Cross Keys February 2017 (Freemasonry)

The Cross Keys February 2017

The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone

In this issue: A Way Forward Tips for Ritual Hispanic Masonry Certificates—new topic Light from the Grand Lodge of Illinois PGL Installation in 1903

New lodge 242 website: http://lodge242.bravesites.com/ Cross Keys Feb 2017

Number 198

A Way Forward A way forward – is there one? Of course there is. Freemasonry has lasted for over 400 years and will not succumb to a dip in attendances and a loss of members. It might exist in a slightly different form, but it will exist.

One factor we must take into account is that new candidates are a very different breed to even ten years ago. Kids in school no longer memorise formulae, poems or large texts and if they have dyslexia with an issue of memory then extra formulae and actual quotes can be taken into an exam. The art of memory so prevalent in operative and early speculative masonry is very quickly disappearing. We need to accept this and look at other ways of attracting and retaining new members. Long lectures are a turn off to many under the age of 30 – it’s a fact. There are various elements to blame such as social media where tweets are no more than 140 characters to the lack of interest in newspapers unless on line.

Freemasonry has adapted in the past – how many lodges were weary of introducing electrical lights rather than gas into pre-1900 buildings? A few I would imagine. How many brethren were against the two degree system becoming a three degree system in the early 18 th century? But we changed and we survived. How do we adapt to allow young people with much less free time on their hands (and that might not be due to work commitments alone) to support their lodge? The following are only suggestions and would never be taken in their entirety. 

Have all lectures read during a degree – this system is common in the Swedish Rite which argues that it allows members to study the ritual rather than blindly learning it without really understanding it. Any question and answer sections would still be better if memorised, but the working tools, charges, etc. if read properly, can be delivered in as satisfactory manner as well learned lecture.



Have different kinds of lodges – this has started slightly with a university lodge in Edinburgh. Not a new idea with various English and American lodges being attached to renowned institutions. Sadly, many school lodges have gone.

Within a special kind of lodge, ensure officer bearers are under 30 when they take office and they run the lodge. It’s up to them to create a syllabus whether it be degrees, masonic talks/discussions as opposed to lectures or general open discussions on various topics of current affairs.

Freemasonry has always avoided discussion in lodge about religion and politics. A good foundation, but perhaps voicing an opinion about support in local areas. Coming out in support of a family whose daughter has been murdered or supporting the people of Paris or Brussels after terrorists’ attacks (as was often made during both world wars). A fine line between this and being too political, but advice from Grand Lodge could help on each topic which could be taken on its merit. One complain I often hear from non-masons is that the Craft is irrelevant to society and only looks inward.

More emphasis on the historical and traditional values of the Craft. This is still something that many seek and similar to many regimental histories which soldiers gain their pride, it allows new masons to have the same pride in their lodge and Craft.

Allow the young members to improve degrees. This could be done by making the lighting fancy, using iPads to demonstrate lectures (which are read), using more modern music such as a Lady Gaga tune as office-bearers march in or something else when they are being perambulated. It’s up to them!

Divide ritual into more manageable chunks. One example has been lodges allocating 8/9 brethren to learn paragraphs of the closing charge in the first degree with all on the











Cross Keys Feb 2017

A Way Forward (Ctd)















floor at the same time. Or have different brethren explain the symbolism of the each working tool. Not for everyone, but young people could interpret different ways of demonstrating the degrees within our rules.

Every lodge should have its own app or at least some kind of electronic means to allow members to stay in touch regularly whether they are working abroad or cannot make a meeting for some reason. All info can be sent immediately. Websites are for the older generation – kids at school now search using YouTube more than Google, or use Facebook, Instagram, etc to communicate than phoning. Websites are boring as my S5 and S6 tell me, but apps change and are updated, and when you get bored, delete it and download another!

Many young members are not interested in getting drunk so having social meetings in Costa might develop the fraternal ties of the past – again so many pupils meet up in coffee shops rather than just going to a pub (many prefer house parties which are cheaper). Out brethren of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries would identify with this notion as many lodges also met in coffee houses during this period.

Regalia – lodge regalia is fine, but I have heard many comments from young members talking about all the jewels. Few appear interested in members’ jewels, anniversary jewels, etc. and often see them as over the top. The use of an identity type plastic card would be better rather than the paper diplomas. How many lodges have unclaimed diplomas lying about? How many lie in drawers from the day they are received? With schools mass producing certificates for everything from competing in a race to showing slight improvement, young people are fed up with them. Schools have made them meaningless.

Have a complete rethink about visiting. Due to time constraints, the days of visiting a lodge 4/5 nights a week are not suitable for most brethren today. It has grown into a monster today and many young officer-bearers resign as they are unable make the commitment they think is expected.

We are more than just a charitable organisation although it appears that is what we have been reduced to. I don’t want to take anything away from some of the superb efforts of many brethren, but there are so many charities today that it is not something special. What we have that is special is the ability to raise these funds, but also to be a philosophical organisation too with important lessons in our degrees.

Have a complete rethink about appointing PGMs. Blindly following a line of officerbearers and being time served are not attributes to ensure a competent PGM. Perhaps even an interview at Grand Lodge or the like will help identify suitable candidates. I’m sure every brother can think of a PGM who was not appropriate.

Grand Lodge should have a more professional website with various login sections such as online facilities for secretaries with downloadable documents, new members’ area, young masons’ forum, etc.

The Craft has always had a good mix of brethren from all walks of life. However, that is no longer the case and the number of professional brethren is reducing in many lodges. Why? Again, time limitations, public perception of an outdated, irrelevant organisation or just simply too much competition from social media make the joining of organisations less attractive than ever before. Yet with the large number of mobile brethren who work all over, being a member of a lodge allows a brother to travel to a foreign land and be able to be in safe company in what could be a hostile country.

Cross Keys Feb 2017

Grand Master Masons of Scotland The main feature of the stairway leading to the Main hall is the stained glass window on the landing, depicting Bro. Sholto Charles Douglas Lord Aberdour afterwards 15th Earl of Morton, Grand Master Mason of Scotland, delivering a lecture on Freemasonry. The brass plate below the window commemorates the refurbishment of its stonework, commissioned by Lerwick Lodge Morton No.89 in the centenary year, 1983.

The Earl was Grand Master Mason in 1755—57 resigning this office to become Grand Master of England from 1757—61. This was very much a family affair as his father James Douglas (14th Earl) was Grand Master Mason 1739-40 and Grand Master of England in 1741—42, while his son George Douglas (16th Earl) was Grand Master Mason in 1790—1792 who was knighted in 1797.

Above—15th Earl in full regalia and an apron not too dissimilar to today.

Left—16th Earl in the uniform of the Company of Archers.

Cross Keys Feb 2017

Putin a Freemason?

The following was taken from the website: http://new.euromed.dk/20140320-is-putin-still-a-freemason.php

which

also

shows Putin with his ‘masonic’ tie. I have not altered it as it shows the conspiracy theorists as their best: Today, the webmaster of the Blog “Kulissenriss” wrote me that according to the Tomlinson-link in my latest article, Putin is no longer a Royal Arch Mason. So I have tried to penetrate somewhat deeper into the matter – and will leave it to my readers to decide for themselves what that man really is.

I have several times referred to Vladimir Putin as a Royal Arch Freemason. This information is derived from an abstract from Richard Tomlinson´s Book The big Breach from 2001 – which nobody has disputed, and which brought the MI6 into big trouble. Richard Tomlinson was initiated in the Royal Arch as were all MI6 members – which was apparently identical with the KGB: Vladimir Putin and the other KGB Royal Arch Freemasons were educated alongside with Tomlinson. Like with Tomlinson, the MI6 in 1993 wanted to get rid of Putin when it no longer needed him.

And so it continues. Well if the future of the Russian people are depending on Royal Arch Freemasonry, they could have some problems!

Long Term Strategy Most companies, organisations, etc have a strategy for the next 2—5 years. A good example is the Grand Lodge of Ohio which is found at: STRATEGY PLAN. This outlines a list of ideas and endeavours for both GL and daughter lodges.

Should the Grand Lodge of Scotland have a similar plan? Personally, I think any plan or information from the GL would be good as we need to keep brethren interested in the Craft as a whole.

Cross Keys Feb 2017

Hispanic Masonry The following if from a Facebook page and may make interesting reading: There are literally thousands of Freemasons who are Hispanic or from other places where Spanish is spoken.

In some cases, for example border town Lodges who used to be recognized. War between the United States of America and Mexico has a lot to do with it. However, these once recognized Lodges eventually lost recognition due to "territory" issues.

As is the case of some border town lodges in Texas. The GLofTX back in the day said either you work in English or we pull recognition. They eventually pulled the recognition and contacted the GLs in Mexico and told them either you drop these Lodges or we will NOT recognize Mexico. Mexico in turn dropped the Lodges. So literally hundreds of Spanish Speaking Lodges lost their GL. They banded together to form their own GLs and that is why there is unrecognized Spanish Speaking Lodges to this day all over the southern United States. I just want to find a way to make these Lodges fully recognized.

There is a new Generation of young men your children grandchildren and greatgrandchildren of the once recognized Freemasons of this area who want to keep the Lodges alive and their Hispanic traditions as well. I find it morally wrong that they have to be forced to abandon those lodges and join a mainstream Lodge just to gain recognition. I am an American combat veteran I have a Bronze Star a Purple Heart among other medals and Presidential Awards that more than proved my loyalty to the United States of America, my American Patriotism and my American way of life, but I refuse to forget my language or my heritage from my birth country of Mexico. I don't know about you guys but there is a huge effort currently due to the political climate in the United States that is criminalizing and discriminating Hispanics largely because of political rhetoric which is full of half-truths. It would be great for Hispanic men to be able to weave themselves more into the fabric of American society in the United States through Freemasonry along with Hispanic lodges just like Prince Hall has done so. Thus ending some of the Racism.

This does not mean it will be a Hispanic only Lodge. We could work in Spanish some days and in English on others. We are mostly all bilingual, trilingual and my case quad lingual. We can work. We want to work and will continue to work. If there ever were to be a United States Grand Lodge which would be the solution to all this hoopla. It should be composed of mainstream Masonic bodies Prince Hall Masonic Bodies and Hispanic Masonic Bodies. These Cross Keys Feb 2017

Hispanic Masonry (ctd) lodges are beautiful and I don't want them to die or be forgotten.

There are Mainstream fully recognized Lodges closing their doors left and right. When all they have to do is reach out to Prince Hall, reach out to Hispanic Lodges and unite. Extend recognition, allow visitation. Forget the nonsense and lets resuscitate Freemasonry in the United States. ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL!! Lets do this. We really can do this.

Freemasonry is not a 10th of what it used to be and the reason is because of the self-imposed barriers, of Race and Language we have in America. Lets stop using the UGLE as an excuse to exclude. The UGLE is a perfect example of how to unite! I don't speak for the UGLE but Imagine they don't appreciate it. Why are we here in the USA hell bent on using the UGLE charter excuse to deny brethren? It is the craziest thing ever. It's time we look into our hearts and realy help the Fraternity become Universal and non discriminatory. This is the only way Freemasonry will grow. This is the only way Freemasonry will survive‌‌..

Do you agree? The brother certainly makes some valid points and speaks about the universality of the Craft and using the Craft to help Hispanic brethren be more a part of American society. I do not know anything about this side of masonry, but would be interested to learn more.

Cross Keys Feb 2017

Certificates

Master Mason certificate on the left issued by Hiram Lodge in Arlington, Massachusetts to Jesse Pattee, April 13, 1846. Master Mason certificate to the right issued by Columbia Lodge, No. 91 in Philadelphia to John Stevens, dated May 27, 1816. Both are similar in terms of the three pillars which became a common theme. However the one below has the main section in both English and French.

A Sad Demise The old lodge building in Barstow, Texas has seen better days. The town was founded by George Barstow, a man whose life’s work was irrigation. He was so successful that he was able to swell the population to over 1,000 by 1900 and win a silver medal for grapes at the World’s Fair in 1904. However, that same year, the Pecos River Dam broke – droughts set in almost immediately and farming became a dream rather than reality. The population was down by over half just 20 years later and has steadily decreased ever since. Only a handful of people live there now.

Cross Keys Feb 2017

Continuing the set of rules from last month: 4.

5.

The office-bearers shall attend each meeting . . . under the penalty of one shilling . . . Unless they can make it appear that their absence was occasioned ny sickness, or otherwise, to be judged by the master.

That it shall be in the power of the master or his depute to call a meeting at any time he thinks proper for the benefit of the lodge.

Again, another common rule where office-bearers were fined a significant amount of money which was then placed into lodge funds. Sadly today, many office-bearers do not have the courtesy to inform the secretary that he will not be able to attend. Being fined would certainly improve attendance!

Rule 5 shows clearly that the depute was as important an office as the master. Many lodges had landed gentry as masters (often for their name) who seldom, if ever attended, and it was the depute master who ran the lodge. The installation ceremony of an installed master was still over 50 years away so the depute was quite entitled to take the chair in the absence of the master. More recently in 242, this office became an honorary office.

Cross Keys Feb 2017

Office Bearers Issue 1845 The Johnstone directory in 1845 listed the main office bearers of the lodge However, there are no deacons—a situation we found ourselves in last November and therefore not unique The office of JD has now been filled and a PM will cover the SD. Today, we have to accept that going through the chair of the lodge might not necessarily be the end point.

Glasgow Masons

The photographs above from a studio in West Nile Street, Glasgow depict two brethren from Lodge St. Andrew No. 465 also in Glasgow founded in 1867. The regalia is quite different with the first having a thick sash despite the office appearing the same.

Cross Keys Feb 2017

Light from the Grand Lodge of Illinois With the success of Dan Brown’s new book The Lost Symbol there seems to be an increase in interest with more people inquiring about our Masonic fraternity. The book is about the symbols of Freemasonry. One would only hope that there would be a similar resurgence of interest by our brethren in making the journey of studying about our fraternity, its philosophy, its history, and the meaning of the symbols that make up our ritual.

When a candidate first knocks upon the door separating the preparation room from the lodge hall he starts upon this journey of enlightenment about our brotherhood. The candidate is introduced as having been in darkness and now seeks light by being brought into the fraternity of Freemasonry. In the first section of the Entered Apprentice degree the candidate is asked what he most desires. The response elicited is “light”. In the first section of the Fellowcraft degree his response to a similar query is “more light”. In the first section of the Master Mason degree ritual, the appropriate response is “further light”. This seems to imply that the authors of our Illinois ritual indicated that the achievement of the Master Mason degree is not an end to our Masonic education, but there is much more. There is nowhere in the ritual of symbolic or blue lodge Freemasonry where a brother is given the “most light” or a completion of the quest to find light in masonry.

Attendance has fallen drastically at lodge meetings. The number of new petitions has also diminished in recent years. Why is it that Freemasonry has fallen in popularity? Why is it that even when new masons are brought into the lodge that they are no longer active after being raised to the degree of Master Mason? Many blame the current situation with our economy. People are having a hard enough time making ends meet and having to spend time with their occupations and their families. Freemasonry no longer occupies a prominent place in our culture.

In the volume 14, 2005 edition the Transactions of the Illinois Lodge of Research, Brother Edward A. Rund authored an article entitled, We Are Failing Our Masonic Educators. Brother Rund stated that statistics indicate that over 95% of the new Master Masons felt no need to return to lodge and take an active interest in our fraternity. Of those that do return to lodge they only do so sporadically. Few of our new Master Masons take on the obligation of becoming officers in their lodge. Brother Rund places the reason for this fall off in Masonic feeling on the lack of a focus on Masonic education.

In volume 16, 2007 of the Transactions of the Illinois Lodge of Research, Brother Neil Neddermeyer, Past Grand Master of Minnesota, postulated that there are three groups of Masons. There are those that feel that Freemasonry is a social club. A second category consists of those that feel that the main function of Freemasonry is to support charities and philanthropic institutions. Finally, there are those Masons that are in the fraternity to receive Masonic light and learn as much as possible of Masonic symbolism, history and philosophy.

While all of these reasons for becoming Masons are important, it is this latter group of brethren that this article is trying to reach.

Rollin C. Blackmer, in his book, The Lodge and the Craft, states that at the writing of the book in 1976, there were more than 100,000 brethren who held memberships in Masonic lodges in the state of Missouri. Of this number he postulated that perhaps 75 were sufficiently interested in the brotherhood to undertake further study of the fraternity to which they belonged.

This is a most lamentable state of affairs, which, I submit, continues to this day. Perhaps if more of our brethren took on the task of learning about our fraternity we could greatly increase attendance at lodge and bring along a cadre of brethren who would take on the roles Cross Keys Feb 2017

Light from the Grand Lodge of Illinois (ctd) of leaders in their lodge. Ritual is important. It is the ritual that is the first exposure that a candidate has to the philosophy of masonry. The ritual consists of the lessons that freemasonry teaches so that a brother can lead a life that is rich and fulfilling. As Blackmer states, “The ritual is the vehicle which the principles of Freemasonry ride into the hearts and minds of men.” However, the words of the ritual are not enough. It is the meaning of the words that lead men to live up to our teaching. These words are capable of interpretation that is nuanced by the historical background of those who wrote them. A study of the history and symbolism of the ritual is essential to understanding the meaning behind the words. There is much research to indicate that it is easier to learn ritual when one understands the meaning of the words that are being memorised.

There are many areas of Masonic research that can be undertaken depending on the inclinations of each individual brother. Some brethren may become interested in the history of the craft. Others will take an interest in the philosophy of Freemasonry. Those with a legal bent may become interested in Masonic jurisprudence. There is also the symbolism inherent in the words of our ritual. The bottom line is that there is something for everyone in our fraternity. The full meaning of Freemasonry becomes a lifelong study of the various aspects of our brotherhood. This study can be rewarding and give the Masonic brother a meaning for life and, as our ritual tells us, “There stands a just and upright Mason”.

By Ira S. Gilbert, D.D.G.M.

February Events in 242

Thursday 9th—MMD by Lodge Craigends No.1042

Thursday 23rd—EA by OBs 6th March—visit to Lodge Garthland St. Winnoch No. 205

Cross Keys Feb 2017

PGLRE Installation 1903

The above is part of a newspaper article from the Scotsman reporting on the 1903 Installation of Bro. Maj. Francis. W. Allan.

Cross Keys Feb 2017

PGLRE Installation 1903 (ctd) The whole article measures an astonishing 26 inches in length and is the full column of the broadsheet. How many newspapers would deem this of interest to publish a full account of the proceedings of a PGL Installation? Probably very few today.

The article went on to give a brief history of PGLRE: Due to the large increase in districts after the formation of GL in 1735, it was decided to apply for a warrant in 1772 for Renfrew. However, nothing was done until 1800 when PGMs were appointed across Scotland with Dumbarton and Renfrew as one province under the leadership of Bro. William McDowall MP of Garthland (Lochwinnoch) with 11 lodges—9 in Renfrew and 2 in Dumbarton. In 1822, the province was divided into Renfrew and Dumbarton, the former now being overseen by Bro. Sir Michael Shaw Stewart 5th Baronet and Lord Lt of the County. In 1839, this province was divided into two—Renfrewshire East and West which still exist today. Histories of both provinces can be viewed on their websites: www.pglre.org and www.pglrw.org Bro. Maj. Allan was installed to take over Bro. Lord Blythswood who was PGMRE for 37 years and the previous year 711 candidates had been initiated into RE. Today, the name is better known for the golf competition under PGLRE. The installation of the new PGM for RE, Bro. Neil Fraser, will take place on 18th March, 2017 in Paisley Town Hall. It should make the paper, but perhaps not in as detailed form as it used to. We have become old or irrelevant news to the public now. A relic from a bygone era that is of interest to very few people with busy lives. A retired gentleman’s club perhaps, if we can use the term gen-

Cross Keys Feb 2017

tleman when discipline cases are viewed. This has been discussed in many forums over many years and little has succeeded in reversing the trend. Many orders rely on an aging group of brethren to perform ritual and within 10 years, many will not be able to continue to do floorwork. What then? Possibly charters or warrants may have to be returned.

Most (not all) lodges have to accept that we are a diminishing society struggling to maintain buildings. From previous statistics, the Craft has been in this position before and survived. It will again, but perhaps not in some of our members’ lifetime. Would a royal Grand Master Mason who is known to the public make a difference? Perhaps; the likes of Lord Blythswood or Major Allan would bring freemasonry into the public domain once again.

Masonic Lodges Worldwide In the last Tombstone article, the lodge is King Solomon No.5 under the Grand Lodge of Arizona of which it was a founder. The lodge was built in 1881 (shown far right) and was one of the most ‘elegant’ buildings in a troubled town seating over 600. It remains the largest adobe buildings in the south west of the US. It was built by the brother of Tombstone’ founder, Al Schieffelin, as an opera house while the lodge was given the upstairs and has continued in use to this day with many of the originals items of furniture still functioning. For example, the alter, master and wardens’ chairs (below) are the same as used during the time of the Earp brothers. It was also after attending a performance in the hall when Morgan Earp was assassinated. The remainder of the building is used for council meetings, local plays, gatherings, fundraisers, etc. so it is still very much the centre of the community.

Cross Keys Feb 2017

Are we all to Blame?

The lack of dynamic and inspiring leadership at lodge level is an important contributory factor to the absenteeism of masons. In trying to pinpoint the reasons why our lodges do not get the leadership they deserve, one comes face to face with the system of masonic promotion. His knowledge and understanding of symbolism, his efficiency of ritual or his understanding of how a lodge works are seldom factors to reach the Chair. What is required is a good attendance and being able to support the current master in his visits.

This was the complaint in the Masonic Record of January, 1971 which predicted in 20/30 years a dramatic drop in numbers. Well, they were bang on! It used to be said that in many cases, a PM who was useless to his lodge should be sent to PGL, and it often happened! Has the quality of masters affected this decrease in numbers? I leave it to you to make your own mind up.

Incentives for Candidates The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has started a programme to encourage brethren to find new candidates for membership. After the candidate received his EA degree, the proposer receives 60 points. Why points? These can be accumulated so that gifts can be claimed from the Grand Lodge website—see some examples below. For four petitions, he will also receive a “first line signer” tie. Scottish freemasons might find this approach rather crass, but if it works then who could argue against it?

Cross Keys Feb 2017

Stained Glass Window On the East wall of the lodge room of Stanfield Masonic Lodge No. 217 A.F.& A.M., in Denton, Texas, US situated above the master's head, resides this beautiful stained glass image of the wise King Solomon. Although the lodge has been in possession of it for many decades, sadly, no one knows its origin, nor the craftsmen who created it. It also includes in its symbolism a keystone, a cross within a crown (KT) and the OES emblem at the bottom.

Minutes An all too familiar scene! At the last PGC, it was briefly discussed that the reading of minutes was no longer in the interest of brethren, young and old. Who would disagree? Today, email is the way forward although some aged brethren do not have this communication, but copies could be made available if they wanted to read them. Most lodges will change, but many are in the situation of competing a Minute Book which is not cheap .

The problem then arises about storage of the electronic version and printing in book form (on good paper). However, a more pleasant challenge than listening to minutes!!

Cross Keys Feb 2017

Atholl Lodges The Association of Atholl Lodges provides many experienced, expert and entertaining speakers and the Association is always happy to speak to Atholl Lodges about the history of the Antients Grand Lodge—a grand lodge formed with many Irish brethren living in London in the 18th Century who were unable to join the original Moderns Grand Lodge due to their lowly status.

The Atholl lodges or Antients Grand Lodge brought many brethren who were practical rather than landed gentry.

They also brought with them the Royal Arch degree and many of these lodges worked other degrees such as the Knights Templar. In 1813, the union under the Duke of Sussex came about and the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England.

The names are rather strange—the Moderns (the older body) were so called as the Ancients (the newer body) felt these brethren were deviating from the ancient landmarks and were creating a new type of freemasonry.

A Very Generous Donation The Bedfordshire Freemasons gave £5,600 to

tions in 2017, the Bedfordshire Freema-

St Mary's Church of

sons intend to

England

provide

Academy

addi-

School in Stotfold,

tional support to

England,

local and nation-

to

help

them refurbish the

al charities.

trim trail last December.

"Supporting the

Anthony

communities we

Henderson, the Pro-

live in is an inte-

vincial Grand Master for Bedfordshire Freemasons, said: "As part of English Freemasonry's Tercentenary Celebra-

Cross Keys Feb 2017

gral part of what Freemasonry is about."

Presentation Congratulations to Bro. Grant Macleod PM who received the Honorary Grand Rank of Assistant Grand Secretary by the Provincial Grand Master Bro. John S. Miller (pictured right) on 12th January, 2017. The master of 242 then presented Bro. Macleod with a neck jewel suitably inscribed as a gift from the lodge. Bro. Macleod replied supporting the good work that the PGM had done over the last five years and is now looking forward to spending more time amongst his brethren of 242.

Congratulations Congratulations to Bro. Dougie Dick MM 242 and now master of Lodge St. Aethan’s No. 1227 in Burghead in the north of Scotland.

What made the night very special was his installing masters were Bros. Danny Burrell PM 242 and Allan Stobo PM 242 who carried out the installation in exemplar manner.

Perhaps we will see a deputation from 1227 in 242 this year? You would be most welcome.

Cross Keys Feb 2017

The Wearing of Other Jewels On the left is Bro. George Christie (1826 - 1903) was a prominent businessman in the town of Stirling who lived in Southfield House in the Kings Park area. He was the Provost of the Royal Burgh of Stirling from 1870 - 1879 and Master of Lodge Ancient Stirling, No. 30 from 1874 1878. He was also the Provincial Grand Master of Stirlingshire from 1893 - 1903.

On the right is Bro. Peter Henderson Master of The Lodge of Edinburgh No.1 in 1897-99.

Both are good examples of wearing jewels belonging to orders outside the Craft such as the A&AR, RoS, KT, etc. Can you imagine wearing of jewels from another order today? Most likely they would face a PGL Discipline Committee!!!!

Why is it so taboo now? Even requesting permission for a Royal Arch Chapter to formally visit in regalia is ‘outlawed’ but should it be so? I’m sure both sides can argue their case.

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: Bro. Calum Paterson

Cross Keys Feb 2017

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 2017