised the basic principles of Freemasonry held from time immemorial and which have been accepted as such by regular Grand Lodges. These established and unalterable principles must be accepted and practised wholeheartedly by those who desire to be recognised as regular Freemasons by The Grand Lodge of Scotland.

These principles are: 1. That a belief in the Supreme Being shall be an essential qualification for membership.

2. That the Bible, referred to by Freemasons as the Volume of the Sacred Law, shall always be open in the Lodges, and that every candidate shall be required to take his obligation on that Book, or on the Volume which is held by his particular creed to impart sanctity to an oath or promise taken upon it.

3. That the three Great Lights of Freemasonry (namely, the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square and the Compasses) shall always be exhibited when the Grand Lodge or its subordinate Lodges are at work.

4. That the membership of the Grand Lodge and individual Lodges shall be composed exclusively of men; and no Lodges shall have Masonic association of any kind with mixed Lodges or bodies which admit women to membership.

5. That the Grand Lodge shall have sovereign jurisdiction over the Lodges under its control; that is, it shall be a responsible, independent, self-governing organisation, with sole and undisputed authority over the Craft of Symbolic Degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason) within its jurisdiction; and shall not in any way be subject to or divide such authority with a Supreme Council or other Masonic Power claiming any control or supervision over those degrees.

6. That every member shall be strictly forbidden to countenance any act which may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society; that he shall pay due obedience to the law of any State in which he may reside or which may afford him protection; and that he must never be remiss in the allegiance due to the Sovereign or Constitutional Authority of his native land.

7. That (while reserving the right of the individual to hold his own opinion on public affairs) neither in Lodge, nor at any time in his capacity as a Freemason, shall a member be permitted to discuss or to advance his views on theological or political questions.

8. That the principles of the Antient Landmarks, established customs and usages of the Craft shall be strictly observed in all Lodges. Adopted by the Grand Lodge of Scotland in February 1961.

Cross Keys Feb 2016

Grand Lodge of Israel

The Glasgow Herald on 19th October, 1953 reported on the formation of the Grand Lodge of Israel. Would it be reported today?

Social Media 2 Last month, an article mentioned the various forms of sending the message to brethren. I was asked how the Cross Keys is distributed. I sent it by email, a link on the facebook page and it is published on Issuu as an online booklet. Searching the internet has shown it being used elsewhere using other sources: Scribd and a masonic website in Italy: http://www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/143031028/CKApr13-pdf http://www.agenziamassonicaitaliana.org/search?q=Cross+keys

Cross Keys Feb 2016

Pause to think!

Away back in the early 1990s when the Cross Keys (then called 242 Monthly) started, one of the main features was the questions with answers the following month. I thought I would resurrect this again, but give the answer(s) on the next page. I hope most are obvious to experienced masons and that younger masons will learn something.

1.

Why is the carpet black and white?

2.

Who are the patron saints of the Craft?

Answers on next page.

Geometry!

Cross Keys Feb 2016

Bro Freeman GM Revisited (July 1873)

After receiving the article from Marie about Bro Freeman, I was more than surprised to read this article in the Glasgow Masonic News.

Bro. Freeman and the GL of Pennsylvania were obviously well thought of by Bro. Washington.

Pause to think!

Answers 1.

The lodge carpet is black and white depicting the opposites in life. It is emblematical of human life chequered with good and evil. It is also made to represent the flooring of King Solomon’s temple (as mentioned in the EA lecture). It is not purely masonic, but has appeared in many places such as the ying & yang as shown.

2.

The patron saints of the Craft are St. John the Evangelist and St. John the Baptist representing 27th December and 24th June as they were celebrated as feast days.

However, the Grand Lodge of Scotland celebrates St. Andrew.

Cross Keys Feb 2016

Craft has a Popularity Boom?

THE INTERNET hasn’t only made it easier to learn about the Freemasons, Casalou says, it’s changed the type of men coming forward. “There is so much information on the Internet that by the time someone comes to a lodge to seek membership, they already know a lot about Masonry,” he said. “Which is a big departure from previous generations. And it means they are more likely to be active participants.”

Zulu (on the right) became curious about Freemasonry after tattooing Masonic symbolisms on several clients. He joined five years ago at age 39 and now serves as webmaster and senior warden of North Hollywood Lodge No. 542. He has also gone on to become both a Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner (Masonic membership is a prerequisite for both), and next year he will become the leader of his lodge. “I’ll be the first black worshipful master in the lodge’s history,” he said, using the proper term of respect.

See full article at: https://aftermathnews.wordpress.com/2008/05/18/secretive-freemasons-in-midst-ofpopularity-membership-boom/

Are all wives as sympathetic especially on the fourth night in a row?!!!

Cross Keys Feb 2016

A Superb Foundation Stone A picture was posted on the Working Tools Facebook page for Highland lodges asking where it was.

Here is the photo with the details. Although not an actual foundation stone, it is a great example of stone masonry exemplifying square work.

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

It is with deep sadness and much regret that we have to inform you of a loss sustained to the craft in Renfrewshire in the passing to the Grand Lodge above of the following Brother: Bros. Robert King and Daniel Lochery Snr

Cross Keys Feb 2016

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

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 Feb 2016