Cross Keys March 2012

The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone Walking the Road / Seeking the Light March 2012

In this issue: Grand Lodge of Scotland Part 4 Freemasonry at its Best Roman Eagle Lodge Provincial Grand Lodge Statistics Past Link Restored Scottish Masons The Original Ashlar 10 Reasons to be a Mason

Cross Keys March. 2012

Number 156

The 18th Grand Lodge of Scotland Part 4 From its inception, The Grand Lodge of Scotland was aware of feelings of resentment between operative and non-operative members and so, from 1739 to 1740, it instigated four new policies affecting operative masons which included: offering patronage to the son of a stonemason; lowering the cost of admission fees for operatives; purchasing a set of stonemason tools; deciding that the ‚masters of the Lodge of Edinburgh and the Journeymen, along with an additional master from another lodge, were to serve as examiners for< visiting members as are Strangers to the Grand Lodge and who are desirous to attend’ the meetings.‛

GL Minutes 15th November, 1749

Special dispensations were also made for operative masons on the annual St Andrews Day Festival. Tickets for the festival cost two shillings, but operatives were only required to pay half the sum, or one shilling. However, many lodges obviously realise the financial benefit of non-operative members and this may also have induced them to find such people. This may well be the reason why no lodge was purely operative in 1740.

One example is that of Lodge St. Andrew’s No.25 (an operative lodge) in 1769: having taken into their Serious Consideration the present state of the Lodge, found it to be in Such Condition that it is but few Members that is fitt for Carrying the Office of Master. Not for Those in capacity of Being good Measons but Want of ability and Interest to promot the Prosperity of the Lodge Which is there Chief End. And for Which they are willing to Dispence with any Gentleman in this Neighbourhood that is Properlie Tallied And Adopted As Ane Incorporate Member of Said Lodge

In 1797, the fees were again revised—this time all members (operative & non-operative) paid the same fees. No.25 minutes stated it: “no difference should be made in future of the dues to be paid by Brethren at their entries, whether they be mechanical men or not, but that they all should pay the same, namely one pound one shilling sterling.” As the stonemason trade declined towards the end of the 18th Century, it might have been necessary to include the gentlemen masons who eventually became dominant in all lodges.

Cross Keys March. 2012

Crests of the Province

The Lodge was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland on the 6th August, 1866. The original proclamation was in the name of “Lodge Busby, St, John” but the Charter was granted and the Lodge Consecrated as “Lodge St. John Busby No 458.” The Lodge holds their meetings on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from September until May at 7.30 pm and is on the A726 road leading from the old town of Paisley to the new town of East Kilbride .

The crest depicts St. John on the left and rather than the normal masonic shield has a variation with the sun, moon and stars.

An Interesting Quote about Rosslyn The following is taken from Father Richard Augustine Hay, Canon of St Genevieve in Paris and Prior of St Piermont. He examined historical records and charters of the St Clairs and completed a three volume study in 1700, parts of which were published in 1835 as A geneologie of the Sainteclaires of Rosslyn. His research was timely, since the original documents subsequently disappeared.

In an often quoted passage about the founder of Rosslyn Chapel, he says: Prince William, his age creeping on him, came to consider how he had spent his times past, and how he was to spend his remaining days. Therefore, to the end, that he might not seem altogether unthankful to God for the benefices he received from Him, it came into his mind to build a house for God's service, of most curious work, the which that it might be done with greater glory and splendor he caused artificers to be brought from other regions and foreign kingdoms and caused daily to be abundance of all kinds of workmen present as masons, carpenters, smiths, barrowmen and quarriers... the foundation of this work he caused to be lain in the year of our Lord 1446, and to the end, the work might be more rare, first he caused draughts (plans) to be drawn upon eastland boards [imported Baltic timber], and he made the carpenters carve them according to the draughts thereon and he gave them to for patterns to the masons, that they might cut the like in stone and because he thought the masons had not a convenient place to lodge in...he made them build the town of Rolsine that is now extant and gave everyone a house and lands. He rewarded the masons according to their degree, as to the Master Mason, he gave nearly 40 pounds yearly, and to everyone of the rest, 10 pounds.

Cross Keys March. 2012

Freemasonry at its Best The association of Ruling Masters: IPMs and Past Masters of The Scottish Constitution in India's District Grand Lodge. The concept being that Ruling Masters may be the most active in their Masonic journey when they are in the chair. In India, they hope to harness that enthusiasm through having ALL Past Masters in the "Ruling Masters".

On 11/12/2011 seven brethren of the Ruling Masters Guild visited the orphanage run by The Handmaids of the Blessed Trinity at Vasai. A Christmas party was organised at the orphanage for the children. Brethren had visited the orphanage and had arranged for sumptuous food to be delivered there along with sweet dishes. The children greeted the brethren with a welcome song.

Our members admiring the bunker beds which were donated by us ten years ago. This had got the orphanage infra started as before that children used to sleep on the floor due

The orphanage caters to around 150 children, mostly located by social workers around Mumbai and sent here so that abandoned children are given a good education, vocational training, and all their daily necessities provided for, enabling them to be rehabilitated into regular, responsible citizens. The orphanage (like many others) is stretched to capacity, and they try to accommodate all that arrive, else they are shifted to other centres. The Handmaids run three centres in and around Mumbai.

Cross Keys March. 2012

Roman Eagle Lodge No.CLX Roman Eagle Lodge No.160, chartered on 7 February 1785, is unique in a couple of ways.

One being that the term ‘lodge’ is written after the name which is unusual for Scottish lodges and the other is that the early minutes were in Latin. Looking at its membership quickly reveals why. The lodge frequently met in Wall’s Oyster Booth (very small shop) in Edinburgh.

The diagram shows that an operative lodge like Mary’s Chapel and Canongate had a large range of occupations whereas in the entirely speculative Roman Eagle Lodge, 77 per cent of its members were doctors, and only 5 per cent were tradesmen (and until 1794, its minutes were recorded entirely in Latin).

Combining toasts and music, Roman Eagle Lodge in Edinburgh, ‚what with eating and drinking and appropriate conversation<passed the time with much good humour and sparkling wit till past eight o’clock in the evening; Finally, after several songs in Latin, French, Italian, English, and Gaelic, the Lodge was closed in the usual manner.‛ Lodge Minutes, 1 August 1785.

Embracing a penchant for the flamboyant, Roman Eagle hosted a lavish Masonic Ball at the Kings Arms Tavern, where a brilliant numerous and respectable company attended, amounting to Fifty Brethren attired in full Dress, and their proper Insignia<the Band in the 4th North British Militia favoured the Company with several German and Polish Airs upon the Piano Forte, the Lodge’s Military and violin Bands performed this evening.

Brother Gardner performed many fine Scots Airs upon the flute, which were well receiv’d – upon the whole a finer sight or more happy company could not be, the room was lighted with 149 wax lights – the company retired into a small side room where an elegant cold collation was prepared, with all sorts of wines and spirits [and] fruits and the company broke up at 4 oclock A.M.‛ (1801)

Cross Keys March. 2012

Provincial Statistics The Scottish Craft has 32 Provincial Grand Lodges (25 District Grand Lodges which operate abroad & 3 groups of smaller areas). The structure of the Provinces is quite interesting and obviously based on historical boundaries. For example, the main cities are divided as: Aberdeen—3 Provincials (City, East & West with 12, 14 & 20 lodges in each) Edinburgh—1 with 38 lodges Glasgow—1 with 78 lodges Some of the larger provinces are divided as: Ayrshire—1 with 44 lodges Fife & Kinross—1 with 49 lodges Lanarkshire—2 (Middle & Upper with 42 & 15 lodges) Perthshire—2 (East & West with 18 & 13 lodges) Renfrewshire—2 (East & West with 37 & 9 lodges) Stirlingshire—1 with 23 lodges Occasionally some lodges have changed province when meeting in another province.

One such example was Lodge Spiers of Elderslie which changed after moving to Glasgow. Should Provincial boundaries be reviewed to ensure strength within a province?

Any comments would be gratefully received.

What’s in a Name?

Soft and comfy, the Women's TKA 100 Masonic Hoodie is an ideal long-sleeved choice for wearing around the campsite or on the way to the gym.

Why on earth did a well known company like North Face choose such a name?

Any ideas?

Cross Keys March. 2012

From the Columns Both degrees this month were conferred on Bro. James Montgomery Ewing. The FCD conferred by Lodge Garthland St. Winnoch No.205 and the MMD by the OBs of the lodge. The attendances at these meetings were over 70 and it was good the see the lodge busy again.

Lodge Harmony In Scotland, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a festive board so common in England and many other constitutions, but we have a less formal harmony. This can take the form of a meal, some toasts, singing, playing an instrument, games night or just socialising in the bar. In other words, anything the lodge wants.

Lodges, however, were not always the ordered, harmonious milieu so often portrayed by historians. Though rules and regulations were put into place to prevent disputes, minutes record financial disagreements, arguments with business associates, quarrels with other lodges over the order of processions, and occasionally even physical conflicts. For example, No. 25 St Andrew recorded the following incident on 20 December 1803: A complaint was brought against Brother John Weymss Sinor by Brother James Adamson for very rude and unbecoming usage at a meeting of the committee on the 6th current. When Brother Weymss in consequence of some altercation betwixt him and Brother Adamson respecting an extravagant charge made by Brother Weymss for recuping a few articles of houshold furniture that belonged to the late James Thomson lodge Tyler and for charging 7/6 of Kings duty which was not accounted for nor intimation thereof given by Brother Weymss to the excuse of the said Brother Weymss took Brother Adamson by the nose and twisted it with great violence.

This would not happen now, but it does give a flavour of why rules were forced on lodges to prevent conflict and we continue to expect high standards of behaviour.

Cross Keys March. 2012

GL News Queen’s Diamond Jubilee— The Queen is the daughter of a Past Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Scotland. Her father, when Duke of York, (later King George VI) was Installed as the Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland on 30th November 1936.

PGL News PTO for photos of the cheques being distributed to the 6 charities in the Caring & Sharing Fund which finished at £6000 plus GL money to allow each charity to receive £1700.

The recipients were: (Rear Row) Beatson Oncology, Yorkhill Children’s Foundation, Combat Stress and (Front Row) Erskine Homes, Breast Cancer Care, Alzheimer Scotland Saturday 18th February—The first Leadership Seminar conducted by Bro, Neil Fraser SPGM was held in Lodge Nitshill with over 30 brethren attending. The feedback received was very positive and bodes well for the forthcoming Chairmanship Seminar on 28th April. Feed back is hoped to be provided on the PGL Website.

Scottish Procedure In 1844, The Grand Lodge of Scotland changed its laws to ensure that at least two weeks should elapse between the conferral of degrees in lodges. This was to ensure that candidates did not get rushed through degrees in one night which was common practice. The number was also reduced from 7 to 5 in one night. Common sense at the time, but in today’s climate is this still the best way forward?

It might be more prudent to enforce not just a longer time period between degrees, but a better method of teaching and testing candidates. Although this is down to individual lodges, it varies considerably. It would be better to have a longer period to allow more experience to be gained and candidates with a better knowledge of the degrees and the Craft as a whole.

Is this where PGLs could assist? Possibly, but GL would need to take the initiative by making the time period longer. It is certainly worth a discussion at GL level.

Cross Keys March. 2012

PGL Caring & Sharing Fund

Cross Keys March. 2012

Past Link Restored In 1865, Queen Victoria was on the throne , and Freemasonry was in its infancy on the Fylde coast, with only two lodges having been formed. These were Clifton Lodge (No 703) in Blackpool and Hesketh Lodge (950) in Fleetwood. In June of that year, the third lodge was formed in St Annes -â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Triumph (1061). Four years later the Lodge of Fidelity (1256) was consecrated at Poulton.

In those early days, the brethren would travel to lodges on horseback, pony and trap, bicycle, or even sometimes on foot. They were based in very different areas, yet all these four lodges had one thing in common: the name of Samuel Bamber. He was the most prominent Freemason of that era, being, at some time, Worshipful Master of all four lodges.

A watchmaker by trade, Sam, as he preferred to be known, became landlord of the Number Four public house in Layton, which hit the headlines earlier this month when its doors closed. While remaining tight-lipped about the reason, bosses at Thwaites, which owns the hostelry, have now recruited a new licensee and the pub has reopened.

The full title of the pub is No 4 and Freemasons, and in this photograph from the early 1890s, the masonic symbol of square and compasses can be seen painted on the gable end of the building.

For many years, Clifton, Hesketh and Fidelity Lodges have all displayed framed photographs of Sam Bamber in their respective Masonic Halls, but not the Lodge of Triumph.

However, earlier this month, at the installation meeting when Brian Horrocks became Worshipful Master, Jim Bennett, past Master of Lodge of Fidelity, presented a framed photograph of Sam Bamber to the lodge.

Interestingly, the Lodge of Fidelity still has a connection with the man himself, as Sam Bamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great great grandson is a member of that lodge.

Cross Keys March. 2012

Advertising

Another advert from an old masonic book. This time the masonic newspaper published by Bro. George Kenning (of TKS).

March Events in 242

Thursday 8th —FCD by 205 at 7.30pm Thursday 22nd —Provincial Grand Lodge Visit at 7.30pm with lecture SENIOR OFFICE BEARERS to attend at 7pm

Sir William Wallace RAC 19th April—RA at 7.30pm

Cross Keys March. 2012

Less Weel Kent Scottish Masons

Architect David Barclay (1846-1917), photographed wearing masonic regalia, in 1901. In that year, he was Deacon of the Incorporation of Masons, and Master of the Lodge of Glasgow St John, No 3 Bis. Born in Glasgow, David Barclay was a partner with his brother Hugh in the firm of H & D Barclay, architects. He was involved in the design of over forty schools, including Glasgow Academy, as well as a number of churches and public buildings. He was President of the Glasgow Institute of Architects, 1898-1900.

Barclay's most important commission was for the new building of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College. The site at the corner of George Street and Montrose Street was purchased in 1900, and a competition was held to appoint architects for the prestige project. The Board of Studies judged that Barclay's design, with its detailed plans of rooms, corridors and staircases, was the best. It was the largest educational building in the country when it was completed in 1910 and it is now the Royal College Building of the University of Strathclyde.

Cross Keys March. 2012

The Ashlar magazine in Scotland is not the first masonic magazine of that name. The Ashlar was first published in September, 1855 in Detroit, USA. It is interesting to note its aims:

The magazine was a record of the various masonic activities from the candidates who were entered, brethren who were married to lodge activities. There are also numerous articles of a general masonic discourse covering Freemasonry in the US as well as numerous other countries and it was, no doubt, popular with brethren. The following is a short extract from the second edition:

Cross Keys March. 2012

Bro. Robert Burns Legacy One of the most important letters about Robert Burns was discovered in 2010 by Dr David Brown, a senior archivist in the National Records of Scotland.

It is a letter from John Mitchell, Collector of Excise in Dumfries, describing in moving terms how Burns made an arduous journey to the Excise Office on 14 July 1796, in order to collect his salary. He recorded Burns’s understated summary of his creative output since he first published his poems:

“I’m only 36, 10 of which only I have been in the world &, in that time, all I shall say, My good sir, I have not been idle.”

Army Benevolent Fund Charity Night The Royal Arch Chapters of Renfrewshire are organising a charity in 242 for the Army Benevolent Fund. To date, Comp. James Gregory has raised £400 along with various raffle prizes the Prov. Grand Chapter donating £1000 who has been assisted by WO2 Bruce Stuart from Renfrew Chapter. The Brigadier will come through to Johnstone for the presentation of the cheque, I have asked for a provisional date for the hall of Friday, 30th March 2012. It is possible that the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire will be present on the night.

Cross Keys March. 2012

Bro. Treasurer

Bro. Davy Golding, Treasurer of the lodge since November 1983, receiving his Honorary Grand Asst Treasurer jewel from the IPPGM Bro. David Reid on Thursday 9th February, 2012. Also in the picture is (L to R) Bros Neil Fraser SPGM, Graham Scott RWM, Davy & David, and George Bell PG DoC. Bro. Davy has been a stalwart of the lodge since joining and has resisted the Chair to concentrate of financial duties which has been appreciated by the brethren. Even his recent marriage has not deterred him from his duties although the after parties from the installation have ended which were legendary!!

The honour bestowed upon Bro. Davy is fully justified and everyone form 242 and no doubt beyond wish him well for the futureâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we hope for many more years as Treasurer.

Cross Keys March. 2012

10 Reasons to be a Mason 1. Masonry is a place where you can confidently trust every person, and entrust your family with them.

2. Masonry is a place where, within moral and civil guidelines; free thought, free speaking and the spiritual growth of man can grow into its fullest potential.

3. Masonry is a place which provides the opportunity to meet, know, and call brother, outstanding individuals from all walks of life that I would not otherwise have met.

4. Masonry is a place to be a part of an organization that has for its principle tenets --Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

5. Masonry is a place that provides self-development opportunities, leadership training and experience, and to improve public speaking skills.

6. Masonry is a place you can go to give support as well as seek it.

7. Masonry is a place where moral virtues are taught and through these teachings a regular reinforcement of the moral virtues is experienced.

8. Masonry is a place to spend time with a group of brothers, who, by acting as good men, make me want to be come a better man. Not better than others, but better than I would otherwise have been.

9. Masonry is a place to become better prepared to serve church and community.

10. Masonry is a place to meet with established members of the community and to become a part of the community.

Thanks to Bro. Richard L. Kurtz PM of Hamilton Lodge No.664 in Iowa.

Foundation Stone Ceremony in Glasgow Laying the foundation stone of Lodge Kenmuir in Springburn, in 1909. There is a large crowd in attendance, and many more people looking on from tenement windows. Many brethren can be seen wearing regalia. 242 has a similar photoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;how many lodges have photos of a ceremony.

Cross Keys March. 2012

Sir William Wallace RAC No.109

The first time in the chapter’s history, four companions received their forty year diplomas:

W.J.B. Johnstone, Matthew Walker, James Gregory and Robert B.Black

Quote from Denmark Saint Andrew is the patron of Scotland, but also the patron of the three Saint Andrew’s Degrees within the Swedish Rite. It has been my pleasure and joy to serve as the Worshipful Master of a Lodge of Saint Andrew in Denmark for a period of 14 years and that as well, makes my visit today very special to me.

A voice in the desert lit a candle, - Andrew showed us the way to our Master Within the Swedish Rite the Lodges of Saint Andrew ushers in a new period in Masonry, just like Andrew did as a disciple of Jesus by bringing tidings of the new Pact and that is why he became the patron of our Lodges of Saint Andrew. He was a disciple together with John the Baptist, the patron of the First Degrees of Freemasonry within the Swedish Rite and Andrew assisted John in baptising at the river of Jordan.

John led Andrew to Jesus, saying: ‚Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the World. Ready to serve his new Master, Andrew addressed him by saying: ‚Rabbi, where are your staying?‛ The Master answered: ‚Come and see‛. Andrew followed his new Master, saw his shelter and stayed with him. This is the gospel according to Saint John.

Andrew followed his Master’s command and went out into the world to make everyone that he met, a disciple of Jesus.

By Bro. Hans M. Jepsen, Grand Master of the Danish Order of Freemasons at the GLoS Installation , 2011 Cross Keys March. 2012

PGLRE Education Dinner The Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire East will hold another Education Dinner which will take place on 18th May, 2012. Although slightly early, please note the date in your diary. The first dinner a couple of years ago with the Grand Master Mason as the only speaker was a great success and it is hoped to continue this format. The only speaker is WBro. Dunlop, Grand Master of Ireland.

The event will take place in the premises of our lodge and we are honoured to host this popular event.

The Grip of an . . .

Look closelyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;is it!!!

Of course not.

2nd James Donald Annual Memorial Lecture It is hoped for a good attendance at 242 on 22nd March for the Annual Visit of PGL. This will conclude with Bro. Iain McPhee PM 1566 (SPGM) giving a talk on The Lodge of Erskine and its connection to The Erskine Soldiersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Home. Bro. Iain will be the second speaker of the James Donald Memorial Lecture started last year during the 200th Anniversary.

Cross Keys March. 2012

The Cross Keys is Edited and Researched by Brothers - Grant Macleod & Brian Kerr E-Mail:

sec242pm@yahoo.co.uk

Lodge Websites www.lodge242.co.uk www.lodge242.bravehost.com Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo WJW 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 March. 2012