Cross Keys January 2023

The Cross Keys Number 250

January 2023

Cross Keys January 2023

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

Page 1

From the Editor Happy New Year and let’s hope it’s better for the Craft than last year which had so many challenges.

I have included the PGL of Cornwall’s Armed Forces Covenant which, I am delighted to say, many PGLs have signed up to. It was good to see Bro. Brian ‘OJ’ Kerr PM 242 involved with the Craft out in Cincinnati.

Grant

Cover—The front cover of a masonic newspaper first published in 1834 showing Royal Arch symbolism or perhaps this was common in lodges at that time. See Page 14 for its varied contents.

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.

In this issue: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 25 27 29

UGLE 7 Year Plan Installation Programmes Appeal Square Wheels’ Lodge No. 9966 Lodge 203, Airdrie Irish RA Founder’s Jewel Royal Bruce Chapter, Lochmaben Symbols Questions for an EA German Masonic Hall, 1920 Cornwall’s Armed Forces Covenant Masonic Miscellany Freemasons’ Quarterly Review Lodge St. John 3bis Charity Box Old French Masonic Temple French Constitution 1801 Russia 1858 Education in 18th Century Russia Did You Know?

Scots POW Local Foundation Stones Answers to the EA’s Questions GL/PGL News

January Meetings Thursday 12th MM Degree

Thursday 26th EA Degree

By OBs

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

Visit

17th January 2023 at St. Barchan No.156

7.30pm start All Scottish Constitution.

Cross Keys January 2023

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UGLE 7 Year Strategy Plan The Pro Grand Master Bro. Jonathan Spence said ‘Over the next seven years, we will enhance our reputation as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join and broaden  our membership among all age groups.’

Strong Foundations outlines the need to:  Implement an investment plan (people, capabilities and technology) to support delivery of the Strategy  Tap into our talent base, identifying and using members’ skills and talents, whatever their rank  Update the Book of Constitutions, ensuring that it is fit for a modern membership organisation.

bers, supporting them with the tools and knowledge to act as ambassadors and become our future leaders Further develop the RCG structure to maximise local impact across traditional Provincial boundaries.

Engaged In Our Communities reflects the need for us to:  Build on the recent success of our members’ response to the pandemic in their local communities and of our partnership with the MCF and other local and national charities  Identify new areas for engagement in our communities  Communicate more openly and explicThriving Membership reiterates our commititly the full scale and community imment to: pact of members’ current engagement  Constantly reinthrough charitable doforce the concept nations and volunteerof our unique ing. combination of fun/sociability and Another of the key serious and timetakeaways from ‘The less core values Strategy for Freema Address the sonry 2022 & Beyond’ is ‘membership the need for a change challenge’ at all in attitudes throughout levels, encouragthe organisation in oring innovation, der for us to move forembracing change ward. As Freemasons, and spreading we can sometimes find successful ideas new ideas and ad Further enhance vancements are met our members’ unwith some scepticism derstanding of our and the old adage of history and values.

‘No, because’. It is this that we need to urgently address in order to make sure that the Coherent Organisation summarises the ne- ambitious plans presented within this Stratcessity of: egy can be properly embedded. Instead, we  Communicating clear, concise and con- need to move towards a ‘Yes, if’ approach at sistent messaging within UGLE and be- all levels. yond  Empowering and enthusing our mem-

Cross Keys January 2023

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Installation Programmes Appeal Below is the first programme which we hold—Bro. Dr. Michael Symington in 1926 and another later for Bro. Rev. Kerr McKay in 1932. I am in the process of collecting as many as possible before 1940 so if any brother might have old programmes, please have a look and email me.

These are now in two folders and available for brethren to see in the Office Bearers’ Room.

The Cross Keys A ‘new’ colourised image of the Cross Keys Hotel where the lodge met in the 19th Century. The band stand which was the present from the Houstoun family sits across and the water fountain from the Paton mill owners, both families heavily involved in the lodge.

The building to the right of the hotel and the band stand remain today.

Cross Keys January 2023

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Square Wheels Lodge No. 9966 Following on from last month’s F1 lodge, here is another ‘specialist’ lodge, very common under the UGLE. The core of this lodge has emerged from the Square Wheels Classic Car Club which was formerly the Masonic Classic Vehicle Club which having existed for many years was relaunched following the success of the national Classic 300 classic car runs supporting the Tercentenary celebrations in 2017.

the Lodge develops. However the “inside” knowledge of those Founding members involved in the Square Wheels Club means we are cognisant and aware of what the potential is to recruit from within the Craft and also to involve and recruit new members from within the wider hobby. At major exhibitions there has been great interest shown which the Founders believe that capable of being capitalised upon successfully.

The Square Wheels Cub (MCVC) was relocated to Warwick and it seemed appropriate that the home for the new Lodge should also be based at Alderson House High Street Warwick being close to the centre of the British Car Industry in England.

Thus there are interestingly two different aspects to membership of a new Lodge. The Lodge has 75 Founding Members primarily drawn from within the membership of the Square Wheels Club which itself has a strong and growing constituency to draw upon. In addition there is a much larger and untapped constituency of Freemasons who own use and enjoy the classic vehicle hobby who it is hoped will become interested. The Founders are equally optimistic that through their attendance at shows social runs etc. that enthusiasts for the hobby who are not currently Masons will want to be become involved.

It is the belief of the Founders that consecrating the new lodge will not only serve and bewidely supported by Square Wheel Club members but will act as a most useful recruitment catalyst for Classic vehicle enthusiasts not currently Freemasons.

It is worthy of noting as a statistic that independent research shows the Classic vehicle industry alone in the UK employs 34900 people and is worth £5.5 billion giving a serious indication of the size of the hobby serving a wide and predominantly male demographic.

The Lodge will of course be open to all Classic vehicle enthusiasts and owners as well as any other suitable applicant for membership. It is not intended to operate as a closed Lodge per se.

The primary aim will be to nurture a real understanding of Freemasonry, to encourage the new Brethren to assimilate into and enjoy the Lodge and Freemasonry and to encourage their Masonic aspirations. We hope to foster relations with the other special interest Lodges and all based on a common enthusiasm for the hobby the lodge serves.

The lodge meets four times a year on the fourth Thursday of January, the first Saturday We have considered the question of recruit- of May and July and the fourth Saturday of ment and have to accept that some of this will September in the High Street, Warwick. be empirical with a learning curve to travel as

Cross Keys January 2023

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What is Unique about Lodge 203 in Airdrie?

T

he charter of The Operative Lodge of Airdrie No.203 was granted on the 6th day of August 1799. The first time that an installed masters’ degree is mentioned is on 27th December, 1885 when Bro. Mitchell was given this honour. However, what is unique is the ceremony of an installed mark master normally conferred upon a First Principal of a chapter.

In 1888 the Grand Lodge of Scotland took away the right of the lodge to elect and install a Mark Master, but with the assistance of P.G.L. Grand Master Bro. Lieut. Col. J. Clark this was restored to the lodge. A second attempt was made to take this right away in 1923 but after a strong appeal by the lodge this was also resolved in the lodge’s favour.

At the meeting of 14th.

Feb. 1940 it was reported that the lodge had again successfully defended the right in our charter to keep the office of mark master, although thanks were due to the master and the S.W. for moving an amendment, it was considered that the work done by Bro. William Blair Secretary in penning letters to about fifty Grand Officers and Committee members must have had some weight with the decision, and as such the lodges thanks were minuted.

So the lodge continues today with the master of the lodge receiving the installed mark master as well!

Cross Keys January 2023

During the eighteenth century, Mark Masonry had two degrees, Mark Man and Mark Master; they now are combined into one degree in Scottish Masonry but this is not the case in other countries, even if they differ from the old ones. The Mark Man Degree was reserved to Fellow Crafts and the Mark Master was exclusively for Master Masons.

In 1856, Grand Chapter decided to issue Charters for Mark Lodges. This time the Charters were confined to the working of the Mark Degree only, in effect they were setting up a Mark Lodge. From 1856 until 1900 some 42 Mark Charters were issue by the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland, the majority issued to England.

The other problem was that although Grand Lodge ‘banned’ the working of the Mark in 1800, many lodges still conferred it. For example, No. 8 in Edinburgh because they conferred before Grand Lodge was formed in 1736. Four years later, a committee of Grand Lodge and SGRAC was formed to review the situation and its outcome was to allow lodges to confer the Mark Degree. It also agreed a candidate applying to be admitted to the Royal Arch Degree, if he has received the Mark Degree in a regular Lodge of St John's Masonry, shall not be required to take it a second time in the chapter.

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What is Unique about Lodge 203 in Airdrie? (ctd) “As regards the Royal Arch Degrees, the Mark Degree shall be reckoned as the Fourth Degree in Masonry” whereas the Grand Lodge views its degrees as the first three with the Mark being an extension of the FCD and the Installed Master being a ceremony. Playing with words to a certain extent?

To add to the confusion, the installed mark master ceremony is given only to First Principals of the chapter because they can hold a mark lodge attached to a chapter and most candidates are then required to affiliate to this mark lodge. Masters of Craft lodges (with the exception of 203) only receive the

Installed Master Ceremony yet confer the full Mark Degree in the lodge whereas very few First Principals will have conferred the Mark Degree in full.

I hope I have this correct!

The lodge meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday in January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October and November, at 19:30,and every 4th Wednesday in August , at 19:30 and every 2nd Wednesday in December, at 19:30 in the Masonic Temple, 80 Clark Street, Airdrie.

Interesting Royal Arch Jewels Jewel far right was presented in Londonderry to Ex. Comp. M. McNeary, 5th King & Founder Culmore R.A.C. No. 320 (1925).

Jewel centre was presented in 1995 in Good Samaritans Chapter No. 7654 in Northumberland.

Jewel immediate right belongs to Imperial College RAC within Imperial College Lodge and consists of former students and staff of ICL.

Cross Keys January 2023

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Royal Bruce Castle Royal Arch Chapter

The following is the first minute of the chapter: At Lochmaben March 18th. A.L. 5821, A.D. 1817 at a meeting of the Royal Arch Royal Caledonian Chapter of Annan No.100. The Chapter being opened in due form there was produced and read a Disposition and authority from the Grand Supreme Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Jerusalem at London of date the 8th day of February A.L. 5821 A.D. 1817 empowering the Chapter to hold their meetings at this town of Lochmaben as well as at Annan and there to exalt Master Masons properly qualified in due form to the sublime dignity of Royal Arch Masons as the same more fully B????? which being considered by the Chapter they made choice of Companion William Rae as Principal Z, J Brotch H and William Mitchell J. to hold meetings and exalt companions and do other business in their name until a Warrant of Constitution be granted them as formerly applied for to act in their own names and authority under the title and designation of The Royal Bruce’s Castle Chapter of Lochmaben and the said Wm. Rae Z, J Brotch H & W Mitchell J. were in due form installed in their offices and took the chairs accordingly.

Thereafter, the Chapter proceeded to the Exaltation of (3 Master Masons, named) who being examined were found to have passed the chair & were in due form exalted to the Sublime Degree of Royal Arch Masons and admitted Companions accordingly.

The above box was presented by a companion to the chapter showing Royal Bruce Castle (Lochmaben Castle) on the rear and on the front, three castles forming a triangle with sword through the centre—could this be a subtle representation of the element air? An early interpretation of the EM veils representing the four elements.

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Symbols Freemasonry, by using symbols which are not closely defined, makes it possible for many men of many minds, each to read his own conception of the truth into the symbols.

Freemasonry thus becomes as great a "System of morality" as the mind of him who attempts to understand it may admit.

that symbol into words which appeal only to the mind, and the spirit of the meaning is lost.

Words appeal to the mind; meanings are expressed in words appeal to the spirit.

All that there is in Freemasonry which can be set down in words on a page leaves out completely the spirit of the Order. If we depend In his introduction to Hunt's fine volume on words or ideas alone the Fraternity would "Some thoughts on Masonic Symbolism," the not make a universal appeal to all men, since late Jacob Hugo Tatche, noted student and no man has it given to him to appeal to the Masonic historian wrote: minds of all other men.

Freemasonry permits each individual to interpret and apply the lessons of the Craft as he But Freemasonry expresses truths which are sees best. It is this unique spirit of tolerance universal; it expresses them in a universal and freedom which frequently confuses oppo- language, universally understood by all men nents of the Fraternity. One Mason places his without words. That language is the language interpretation upon a certain symbol or attrib- of the symbol, and the symbol is universally ute of Freemasonry; another may take an en- understood because it is the means of comtirely different view, and will cite evidence with munication between spirits, souls, hearts. which a third may be in entire variance; yet these three men can gather about our altars Ten different men may read ten different and labour together in perfect amity. meanings into a square, and yet each meaning fits with, and belongs to the other meanings.

Long before Tatche, Bro. Albert Pike ex- Ten men have ten different kinds of hearts. pressed the same thought in different lan- Not all have the same power of imagination, guage: the same ability to comprehend. So each gets Masonry . . .follows the ancient manner of from a symbol what he can. He uses his imagiteaching. Her symbols are the instructions she nation. gives; and the lectures are but often partial and insufficient one sided endeavours to inter- In other words, listen to the ritual and think pret those symbols. He who would become an about our symbols—what do you make of accomplished Mason must not be content them? There is no right or wrong interpretamerely to hear or even to understand the lec- tion (unless you use them like the media attures, but must, aided by them, and they having tempt to when selling papers or having a as it were marked out the way for him study, dig!!). You will find it rewarding and rather interpret and develop the symbols for himself. interesting, and you might be surprised how your view changes over time.

That Freemasonry conceals in symbols in order to arouse curiosity to know their meaning Front cover—what does it mean to you? is often considered the only explanation. But there are many more lofty ideas of why this great system of truth, philosophy and ethics is Thanks to Bro. Stewart Donaldson PM 76 using hidden in symbols.

THE SHORT TALK BULLETIN Vol. XIX No. 3 — March 1941The Masonic Service Association of A symbol is a word in that language. Translate the United States

Cross Keys January 2023

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Questions for an EA The old method of testing in the lodge was by Question and Answer—few do this today but it was also a method used to confer the degrees. Here a set of questions with answers on P. 27:                  

Name the 4 cardinal virtues.

What are the working tools of an EA? Where were you first prepared What are the great lights?

What does the VSL teach?

What is the position of the square & compasses?

What does the first part of the EA sign signify?

What are the chief supports of a freemason?

Name these What are the grand principles of a freemason?

Why does the EA wear a plain white apron?

Why is the carpet B & W? How is a lodge situated?

What must all regular freemasons believe in?

When tis the SW’s column upwards?

What jewel does he wear?

Why is the new apprentice called an EA? Where does the JW sit?

The Kent Cube

The “Kent Cube” is a personal gift from the Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent, to every Provincial Grand Master under the UGLE. Cross Keys January 2023

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Germany, 1920 These photos are unusual and seem to have been taken either as proof of what happens in a masonic temple or as part of a propaganda piece. Either way, they provide a unique record of the Craft in Germany prior to the Nazis.

Union Lodge No.310, Carlisle This lodge was at Carlisle, working under Scottish Warrant No. 216, from in 1786 then was warranted under the Grand Lodge of England in 1796 as Number 555. At that time, it met in the Grapes Inn, Scotch Street, Carlisle. In 1832, it was re-numbered 389 which appears on the chair and then 4 years later it received its present number 310.

Today the lodge meets in Freemasons' Hall, Castle Street, Carlisle. My thanks to Bro. John Muir for the photos.

Cross Keys January 2023

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Armed Forces Covenant—Cornwall It’s always great to see the Craft’s support of the Armed Forces and only last June was another Provincial Grand Lodge signing up—this time Cornwall.

Cornish Freemasons will be supporting members of the armed forces community after signing a covenant. V.W.Bro Roger Cargeeg JP, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge accompanied by other serving and military veterans hosted Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Edward Bolitho OBE, at the Alverton Manor Hotel in Truro on Monday the 20th June, to sign the ‘Armed Forces Covenant’.

The partnership aims to support members of the Armed Forces community and ensure they have the same access to government as well as commercial services and products as any other citizen. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cornwall like the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) will be able to demonstrate its support to members of the Armed Forces in a number of areas, including education, family wellbeing, getting a home, starting a new career, access to healthcare and financial assistance.

Cornish Freemasonry, like the UGLE has a long and rich history within the Armed Forces, with several serving and retired military personal as members of the 80 Cornish Lodges, so this partnership therefore represents an important step in further supporting both active and retired military personnel.

Colonel Edward Bolitho joined the Grenadier Guards in 1978, and later commanded the 1st Battalion in 1993-1995 during which time he was awarded the OBE. Having been a Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall since 2008, Colonel Edward Bolitho was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in September 2011, becoming Her Majesty The Queen’s personal representative in Cornwall in a role that dates back almost 500 years.

Back row: Alan Powell, James Bolan, Malcolm Pearce, Tim Burley, William Milliken, Steve Nicoll, Damo Bawden, Anthony Wilkins (also a Cross Keys reader); Front: Colonel Edward Bolitho O.B.E, Roger Cargeeg JP DPGM Cross Keys January 2023

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Bro. Brian Kerr PM 242 Whilst freemasonry here in Scotland has been placed on a back burner with many lodges enjoying a summer recess, Bro. Brian Kerr PM reports that in Cincinnati Ohio, the majority of masonic lodges have been as busy as ever working away in the heat and burden of the day.

Recently brother Brian was invited to take part in the reconsecration ceremony marking the 175th anniversary of the Buckeye Lodge during which he had the honour of presenting the 3rd lesser light in what was by all accounts a very dignified and impressive ceremony.

Bro. Brian reports that in casual conversations with the office bearers of the Grand Lodge at a picnic after the close of the meeting that they were impressed with the objective evaluations as published in the Cross Keys in relation to our beloved craft.

Doing his best to promote the good name of Houstoun St Johnstone.

Mt Herman Lodge No. 7 (British Columbia) Membership has shown a net increase in the past 5 years and more importantly an increase in active attendance and engagement in the lodge business (numbers and committee work), ritual work (high attendance at practices with questions from new officers and enthusiasm in learning our ritual), participation in educational programs and volunteering to present papers.

take on an office. Recently a newer member declined on the opportunity of office, saying he would rather take a year to reflect on his journey as a MM and become more seasoned as a mason.

The next year he took office and has been performing excellently in that office.

Our sponsors mentor the new members and they regularly meet and talk. New members, EA, FC, There is an informal development program. The and MM are encouraged to visit other lodges and master has struck up a committee to cover best their sponsors and other senior members accompractices including expectations, duties and roles pany them. of lodge officers. PMs have been helpful in guiding / mentoring Lodge Officers in their roles. There are enough MMs to sustain succession of for the next 5 years.

242 now has sub-committees in place, but please approach the Secretary if you would like We give opportunities to those who wish to take to help in any way. It’s your lodge after all. on an office but do not force or rush anyone to

Cross Keys January 2023

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Freemasons’ Quarterly Review This newspaper was published between 1834 to 1851 with a huge variety of topics. Below is the table of contents from the first edition:

The last topic is interesting considering we do not allow discussion of political ideas in the lodge. The following is an except from a longer article on numbers in masonry: The Tetrad was esteemed the most perfect number by the Pythagoreans, as being the arithmetical mean between one ancl seven, equal ly exceeding and exceeded in number. It wants 3 of 7, and exceeds 1 by 3. The first solid figure is found in a Tetrad, for a point is correspondent to Monad , a line to Duad , because drawn from one point to another, a superficies to Triad, because it is the most simp le of all rectilinear figures; but a solid properly agrees with the Tetrad ; for the first pyramid is in a Tetrad , the base being triangular, so that at the bottom is 3, and at the top 1. This number refers with us to the four rivers of Paradise, Pison, Gihon, Hiddekel, and Euphrates, which were imitated in the four artificial rivers surrounding the tabernacle in the wilderness. Also important to Freegardeners.

Full article here.

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Lodge St. John 3 bis Charity Box The charity box was presented to the lodge in 1886 as shown on the plaque on the right. It was made from wood recovered from the following buildings—the Moat Bridge of Rothesay Castle, Glasgow Cathedral 1133 (after repairs about 1880), the old Stockwell Bridge 1343, and The Old College in the High Street (now The University of Glasgow). A fabulous piece of Glasgow history.

Bottom right shows the main crest on their jewels—the lamb, the cross and the eagle.

My thanks again to Bro. David Jack RWM 3 bis.

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Old French Masonic Temple A rare example of a preserved 18th Century temple at the Chateau de Mongenan in Bordeaux, France. All the necessary elements are present including a MM apron.

It was owned by Louis XVI's last Foreign Minister Antoine-Claude Nicolas de Valdec de Lessart (1741-1792).

From the midcentury temples were frequently set up in private aristocratic homes. This one is said to have been in use from as early as 1750 and is described as an "itinerant temple", that is it was designed to be taken up and down the furnishings include a painting of a starry sky which was erected when the scenery of the temple was put in place. The equipment and paraphernalia belonged either to Valdec de Lessart himself or to his mistress, the celebrated courtesan Madame Grand, who was member of a female lodge. Also displayed is the apron of the famous alchemist and Mason, Count Cagliostro, who visited Bordeaux between November 1783 and October 1784 as a guest of the Marquis de Canolle. The presence of two sarcophagi evoke Cagliostro's so-called Egyptian rite, which he tried without success to establish in Bordeaux.

The temple proper is preceded by a chamber of reflection where neophytes were isolated prior to initiation, and which is furnished with various symbolic objects: a mirror, salt, sulphur and a metal cock (symbolising the element mercury).

Cross Keys January 2023

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French Constitution 1801

The title page from the Grand Orient of France (not recognised by us now although it was then) dated 1801. Although it is a long book of rules, the inside image of a ‘lodge

room’ is quite recognisable. The master’s seat with a cover again was very common and many old lodges have either a linen cover, but often the cover is part of the wooden chair.

Living Stones If we work upon marble, it will perish. If we work upon brass, time will efface it. It we rear

temples, they will crumble to dust. But if we work upon men’s immortal minds, if we imbue them with high principles, with the just fear of God and love of their fellow men, we engrave on the tables something which no time can efface, and which will brighten and brighten to all eternity. May God grant that we Masons to do our part in brightening the living stones of men with whom we come in contact.

Thanks to Oklahoma Mason

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Russia 1858

The above article appeared in one of the masonic newspapers of the day in 1856. Clearly, the importance of freemasonry re-opening in Russia by Tsar Alexander II (whose father had banned freemasonry) was ‘big’ news and important to the whole of Europe: it was often described as the general pardon. The Tsar was responsible for other reforms, including reorganizing the judicial system, setting up elected local judges, abolishing corporal punishment, promoting local self-government, imposing universal military service, ending some privileges of the nobility, and promoting university education. He also sold Alaska to the US and was assassinated in 1881 in St. Petersburg.

Cathedral of the Saviour on Spilled Blood was erected on the spot where Alexander II was assassinated, as a memorial.

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The Great War—New Book The Great War 1914-1918 Brother Stuart Jack PM Lodge St. Bryde No. 579 has pulled together over 5 years to research members of the Lodge and Uddingston that served in the First World War. The book is available from Lodge St. Bryde No. 579 at Gardenside Street, Uddingston, G71 7BX on Wednesday 26th October at 7:30pm at £20.

Bro. Stuart has completed the research by pain stakingly trawling website and national records also visiting various locations over the world to complement his research.

Well Kent Glasgow People In the minutes from 1909, it is noted that a certain A E Pickard affiliated to Lodge Dramatic No.571 from Lodge St Kentigern No 976. The older brethren of the Lodge will remember him as the 'penny millionaire.' Originally from Bradford, he made Glashow his home and his Glasgow empire included the Clydebank Gaiety Theatre, the White Elephant in Shawlands and the Norwood, near Charing Cross, which he dramatically opened in 1936 by smashing the glass doors with a crowbar. My grandfather actually bought the Norwood from him which had a first edition of the Kilmarnock Burns book. He claimed the only landlord with more properties than him was the Glasgow Corporation!

Also in Dramatic’s minute books on Thursday March 2, 1911, we find recorded the initiation of George Gordon Jefferson, the manager of the Metropole Theatre. Although Jefferson was well-known in Glasgow, it was his brother who was to find world-wide fame . . . as Stan Laurel, perhaps one of the best comic actors of the screen. Stan never joined but his partner, Ollie, was a freemason.

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Masonic Centre in Aylesbury The Masonic Centre in Aylesbury was originally built in order to play Fives Court tennis (more similar to squash). Aylesbury is the County Town of Bucks. Aylesbury was a major market town in Anglo-Saxon times, the burial place of Saint Osyth, whose shrine attracted pilgrims. The Early English parish church of St. Mary (which has many later additions) has a crypt beneath. At the Norman Conquest, the King took the manor of Aylesbury for himself, and it is listed as a royal manor in the Domesday Book, 1086. Some lands here were granted by William the Conqueror to citizens upon the extraordinary tenure that the owners should provide straw for the monarch's bed, sweet herbs for his chamber, and two green geese and three eels for his table, whenever he should visit Aylesbury.

Aylesbury Masonic Hall is the home of the first Lodge in Buckinghamshire – the Buckingham Lodge No. 591. It was Consecrated in 1852 when it was No. 861; and was subsequently during the renumbering in the late 19th Century was given the current number. The Lodge purchased the building in 1880.

The building provided the venue for the first meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire on the 17th July 1890. It is the home to a number of lodges, a Knight Templar Preceptory and a Red Cross of Constantine Conclave.

My thanks to Bro. Malcolm Summers Sec of Aylesbury Lodge No. 4534 for giving me access to the building.

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Did You Know?

The Bible is called a greater Light of Masonry because it pours forth upon the East, West, North and South its refulgent rays of Divine Truth, and is used among Masons as the symbol of the will of the G. A. O.T. U. Whatever to any people expresses that will may be and is used as a substitute for the Bible in a Masonic Lodge. Thus, in a Lodge consisting entirely of Jews, the Old Testament alone may be placed on the Altar, and Turkish Masons make use of the Koran (Qur’an). Whether it be the Gospels to Christians, the Pentateuch to the Israelite, the Koran to the Musselman (Muslim—see note below), or the Vedas to the Brahmin, it everywhere Masonically conveys the same idea – that of symbolism of the Divine Will revealed to man.

An enquiry that is often raised is as to at what place the V. S. L. ought to be open in a Lodge.

There are no special directions – some lodges and some W. Ms. have their own particular pages, but the late W. Bro. Dr. G. Oliver (a very great authority) suggests that for the First Degree, Psalm cxxiii; Ruth iv; Genesis xxi; xxii; xxviii; or 2 Samuel xxiv might be used; for the Second Degree, 1 Kings vi; 2 Chronicles iii; or Judges xii; and for the Third Degree, 2 Chronicles iii; or iv. Probably the most frequently used passages are First Degree Psalms cxxiii, Second Degree Amos vii:7-8, Third Degree Ecclesiastes xii:1-7.

NB Archaic word for "a Muslim," 1560s, from Turkish musulman, from Persian musulman (adj.), from Arabic muslim + adjective suffix -an.

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Scots POW Brethren Holland and Switzerland were both neutral in the First World War and by August 1917, the governments of Britain and Germany reached an agreement that allowed each side to transfer a number of British POWs to Holland and German POWs to Switzerland, where they would be interned until the end of the War. This flow of releases began toward the end of 1917 and by the middle of 1918, a considerable number of British were already accommodated in Holland.

In the midst of all these prisoners were a number of English, Irish and Scottish Brethren.

Some of these senior Brethren, were in contact with The Grand East of the Netherlands and on the 15th June 1918 the Grand East issued a Warrant authorising the formation of Willem van Oranje Lodge on the 6th of July 1918. The ceremony took place in the Temple of The Grand East of the Netherlands in The Hague when some 43 number British Prisoners of War were Constituted into this new Dutch Lodge. The original Charter was in the Dutch language, and still survives today.

The following are the list of founder brethren in Scottish lodges:        

Sgt David Nichol, “Candra” No.59 (Canadian Western Cavalry) Capt Malcolm G Sandeman, “Friends in Council” No. 1383 (EC) (A&SH) Sgt Hugh A. R. MacLennan, Langside No.955 (Cameron Highlanders) Sgt Frederick J. Taylor, South China No. 848 (RE) Sgt Benjamin Davis, Victoria No.363 (Royal Warwickshire Reg) Sgt Benjamin Smith, Caledonian No.339 (Royal Fusiliers) Cpl Joseph Reid, St. Bryde No.579 (Cameron Highlanders) Sgt Colin MacDonald, St. James No.97 (Cameron Highlanders)

As the war came to an end, these P.O.Ws were allowed to return home. However, they all enjoyed the companionship of their Dutch Lodge and on the 14th of July 1919 the Willem van Orange Lodge was issued with Warrant No 3976 on the register of the U.G.L.E. and the ceremony was conducted in Freemason’s Hall London by The Right Honourable Lord Ampthill Pro Grand Master of U.G.L.E. (see over). This Lodge is still in existence and continues to meet right up to the present day.

My thanks to Bro. Bob Bashford PM (GLoI) for providing the information.

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Scots POW Brethren (ctd)

Fancy a Birmingham Burns Supper?

Halas Abbey Lodge is holding its Burns Supper in Halesowen in the West Midlands (near Birmingham). If you’re in the area, you would be made most welcome.

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Congratulations!

Congratulations to Bro. Allan McKinley who received his Jubilee Certificate for 50 years in the Craft. It was one of the first duties of the new master, Bro. Alistair Griffiths, last month to present the certificate. Alan has been a great attender for all these years and continues to work hard for St. Paul’s Church of which he is a long time elder. Too good to be true? He’s a St. Mirren fan so that evens things out. . .

Arcana Arcanissima We have been brought into the full splendour of the true light. Our God has brought us the medicine for both soul and body, truly precious and golden, once by Trismegistus, and now by our “medicus.” Jesus Christ, who is the stone cut without hands from the highest of mountains, and the corner-stone rejected indeed by the nations, but placed as the cope-stone — the head and glory of the Eternal Temple not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

When and who wrote this? Its English title is Most Secret Mysteries and has huge similarities merging religious and medical views, and also mark masonry. However, this was written by Michael Maier in approximately 1614 well before a mark degree had been thought about! Quite remarkable.

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Local Foundation Stones 18th and 19th Century lodges used to be present at the laying of foundation stones of most new buildings within their area and also attend further afield in large towns such as Glasgow and Edinburgh.

242 was present at the foundation stone ceremony of the Customs & Excise Building in Greenock on 2nd May, 1817 when the lodge was only 5 years old! It cost approximately £30,00 and was built mainly be ex-soldiers probably from the Napoleonic Campaign.

erected by the contributions of many admirers of Scotia’s Bard in memory of his early love Mary Campbell or Highland Mary.” It can still be seen in the Old West Kirk graveyard.

On 18th June 1859 Lodge St. Barchan No.156 assembled and preceded by instrumental band, proceeded through the village via Barholm to Johnstone where the brethren of 242 joined them.

All then marched to Linwood where a foundation stone was laid at the new church. The blessing was given by Rev. Robert Graham and Mrs Speirs of Caldess deposited a box containing coins and papers in a cavity within the stone. The Lodge returned home to Kilbarchan by way of Burnbrae House Elderslie, Thornhill and Johnstone where the 242 brethren invited them in for refreshments.

The lodge attended the ceremony of the old Relief House in Johnstone on 29th March, 1824 (as were St. Barchan No. 156). The local paper gives a later date, but this might not have been the actual ceremony which would take place earlier than the main building. This was a Presbyterian Church and was one of only three before the disruption in 1843.

The other Another, well docutwo being the mented in the Cross Burgher Kirk (1791, Keys, was the cerenow St. Paul’s) and mony conducted by the High Church (1792, now the High Parish). Bro. Provost Love for the Municipal Buildings on 17th June 1887 in Collier Street (now a The relief church was opened in 1829 in dentist) next to the lodge.

Walkinshaw Street—it was also called the East Parish Church which united with the A rather strange one was in 1863 when the Burgher Church (later the West Parish) to lodge conducted a re-dedication ceremony on form St. Paul’s. There are no images of this the Masonic Arms Pub in Bridge of Weir then building. the lodge opened (in the pub) to initiate one cotton spinner. This was actually the second In January, 1842, the lodge returned to time 242 met in BoW—the first being in 1813 Greenock for the opening of Highland Mary when 5 were initiated from the mil, but the Statue. According to a report published in location was not minuted. the Greenock Advertiser on 23rd January 1842 a sealed bottle containing an inscrip- In 1901, the lodge attended the building of tion, coins and newspapers was placed in the Lodge Doric Kilwinning No.68 in Port Glascavity of a stone. The inscription read: “The gow (as shown). structure which is over this stone has been

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Wow!!!!!

Without going into too many details involving a sordid argument between the Knight Templars of the US and the CBCS of the US including law suits, the Grand Master of the Templars was shown on the front cover with the statement at the bottom: I never forget loyalty, not do I forget betrayal. Wow!!!! Quite rightly many took this as a threat An historic gathering took place last March, and I don't mean in a happy, smiley-face historic way. Michael B. Johnson, Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States (shown), has been removed from office at a Called Special Conclave held in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Johnson has been replaced as Grand Master by David Kussman, and will retain the title of Past Deputy Grand Master. Some 291 Templars in attendance cast their votes, and the decision to remove Johnson was overwhelming: 219 in favor of his removal, 57 against, with 15 spoiled ballots. And we thought we could disagree!!!

RAC No.109 Display Cabinet

Most brethren will have noticed the RA Chapter display cabinet.

Unfortunately, most items are newish so if any brother has an Royal Arch items from pre-1980, I would be delighted to include.

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Q&A (Answers)                  

Name the 4 cardinal virtues.

Temp, Fort, Pru & Justice What are the working tools of an EA? 24” g, ch, mal Where were you first prepared In your heart What are the great lights?

VSL, S & C What does the VSL teach?

Gift from God to man to rule & govern our faith What is the position of the square & compasses?

Both pts are hidden What does the first part of the EA sign signify?

Position in the ob What are the chief supports of a freemason?

The 3 gt pillars Name these W, S & B What are the grand principles of a freemason?

BL, R & T Why does the EA wear a plain white apron?

Badge of innoc Why is the carpet B & W? Good/evil, etc opposites How is a lodge situated?

E&W What must all regular freemasons believe in?

A Supreme B When tis the SW’s column upwards?

Lodge at work What jewel does he wear?

Level Why is the new apprentice called an EA? Entered into the lodge’s books (from the days of operative stonemasons) Where does the JW sit?

In the S

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Picture Mystery from December Where is this lodge from December? This is the lodge in Kirkwall in Orkney.

Unusual PM Memento

Bro. Magnus Norman MacLean was born c1886 in Glasgow and served as officer in 7th Cameron Hghrs and Royal Army Ordnance Corps during WW1. He was the son of Bro. Magnus MacLean, Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Royal Technical College, Glasgow for 25 years. Unusually, while he was master of Lodge James Watt No.1215 in 1931, his father was Celebrant (master) of the Rosicrucian College in Glasgow. I wonder of this spoon was presented rather than the usual PM jewels we receive today? Bro. Magnus Jnr died Glasgow 1957.

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The Grand Lodge has an new updated website and is worth having a look at: The Grand Lodge of Scotland - Scottish Freemasonry (grandlodgescotland.com) Very quickly, we can see there are Scottish lodges in over 40 countries worldwide. At the recent seminar, the launched the new digital identity for the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland. The new Digital identity was designed to support the new digital drive by the Grand Lodge. This offers an easily recognizable brand across all its digital assets and presents a more contemporary approach to the way Scottish Freemasonry is presented in the global digital space.

PGL Renfrewshire East I hope everyone had an enjoyable festive season, and as we end another year, the lodge installations are almost complete.

Unfortunately, two premises in the Province suffered water damage after the cold spell in mid December and a number of meetings had to be cancelled or rescheduled.

Hopefully these premises will be up and running again in early January.

The PGL Handbook has now been in print for 20 years and the 2023 edition will be available at PG Committee on Monday 9th January, 7pm in Lodge St John Busby No. 458.

The PGL Annual Meeting and Installation of Elected Office Bearers will take place on Saturday 28th Jan in Lodge Union and Crown No 307 at 2.30pm. The Office Bearers will be installed by Bro Chris Kerr DPGM and Bro Gavin Burt SPGM. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all brethren, Ronnie PGMRE

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Did You Know?

In October 1863, the world’s first and oldest Football Association is founded at The Freemasons’ Tavern, Great Queen Street London (now the New Connaught Rooms) and the first set of rules were established. The representatives from all the professional teams across England including private schools and world teams agree on the set rules of the game. There are a number of Masonic Lodges named after their famous teams – Anfield Lodge, No. 2215, Everton Lodge No. 823 and more recently the Football Lodge No.9921.

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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