Cross Keys May 2018 (Freemasonry)

The Cross Keys May 2018

Number 210

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

Cross Keys May 2018

From the Editor The lead article is one every brother should read. The goal of this lodges is to “deliver an experience to both long time members of our fraternity, as well as to newly made Masons. We will hold 6 formal meetings a year, each with a tiled educational lecture, conversation, or presentation on topics of Masonic interest. These meetings will be crisp on business and in depth on education. Each meeting will be followed by a traditional, formal festive board, complete with ceremonial toasts, songs and brotherly love and affection.”

It is good to see a new Scottish lodge in Scotland—Lodge Kajaki No.1848 which was consecrated last month. This follows on from the article the previous month about the Mark Wright Degree Team which has now been formalised within this lodge.

The Russian series continues with a focus on Rosicrucianism. This is only a snapshot as many brethren will never join a college and its meanings are redundant to many.

However, it reveals a much deeper interpretation of the Craft.

In this issue: 3

Anchor Bell Lodge UD

4

Charles Martel

5

Count Cagliostro

7

Craft Certificates

8

RA Certificates

9

Alaskan Temple

10

Russian Rosicrucians

12

Jersey Temple

14

Alternative Aprons

15

Lodge Kajaki No.1848

16

Top 3 for the Craft

17

Selsdon Park Visit

18

242 Charity Cycle

19

Ritual Competition

20

Soldiers off the Streets

May Meetings Thursday 10th 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.

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

All Scottish Constitution.

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MM by Glennifer No.1219

Thursday 28th MMM by OBs 7.30pm start

17th May Joint Divine Service at Craigends, Linwood at 7pm

Micro Lodges & Chartering New Lodges Why start a new lodge? Why not save a lodge that’s having problems and help the reinvigorate? Many of us have probably tried to “be the change they want to see” at an existing lodge and have experienced why that can be an incredibly difficult endeavour. Most lodges, even ones that are experiencing a decline in active membership, have decades, if not a century of traditions, concepts, ideas, and ideals that are built into their foundation and subsequent superstructure.

people with similar ideas, and it is far harder to manage an organization of hundreds that have a variety of interests. Ideally, new lodges, much like a start up corporation, can be incubators for new, and old ideas.

New lodges can try new ideas and let those ideas fail without fear of a controversial vote. It is hard enough to do something well for twenty

My thanks to Bro. Bryan Godwin SW Anchor Bell Lodge UD & author of https://freemasonlifestyle.com/

More lodges equal more Masonry. In business this is called clustering, or cluster economics. Have you ever wondered why fast food chains tend to be right on top of each other? Or thought, wouldn’t a Burger King caddy corner to a McDonalds cut the other's Trying to remove one of these bricks or add margin in half? In fact, these businesses tend something new to the foundation is akin to a to cluster to one another strategically, beMasonic game of Jenga. cause it increases traffic Those elements are solidly The use of lights, chamber of and revenue. cemented into the lodge reflection and the chain of unand likely have significant The term “Business ion is essential meaning to the stalwart suCluster” was coined by perintendents that have seen the lodge through Michael Porter in The Competitive Advantage thick and thin, and kept the light alive over the of Nations in 1990. Porter claims that clusyears. They cherish the history that they have ters have the potential to affect competition built, and the traditions they’ve worked so hard in three ways: by increasing the productivity for. Most lodges experience an ebb and flow as of the companies in the cluster, by driving the lodge, and the people surrounding it evolve innovation in the field, and by stimulating over the years, and sometimes, they even close. new businesses in the field. I believe this can be applied to lodges similarly, that a district The chartering of new lodges is a completely full of small, active lodges that cater to speseparate idea from the improvement of existing cific interests successfully will drive more lodges. There is little connection between new activity in a Masonic community. lodges being chartered and a decline of membership in existing lodges. The opposite might Based on this concept a group of 17 Master actually have more credence. The theory behind Masons in Santa Monica California designed starting new, “micro-lodges” is that it is easier to such a lodge and petitioned the Grand Lodge create a lodge experience from scratch that ap- of California for dispensation. On January peals to a small group of members, than to take 7th, 2018 Anchor Bell Lodge U.D. received its an existing lodge and uproot their history and dispensation to work as a regular Masonic bend it to what often amounts to a very vocal Lodge, and if all goes well will receive their minority. official charter on 3rd November.

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Charles Martel One of the oldest traditions of Freemasonry recorded in these MSS. histories, is that which connects with the fraternity Charles Martel, who, at the battle of Tours, in A. D. 732, turned back the tide of Saracenic invasion of Europe. In its earliest form it read thus (spelling and English slightly modernised): "And thus was that worthy Craft of Masonry Confirmed in the Country of Jerusalem And in many other Kingdoms. "Curious Craftsmen walked about full wyde in Dyu's Countries some to Learn more Craft and conning and some to teach them that had but little cunning and so yet befell that their was on' Curious Masson that height Naymus Grecus that had been at the making of Solomon's Temple and he came into France and there he taught the Science of Masonry to men of France And there was one of the Regal line of France that height Charles Martell And he was A man that Loved well such A Craft and Drewe to this Naymus Grecus and Learned of him the Craft And to upon him the Charges and ye man's.

And afterward by the grace of god he was elect to be King of France. And when he was in his Estate he took Masons and did help to make men Masons yet were none and set them A work and gave them both the Charges and man's good pay that he had learned of other Masons And confirmed them A Charter from year to year to hold their assembly where they would, And cherished them right much And thus came the Craft into France."

The name of Charles Martel first appears in our known MSS. in Grand Lodge No. 1, of A. D. 1583, or as we have seen, more than three

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hundred years after a similar tradition concerning him was current among the French Stonemasons.

If, as therefore appears probable, Charles Martel was either a member or a patron of the Craft of Masonry, he might reasonably be expected to grant them privileges not conferred upon the other crafts generally.

Those who would overthrow this consensus of Masonic tradition both in France and England and would dethrone Charles Martel from the proud position he occupies in our legendary history and put in his place the greater Charles, must produce evidence more convincing than any yet brought forward. Until stronger evidence is adduced, Charles Martel is quite good enough a hero for us.

By Bro. O. D. Street, GL of Alabama

Count Cagliostro Count Cagliostro (or Joseph Balsamo) was an Italian adventurer and self-styled magician. He became a glamorous figure associated with the royal courts of Europe where he pursued various occult arts, including psychic healing, alchemy and scrying. His reputation lingered for many decades after his death, but continued to deteriorate, as he came to be regarded as a charlatan and impostor, this view fortified by the savage attack of Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) in 1833, who pronounced him the "Prince of Quacks".

On April 12, 1776 "Joseph Cagliostro" was admitted as a Freemason of the Esperance Lodge No. 289 in Gerrard Street, Soho, London. In December 1777 Cagliostro and Serafina left London for the mainland, after which they travelled through various German states, visiting lodges of the Rite of Strict Observance looking for converts to Cagliostro's "Egyptian Freemasonry". This was really an enhancement to the Craft rather than a replacement and warrants a complete article on this very different rite.

was arrested and imprisoned in the Castel Sant'Angelo. Soon afterwards he was sentenced to death on the charge of being a Freemason.

The Pope changed his sentence, however, to life imprisonment in the Castel Sant'Angelo. After attempting to escape he was relocated to the Fortress of San Leo where he died not long after.

To read more click on The Masonic Magician written by Bro. Bob Cooper, Curator at GL or David Harrion’s The Lost Rites and Rituals of Freemasonry. The former tries not to paint such a bleak picture of Caglistro.

In February 1779 Cagliostro traveled to Mitau, where he met the poetess Elisa von der Recke. In September 1780, after failing in Saint Petersburg to win the patronage of Russian Tsaritsa Catherine the Great, the Cagliostros made their way to Strasbourg, at that time in France. In October 1784, the Cagliostros travelled to Lyon. On December 24, 1784 they founded the co-Masonic mother lodge La Sagesse Triomphante of his rite of Egyptian Freemasonry at Lyon.

Cagliostro left England to visit Rome, where he met two people who proved to be spies of the Inquisition. Some accounts hold that his wife was the one who initially betrayed him to the Inquisition. On 27 December 1789, he

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Cagliostro played by Orson Wells in the 1949 file Black Magic.

Count Cagliostro Rite The following is an extract from Cagliostro’s Egyptian Rite. Its similarities with the Craft degrees does not need further explanation: “Before receiving the into the Order they took thee into a darkened room, this teaches thee that our Matter is found in a black state — our Earth. We also took away all the Metals thou hadst upon thee; this shows that our Matter is not found where Metals grow. They tookest away thy clothing; it shows that our Matter is stripped of the Veil with which Nature has clothed it …

They removed thy shoe, [significant] of the mysterious severance …Thine eyes were blindfolded; which teaches that though our Matter is luminous, and in itself shining and clear, yet that it is only to be found in the darkest dwelling. A [Cable Tow] was round thy neck, by which the body was led; it… teaches the drawing out of our Matter. …The point of a [Poniard] was applied to thy breast

to warn thee to beware of it. It should remind thee that no double edged weapon must ever be used to slay our Hiram and produce his precious blood, which is shown afterwards by a feeble Brother and his bloody handkerchief…

In touching thee with the Compasses (held over a plate with blood thereon), the plate of blood held up, signifies that we have another [Poniard] beside the one that was shown to thee, and which we thrust into the bosom of our Matter until it pours forth blood.…

Hiram, which word signifies our Matter, has been killed by Three Workmen, in order that they might procure the Word…

These traitors buried him and have already his Caput Mortuum. They make a hillock and the dead head appears, as if the Spirits excited it with rage, this is shown by the Branch of Acacia.”

Would your wife let you decorate the living room with this vinyl sticker? No answers required….

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Certificates The certificate opposite is dated from 1810 when it came into common use. It shows old Blackfriar’s Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral at the bottom and the three virtues on Doric, Ionic and Corinthian pillars.

The heading is “Grand Lodge of England, His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, Grand Master.”

The changed slightly when the Duke of Sussex took over during the amalgamation of the Ancients and Moderns in 1813. The seal then changed to the Duke’s own arms until a new Grand Lodge seal was created:

The modern certificate is dated from 1819 shows the three pillars (this one is from 1903) and has similarities with the Grand Lodge of Scotland certificate. It would appear that the pillars were kept as they were essential elements to both the Moderns and Ancients and the newly created seal used instead:

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Royal Arch Certificates The Royal Arch certificate was created by Lawrence Dermott for the Grand Chapter of the Ancients (mainly Irish masons) from 1799. This was typical of the day with English and Latin inscriptions.

Although not over fancy, the diagram shows an arch with the seal of Solomon, typical of RA masonry. The text mentions the Holy RA which is an English expression rather than Scottish. It is finished very nicely on the right hand side with three narrow ribbons (blue, crimson and purple) threaded through the certificate and held in place by the impressed seal. This was popular at that time.

The second Royal Arch certificate was issued by the Moderns Grand Chapter and is one of the largest ever made in England. A certificate similar to this was issued to Sir Robert Peel (Home Secretary who formulated the peelers, an early police force in England).

The RA jewel is shown on either die of the heading with four triangles. This certificate is more fancy in terms of the calligraphy than for the symbols or pictures.

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Sad Demise One of the most iconic buildings along the Fairbanks in Alaska riverfront, the 112year-old Masonic Temple at 809 First Ave., was demolished in March after a portion of the roof collapsed. So died a unique piece of Alaska history dating back to the founding of Fairbanks.

National Register of Historic Places documents state that the building that became the Freemasons’ home was constructed in 1906 as the Tanana Commercial Company store. Two years later the Masonic Lodge purchased the structure and added a basement and constructed an extension to the rear and a second story.

The Masonic Temple was one of the civic centers in early Fairbanks, and numerous community events were held there. When President Warren Harding visited Fairbanks in 1923, he addressed city residents from the front steps of the Temple.

The lodge was justly proud of the building, and the temple was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. However, the cost to bring it up to modern building codes eventually became too expensive for the lodge, and it was sold. For the past decade the building sat mostly vacant, used only for storage.

It is a shame that the front façade was not salvaged so that the structure could be rebuilt. Only the pediment atop the building, inscribed with the words “Masonic Temple,” and the date “1906,” survived. Perhaps a lesson for many lodges with their own building.

The Anchor Lodge of Research No.1814 On 4th May, Bro. Andrew Middleton PM 314, Past President of the Burns Federation will present a talk on: What Bro. Burns heard from Bro. Aitken Meeting in the Masonic Hall, West Stewart Street in Greenock at 7.30pm.

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Rosicrucianism in Russia The Rosicrucian movement in Russia was the culminating point of Russian masonry. Mysticism became the characteristic feature of Russian masonry and Bro. Yelagin (see November 2017) has a mystic as a tutor despite being one of the leading Russian masons.

Rosicrucian ideas gradually permeated the rank and file of Russian masons and as a result, it developed very quickly offering masons more light in more than speculative masonry. Even the Swedish Rite in St. Petersburg consisted of Symbolic, Templar then Rosicrucian with the 10° Brethren of the Rosy Cross being the highest. This rite was designed to take brethren from the morality of the Craft degrees to a fight for Christianity in the Inner Church (possibly a very relevant situation today) finishing with the mystical insight.

January 2018 described a Swedish Rite ceremony which had much more symbolism and meaning than masons today are aware of unless they have joined Martinist Orders etc.

Another main player was Ivan Schwartz who arrived in Moscow in 1776 teaching languages and only 6 years later he was considered the dictator of Russian Freemasonry and founder of the Rosicrucian Order in Russia by overseeing the theoretical degrees of Solomon’s wisdom. He was immediately joined by the keading intellectuals of the day including Novikov, Prince Troubetzkoy, Lopohin, etc.

Many of these masons had joined other forms of masonry but found little to stimulate them until they joined the theoretical degrees with

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As above, so below

the Rosicrucian ideas. However, even with all these wonderful ideas in a higher plane, certain principles are still maintained: loyalty to the throne, the laws of the realm and Christianity, and their importance never departed a Rosicrucian mason.

How much Rosicrucian knowledge Russian masons possessed in the 18th Century is difficult to say as it appears that they were only allowed into the lower order as the higher order was dominated in Germany and possibly was used as an element of control.

Rosicrucian masons in Russia lived an active and virtuous life as well as one of continuous research in science (including alchemy in both a physical and metaphysical sense) and attempting to explain the hidden meaning of the Divine Scriptures.

Their progress through degrees was carefully planned with full Christian meanings in a constant search for truth.

There is no doubt Rosicrucian ideas offered much more than the three Craft degrees, but being a form of masonry suffered the same fate and eventually ceased.

Mark Jewel The old mark master jewels to the right were worn round the neck and were used before a mark penny or token was given to candidates.

This is from an old French ritual dating from about 1800 in use in at least one part of America.

Although very similar to a mark jewel or token today, there is one subtle difference. There is one letter—J—rather than the usual S. Why? We are told the J represents Jabulum. Although this means nothing to Scottish masons, but it would appear to be a corrupted word used in two of the Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (in the USA), the Thirteenth and Seventeenth. The true word and its meaning, however, are disclosed to the initiate.

Centenary Jewel This is a very rare William IV 1836 Grand Lodge of Scotland Centenary Jewel in 18ct gold with brilliants.

This beautiful jewel is not hallmarked, but has been acid tested to be 18ct Gold. It is unknown whose jewel it was but it must have been a special commission for a very high ranking & important Freemason.

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Jersey Masonic Temple Under new plans, the caretaker’s home to the rear of the temple (seen on the left of the photo) would be demolished to make way for five one-bedroom, and one, two-bedroom flats.

original layout and most of the detail, although some had to replicated after the Liberation as Freemasons were persecuted by the Nazi regime.

Many items were smashed or burned on site, while more valuable objects were taken to Berlin and used in an anti-Masonic exhibition. The temple was subject to a £50,000 upgrade eight years ago.

The Provincial Grand Master of Jersey’s Freemasons, Kenneth Rondel, said that due to the age of the Masonic Temple in Stopford Road, it cost the organisation about £2,500 in annual maintenance. If the plans are given the goahead, the flats would become rental accom- Many lodges with land might have to do something similar in the current climate. modation.

The planning application also includes proposals for a new kitchen, stores, meeting room and a lift in the main building. The Jersey Masonic Temple sits on the corner of Stopford Road and Oxford Road and was completed in 1844. It is a meeting place for the more than 600 Freemasons who belong to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Jersey.

The temple, the only one of its kind in the Island, has been extended and modernised over the years, but the old building retains its

Who’s heard this before……….?!

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Book Review—The Lost Rites of Freemasonry This is a truly fascinating look into the history of the Craft after the master mason degree, but from a different angle – reviewing rites and rituals no longer in use or in obscurity. The book is divided into two sections – the first discussing rituals from overseas and the second English usage before the Union in 1813. It contains a full bibliography with an extensive notes section for further research.

From the 1720s when the third degree was evolving, there followed very quickly an explosion of higher or side degrees. Their development was important in the sense that it would have an effect on most freemasons of that era and even today’s masons involved with other orders should know the background.

As a flavour to whet the appetite, the rites of Zinnendorf, of Perfection, of Memphis and Misraim, de Elu Coens, the Black Eagle, Strict Observance, the Seven Degrees and many more are considered.

Equally as interesting and as colourful as the rites, are the various characters behind these rites. Many will be unknown to the majority despite being important and popular in their day as they were not overly involved with Craft degrees and so the author is attempting to rectify this gap in many brethren’s knowledge.

These include Bonnie Prince Charlie (and his Jacobites), Martinez de Pasqually, John Yarker, Emanuel Swedenborg, Cagliostro (known for various misgivings, but more importantly his Egyptian Masonry), Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin (today’s order of Martinists relate to his teachings), Arthur Edward Waite and the Russian freemason Melissino (whose degrees contained a Scottish legend). Although

some rites exist today, the lack of continuity means it might be different from the original order. Sadly, many rites disappeared soon after the death of its founder.

The obvious question to brethren today is why bother? These rites had teachings on alchemy, Kabbalah and offered a spiritual pathway similar to ideas in the western Esoteric Tradition and a search for hidden knowledge. Some even had a ‘magical’ element offering a way to God himself. It is clear the intellectuals of the day found great value and true self-discovery within these degrees.

A chapter is devoted to the Old Lancashire Rituals which the author links with Bristol’s Rite of Baldwyn and the Rite of Seven Degrees in London followed by the next two chapters outlining the changes which affected these rites after the union of the English Grand Lodges.

What does this mean for today? It demonstrates the dramatic changes to the Craft with the alterations and closure of rites in order to survive.

These rites were written to allow freemasons a progression in knowledge (as opposed to ranks) and the author clearly shows this evolution must not stop if the Craft is to continue successfully.

Available from Lewis Masonic at £19.99—worth every penny.

Rosicrucian Thought The time has come when merely reading about the mystical life has lost its value. We must become involved and dedicate our lives to some useful purpose or the opportunities of a cycle will pass us by.

Whatever our goal in life, whatever our desires for achievement might be, the mystical life can make these possible. We find that our minds and consciousness are uplifted and charged with a power and desire to succeed in all we do, and our hearts and total beings will be filled with a spiritual love for all humanity. Our thinking will be broader and our sympathies and feeling of compassion will grow stronger. Life will bring greater joys and happiness and we will sense a divine purpose for our mission in life which will bring the greatest gift of all.”

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Alternative Aprons From an exhibition which the ‘artist’ described his work as Advancing Puppetry and Contemporary Art by imbuing stuff, objects and images, with some of the qualities of a puppet. Primarily the ability to convey irreverence and the illusion of life.

I'm 'Puppetizing' things.

The lodge was built opened

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Lodge Kajaki No.1848 The consecration of the new lodge, Kajaki No.1848 took place last night.

And it’s great to see a new lodge in Scotland rather than abroad. Bro. Bob Wright is the master (seen below with Bro. Andrew Paterson PGM F&K who was a frequent visitor to 242 along with Bro. Douglas Pratt PM Lodge Oak & MM 242).

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Top Three I was asked by a new mason what I thought were the top three things to say if someone asked you about the Craft. My three are the following, but I’m sure every brother could name a different three:  One Grand Lodge—unlike many countries today, Scotland has only one GL which means we are all united towards the same end.  Our Grand Master Mason typically serves 5-10 years in office which allows some stability and time to see plans to fruition while not becoming stagnant  Daughter lodges are autonomous—lodges can alter its ritual which means visiting brethren are usually witnessing something unique in each lodge.

Scottish lodges also choose their own colours (which can include tartan) for their aprons and sashes thus making it a colourful affair when many lodges are represented.

Feel free to send in your top three and I’ll publish them. Might surprise you how many positives appear in the Craft.

Brother does a Runner!

Some of you may know Bro. Angus Rhodes, a Metropolitan Grand Steward in London. Those who do know him may recall that he suffered a series of unfortunate events straight after his stewarding year of 2013-14. These included fairly serious eye problems in 2014 before having an accident, which left him with two broken arms and just when he thought all was going well. Angus tells us about his ‘marathon’ challenge! Click on the crest to the right to find out more.

Or go directly to Angus’s webpage to make a donate to the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group: www.justgiving.com/Angus-Rhodes/ The Order of St John is a splendid organisation, which is a modern continuation of the work of the ancient Hospitallers of St John, who founded a Hospital in Jerusalem in the Eleventh Century. In the United Kingdom, we know them for providing voluntary services via the St John Ambulance and many brethren are members of the Order.

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First Visit to Seldsdon Park Lodge No.5005 (EC)

On Saturday 19th May, 2001, the lodge visited Selsdon Park Lodge in Croydon, London to exemplify the MM degree, in Scottish style! The master was Bro. Peter Smolarek, Steven McKie WSW & Retrospect, Graham Scott PM WJW and S&S, Des McCulloch SD & Tools, Receiving Fraser Lees, Charge from E Grant Macleod PM Sec, Raising Brian Smolarek DM and Closing Charge Brian Robertson PM (now deceased centre back row above).

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242 Charity Cycle 2018 sees the Centenary commemoration of the end of The Great War (1914-1918) and Lodge Houston St Johnstone will mark this important event by holding a ‘Virtual Sponsored Cycle’ in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity and Poppy Scotland.

The cycle will take place on Saturday the 14th July at the lodge where 4 static bikes will cumulatively undertake a 242 mile journey. Coincidentally 242 miles would take you from Ypres to the Somme via Mons which most people would recognise as the locations of some of the main battles on the Western Front.

Brethren, their family and friends are encouraged to enlist for half hour time slots from 1000hrs till 1530hrs and to try to raise as much sponsorship as possible.

The minute book from the period inform us that the lodge donated £20 (around £1180 in today’s money) to the National Relief Fund which SSAFA (or SSFA on account of the Royal Airforce yet to be formed) administered. Funds raised from the cycle will be donated to SSAFA and Poppyscotland who continue to play a leading role in supporting our serving and veteran’s community across Scotland.

If you cannot make the event you can still support www.justgiving.com/lodge242 For more information please contact Bro. David Black PM on 07591109861.

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Ritual Competition The Grand Lodge of California holds a ritual competition and the following appeared last month: The deadline to participate in the 2018 Ritual Competition is this Sunday, April 1, 2018. Share your pride in performing meaningful ritual with brothers throughout your jurisdiction. This year’s competition focuses on the delivery of the marshal’s interrogations and the perambulations of all three degrees.

The purpose of the competition is to inspire lodges to focus on meaningful ritual to deepen members’ and candidates’ experiences, and to raise the standard of ritual excellence in our craft.

This year, Master Masons are invited to compete individually, or as part of a team: 

Individual competition: Delivery of the marshal’s interrogations and the perambulations of all three degrees



Team competition: Delivery of the marshal’s interrogations and the perambulations of all three degrees

Would this be of interest in your country or constitution? In Scotland, I really don’t know. It is clearly a brave attempt at trying to keep young masons interested as a competitive element always gets the young ones going!

T

Fire Brigade Donation he London Fire Brigade has been criticised for accepting a donation from the Freemasons with the condition that new trucks purchased with the money carry their symbol.

The United Grand Lodge of England has just given £2.5 million to the fire service to purchase two appliances. As with all donations, it will show the square and compasses in exactly the same way other groups have their crest on whatever they donate to—for example the St. John’s symbol can be seen on many land rovers, ambulances, etc.

However, as expected, their Union is opposed to the masonic symbol citing private money should not be used in a public company. Would the Union prefer we give the money elsewhere? The Brigade obviously doesn’t and if they had sufficient funding, then the Craft wouldn't need to donate two new vehicles with aerial ladders capable of reaching the top of Grenfell Towers.

Thankfully, the spokesman for the Fire Brigade sees the safety of Londoners as more important than a symbol on an engine. Well done to UGLE!

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Soldiers off the Streets We at Soldiers off the Street Scotland wish to show our appreciation for the help that Bro Tom Stott PM did in the past few years. These are the two houses we are renovating for our veterans at Auchangate in Irvine; the garden has been totally redone to be a Garden of Remembrance and we have inlaid the square and compasses which will be filled with poppies and forget me nots.

The garden wall is being done by the Masonic Fishing Club and the garden by Bro Brian Gibson PM. Alter Landscapes from Lochwinnoch have also helped. Click on their crest below to go to the website where donations can be made.

This is a new charity with no Government funding who help veterans who for whatever reason have been affected by homelessness. All are volunteers—no one receives a wage.

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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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