Cross Keys May 2017 (Freemasonry)

The Cross Keys May 2017

Number 201

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

Cross Keys May 2017

From the Editor It’s often been said not to advertise using masonic symbols or use the Craft to gain business or jobs. While these are noble virtues indeed, does the real world work in that manner? Can people get jobs from knowing old school friends or do gold clubs advertise businesses of their members? Of course they do, so should we advertise amongst our members some useful occupations of brethren?

In this issue: 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

242 in 2022 Living Underwater McDowall Engineers Cuban Freemasonry (revisited) Masonic Hotel Masonry helping the Medical Services Candidate Classes Minute Book Excerpt 1913 Beer & Burger Advert Masonic News 1873 Masonic Hall, Johnstone Grand Master Masons Different Degrees Newest Member Current News

May Meetings 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: Br o. N. Gr ant 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.

Proof Reader: Br o. Allan Stobo PM of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No. 242 All Scottish Constitution.

Cross Keys May 2017

Thursday 11th MM by OBs Friday 26th MMM by OBs

7.30pm start Sunday 7th May Joint Divine Service (with 1042) in lodge at 2.30 for 3pm.

242 in 2022 The following is a list of answers from a few masons who were asked about the thoughts of the lodge away back in May 2010. Although statistically insignificant to draw valid conclusions, their answers provide material for some thought. Their backgrounds varied considerably—PM of a large and small lodge, non attenders to very active brethren aiming for the Chair.

The main direction of the questioning was about retention of the candidates which is (in our opinion) just as important as getting new candidates. If lodges could retain members then there would be little a lodge could achieve financially.

Some of the points that arose from the answers are as follows with suggested solutions in blue: Meetings were too long.

Have a degree night only—keep the business for one a month 

Meetings are repetitive and boring Why can’t non-office bearers have a say in the syllabus?

At the moment, we are seeking the views of brethren to take the lodge forward over the next 3-5 years.

We are also looking to build up the Building Fund and have set a target of £30,000 which in comparison to the Anniversary Fund is achievable. But we need our brethren to support the lodge, its functions and other initiatives that will take place over the next few years.

Some ideas are as follows: 

     



 

Divide ritual work between more than one brother—three present the working tools Tracing Boards—make the lecture more interesting by using modern technology Demonstration team using old ritual Have a quiz with only masonic questions Fish supper night if no candidate Outside lecturer on a current topic of interest Invite non-masonic friends to after meeting Invite a lodge to join in a games night Reduce the length of the obligation especially in the MMD Office-bearers’ and brethren night

Obligations too long I read an article in a past Cross Keys which suggested one obligation would do all three degrees—great idea.



Candidates are ignored Why can’t the master & wardens agree that they pick the new candidate up for the next three meetings (or the rest of the year)?

Any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated—please email me directly at crosskeys242@gmail.com.





Members occupations Have a book with members willing to do ‘homers’ such as joiners, painters, etc. 

Cross Keys May 2017

Living Underwater!

I was amused by a story I heard on the radio the other day and it related to reactions to a situation where God had spoken to mankind and told them that it was his intention to send a great flood -time which would cover the earth and effectively put an end to human life as we know it. When hearing of this, the head of the Buddhist religion called on everyone to immediately embrace the one true religion.

The head of the Christian Church, called on all sinners to repent and to embrace the teaching of Jesus. The Chief Rabbi on the other hand stated, “My people, we have three days to learn to live underwater”! A pragmatic approach to a problem and that is perhaps what we need in freemasonry right at this very moment. I mentioned last month about a questionnaire that had been sent out to all Provinces to gather information on what were considered to be the main concerns shared by those within the Scottish Craft and to no surprise the two main areas of concern were recruitment and retention.

I became a member of Lodge Firth of Clyde, Gourock No. 626, forty years ago this month and on the evening of my initiation, I joined the Lodge along with another 4 brethren which was not unusual at that time. Neither was it unusual to find at a Mark degree, the candidates lined up in rows, three deep with anything from fifteen to twenty candidates taking their Mark degree on the same evening. Now many Lodges are fortunate to be able to initiate one or two candidates each year.

Our traditional “recruiting” grounds in Inverclyde, no longer exist. Gone are the shipyards and engineering works with their Masonic Associations. Young men now work shift patters which are no longer compatible with active membership of a Lodge. In the 1960/70’s, sufficient candidates were initiated to allow, even with a retention rate of around 20% after five years, a steady flow of office-bearers some of whom would go on to become Right Worshipful Masters of their Cross Keys May 2017

respective Lodges. Sadly now, when I undertake an annual visit to a Lodge, it is often the case that the number of obituaries outnumber the intake of initiates. Add to that the fact that the retention rate for new intrants is probably around 20% and it is not difficult to arrive at the conclusion that the present situation is not sustainable in the long term.

We must very quickly learn to be able to live underwater! We must freshen up our ideas and actively recruit suitable gentlemen for membership of our Lodges. It is likely that there are many men in their middle years, whose families have perhaps grown up and have both the time and the resources to become good members of the Craft. Experience has shown that very often, new members who fall into this category become very active and supportive members of the Lodge.

We must work much harder on behalf of new members to make their membership as enjoyable and as fulfilling as possible. They must be made to feel welcome and to feel included as part of our Masonic family. We must find out what the younger members of the Lodge are looking for from their membership before they drift away and are lost to the Craft. Experience shows that once a Brother has been lost to the Craft for more than 12 months, it is unlikely that he will ever resume his membership unless and until he wishes to propose or second a candidate.

The average age of the membership of our Lodges is probably in the 50 to 60 age range.

It is not appropriate for such brethren to determine what social activities brethren in the twenties and thirties are looking for. They must be involved in such matters. I don’t pretend to have the answers to all the problems that the Craft faces in this day and age but to ignore them is not the answer. We must actively seek solutions some of which may be unpalatable. We must try new things, some of which I mentioned in a previous leader column. Brethren, it’s time that we started to learn to live underwater!

Jim Livingstone PGM Renfrewshire West

McDowall & Sons Engineering Bro. John McDowall began his career as a mechanic in the cotton mills of Johnstone and founded his own general engineering business in Dimity Street in 1823.

One year later, he joined Lodge 242 and by 1834 he had developed and patented a saw frame and a wood-planing machine which still can be seen at Summerlee in Coatbridge (bottom left). These were the basis for specialisation in a wide range of woodworking machinery, much of which was exported. The building in Walkinshaw Street were 300 feet by 200 feet and covered over two acres and was known locally as ‘the big shop.’

One branch that he developed as a side business was boat building and he became one of the first to build an iron vessel which was launched on the nearby canal—one of these, the steam yacht, was sent to the Khedive on Egypt. Bro. McDowall clearly took his masonic obligations to heart as at one point when he had to pawn his gold watch to pay his men. How many would do that today?

He is also credited with the ‘donkey-engine’ used in the oil industry especially in Texas.

The annual output in 1876 was roughly two hundred machines, worth about £30,000. Bro. James Barr (1840-1908), who had joined the firm as an apprentice, became a partner in the

Cross Keys May 2017

business with John McDowall's two sons, Bros Daniel and Henry John (pictured), the former taking over control when his father died in 1857. Both joined 242 in 1876 on the same night and Henry was master 1881-82, while James Barr joined in 1883.

In 1895, they employed over 150 men and the company prospered under Bro. Barr's leadership until his death in 1908. In 1924, the company displayed no less than 8 machines at the world famous Olympia Exhibition. These can be seen in the Engineer Journal by clicking on that link.

The company continued, but difficulties in the depression of 1929-1932 brought voluntary liquidation of the company, and incorporation of the business into the firm of Thomas White & Sons, engineers of Paisley, Renfrewshire. Like so many Johnstone companies, the family ties were severed and the company took new directions.

McDowall & Sons Engineering (ctd)

One of the McDowall machines, this time exhibited in The Engineer magazine of 1876. This was a highly mathematical magazine and it is clear that the company had many experienced and competent engineers in their midst. The image below is from 1869 showing that they were highly thought of in the engineering world.

Cross Keys May 2017

McDowall & Sons Engineering (ctd) The High Parish Church Cemetery has a large obelisk for Bro. John McDowall and his wife.

A photo was recently posted in the Johnstone History pages of a funeral cortege in the High Street. Bro. Daniel died in 1892 and was Colonel of the local militia—Henry assumed the rank at this time and was known thereafter as Col. Henry. This is confirmed in the letter of condolence sent to him in November 1892. The date of the photo based on the shop owners about is approximately the 1890s and with such a large turnout including the local militia, it might well be his funeral. Only speculation at this stage.

Cross Keys May 2017

Masonry in Cuba Revisited In a previous article outlining Freemasonry in Cuba and the closer connection with the Grand Lodge of New York (and no doubt many others), this is just a quick resume about the Craft in that area. Many brethren will have seen the fantastic globe wit the huge square and compasses resting thereon on the top of the Grand Lodge building in Havanna. The articles also showed some masonic gravestone with all the symbolism and very often with the lodge’s name in which the brother was a member.

What is quite amazing is that the Craft flourished under Fidel Castro, the Communist leader that the CIA had many assassinations attempts. Unlike other Communist countries which virtually banned lodges from meeting or even persecuted known freemasons, the Craft under Castro seemed to flourish even more. Not only did he not ban them, he encouraged their work and some of his close party official were freemasons. Was he a freemason himself?

Probably not.

However, the Craft in Cuba during his tenure has ensured the safety of his lodges and

Cross Keys May 2017

brethren. Many lodges are brightly coloured (such as Lodges Aurora del Bien or Luz del Sur in Trinidad, Cuba) and masonic symbolism is not hidden.

So why did Castro support the Craft? Apparently when Castro, Che Guevara and the group of 82 who were attempting to take Cuba from the previous tyrannical leader, he and his brother were hidden by the lodge in Sierra Maestras. It was from here that he laid the foundations for the 26th July Movement which led to the socialist revolution in Cuba. Clearly, he did not forget the help from the Craft and it is unlikely that the feelings in Cuba towards the Craft will change in the near future.

Masonic Hotel Well not quite a masonic hotel, but an old masonic lodge building being saved and revamped into an hotel. The photo at top shows it in its heyday when the Scottish Rite Valley was flourishing. Sadly today, the numbers (from 8000 members to 700 with less than 100 active) are too low to maintain this building and it has been sold to developers.

The photo underneath is an artist’s impression of the new hotel with the 14 storey tower extension. The old part of the building, namely the lodge part, will be maintained as the foyer, restaurant, ball room and meeting place. The 350 seated theatre used to show Scottish Rite degrees will be maintained. The various symbols in the stained glass, etc will also be maintained.

Military Lodge The main office-bearers of Omega Military Lodge No.196 Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan working under the Prince Hall Affiliation of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma.

Cross Keys May 2017

Medical Services The PGL of Mark Master Masons of London has donated three motorcycles to deliver blood and blood products quickly and safely to hospitals They have named the cycles—Mark, Keystone and Mallet & Chisel!!

Below is an ambulance donated by the PGL in London Truly excellent examples of masonic charity that the public can see. That’s now motorcycles, ambulance and the air ambulance seen recently at the Westminster incident that is benefitting from the Craft.

The Anchor Lodge of Research No.1814 On 5th May, Bro. Grant Macleod PM 242 will present a talk on: Three Lodges before Grand Lodge looking at three old lodges, of which one still exists today. Meeting in the Masonic Hall, West Stewart Street in Greenock. It would be good to have a small deputation from 242 to visit 1814.

Cross Keys May 2017

Candidate Classes On Saturday 25th March 2017, Bro. Brian Kerr PM 242 had the privilege of witnessing a grand total of 130 candidates being entered, passed then raised to the 3rd or high sublime degree of a Master Mason at the beautiful masonic centre in downtown Cincinnati as part of the Grand Master’s (of Ohio) one day class program (both pictured bottom left).

The three degrees were conferred on a number of “Live” candidates with the vast majority of the candidates sitting on the sidelines taking their obligations on personal VSL’s opened at the requisite passage of scripture with square and compasses upon the Holy Book to legitimise the sanctity of their oath and Obligation.

With each candidate being afforded a personal Mentor the signs, secrets, words and grips were ably and proficiently conferred upon each candidate, the actual degree work on the floor was of an exceptional high standard with the degree workers (bottom right) being drawn from brethren from the 1st and 6th districts (similar to Provincial Grand Lodges).

The Scottish Rite auditorium was a fantastic location for the day’s activities, the newly

Cross Keys May 2017

made masons must have been suitably impressed by the majesty of the occasion, a surprise visit halfway through the FC degree by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Ohio was warmly received by the 400 or so brethren in attendance, his address to the aspirants was very poignant and very much appreciated everyone in the temple.

With proceedings starting at 8am sharp and a lodge of MM’s being closed at roughly 3:30 pm, it was a remarkably quick day.

The one day class held by the Grand Lodge of Ohio was by consensus a tremendous success for all those who took part in the degree work and by those who had the good fortune to witness the events of the day, no doubt if held on a regular basis it would probably lose much of its Masonic lustre, the Ohio freemasons do not profess for one moment to have it all figured out when it comes to keeping a vibrant membership interested and prone to attending their mother lodges on a regular basis, but you have to admire their progressive outlook in trying to do so.

On 9th October, 1913, a discussion took place about the formation of an Instruction Class for the benefit of young members and that it should start as soon as possible. Well, not hanging about, this class started immediately after the lodge was closed! The following April, the instruction class handed over £110/- to the Treasurer from collections taken in this class.

wood, received a very generous cheque from the IPM Bro. Col. Paton (below) for £10 towards lodge funds. In today’s terms, is just over £1000. Not often the master gives something back after his term of office.

Also that month, a letter from the GL was read stating that neither the Order of the Eastern Star nor the Rosicrucian Society of Scotland had no connection with Masonry.

Today, that is no longer the case and the OES has a chapter which meets in the lodge.

In May, Bro. Cullen was refused entry to Lodge Paisley St. Mirren's No.129 and it was felt that the lodge write to 129's master to enquire why. Bro. John M. Watson PM said he was within his rights to refuse him entry and we should not write. Although he was outvoted quite considerably, he continued his dissent after the decision. This clearly did not go down well with the brethren. No reply was ever noted from 129. The election of office bearers that year saw Bro. Watson lose out on becoming secretary to Bro. Alex Downs when it came to a vote. Perhaps as a result of this confrontation.

The church service took place on 29th November, 1914. The lodge was opened by Bro. Col. Paton RWM which was adjourned to allow a procession to march from the lodge to the High Parish Church. After the service conducted by Bro. Rev. Rolland McNab, the brethren marched back to the lodge in order to close it in due form.

During the installation harmony at the end of the year, the new master Bro. William Kirk-

Cross Keys May 2017

This was not the only time Bro. Paton’s generosity came to help the lodge. The following May, he presented the Treasurer with a cheque for £7-5-6 to cover the “deficiencies for harmonies “ and it was recorded in the minutes the lodge’s indebtedness to Bro. Paton for his kindness.

A special meeting took place in April, 1915 to make a presentation to Bro. Paton for his hard work over his two years as master.

He was presented with a past master’s jewel and a silver salver for his wife. This was the first mention of an actual PM jewel (and therefore possibly the first jewel struck for a master’s services) and this might explain why the ribbon is blue rather than the usual crimson. Prior to this various presentations were made to masters (and their wives) such as gloves, etc but never a jewel.

Cross Keys May 2017

242 Annual Festival (26th December 1873) The Masonic News printed the proceedings of the Annual Festival held in the Masonic Hall, Cross Keys Hotel, High Street, Johnstone. “Bro. James Fyfe Donald RWM occupied the chair, supported

by Bro. John McNee SM, John Love SW (would become Provost) and Robert Miller JW ably filling the duties of croupiers. After a sumptuous supper which reflected great credit on Bro. David Stevenson (owner of the Cross Keys) the RW proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts—The Queen and The Craft followed by the National Anthem; HRH The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh and the rest of the Royal Family; The Grand Lodges of England, Ireland and Scotland (in that order); the PGL Renfrewshire East; Visiting Brethren (replied to by Bro. Baillie Weems who was a member of 242).”

A deputation was then received from Lodge Paisley St. Mirren’s No.129 and Lodge St. Barchan No.156 (consisting of five brethren). The Chairman then proposed a toast to each lodge which was replied to by their brethren. The toasts to the ladies and the office-bearers was given by Bro. Weems; the final toast was to the Town Council which was replied to by Bro. Councillor Blackwood. The evening concluded with some excellent singing and some recitations.

This appeared a fairly typical night and reporting of such events. Probably not really interest brethren these days reading that!

Regalia Costs Regalia seems to be an ever increasing cost, but why? The regalia below costs £30 for the apron and £20 for the sash/collar so why is regalia for regular Grand Lodges so expensive?

Perhaps we should look for alternatives and shop about rather than TKS, Millennium Mark etc. that are very expensive and have dominated the market for too long.

Cross Keys May 2017

The Masonic Hall, Collier Street

The lodge was built opened in 1912, and 100 years later we celebrated the Re-Dedication Ceremony carried out by Bro. John Miller PGM. However, many brethren will probably not appreciate the huge change round about the lodge. The map above (date unsure, but possibly pre-war) shows the rear of the lodge with the old external window which is now covered by the Social Club while inside holding the Town Crest. About 100 yards to the

left of the lodge is the hall once used by the Salvation Army and only recently knocked down when Morrisons’ Superstore need the ground for the car park immediately to the left of the lodge.

In the bottom right hand corner is the old Black Bull Inn, another meeting place of the lodge in the 19th Century. Sadly this building has gone.

New Approach The Metropolitan Grand Lodge in London took a different stance and set up a stall at Charing Cross Station. It is designed to answers questions and quell rumours and false stories regarding the Craft. Brave move, but they must be commended for their efforts which I’m sure will have beneficial in its aims.

Cross Keys May 2017

Grand Master Masons of Scotland John Keith, 3rd Earl of Kintore was born about 1699 and received the title in 1718. He was the third Grand Master Mason of Scotland during the term 1738-39, and possibly resigned in order to become the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England the following year. As GMM of Scotland, he appointed George Drummond as PGM of Renfrew , Argyll , Stirling , Dumbarton , Clydesdale and Inverness—ground breaking at the time as it was the first appointment of a PGM in the Scottish Craft.

Iris Murdoch Appeal The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland will celebrate 200 years on 9th September in Grand Lodge followed by a meal in the Corn Exchange. A target of £50,000 was set for the daughter chapters which would then be matched by Supreme and be given to the Iris Murdoch Appeal to train approximately 60 people to help dementia sufferers across Scotland. To date, this has reached £75,000 from chapters, Provinces and Districts and will be matched by Supreme giving a grand total of £150,000.

Due to some money coming from the Far East, the Iris Murdoch Centre is looking continue this initiative over there too.

This has been a very successful venture which will conclude in September.

Cross Keys May 2017

Degrees with a Difference Although not an outside degree, this is Cincinnati -La Fayette Lodge No. 483 in Ohio meeting in Rhinegeist Brewery with dispensation granted by their Grand Master. This was the Annual Inspection of the lodge and was a sell out with over 100 attending for the MM degree. A PGL Visit in Scotland is unlikely to be a sell out so perhaps it is time to re-think these visits.

A report on the workings of the lodge over the last year is boring and unless there is an alternative, brethren will stay away. We need to accept it—PGLRE visitations are awful so let’s change them.

Conspiracies?

Sam Allardyce tried to give a sign to get the Rangers job—he was close…….

Let’s not forget the New World Order in which freemasons are involved in—proof? Of course, the currency below is enough proof for some people! That’s is assuming their IQ is low enough.

On a similar note, the Grand Master of the French Grand Orient (not recognised here) was attacked in the street for being Jewish. It is suspected the attacker knew who he was and causes some concerns about many French being anti-Semitic.

Cross Keys May 2017

Membership Secretary 242 The lodge has recently appointed David Black PM to a new role: Membership Secretary. Part of this role will involve trying to better engage with new initiates and their proposers and seconders to improve the retention rate and reduce the numbers that fall away after the first few meetings or so.

friends and family who will be entertained on the evening by a local band playing everything from The Who through to The Stone Roses and Oasis. This evening is an obvious departure from our traditional lodge dances and we hope that it will be welcomed by the brethren.

With this target in mind, Bro. David and a few Tickets we be available from the bar or by of the younger brethren in the lodge are contacting Bro. David on 07591109861. planning a Beer and Burger on Friday the See full page advert on P.13.

23rd June 7pm.

Tickets cost ÂŁ10 and include a burger, chips and a pint of lager (or prosecco for the ladies). The event is open to all members

Newest Member Congratulations to our newest member—Bro. Willie Fleming PM 1042 PSPGM (in the centre) was obligated

by Bro. Brian Smolarek PM JW (on the right) and formally welcomed into the lodge by the master Bro. Graham Scott (on the left). Bro. Willie has been a great supporter of 242 over many years through visits, Burns Suppers, etc and this has now been recognised. Another link between 1042 and its founder lodge 242.

This is not an honour that is bestowed lightly as only a handful of brethren are Honorary Members of the lodge.

Cross Keys May 2017

New Head of the Rosicrucians On 1st April, 2017 (and not an April fool), the Societas Rosicruciana in Scotia (SRIS) consecrated a new Supreme Magis after the death the previous head of the order. Fr Douglas Forbes was installed in Perth in the company of the Supreme Magi of England and the United States of America.

This is an office for life so we wish him every success and good health to work as the SM.

Order of the Silver Trowel A couple of months ago, the Edinburgh Defensive Band Royal Arch Chapter met (this is Supreme Grand chapters special purposes Chapter) to discuss a new proposal: the formation of a new ‘order’ in Scotland related to the Cryptic Rite. Officially called The Order of the Anointed Kings and is of American origin.

It will be conferred on companions for special service and is not a regular degree.

Having adjourned the Chapter, the Supreme Grand Chapter then Consecrated a new Cryptic Council to work the Silver Trowel in Scotland which had 61 Founder Members.

On 1st April, they met to confer the Silver Trowel on those Founders who were not already a member of the Silver Trowel in other

Cross Keys May 2017

Constitutions. Scotland have decided they will use the North Carolina Ritual and not the English version.

It does not form part of the series of events commemorated in the four Degrees of the Royal and Select Masters, but relates to the reigns of King David and his son King Solomon. To participate requires considerable ritual even acting - skills, as the ceremony is very dramatic, culminating in a twist unlikely to have been witnessed in any other Masonic ceremony.

Cross Keys May 2017

To submit an article or want added to the mail list or Facebook group, contact the Editor, Grant Macleod: E-Mail: crosskeys242@gmail.com

Website: http://lodge242.bravesites.com/

Cross Keys May 2017