Cross Keys September 2017 (Freemasonry)

The Cross Keys September 2017

Number 202

The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No.242 Cross Keys September 2017

From the Editor A series of articles on Russian Freemasonry will start this month with an introduction for the Grand Lodge of Russia’s website.

This will be followed over the next few months with further articles cover the periods: Before 1750 1750—1790s: the enlightened period 1790s—1820s: a struggling period Present Day My thanks to VWBro. Anton Palyulin, the Assistant to the Grand Secretary of The Grand Lodge of Russia who gave permission to use their website and for advice and help throughout.

It is refreshing to see the masonry flourish again after the Communist period and that more and more Grand Lodges across the world are recognising them including the Grand Lodge of Scotland which is important as there is a Scottish connection as will become apparent over the forthcoming articles.

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

All Scottish Constitution.

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In this issue: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19

Russian Freemasonry Intro GL of Philippines 250th Anniversary Lecture in 242 Old Glasgow Masonic Hall Confederate Degree Team Money Raiser Road Crossing Bro. James Keanie Minute Book 1916 Defunct Mississippi Lodge Masonic Procession, Dorset James Douglas GMM Foundation Stone Ceremony The Pope & Malta Domatic Masons

September Meetings Thursday 14th James Donald Memorial Lecture Mr Craig Bryce The Trades House of Glasgow

Thursday 27th FC

by Garthland St. Winnoch No.205 7.30pm start

Russian Freemasonry After the more than 70-years in the dark, which was due to the laws of our not long ago closed society, prohibiting the very existence of any group, the aims of which were not precisely the same as the aims of governing party, the Russian Freemasonry has been revived.

Actually, our history has not interrupted, and all this time, Russian Masonry has been keeping and developing its ideas, its principles and traditions, in other countries. Feeling deep gratitude towards our brethren like Mikhail Vassilyevitch Garder, reading the history and the records of the meeting of Russian Lodges in France, we without a shadow of doubt say, that the Russian Masonry of today is the genuine offspring and descendant of the Russian Masonry of the times of Alexander Pushkin (famous poet and playwright) and Alexander Suvorov (military leader). The Fraternity not only has revived here, but it constantly grows and develops.

The first masonic organisations appeared on the Russian territory relatively early, the first Lodge was regularly founded in Saint Petersburg in 1731, though its members seem to have been British and Dutch only.

Some persistent legends concerning the masonic membership of the Tsar Peter have absolutely no historical confirmations. It is known that Peter was interested in building societies, in particular he had some attested contacts with Christopher Wren, but is seems that this interest concerned the pure

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operative side of the work, he had a country to rebuild, so the architectural connections in that context were completely understandable.

Many ordinary Lodges are systematically publishing research articles and organising masonic education meetings for their members. The Craft working is not limited to the “Russian Emulation” ritual related to the AASR—there are also many Lodges following the French working of the 1786’s Moderns Rite, one Lodge works following the English Union Rite in its Emulation version. Recently, Master Masons are now able to continue their education in a Royal Arch Chapter under the English constitution.

The Grand Lodge of Russia was constituted by the Grand Loge Nationale Francaise on 24th June, 1995. We have been recognised now by 70 Grand Lodges, including all the British Grand Lodges and many European and American Grand Lodges.

From the GL’s website: http://www.russianmasonry.ru

Grand Lodge of the Philippines A couple of editions back, Freemasonry in the Philippines was discussed. This is a slight update about the recent installation of the Grand Lodge Officers last April at the Annual Conference for Masonic Year 2017-2018 with the Appendant Bodies: Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Amaranth, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Jobs Daughters, DeMolay, Royal Order of Scotland, Scot-

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tish Rite and York Rite.

As can be seen below, this is a very open affair with the family and all the orders relating to the Craft in attendance. An interesting concept which I think we are a long way from seeing, if ever.

Congratulations to all involved.

250th Anniversary This June saw 250 years of Freemasonry in the Western Isles with Fortrose Lodge No. 108 in Stornoway celebrating that anniversary. On the Friday evening, we had a talk by Brother Alexander (Sandy) Matheson PM in the Stornoway Town Hall. The talk was entitled The Lodge and Lewis 250 years in amity. This was an open meeting and a lot of the seats were occupied by non-masons. The hall was quite full, with some of the audience upstairs in the balcony area. There was a display of Lodge memorabilia and old minutes and a list of charitable donations made over the last 40 years.

On Saturday 3rd June, we held the rededication ceremony in the Nicolson Institute. This was carried out by The Grand Lodge of Scotland, headed on this occasion by MW Grand Master Mason Brother Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont. This was a very dignified ceremony and one that will be remembered by the Brethren. Bro Colin

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Scott MacKenzie showed us an apron that belonged to his great, great grandfather who was a founder member and whose name is on the charter from Grand Lodge.

Three members received long service certificates from MW Grand Master, Bro George N. MacLeod 60 years, Norman Smith and Sandy Matheson PM 50 years. They also received a Jewel. RWM Bro Derek MacKay presented MW Grand Master with a special bottle of Abhainn Dearg whisky.

When the Lodge closed, in Gaelic, we all headed for Lews Castle for our celebration dinner. The foundation stone was laid by the members of Fortrose Lodge. We enjoyed a wonderful meal in great surroundings. The speeches were short and at times humorous. The MW Grand Master presented RWM Bro MacKay with a photograph which now hangs in the Lodge.

My thanks to Bro. Henry W. MacInnes PM (Secretary)

Special Meeting Lodge 242 Lecture On 14th September, 2017 Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No. 242 will host the James Donald Memorial Lecture in the Masonic Hall, Johnstone. The speaker is Mr Craig Bryce Past Deacon of the Incorporation of Masons talking about The Trades House.

242 lecture makes the headlines‌‌

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Old Glasgow Masonic Hall Lodge Plantation No. 581 in Glasgow had their own premises from 1893 until 1983 when the repairs to it were too much. The building was sold to Glasgow City Council who later demolished it and whole street (see bottom) as part of the re-development of the Rutland Crescent area (near Eglinton Toll) at Ibrox.

As can be seen, it was a lovely building with its unique display at the top. Inside the lodge room was also a treat.

The lodge now meets at 3 Mafeking Street at Ibrox Stadium. http://lodgeplantation581.co.uk/

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The Yankees are Coming!

Let’s hope not—the Mississippi Confederate Masonic Degree Team are about. The was organized in May 2012 to help promote interest in free masonry and granting members a chance to become proficient in their work, while allowing them a chance to gain knowledge in the fraternity during the War Between the States.

Each member is requested to research clothing and equipment used during the period from April 1861 to April 1865, obtain a uniform and articles used by the Confederate forces during that time frame. He may choose from any branch of service including medical, chaplains, civilians and if desired Union, before he can participate in the degrees.

Each member is also asked to be able to relate a short account of a Masonic event that took place during the Civil War. The funeral contained both Union and Confederate forces. Members may also tell about their ancestors, who were in the war, relate stories of their lodges or towns or battles close to their homes. These are to be short so as not to interfere with the importance of the degree or slighting the candidate.

True Tenants of Freemasonry during the Civil War because this would be invalid. I received a few e-mails when we first began suggesting we change the name because many Southerners joined the Union.

This was a war in which many families were torn apart, some never to recover; friends were pitted against each only to face one another in some of the bloodiest battles ever fought on American soil. Many found themselves holding the dying and mutilated bodies of their fathers, sons, brothers, and longtime friends; such was the case of a father discovering his dying son. The son was a Confederate soldier, the father Union, being unable to play "Dixie" at his son's funeral he was allowed to perform a song which is still used today at military burials, known by all as "Taps�.

Another important reason for doing this is to honour those who gave their lives and limbs to defend their beliefs, both Federal and Confederate. Masonry and the Military are so intertwined that masons (and everyone) must not forget the huge sacrifice made by so many.

We did not form this team to make a political statement or to give the impression that only My thanks to Bro. Gene Vincent PM No.31 (Texas) picConfederates were the ones who practiced the tured front left.

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Interesting Event Another from Texas! Lodges are always looking for ways to raise money, Well, Tupelo Lodge has an interesting and unique way to raise a sizeable amount of money in one month—a gun sale. From all accounts it was highly successful, but perhaps not feasible in the UK!

300th Anniversary Stamps

The 300th Anniversary of English speculative freemasonry has been celebrated in various ways.

Here is another.

Although I’m not a stamp collector, this is a fine set of stamps from Isle of Man with OBs’ jewels.

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Freemasonry in the Community The introduction of highly-visible flags as an added safety feature at pedestrians crosswalks. Flags were introduced in the City of Halifax a couple of years ago.

Here’s the idea: a stand of highly-visible, reflective blaze orange flags is located at each end of a pedestrian crosswalk – on a busy road, for example. When a pedestrian wishes to use the crosswalk they take a flag, display it to stop traffic and again as the person crosses the road, and when safely across, deposit the flag in the stand provided on the other end of the road. And, it makes for a safer crosswalk. In Halifax, where the program was initiated by the municipality about a year ago, people are using them and there are fewer incidents of them being struck by vehicles.

sponsored by a different organization.

There are three new stations with one manned by King Solomon Lodge No.54 under the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia.

The pilot project led by Special Constable Richard Parry of Lodge 54 is a great example of brethren making a positive difference to their community.

Each flag station in the town of Digby was

The Anchor Lodge of Research No.1814 On Friday 1st September, Bro. George McCaughey PM 321 will present a talk on: The History of the Clyde Submarine Base, Faslane Meeting in the Masonic Hall, West Stewart Street in Greenock.

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Across the Globe

Just before the recess, the Grand Lodge of Estonia met with the support of many Grand Lodges across the world which recognise it. Among some of the leaders of the Craft in the front row are the Grand Masters from Scotland, Russia, Sweden.

Last May in Paris, a rally organised by a French Grand Lodge recognised the martyrs of the Paris Commune who were shot by the Army in May 1871 who were in opposition to the Socialist government of the time. This resulted in more than 20,000 being killed. Should GLs become involved in such events? If it’s part of a country’s history then there is no reason.

For example, the GL of Scotland has a planned procession in 2018 to mark the end of WW1.

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In 1914, a number of brethren had volunteered to join the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders—the local regiment, and possibly due to Bro. Col. Paton being OC for the 2nd Battalion. In the August they left Johnstone for Bedford Camp to begin training. 9 months later they left Bedford for the front line of the Somme in France as part of the 51st Highland Brigade. The brethren who left were: Bro. Lt James S. Paton Sgt Andrew S. J. Gow Sgt John Simpson Cpl George Love LCpl John McIntosh Pte Thomas McFarlane Pte Alexander Walker Pte Alexander Gault Pte Alexander Wright Although the brethren were quite a distance away, they were not forgotten about—letters back and forth were constantly sent informing the brethren of events in the lodge and wishing them well. Money for items was also sent such as military hair brushes and this mist have been a source of encouragement in dark times. It is unlikely the brethren were aware of the horrors to face them.

Unlike most people’s notions of a camp, Bedford was different—the huge Scottish Highland Division was forming in this English town and often were quartered in houses of locals who were decanted elsewhere.

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Bro. Col. Paton, probably in his capacity as OC or as father of the first brother above, visited the brethren in Bedford. A visit by the IPM of the lodge must have been very welcome and emphasised to them that they were not forgotten about.

Although Bro. Jim Paton would never act as Chairman of Paton’s Ltd (his brother and cousins did), he was popular in the factory albeit reckless on his motorbike. Perhaps some of the scenes he witnessed during the war made his behave in this manner.

Sgt Andrew Gow would go into office, but like his comrades in Bedford, would never take the chair. He was, however, wounded in action in France and the lodge secretary Bro. Alex Downs wrote a letter to him from the brethren of the lodge. Again, this contact was never lost and must have been some comfort to our brethren serving in H. M. Forces.

Mississippi Lodge No.56 in Rodney Rodney is a semi-abandoned town in Jefferson County, Mississippi, about 30 miles north of Natchez which was named in honour of a local judge. The town printed two newspapers, The Rodney Standard and The Rodney Telegraph, had churches , a lecture hall, thespian groups, and its own quality schools. On a number of occasions, traveling actors and musicians on the passing steamboats provided entertainment for Rodney residents at the Masonic Hall.

became the capitol of Mississippi, but the river changed its course in the early 20th century, and the town declined rapidly.

The lodges was chartered in 1843, but moved to another town in 1921 before merging with Washington No.3.

The whole town is now falling apart and the lodge building is no better than the other buildings.

It was once a thriving river town that nearly

The lodge does, however, have one claim to fame. Its minutes in 1845 below show the rules put in place to avoid duelling!

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Freemasons’ Walk in Dorset The Freemasons of Blandford accompanying the Provincial Grand Master for Dorset, and many Provincial Officers, Parade from the Masonic Hall on West Street to the Town Hall.

Why? When an organisation can boast 300 years of enthralling men from every walk of life, it’s time to celebrate! And that is just what happened in Blandford. Probably 9 months ago, amid a flurry of divergent ideas, it was decided “let’s keep it simple”, we have a tradition, albeit not ventured into much recently, of Parading through our towns resplendent in our finest regalia, reminding ourselves, and those who stood a while to watch, that we are proud of our heritage, and that being a Freemason needs to be celebrated, especially after 300 years.

The Parade was followed by a meeting that admitted a new man to our Order, with the Provincial Grand Master officiating, the meeting over, back to the Masonic Hall for a restorative drink, then over the road to the Crown Hotel for an excellent meal and a chance to talk over the day, which we did, all night.

Keep an eye out in 2018 for the GL of Scotland Procession. Details to follow.

Former President of Ghana Congratulations to Right Worshipful Brother, His Excellency John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor, PGSwdB, former President of the Republic of Ghana, who was appointed Senior Grand Warden last April by the Grand Master of the UGLE, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent.

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Wallace Masonic Lodge No.146 (IC)

The above excerpt is from the Cross Keys in February 2010. W. Bro. Tony is back on the Chair this year and it is hoped that we are able to take a small deputation over to Wallace on Saturday 20th January, 2018. Our SW at the time is the current master in 242—sign of the times.

If any brother is interested in attending the installation in January 2018, please see Bros. Sec or Graham (Master).

Russian Themes Two images from the Grand Lodge of Russia which will lead to a couple of articles in future editions of the Cross Keys relating to Russian Freemasonry.

The first photo is a lodge banner from Quatuor Coronati Research Lodge No.8 and the second a wreath made for the 102nd commemoration of the Armenian Genocide where 1.5 million Christians were exterminated by Ottoman Muslims in 1915 (Turkey today). Turkey still refuses to accept a genocide took place!!!

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Grand Master Masons of Scotland James Douglas, 14th Earl of Morton (1702 – 1768) was a Scottish astronomer and representative peer.

He graduated MA from King's College, Cambridge in 1722. After the Grand Tour of Europe, he became close friends with the Scottish mathematician Colin MacLaurin and along with five others formed the Philosophical Society of Edinburgh in which he was President from its foundation until his death.

He also became who was President of the President of the Royal Society in 1764, and also the Royal Academy of Sciences in Paris and was a distinguished patron of astronomy.

In 1746 he visited France, and was imprisoned in the Bastille for three months, probably as a suspected Jacobite as he had a long lasting tendency to protest the actions of the British government. However, this is unlikely.

During Morton's presidency of the Royal Society the Greenwich observatory was placed under the society's management, Mason and Dixon were charged to measure a degree of latitude during the course of their famous survey, and preparations were made for the

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observation of the 1769 transit of Venus for which Morton, in his capacity as a commissioner of longitude, had obtained government funding. A letter, in which offers hints to the consideration of Captain Cook, Mr. Bankes, Doctor Solander and other gentlemen who go upon the expedition on board the Endeavour dated Chiswick, 10 August 1768, is held by the National Library of Australia.

Moreton Bay (mis-spelling of his name) was named by Capt. Cook in his honour.

The Earl became Grand Master Mason of Scotland 1739-40 and Grand Master of England 1741-42 so was fairly active at this time. Freemasonry must have been an important aspect of the family as his son, Sholto Douglas, later Aberdour and grandson, George Douglas, also became Grand Masters of both countries.

Foundation Stone Ceremony Lodges all over the UK used to conduct these ceremonies on a regular basis. Today, in this country it is virtually unheard of. In Johnstone, the original Town Hall, our lodge building (below) and the Municipal Buildings in Collier Street were laid with masonic honours (in a later article).

However, more recently Wasatch Academy in Utah held a cornerstone ceremony for the school’s new Admin Building. The ceremony was performed by members of the Grand Lodge of Utah and this is still a common occurrence with US Grand Lodges.

facility. It’s a great bridge between the customs of the past and the innovations of today.”

A traditional cornerstone ceremony involves: 1. checking the stone, using ancient tools, to be certain it's square, plumb and level, 2. consecrating the cornerstone with corn , wine and oil, which are Masonic symbols of prosperity, health, and peace, 3. symbolically tapping the stone into place with a gavel.

These ceremonies were very public affairs usually with large crowds attending with processions Wes Ing, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of involving many of a town’s organisations.

Utah said “We’re using the ancient tools and traditions of masonry to dedicate a state of the art

The Football At the last home game last season, Rangers FC played Aberdeen. Bro. Alistair Dowie MM 242 was stewarding and I think it clear to see the expression on his face as Aberdeen score. Probably summed up the whole stadium!

This is the first team, I believe, not to have a freemason in its squad. May well explain its poor performance last season?!!

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The Pope and Knights of Malta It has emerged that during a meeting between Pope Francis and Cardinal Burke last November about the scandal of the Knights of Malta (nothing to do with the Masonic Knights of Malta) distributing condoms and oral contraceptives in Africa, the Pope instructed Cardinal Burke to “clean out� Freemasonry and take appropriate action; he gave this order to Cardinal Burke in his role as patron of the Knights of Malta in Rome by papal appointment.

The article by an RC newspaper is clearly biased as it tried to warn Catholics about evil affects the 300th Anniversary of the English Craft. Very sad indeed, that this is how they think.

Woolton Hall Woolton Hall is an 18th century Palladian manor house on the outskirts of Liverpool, has been abandoned since 2006, and was used for events such as weddings, bust most notably as a meeting place for Masonic lodges; the Woolton Group of Masonic lodges meeting there. Around ten lodges met in the

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Hall for around twenty years, and the remnants of these lodge rooms can still be seen, complete with Masonic decoration on the walls and abandoned organs used for Masonic hymns. Some lodges that once met at the hall have since closed.

Worthwhile Cause to Support Bro. Angus Rhodes PM, a good friend of some 242 brethren is raising money on behalf of the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital which is the main charity supported by KT (Angus’s favourite Order). The devaluation of the pound has left them short a million pounds from what they normally have to raise every single year. His story is on the website: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/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 UK, we know them for providing voluntary services via the St John Ambulance, but they also provide extensive free services via the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group to various people in Israel and Palestine including various outreach services to people who would otherwise go or remain blind or partially so.

Domatic Masons The term Domatic comes from Scotland and was used there to describe operative stonemasons, as apart from Geomatic or Gentlemen masons. The Domatic Lodge No. 177 (EC) was established in February 1786 in London. The warrant, No. 234, was granted for those who were operative masons or engaged in the building business. This was found to be too restrictive so in 1789 they were granted a second warrant for general initiations.

In 1795 the committee were authorised to dispose of the second warrant so it was sold in 1796 to a brother who helped form a lodge, now known as the Lion and Lamb Lodge, No. 192, London. From December 1785 the Domatic Lodge met at the Ship Tavern, Little Turnstile, Holborn, London. After twelve meetings under dispensation, it was formally constituted in 1786 by Bro. Lawrence Dermott. In 1789 when the second warrant was issued the lodge met at the Sun,

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Gate Street, Lincoln's Inn Field's, both warrants were held at the same places until the second was sold.

The Domatic lodge then moved to several inns and taverns around the Holborn area.

The lodge now meets at the London Masonic Centre, Clerkenwell Green, Clerkenwell, London. The lodge name 'Domatic' means a practical or operative lodge.

From the lodge was formed Domatic Chapter No.206 (EC) using its special ritual and working in Falcon Tavern, Fetter Lane, London. Although many lodges and chapters have lost the catechism style of questioning, the chapter maintains this link with the old style table lodges at the dinner when the First Principal questions the First Sojourner.

A number of RA Chapters now use this working.

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In Memoriam 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: Bro. John R. S. Keith Depute PGM RW

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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