Cross Keys November 2012 (Masonic)

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

In this issue: William Boyd, GMM The Glasgow Herald St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall Testing a Candidate Glasgow City Chambers Sir William Pearce The Quarry Degree Serbian Grand Lodges Merge

Cross Keys November. 2012

Number 161

William Boyd, 4th Earl of Kilmarnock Bro. William Boyd as 4th Earl of Kilmarnock was the first master of Lodge St. John Kilwinning Kilmarnock No.22 in 1734—41, master of Mother Kilwinning in 1742 when he initiated the Right Honourable Alexander, Earl of Eglinton whose family became prominent in Mother Kilwinning and Grand Lodge. He was also the master of the old lodge in Falkirk (no.16) and the British Coffee House Lodge in London. The Earl then became the Grand Master Mason of Scotland in 1742—43.

Kilmarnock was also one of the Royal Company of Archers and participated in a parade through Edinburgh watched by General Wade. Alongside him was William St. Clair of Rosslyn—who would have thought that he would be on opposing sides in what was to follow.

In 1743, he instigated the first military lodge comprised of ‘sergeants and sentinels’ from the 55th Regiment of Foot although it does not appear to have been placed on any roll.

Like his father in the rebellion of 1715, William initially supported the Government side, but in the rebellion of 1745, owing either to a personal affront or to the influence of his wife or to his straitened circumstances he deserted George II and joined Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender.

His son, Lord Boyd, remained loyal to the King and therefore fought on the opposite side to his father.

Made a Privy Counsellor to Charles, the Earl was appointed a colonel of guards and subsequently a general. He fought at Falkirk and Culloden, where he was taken prisoner, and was beheaded on Tower Hill on 18 August 1746 (see plaque below). His son became master of the lodge in Falkirk in 1749 with his brothers acting as wardens (see Glasgow Herald excerpt from 1929). Then as the 15th Earl of Errol, became Grand Master Mason in 1751.

Cross Keys November. 2012

The Glasgow Herald

I thought some brethren might be curious about the excerpt on the previous page so here is a brief explanation. It was sourced from the Glasgow Herald in 1929 when it reviewed the Transactions of Quatuor Coronati No.2076 in London. This was clearly deemed to be an article that would be of general interest to its readers, perhaps because of the mention of the Falkirk lodge, but when was the last time the Herald reviewed a Masonic Journal?

We are no longer worthy?!

Strange, but True At one time, Golden Lodge No.5, Stanstead, Canada occupied a lodge room, which straddled the boundary between Canada and the United States. There were entrances on both sides of the border.

Cross Keys November. 2012

St. Michael’s Mount Connection with the Craft Col. The Right Hon. Sir John Townsend, 2nd Lord St. Leven CVO, CB was born in 1857 and was educated at Eton then Trinity College, Cambridge. His family is very privileged to live on St. Michael’s Mount near Penzance. He joined the Royal Cornwall Rangers Militia before the Grenadier Guards in which he served until 1908. After a distinguished career, he retired as District Colonel although in 1914, he

was

appointed

temporary

Brigadier-

General to command the 2nd Cornwall Territorial Brigade. He became Colonel of the Reserve of Officers and Hon Col. to the Royal Cornwall Garrison Artillery.

Bro. Lord St. Leven was initiated into the Household Brigade Lodge No. 2614 in London and then affiliated to Mount Sinai Lodge in Penzance, Cornwall (see Nov. Edition).

He

became master in 1912 and presented the lodge with a huge silver cup bearing the St. Level coat of arms. At this time, he was appointed both Provincial Grand Warden and Senior Grand Warden in UGLE (photo below).

This continues a long family tradition—his father-inlaw is the Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe, a Past Deputy Grand Master and PGM of Cornwall. Bro. Lord St. Leven holds a jewel with the inscription “Sir John St. Aubyn Bart. SGW 1781” which belonged to his great grandfather who was PGM from 1786 to 1839. Bro. Lord St. Leven died in 1940.

Unfortunately, the current family have no connection with the Craft. Perhaps that will change?!

Cross Keys November. 2012

The Testing of a Candidate

T

he Masons of the olden time

advancement. The candidate had also to

set their faces rigidly against

give proof that he had picked up his les-

"scamped" work, 'and made it

sons properly; and it was the duty of two

a point that all who had the

sharp functionaries called "Examiners" to

privilege of joining their ranks should be

put him through his " facings" in order to

able to show their competence in the

ascertain that his attainments were up to

lower degrees before they could success-

the mark.

fully apply for promotion to the sublime grade. Thus, in the middle of the last century, no Apprentice was permitted to become a Fellowcraft until he had been in the former position for at least six months; and a further probationary period was necessary ere he could reach the third and highest stage in the St. John's mysteries.

Nor was time alone needful to qualify for

A most earnest and business-like determination seems to have pervaded the Lodge at the St. John's Day communication of 1757. It was then resolved that there should be no dinner in future on such occasions, but that an hour after the procession the Lodge should be opened; and, so as to improve the knowledge of the members.

This is an extract from a book about the old Lodge at Falkirk now No.16 which meets in Falkirk. Just over 250 years ago our brethren were talking about masonic education for their members and allocating one hour to be set aside for this particular aspect of the lodge. It is also interesting to note the time delay between the ceremonies—perhaps we should have a good look at the two week gap in Scotland.

Is this really long enough to learn anything?

Things achieved cheaply and quickly are not valued—are we sending the wrong message to the candidate?

An hour of education at every meeting—even an hour each month would be a huge improvement, but would brethren want this?

Cross Keys November. 2012

Masonic Temple up for Sale One of New Zealand’s most historic buildings, which once housed the world’s southernmost Jewish synagogue and went on to become one of the largest freemason’s temples in the country, has been placed on the market for sale.

The Temple Gallery in the heart of Dunedin city began life in 1864 as a synagogue dating it as the oldest such place of worship in New Zealand. In 1881 it was converted to a masonic hall, and for the next 111 years, was utilised by several of the city’s lodges. After changing ownership, the synagogue’s sanctuary was left largely intact by the masons, whose ceremonies and symbols had much in common with Jewish faith. The extensions built by the masons featured stained glass windows with hexagrams, or Stars of David, set in metalwork frames.

The building’s inner sanctuary retains an impressive Jewish Ark. The Historic Places Trust describes Temple Gallery as: "Reflecting the life of the Jewish community and the practice of freemasonry" with an "imposing and grand aesthetic significance."

"The structure incorporates the oldest surviving synagogue building in New Zealand and one of only two Victorian synagogues still existing in the country. It speaks to the enigmatic practices of the freemasons, and is a rare physical link between the beliefs of Judaism and masons.

"Solid concrete walls and narrow, high windows reinforce the castle-like qualities of the structure. The former synagogue itself is like entering the throne room, complete with impressive and detailed ornamentation. Aesthetically, the effect is remarkable."

The building has a capital valuation of $460,000.

Cross Keys November. 2012

From the Columns The AGM of the lodge took place on 24th and Bro. George Barclay was elected as the master for 2012-13. The secretary and acting treasurer gave reports which emphasised the drop in attendance which would need to be addressed.

Congratulations to Bros. Tommy Ovens and Davy Roberts for winning the McMeneny Golf Trophy, beating brethren from Union & Crown No.307.

Bros Tommy and Davy attened the Tri-Annual Communication of the PGLRE to receive the trophy (below) which was presented by the PGMs Bro John Miller and John Henderson of PGL Galloway..

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New Film: Templar Nation The film draws upon speculative history surrounding the battle between King Philip and the Knights Templar which started 700 years ago and culminates in the present with the help of an archaeological team and a mid-evil weaponry specialist.

The film develops the theme that the Templars did not die out, but fled to Scotland (as stated by J. J. Robinson) with their wealth and knowledge which enabled them to settle in America before Columbus.

Archaeological Professor William Sinclair (Richard Dutcher) is deeply troubled by the recent murder of his dear friend Alfred (Erik Estrada (photo) who used to star in CHiPS). When Sinclair and his team unearth a 13th Century Templar tomb, he enlists his estranged son (Joseph James) a medieval weaponry specialist and expert swordsman, to understand it. Mystery and danger quickly surround the group as they follow a map found within the tomb. The mysterious Plaga are in close pursuit, and the team realizes their lives are in danger as they are chased into a mysterious cave containing numerous relics of the Knights Templar.

Wise Words Masonry is one of the most sublime and perfect institutions that ever was formed for the advancement of happiness and general good of mankind; creating, in all its varieties, universal benevolence and brotherly love. It holds out allurements so captivating as to inspire the Brotherhood with emulation to deeds of glory, such as must command, throughout the world, veneration and applause, and such as must entitle those who perform them to dignity and respect. It teaches us those useful, wise and instructive doctrines upon which alone true happiness is founded; and at the same time affords those easy paths by which we attain the rewards of virtue; it teaches us the duties which we owe to our neighbour, never to injure him in any one situation, but to conduct ourselves with justice and impartiality; it bids us not to divulge the mystery to the public, and it orders us to be true to our trust, and above all meanness and dissimulation, and in all our vocations to perform religiously that which we ought to do.

The Duke of Sussex 1813.

Cross Keys November. 2012

GL News Message from the Grand Master: After the focus last year on the Centenary of the building, in our 275 th year, the past year has been quieter. For the past five years the building has been host to a Theatrical Company during the Edinburgh Festival, which has been very successful in opening up the building to the public and bringing valuable revenue to Grand Lodge. Unfortunately the Theatrical Company, at very short notice, decided not to proceed this year with their productions - giving as a reason that this year’s Olympic Games in London has meant a dramatic decrease in sponsorship for other events; there will however be a short term reduction in revenue for the Year to 31 May 2013. However, we are in the process of concluding an agreement with a large catering and events Management Company to classify Freemasons’ Hall has one of their prime corporate and social venues, which I trust will maximise the use of our building as well as significantly increase revenue to the Grand Lodge. Grand Secretary is also presently in discussions with a well known theatre and radio consortium to bring high class musical performances during the 2013 Festival period. We are presently in the process of carrying out a survey of Freemasons’ Hall with the objective of installing Wi-Fi throughout the building.

My appeal to the Provinces and Districts to nominate 2011 as a ‘year of sharing and giving’ was well received, and Grand Lodge supplemented the efforts of our Provinces and Districts by distributing £275,000 to nominated charities all over the world. This, of course, was in addition to exceeding the half million pound mark of donations the Children’s Hospice Association of Scotland and another £340,000 to various Charities throughout Scotland, a total of over £620,000. A magnificent effort, Brethren.

Two new items: That recognition be extended to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas That a District Grand Lodge of Lebanon be formed

Installation of Grand Lodge Office Bearers followed by the Festival of St. Andrew on Thursday 29th November in Grand Lodge, Edinburgh PGL News Wednesday, 21st November—PGM lecture on Symbolism in the EA Degree at Lodge Sir George Cathcart No.617 Sunday 16th December, 2012 —Uplift of Christmas Parcels at Inchinnan between 11 and 12 noon.

ANNUAL INSTALLATION MEETING—Saturday 26th January , 2.30pm in Lodge Craigends No.1042 (brethren to be seated by 2.15pm) All brethren welcome.

Cross Keys November. 2012

City Chambers, Glasgow

Civic leaders and Freemasons proceeded to George Square on 6th October 1883. On reaching St. Vincent Place, it took open order to allow the Provincial Grand Lodge to pass through the ranks. 5,000 brethren were present.

The ceremonial laying of the foundation stone then commenced. George Square was packed with 60,000 people in addition to those in the processions. After silence had been established, the National Anthem was sung. The Senior Magistrate asked the Provincial Grand Master Bro. William Pearce (see next page) to carry out the ceremony. Bro. Pearce delegated this duty to Lord Provost Bro. John Ure (above).

A number of coins, civic statutes, newspapers and a copy of the Constitutions and Bye-Laws of the Grand Lodge of Scotland were deposited in the stone. The Lord Provost applied the plumb-rule, the level and the square to the foundation stone. Cornucopias of wine and oil were appropriately used. As a memento of the occasion, the Lord Provost presented the Provincial Grand Master with a silver trowel.

The Provincial Grand Lodge proceeded to the Council Chambers in Ingram Street where it was closed in due and ancient form at 4:30 p.m. Thus from early morning to late afternoon, the city was occupied by this most wonderful event. For all of us who are currently familiar with George Square, it is difficult to imagine it in a different state. Great stands were erected on the site of the City Chambers for civic leaders, guests and processions. On either side of the Square, impressive archways had been constructed.

The day's proceedings did not however end at 4:30. A dinner for 500 gentlemen was held in the evening. A record of the speeches made at the dinner are contained in the aforementioned book. The role played by the Freemasons of Glasgow on 6th October, 1883 was very ably and sincerely mentioned in Lord Provost Ure's toast to the Grand Lodge of Scotland. He said that "without doubt the proceedings of today would have lost much of their interest if the Freemasons Cross Keys November. 2012had been absent."

The City Chambers is shown in great detail with some superb photos here.

Bro. William Pearce Pearce was born in Kent and trained as a naval architect.

In 1864 he was appointed manager of Napier's shipyard in Govan and five years later became a partner with John Ure and J L K Jamieson in John Elder & Co. He became sole partner in 1878 and in 1886 converted the firm to a limited company, the Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. (aka Fairfield’s).

Under Pearce's management, became one of the country's leading warship and passenger liner builders.

Pearce was a freemason and became Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow from 1880 to 1889. A Conservative, he was elected Govan's first MP in 1885. He was created a baronet in 1887, but died the following year.

His statue, known as "The Black Man", stands at Govan Cross, across the road from the Pearce Institute that was commissioned by his widow, Lady Dinah.

November Events in 242

Friday 9th Nov—INSTALLATION at 7pm Thursday 22nd Nov—EA by OBs

Sir William Wallace RAC 20th Nov—EM at 7.30pm

Cross Keys November. 2012

The Quarry Degree In September, the Quarry Degree was mentioned. It would appear that this is more common than initially expected. And why not in a quarry, perhaps the most apt place to hold a lodge. This degree took place near Colchester, Nova Scotia, Canada. Two brethren were raised and presented with a quarry stone to mark the occasion (see bottom). The ceremony was carried out in dramatic fashion with brethren in costumes below.

Cross Keys November. 2012

The Past Master "Who's the stranger, Mother, dear?

Jay-Z

and the Freemasons?!!!

Look: he knows us — ain't that queer?"

"Hush, my son, don't talk so wild, He's your father, dearest child."

"He's my father? It's not so, Father died six years ago."

"Dad didn't die, O child of mine, He's been going through the line.

But he's been Master now so he Has no place to go you see — No place left for him to roam — That is why he's coming home, Kiss him — he won't bite you child.

All Past Masters are quite mild."

Cross Keys November. 2012

What is this all about?

Serbian Grand Lodges to Merge and Open University From a Serbian website very roughly translated by Google:

At the annual conference of the United Grand Lodges of Serbia (UVLS) in Belgrade, gave the 400 delegates the approval for the construction of the first Mason University, and to start the process of unification of Serbian Masonry.

"We agreed that one of our mission, which will contribute to progress and UVLS, but our society is the establishment of a higher education institution where professors and lecturers will be Serbian Masons and brothers from abroad. For students, we provide scholarships," says Vladimir Markovic, a master UVLS. "The goal is to educate the Masons, to raise the quality of education in Serbia and help stop the "brain drain" in the world. We have adopted the project of building an entire Masonic complex in which we make our first university."

It is planned that in Belgrade next year to work in rented premises, the Academy of Arts begins, and that by 2017. University Masonic building with boarding. It will be the only public institution of the fraternity of Freemasons in the Balkans and in many ways unique in the world. The United Grand Lodge of Serbia was created in June 2006. as a regular, independent and sovereign Masonic organization, under its protection has 20 lodges in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Loznica, Krusevac, Zrenjanin.

The only constant has its temples in Vozdovac in Novi Sad. "We realized that weaknesses in education were a major cause of the disunity of Serbian Freemasonry. We want you to better educate young people and realize the process of unification of Serbian Freemasonry," Markovic said. In his view, the essence of Freemasonry is a royal art creation, kindness and humanity. True Masons are good men with virtues, says Markovic, for example the writer Milorad Pavic, who was "a beautiful and noble brother." UVLS has already begun a dialogue with the Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia (RVLS) to pool together and create a unified Serbian grand lodge, in order to comply with the principle of brotherhood that exists in one state's one single, large lodge.

"For the compilation, we got the support of five of the United Grand Lodges of the Grand Lodge of Germany and Austria. Their brothers will be the mediators of the agreement and the members UVLS RVLS, as the only two legitimate grand lodges in Serbia," Vladimir Markovic reveals. The first talks will begin in August. The process of unification of Serbian Freemasonry provides that UVLS and RVLS, which have 500 active members, will first first exchange recognition, and then adopt a new name and a unique constitution.

Cross Keys November. 2012

Less Well Kent Scottish Masons Sir Isaac Wolfson 1st Bt was born at 12 Kidston Street, Glasgow, and educated at Queen’s Park School, Glasgow leaving at 14 to join a mail order company, which became Great Universal Stores. In 1932, he acquired a majority shareholding in the company, of which he became Chairman (1946– 86) and Founder Trustee of the Wolfson Foundation (1955) which aimed to give assistance to major health projects, education and other fields of research.

At Glasgow University, the Foundation funded Wolfson Hall and Wolfson Medical Building; supported the establishment of Wolfson College Oxford in 1966, of which he was a Founder Fellow, and Wolfson College, Cambridge, 1977. The Wolfson Institute was also founded at the London Postgraduate Medical School.

The Wolfson Foundation has distributed almost £450m to a wide range of causes and projects over 50 years, equivalent to £1bn in money of the day. Sir Isaac was showered with awards and degrees. To the question of where the degrees had come from he replied "from writing". When asked what he had written he declared: "Cheques."

He was initiated into Lodge Montifiore No.953 in Glasgow in 1919.

Thought of the Month Freemasonry unites men who, in brotherly formations and through honourable and ritualistic methods, endeavour to achieve spiritual understanding and moral refinement.

Cross Keys November. 2012

Cross Keys November. 2012

To find out more about brethren of the lodge, buy a copy of 242’s history.

Article from the Paisley Daily Express about Sir William Arrol MM 242.

Masons in Victoria, Australia The Right Honourable Lieutenant-Colonel, Arthur Tennyson Somers Cocks, The Sixth Baron Somers was born Herefordshire and inherited title from Great Uncle. One of his uncles had been the Grand Master Mason of Scotland.

He served with distinction in the Army and was twice decorated with bravery, before being appointed as Governor of Victoria.

He was deeply involved in the Scouting Movement and was Chief Scout in Victoria and succeeded Baden-Powell as Chief Scout of the British Commonwealth. He joined Freemasonry 18 years before he came to Australia and admitted he had no interest in freemasonry.

He joined United Services Lodge in 1926, became Master later that year. As Chief Scout he was delighted to be the founder Master of the Baden Powell Lodge No.488 (UGLoV).

The Lord Somers camp is named after him; he was a silent major financial supporter of the camp.

In his reign as Grand Master of Victoria (1927—32), he was involved in a number of Constitutional changes that were more than minor importance: New Process for confirmation of the minute of the election of Master.

Introduced new rule that the Shrine of Remembrance be the subject of a special grant.

Increased the donations made to the Freemasons homes by the Board of benevolence.

Permitted Lodges to hold a resignation for one month to allow an investigation into whether there was a way in which that Brother could retain his membership.

Cross Keys November. 2012

Old Members On Sunday 6 May 2012 Brother James Kenner Biggs Snr. passed to the Grand Lodge Above. Brother James was considered the 'Oldest Master Mason in Texas' having been a Member of the Craft for 85 years. He was 109 years old.

However, Lodge Composite No. 293 in Florida has Bro. Richard Cullen II at 112 years does anyone know of an older masons?

Sir William Wallace Installation

The installation of Sir William Wallace Royal Arch Chapter No.109 took place on Friday 19th October, 2012. Comp. Ken Blackie (MM 242) gave up the chair after two years in favour of Comp. Jamie Barton (MM 242, RWM 156). Jamie was installed by Comp. Sandy Graham (MM 242, PM 156) in a very competent manner. It was good to see Comp. Bob McCulloch present heading the deputation from PGRAC Renfrewshire albeit the night before is own installation as master of Thistle & Crown No.1167.

Strange, But True Bernard Pierre Mangam, Marshall of France and Senator was appointed Grand Master of the Grand Orient of France and served from 1862 to 1865. This is unusual because he was not a Mason. He was appointed by Emperor Napoleon III.

Cross Keys November. 2012

Army Benevolent Fund Concert—Glasgow The ABF is the charity nominated for the PGL Renfrewshire East. It is hoped that lodges will assist in any way possible without detracting from their own charities.

Cross Keys November. 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 WSW 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 November. 2012