Cross Keys September 2015

The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone

September 2015

Walking the Road / Seeking the Light

In this issue:

The Essence of Scottish Freemasonry The Duke of Cumberland University Lodges’ Scheme Who was Bro. Albert Mackey

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

Number 185

Scottish Freemasonry Before the recess, I included a the letter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland (GLoS) about this topic. The recent edition of Harishim from Australia has a further article written by our Curator at GL.: Recently there has been some discussion as the ‘meaning’ of Scottish Masonic Ritual, Regalia and Symbolism. On reading the Constitution and Laws of the GLoS one could be forgiven in thinking that there were no opinions on these subjects. The silence on the meaning of all aspects of Scottish Freemasonry not only in the Constitution and Laws but also in other official publications does not mean such opinions do not exist, quite the contrary. Why then are there no official explanations of any of the elements of Scottish Freemasonry? This question goes to the crux of what is Scottish Freemasonry.

The GLoS believes that Scottish Freemasonry is a framework in and around which individuals undertake their Masonic journey. This view is created partly by the history and origins of Scottish Freemasonry as well as the psyche of Scots in general. Without going into too much detail it is sufficient to explain that before the GLoS came into being in 1736 there existed a national network of Lodges, from at least 1598 if not earlier, the membership of which was comprised of stonemasons and non-stonemasons.

There were Lodges the membership of which was entirely made up of stonemasons (for example, the Lodge of Journeymen Masons, No.8), Lodges which had no stonemasons as members (e.g. the Haughfoot Lodge) and Lodges that had both stonemasons and nonstonemasons as members (e.g. the Lodge of Aberdeen 1ter). These Lodges existed independently of each other and without any ‘head office’ to direct them from a central point.

This system was, and to some extent still is, well suited to the psyche of Scottish Freemasons (if not the population at large). The independence of Lodges before 1736 also translated into a significant degree of independence for Lodges founded after 1736.

Unlike other Grand Lodges, which have, and use, a great deal more power and authority than the GLoS, it functions more as a facilitator and advisory body. This non- authoritarian method of governance is not known to exist elsewhere in the Masonic world and it has a direct impact on the nature of Scottish Freemasonry. First and foremost because participation in Freemasonry is a personal experience which differs from person to person the meaning of different aspects of Freemasonry can also differ from person to person.

Although there may be a consensus among some Scottish Freemasons as to what any particular word or symbol might mean there can be other alternative explanations. The letter ‘G’ will suffice to illustrate this point. A Freemason who is a Christian by faith will usually interpret the letter ‘G’ as G_D but a Freemason who is a Muslim might well reject that idea because he cannot accept that G_D can be reduced to a mere letter of a human alphabet. He will, quite often argue that the letter ‘G’ stands for geometric or perhaps geometry. For similar rea- sons a Freemason who is Jewish might argue that ‘G’ stands for goodness – the innate goodness within every human being. There are several other possible interpretations. Once the GLoS expressed an opinion as to the meaning of the letter

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

The Essence of Scottish Freemasonry ‘G’ it would become the de facto interpretation and therefore widely accepted by most Scottish Freemasons. If the GLoS provided such interpretations it would, in effect, create a Scottish Masonic Dogma and which could be used to define Freemasonry as a religion – something that Freemasons have always rejected.

Scottish Freemasonry is therefore considered to be an individual experience, or journey, albeit one taken with the help, assistance and guidance of other Freemasons. The meaning and interpretation of Scottish Masonic Ritual, Regalia and Symbolism, for good reason, is not fixed and is left to the interpretation of the individual Freemason. This is one reason why Scottish Freemasonry remains unique in the world and long may it remain so.

Robert L D Cooper Sept 2014

Ed:

We are indeed in a very fortunate position with our Grand Lodge and this explains why we have never had a competing GL in Scotland as is the case in most countries. Will that always be the case and should it be the case? When organisations struggle or even fail, it is usually the leaders that come under scrutiny. Would everyone agree that the Scottish Craft is doing as best it can? The GMM is a great figurehead of the Craft. Should we have a plan for the next 3/5 years? Do any brethren not in GL know where the Craft should be in the long term, how to get there or even next year. I’m sure some brethren have views about communicating our future to all brethren.

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

The Duke of Cumberland Bro. The Duke of Cumberland – does he deserve the title of butcher?

18th Century was a very brutal period of time, possibly one of the fiercest in a civilised society. In 1723, 50 additional offences were added for the death penalty. These could even be for theft – examples include stealing a silver chocolate pot (Old Bailey, April 1745) or stealing deer. Murders themselves could be more brutal than today – husband sentenced to death for murdering his wife by ‘cutting her throat and ripping up her belly’ (Old Bailey, July 1745).

Scotland was no less severe in punishments – criminals were often branded or had their ears nailed to the pillory.

Violence in the army was common and therefore officers dealt with it in equally brutal ways such as flogging for minor offences such as being drunk or late on duty.

The Jacobite invasion into England in 1745 led to many stories such as Jacobites chaining women and children to the castle walls to stop attacks by locals, plundering and destroying everything in towns – virtually all false as the army on its march into England behaved in a very professional manner. However, these stories, similar to all propaganda, were exactly that – designed to put fear in the English by their own government to ensure none joined the Jacobite army. Highlanders were portrayed as uncivilised , barbarous, wild men in strange clothes with a strange dialect who were quarrelsome, desperate in fight and cruel in victory. Not much different from today! Whether any was true didn’t matter, the English believed them and it helps explain the attitudes of Cumberland and his soldiers towards Jacobites. Even Scottish soldiers in the government army were feared and this ferocity eventually led to respect by all British people when they fought in every theatre of war in the years after the uprising.

In the aftermath of a battle, the victors usually routed the losers often chasing and killing them without recriminations. Examples are found at Kilsyth where Montrose’s highlanders hacked down all the escaping Covenanting Army, Cromwell’s troopers slashing fleeing Royalists at Naseby or Marlborough’s dragoons remounting to make a “cruel slaughter” of the Franco-Belgians. It was standard military practice because more often the casualties were higher in the rout than in actual battle.

Unfortunately, this extended to destroying property. In Canada’s Seven Year War, most French were deported after losing in Nova Scotia while Quebec was bombarded during the siege. Today, most would shudder about some tales, but during WW1 many Glasgow gang members were allowed to serve or go to jail – most served and used their razors against Germans in the trenches. Shocking, to some, but not in many military circles where black humour often sees men through difficult situations. As many of these conflicts were not country against country, a regular army was dismissive of so called Cross Keys Sept. 2015

The Duke of Cumberland (ctd) ‘rebels’ who were viewed as being out with the protection of civilised warfare (ie. no rules applied) and therefore open to any methods to eradicate the enemy in as quick a way as possible.

There are numerous examples on both sides of looting, plundering or worse as the Jacobites were retreating to the highlands. After Culloden, Cumberland’s main objective was to return to the continent and continue with wars against Britain’s enemies, but the Jacobite presence caused more delay that expected. It was clear that Jacobites were to be treated harshly with a view to get the uprising to cease completely, but alternatively Cumberland did issue orders to protect civilians. Many of these offences by his soldiers were punishable by death or by being discharged from the army. One example was Ensign Daniel Hart, a Scot, who extorted 6 guineas from a woman was discharged while two soldiers from the 36th Regiment (Herefordshire) were hung for plundering houses.

However, being in charge of an army across Scotland would be difficult and many offences against civilians would go unpunished.

In April, 1745 an order was made for a return of weapons otherwise Jacobites would be “pursued with the utmost severity as rebels and traitors.” It was clear what they thought about Jacobites and that they needed to be defeated in battle (up to this point they were undefeated) prior to finding a long term solution between both countries especially since the regular army was required for campaigns overseas.

After wars, perceptions change and often opinions reverse. Was the title of ‘butcher’ fair for this freemason? It appears to have originated in York by Horace Walpole when the Duke would be granted the freedom of a company (in Scotland they are called Incorporations) and someone shouted ‘let it be the butchers!” There is no irrefutable evidence (I’m undoubtedly going to be picked up on this one!) that Cumberland was capable of much of what he was accused of in later years. Putting it in the perspective of the time, giving the order for the cavalry to charge after then kill retreating Jacobites was common military tactics, a tactic used by the Jacobites on Government troops at Prestonpans. Searching, taking weapons and probably killing Jacobite wounded was again common practice for all successful armies. Banning of tartan, etc was not Cumberland but the politicians.

Did he know about the atrocities committed by two of his officers (Captains Scott & Ferguson)? No one can answer, but if he did he would have likely have taken action against him as he did with many others under his command. To conclude, Generals Campbell and Forbes, loyalist Highlanders, had only the utmost respect for him both militarily and for his humanity as a soldier.

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

University Lodge Scheme One of the lessons from other Grand Lodge University schemes was that to attract Students a Lodge should have some historic significance and be in some operational difficulties. From experience this means the Lodge has to be close to ceasing, as existing members may not otherwise accept the changes required: 

The Lodge will require significant changes to its Bye-Laws.



The style of the Lodge will need to change.



Historic Lodges have more of an interest to academics.

Lodge St David No.36 was close to handing in its charter having been in difficulties for several years. Therefore it was selected as an appropriate Lodge to pilot the University Scheme.

The vast majority of established members believe that Lodge St David (University Lodge) No. 36 has benefited greatly from the University Scheme; having improved attendance at regular meetings, initiating ten gentleman; six attaining full membership; four taking office.

Meeting Format Most of the Lodge’s meetings have moved to a Saturday:  Tyle at 10:30am to open, complete administrative business and then adjourn. 

Resume at 11:00am to admit visitors and commence with degree work.



Formal Introductions kept to a minimum.



Degree work has been streamlined, while maintaining the character of the lodge.

Around 12:30pm commence harmony (@ £10, payable by all), which is three courses “white table” and good standard of musical entertainment, concluding around 2.30pm.

This style and quality of the meetings, degree work and harmony are excellent, and sets the right tone for the University Scheme.

Thanks to Bro. Jim Livingstone for compiling this summary.

Saturday morning meetings are becoming more popular with brethren, especially for some orders that hold 2/3 in one day—reduces three nights out to one which often saves a marriage!! The bold test above is mine. So many young brethren laugh at some of the titles and get frustrated with the long boring intros of who people are, particularly if they know them as if often the case!

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

Who was Bro. Albert Mackey?

Albert Gallatin Mackey, 33°, (1807–1881) was born in Charleston, South Carolina, a descendant of Old Covenanter Scots. His father was Bro. John Mackey, M.D., a member of Charleston’s Lodge No. 51.

Following Albert’s elementary education he tutored other students and later graduated from the Medical College of South Carolina in 1832. He is reported to have received a prize for the best thesis of his graduating class. He practiced medicine, notably during the 1836 cholera epidemic, and taught anatomy at the medical college, but retired in 1854 to devote himself to Freemasonry, research, and writing.

Bro. Mackey’s Masonic record is remarkable, and so extensive that it must be abbreviated. He was initiated, passed, and raised in Charleston’s St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 10, in 1841; he joined Solomon’s Lodge (in the same city), and was elected Worshipful Master thereof in 1842. The following year he was elected Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina (which office he held for 23 years). Bro. Mackey was also active in the York Rite. In 1845 he was elected Grand Lecturer of the General Grand Chapter of South Carolina, and in 1854 he was elected Grand High Priest. Four years later he was elected General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of the United States, which he held until 1865. He also was elected Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of S.C. at its creation in 1860.

At the time he joined the Scottish Rite in 1844, most of American Freemasonry was just beginning to reawaken from the effects of the anti-Masonic episode, which began in 1826.

The Scottish Rite was a small organization, and in South Carolina it was largely localized in Charleston. Recognizing Bro. Mackey’s abilities, the Supreme Council conferred upon him the 33° and appointed him Gr. Sec. General the same year. In addition to this position, he also acted as the Supreme Council’s de facto archivist and historian, preserving our records and later compiling a history. At the time of his death in 1881, he was the oldest Active Member of the Supreme Council.

As mentioned above, Ill. Bro. Mackey’s contributions also include an act which affected high degree Masonry worldwide. On March 20, 1853, Bro. Mackey communicated the Scottish Rite degrees to Albert Pike in Charleston. The two men knew each other from their association in the Grand Chapters of Royal Arch Masons, and met in Charleston to discuss matters of mutual concern. Bro. Mackey gave an outline of the content of each Scottish Rite degree, he then obligated Bro. Pike in each of the same, and gave him the secret work. Then, over the next couple of years, he encouraged Pike to study the degrees, loaning him the rituals. Bro. Pike transcribed them all into a 1,200-page bound manuscript he titled Masonic Formulas and Rituals. This collection became the basis for

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

Who was Bro. Albert Mackey? (ctd) Pike’s later ritual revisions.

As Mackey and Pike worked closer together, Mackey became convinced of the need for Pike’s leadership, which he worked to promote. In a letter written July 7, 1858, Mackey— who was the senior member of the Supreme Council and entitled to the office of Grand Commander by succession—wrote to Pike: “I am not yet done, however. The A. & A. Rite must be resuscitated.… You must and shall be at its head.… I waive, absolutely, my own claims as the oldest member now living.” This noble act cleared the course for the future success which the Scottish Rite would enjoy.

Bro. Mackey had an insatiable interest in the history, philosophy, and ritual of Masonry, and wrote many works still available today. He did not limit himself to one particular rite, but produced texts for the Blue Lodge and York and Scottish Rites. His first published Masonic book, the Lexicon of Freemasonry (1845), would be revised and expanded until it was so thoroughly enlarged that it became his renowned An Encyclopedia of Freemasonry (1874). In the introduction to his encyclopedia he explained that for an entire year he suffered vision problems requiring him to recite the individual articles, which his daughters transcribed. What remarkable dedication!

His other works include: The Mystic Tie (1851), The Ahiman Rezon of South Carolina (1852), Principles of Masonic Law (1856), Book of the Chapter (1858), Text-Book of Masonic Jurisprudence (1859), History of Freemasonry in South Carolina (1861), Manual of the Lodge (1862), Cryptic Masonry (1867), Symbolism of Free-Masonry (1867), and The History of Freemasonry (7 vols, 1898). In addition to his books, he was also editor of Masonic journals and newspapers.

During the War Between the States, Bro. Mackey continued to support the Federal Government, and after the war in 1865, President Andrew Johnson appointed him Collector of Customs at the Port of Charleston. Three years later he was elected a delegate of Charleston Co. to help form a constitution for the state, and upon the convention’s creation, he was elected its president. At the state’s first session of the legislature, he was but a single vote shy of being elected to the Senate of the United States. Following this, he withdrew from politics and moved with the Supreme Council to Washington, D.C., in 1870.

Bro. Henry Buist, who was initiated into Masonry while Bro. Mackey was grand secretary of the Grand Lodge of S.C., became Grand Master of S.C. in 1860 and said Mackey “was faithful to every public and Masonic duty. Treachery found no place in his character. He never betrayed a trust.” Surely, this is a man not only worth remembering, but emulating.

From The Scottish Rite magazine, March/April 2015

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

From the Columns On 9th April, Bro. Billy Reid received his 50 Year Jubilee Certificate (see below) from the lodge and was invited to sit in the E. Also on the night, Mr. Iain James Ross was initiated into the lodge by the brethren from Lodge St. Barchan No.156.

The following Thursday, the brethren travelled to Lodge Craigends No.1042 in Linwood to confer the MMD. The master was accompanied by ? brethren and enjoyed some harmony after the meeting.

On 23rd April, Bro. Iain Ross was passed to the FCD by Just as a wee conclusion, who dropped his son off at Glasgow Central and ended on the express train to Kilwinning which didn’t stop as Johnstone? Clue below!!!! Was MK0 good?!!!!

Congratulations On Saturday 11th April, Bro. Fraser Lees MM 242, WM 3021, PM 5005 was married in the Lyndhurst Hotel, Johnstone to Miss Nora Rachidi. It was great to see the Brethren from many English lodges (and 242) also attend the ceremony and his dad Bro. Willie was a very proud man. On behalf of all the brethren of 242, congratulations to you both. May God and Allah bless your marriage.

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

PGL News PGL Divine Service— Sunday 26th April in Cathcart Congregational Church 2.30 for 3pm PGL Tri-Annual Communication—Monday 27th April in Lodge 347 Rutherglen at 7.30pm.

Hall Re-Painted During the recess Bros. Jim McNeil Alm (photo below) and Eddie Gray worked incredibly hard for a number of weeks to re-paint the main hall, toilets, corridors and Social Club. I’m sure everyone will agree they have done a superb job and deserves wages for work very well done.

However, there was one mishap by Bro. Jim coming down the ladders and straight onto the carpet. No mess now though—well done guys.

Further Congratulations

The master, Bro. David Black (in both photos), and Bro. James McNeil Almoner presented the 60th Certificates to Bros. George Murphy and Bert Brydson in their homes just before the recess.

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

Knight Templar Reprieve The Knights Templar, the medieval Christian military order accused of heresy and sexual misconduct, will soon be partly rehabilitated when the Vatican publishes trial documents it had closely guarded for 700 years.

A reproduction of the minutes of trials against the Templars, "'Processus Contra Templarios -- Papal Inquiry into the Trial of the Templars'" is a massive work and much more than a book -- with a 5,900 euros ($8,333) price tag.

"This is a milestone because it is the first time that these documents are being released by the Vatican, which gives a stamp of authority to the entire project," said Professor Barbara Frale, a medievalist at the Vatican's Secret Archives. Nothing before this offered scholars original documents of the trials of the Templars," she told Reuters in a telephone interview ahead of the official presentation of the work on October 25.

The epic comes in a soft leather case that includes a large-format book including scholarly commentary, reproductions of original parchments in Latin, and -- to tantalize Templar buffs -- replicas of the wax seals used by 14th-century inquisitors. Reuters was given an advance preview of the work, of which only 799 numbered copies have been made. One parchment measuring about half a meter wide by some two meters long is so detailed that it includes reproductions of stains and imperfections seen on the originals.

Pope Benedict will be given the first set of the work, published by the Vatican Secret Archives in collaboration with Italy's Scrinium cultural foundation, which acted as curator and will have exclusive world distribution rights.

The Templars were founded in 1119 by knights sworn to protecting Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land after the Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099. They amassed enormous wealth and helped finance wars of some European monarchs. Legends of their hidden treasures, secret rituals and power have figured over the years in films and bestsellers such as "The Da Vinci Code".

The Vatican expects most copies of the work to be bought up by specialized libraries at top universities and by leading medieval scholars.

The Templars went into decline after Muslims re-conquered the Holy Land at the end of the 13th century and were accused of heresy by King Philip IV of France, their foremost persecutor. Their alleged offences included denying Christ and secretly worshipping idols. The most titillating part of the documents is the so-called Chinon Parchment, which contains phrases in which Pope Clement V absolves the Templars of charges of heresy, which had been the backbone of King Philip's attempts to eliminate them.

Templars were burned at the stake for heresy by King Philip's agents after they made confessions that most historians believe were given under duress. The parchment, also known as the Chinon Chart, was "misplaced" in the Vatican archives until 2001, when Frale stumbled across it. The parchment was catalogued incorrectly at some point in Cross Keys Sept. 2015

Knight Templar Reprieve (ctd) history. At first I couldn't believe my eyes. I was incredulous. This was the document that a lot of historians were looking for," the 37-year-old scholar said.

Philip was heavily indebted to the Templars, who had helped him finance his wars, and getting rid of them was a convenient way of cancelling his debts, some historians say.

Frale said Pope Clement was convinced that while the Templars had committed some grave sins, they were not heretics.

Their initiation ceremony is believed to have included spitting on the cross, but Frale said they justified this as a ritual of obedience in preparation for possible capture by Muslims. "Simply put, the pope recognized that they were not heretics but guilty of many other minor crimes -- such as abuses, violence and sinful acts within the order," she said. "But that is not the same as heresy."

Frale depicted the trials against the Templars between 1307 and 1312 as a battle of political wills between Clement and Philip, and said the document means Clement's position has to be reappraised by historians. "This will allow anyone to see what is actually in documents like these and deflate legends that are in vogue these days," she said.

Rosi Fontana, who has helped the Vatican coordinate the project, said: "The most incredible thing is that 700 years have passed and people are still fascinated by all of this."

"The precise reproduction of the parchments will allow scholars to study them, touch them, admire them as if they were dealing with the real thing," Fontana said.

From Reuters

September Events in 242

Thursday 10th窶認CD by Lodge 205 Thursday 24th窶認CD by 242

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

Grand Ball (October 1872) On 20th September, the Duke of Athole hosted the Grand Ball at Blair Castle in honour of the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The dukes and duchesses of Buccleuch, Sutherland, the Earl and Countess of March, Dunmore, Lord James Murray, Viscount Strathallan and various other dignitaries were also present including Colonel Campbell of Blytheswood. The Grand Master Mason, Bro. the Earl of Rosslyn, commenced the dancing at 11pm which ‘was kept up with great spirit till an early hour on Saturday morning.’

They clearly knew how to party!

St. George Conclave at Perth

On 9th May, St. George Conclave No.79 was invited to confer the KHS Grade at Grand Imperial Council of Scotland in Perth. This was a great honour during the anniversary year. The following knights assisted the Sovereign Grant Macleod: Jim McNeil, Eddie Gray, Kenny McCrae (Grand Sov Stewart Wood), John McAlpine, Peter Smolarek, Danny Birrell, REAR: Garry Forbes, Tommy Trotter, John McMaster, Andy Gillick, Walter Bell and the candidate David Morrison, a past sovereign of Queen’s Conclave in Glasgow. Thanks to all involved in a great day.

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

More Photos from the DGL of CSA

Top picture: Don Newman, Alistair Campbell SPGMs, Jim Kerr DDGM, GMM, Dave, Bob Law IPDGM, G Sec, Jim Jack Proxy DGM, Basil Woodward PDGM, Andy Kiloh, Paul Stanley SPGMs. The Grand Master and DGM (to right) at The Sunshine Centre which is a school for profoundly handicapped Children in Johannesburg which our District and Grand Lodge has supported.

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

Hiram a Beef Pythagoras is best known for the geometrical theorem that is named after him. The Pythagorean theorem or 47th problem of Euclid, as it is known to the Past Master, is inarguably of great importance to Geometry in a practical sense and to Freemasonry in a philosophical sense.

Ritual informs us that upon making the discovery Pythagoras shouted "Eureka" and many lodges carry that name today for this very reason. In actual fact Eureka isproperly associated with Archimedes who is said to have exclaimed it upon discovering the formula for the displacement of liquids. In either case these mathematical discoveries were well worth celebrating. But there is another point of ritual, which contains a word not well known today. It is said that after discovering his theorem, Pythagoras sacrificed a hecatomb.

Hecatomb is a word, which at one time was commonly known to mean 100 head of cattle.

There are many historians who argue that the ritualistic claim is inaccurate, and that Pythagoras made a substitution instead. Being a vegetarian, these historians claim, he would not have made such a sacrifice and being poor he would not have owned so great a sum as 100 head of cattle.

I am inclined to disagree with the historians and state categorically that the ritual must be correct. It is my firm belief that Pythagoras sacrificed such a quantity of cattle and probably even more. The theory is supported by the many installation banquets I've attended of late. I believe Pythagoras sacrificed these cows and we Freemasons have been forced to eat the meat ever since.

What other reason could there be for the proliferation of Roast Beef Dinners in our fraternity? My evidence is as follows: 2500 year old beef would be, by nature, very tough Have you ever been to a roast beef dinner where the beef wasn't tough? I have it on good authority that at least one Grand Lodge is considering adding a fourth question of applicants, "Do you like Roast Beef."

Presently there is one ritual committee greatly debating changing the name Hiram Abiff to Hiram A-Beef. This evidence is conclusive and I respectfully submit that it is proof positive for Pythagoras and his Hecatomb. The question remains where is it all kept?

In recent years Rosslyn Chapel has been associated with both the Knights Templar and Freemasonry and many contemporary authors have put forth theories as to what is buried under the chapel. I believe that the true treasure is a massive stockpile of Beef and I will petition the Rosslyn Trust to permit excavations to prove the theory.

Continued over

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

Hiram a Beef (ctd) Additionally many Masons have, since the word was lost sought to find it. I believe that this too is in error and that the true secret of Freemasonry is not the quest for the lost word, but rather the lost recipe that would permit Pythagoras' beef to be cooked in a manner that is palatable.

In closing Brethren, I do not expect all of you to support my theories as the evidence is at best circumstantial, but would it kill us to serve one chicken dinner? Is Chinese food so far out of the question as to threaten the foundation stone of our craft? Must we forever endure the actions of one ancient brother, who may or may not have been a dues paying member?

By the end of January 2002, I will have attended 10 installation banquets and will welcome a good old cheese sandwich. For the love of the craft, will no one rid us of this meddlesome cow?

By Bro. Stephen Dafoe, a new member at that time, but clearly a good visitor. Maybe he should try the steak pie round at Scottish Installations!

Bowling Success During the summer, the lodge won the Lord Blytheswood Bowling Trophy. The team, whoch won by 18 shots, consisted of Bros. Ross Green, Jim Taylor, John Flanagan and Chris Walker.

The photo shows Bro. Ross (on the left) and his winning shots while Bro. Jim celebrates!!

Congratulations guys.

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

Laughable Rubbish

The above was taken from a so called Christian publication. It describes all oath taking organisations as pagan! To give a flavour, here is a quote: As stated by the late Albert Pike, Supreme Pontiff of Freemasonry - members of the Lower Degrees are misled regarding the meaning of Masonic Symbols.

For example - ‘G’ is supposed to mean God or The Great Architect of the Universe but as the Member progresses up the Masonic Ladder - ‘G’ and all the other symbols take on different meanings until they come to the very top level - when the true meanings are revealed. (as above!!!!!)

Album Cover The front cover of Adamaski’s album Revolt. Some symbolism relating to the Royal Arch perhaps. Many album cover designers have used images with masonic symbols because they ‘look cool’ and sell albums.

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

Passing Thoughts Some of these were passed on from 3 brethren: 

As the number of masons gets smaller, the amount given to charity gets larger. Is this viable?  We put a lot of money into the Masonic Home on Bridge of Weir and yet we appear to have very few masons in it.  Does the council decide who is allowed into the home rather than us?  The only thing to come out of Grand Lodge is an increase of fees—why do they not have a plan for the next couple of years for brethren to see? Why is everything ‘bottom up’ such as the PGL RE’s various initiatives?

I am unable to provide answers so perhaps some other brn are able to help.

Masonic TV

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

In Memoriam The dead are like the stars by day … withdrawn from mortal eye… yet not extinct that hold their way In glory through the sky… .Spirits of bondage thus set free… .Vanish amidst immensity… While human thought… .Like human sight… .Fail to pursue…. Their trackless flight.

It is with deep sadness and much regret that we have to inform you of a loss sustained to the craft in Renfrewshire in the passing to the Grand Lodge above of the following Brother: Bros. Billy McLelland & Frankie Porter

Cross Keys Sept. 2015

To submit an article, contact the Editor: Grant Macleod E-Mail:

sec242pm@yahoo.co.uk

Lodge Website

www.lodge242.co.uk

Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo IPM 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 Sept. 2015