TESSELLATED Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand
TALES Summer 2017
Tessellated Tales
The District Grand Master’s End of Year Message As another Masonic Year draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the special year this has been. We have seen and been part of the 300 year celebrations of our English Grand Lodge. In the year 1717 the first Grand lodge in the world was formed. Four lodges that were to shape the destiny of Freemasonry worldwide. Three hundred years of Grand Lodge!, to put that in perspective, Captain James Cook hadn’t yet been born, (1728-1779) Australia and New Zealand’s discovery by a British sailor hadn’t yet been achieved, America was still a colony, the world was going through some major changes and Freemasonry was at the forefront of those changes. Change is an inevitability of life, and as masonry in New Zealand moves forward we see new members coming into the Craft, bringing with them the future building blocks that will continue to grow on the firm foundations laid down by those that have gone before. What a joy it is to see them progress through the offices of the Lodge and achieve the Master’s chair. When one of our elder brothers lays down his tools, not for the last time but to rest after years of labouring for Freemasonry and his District, we see a newer brother take up his tools. The knowledge gained is not lost but passed to the younger generation to enable the District to thrive into the next 300 years. Very Worshipful Bro Bruce McMurtrie is one of those brothers that has toiled long and hard for Freemasonry and this District. Twenty-three years he has been the District Grand Secretary for the North Island English Masonic District and there would be few brethren that would match his knowledge of the Craft in general and the inner workings of the District. We are not saying farewell to Bruce although he has stepped down from his role I’m sure he will continue to be a support to the new District Grand Secretary. At our annual November Communications held in Rotorua we had the pleasure of Right Worshipful Brother Sir David Wooten our Assistant Grand Master accompanied by Right Worshipful Brother Oliver Lodge our Grand Director of Ceremonies from The United Grand Lodge in London. We don’t often get some of the top dignitaries from Grand Lodge so it was a pleasure and an honour to receive them. Being able to receive such illuminated brothers not just from our Grand Lodge in the United Kingdom but also those that travelled from around the Pacific, from Australia, from Hong Kong and the Far East, and from the Eastern Archipelago. We also welcomed our sister Constitutions who we share masonry with in these islands and especially our brothers from the English Masonic District of the South Island of New Zealand. The ‘behind the scenes’ operation to bring this to fruition was made possible by the well organised team of brethren from a variety of lodges in our district. Our thanks Page 1
Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand
Tessellated Tales go to W Bro Graeme Martin who, through his leadership, and with the assistance of W Bro Tony Mansfield brought together a Communications that will be remembered for many years to come. This year has seen us take a memorable step in how, we as Masons, work in the community, through the launch of the - Teddies for Loving Care programme – ably lead by W Bro. Tony Mansfield, which will bring many a smile to small children that have to go to an emergency ward throughout our District. He has worked tirelessly to bring this worthwhile project to a satisfactory unveiling. This charity was launched in the county of Essex, UK in 2001. Prior to the start of TLC a great deal of research was carried out. Hospitals were asked how many Teddies would be needed. The need to establish what style and size would best suit the children in order to meet the stringent toy safety regulations and still be ‘cuddly’ enough to appeal to smaller children. In 2017 the trust has announced that so far over one million Teddies have been distributed throughout the United Kingdom. I am sure that everyone throughout the North Island District will, in coming years get behind this project to ensure that it continues its worthwhile distribution to children; who when entering an emergency ward will feel great comfort in holding one of our Teddies. The New Year will also see changes as a new Distinct Grand Master will be installed in the South Island. After fourteen years RW Bro Geoffrey Rowe District Grand Master for the South Island New Zealand will be stepping aside for his replacement W Bro Richard Taylor the current Assistant District Grand Master. Nothing further remains but for me to say thank you for all the help and support you have given me, the District, and the other District Officers during the year. On behalf of Desré and myself I wish you and your families and very enjoyable Christmas Season and may the New Year bring you health, peace and prosperity. RW Bro Brian Westhead. District Grand Master District of North Island New Zealand
Chapter Chat Chapters in our district are all doing reasonably well, some of course in a stronger position than others, but they all need your support, so please get out and visit other chapters to support each other. We have been looking into the possibility of establishing a new Charter in Auckland, and with all these exercises a lot of investigation and preparation work is required, due to some of the conditions required by London this project is on hold at this time. This does not mean we are not looking into the possibility of an English Royal Arch Chapter in Taupo, this challenge is still very much a work in progress. Let us all work towards the ongoing success of all our chapters in our District. Ex Comp Michael Chopping P CCGP
Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand
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Tessellated Tales
From the desk of the new District Grand Secretary any Americans they are better known as an AT6. Apart from the enjoyment I get from my masonry I also enjoy traveling and writing. I have written two books so far, both of them biographical works.
for those that have placed their trust in me to be the District Grand Secretary.
I started my first company in 1982, which was an engineering company specialising in design and build of special purpose machinery with a focus on pneumatics (low cost automation). Then after ten years I added another business specialising in Vacuum that related to the pneumatic side of the business. I sold it all in 2002 and then moved on to other endeavours.
Although I do believe what the person was trying to say, was that I had to be more serious when it come to writing to Someone once said to me you as a District Secretary when I took on this job I now and not try to funny, but write had to be serious. Emmm! Yes, with decorum. Like everything well. What is serious? I’m very in a season there is time for serious about my family, the everything. love of my partner, my son, my Most of what I have to do for immediate family. I’m serious the District will always be with dignity. As I said earlier the subject of my use of English grammar. There might be times when my writings may show a lack of basic use of correct grammar, it’s hard sometimes to use a correct past participle but once the letter has gone then it’s on its way. You might find a dangling modifier that I’ve used and if you do find one please let me know where it is as I’ve never really understood them. I will not be insulted by your comments as I do enjoy the learning process. Was that serious enough?
Having an interest in history over my life time I decided in my later years I would go to university and study for a Batchelor of Arts degree, majoring in history. I realise that for many it can be a boring subject but for others the subject matter is fascinating. As part of the BA I also achieved a minor in English (more on that subject later). I hold a private pilots license and have flown a variety of fixed wing aircraft, from Piper cubs to Harvard’s for
about my masonry, when I do my ritual I do the best I can with the few brains cells that have been allotted to me. I’m very serious about the enjoyment I get from my association with my masonic brotherhood. The friends that I’ve made over the years, the improvement in my own character, the knowledge I’ve gained by being part of such a worthwhile organisation, this I’m very serious about. I strive to do the best job I can
So, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas (don’t get drunk and drive we want you back next year to correct my English). May the New year bring you the happiness you seek, the health that you need, and the good fortune that will help you through life. I promise to be serious next year.
To everything there is season and the times they have changed. Let me introduce myself. For many of you in the District you may know me by sight, others may not know me at all. So, for the start of my tenure as District Grand Secretary here is my story. I was born in Manchester England in 1948 and emigrated to New Zealand with my parents in 1962. I finished my education at Avondale College then left to start an apprenticeship as a Sheet metal worker. Married then divorced after nearly thirty years with one son from that marriage.
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Kind wishes W Bro Ron Pemberton District Grand Secretary
Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand
Tessellated Tales
From your roving reporter The second Saturday in November is always a challenge with the installations of both Zealandia No. 2072 and Ponsonby No. 708 SC happening on that day. Further complicated with the installation of Aorangi No. 2300, also on the same day. It’s a difficult choice to make, especially as all the lodges are noted for the friendliness and enthusiasm with which they greet their visitors.
social hour before heading for the lodge. The installation was a relaxed event, until a certain Grand Officer was spotted without regalia by the DC, and was asked to retire with the entered apprentices. A little shame-faced, the Grand Officer confessed to having left his regalia in Auckland,
This year, it was decided that we would head for Zealandia as we hadn’t been there for three years and we really were overdue to go and see them. The logistics proved a challenge but we managed to get a team together and head for the relaxed North on a sunny Saturday.
was followed by a relaxed and enjoyable refectory. Refectory being concluded, the travelling team returned back to their motel where the conviviality continued; for quite an extended period for some. So much so that one of travellers who swore they would be ready to go at 8.00am the next day not only had to be roused but also seemed to need re-assurance as to location and what was to happen next. Sunday morning saw a visit to the local market where some interesting advertising was spotted, followed by a tasty breakfast with some of the lodge before heading back south.
The travelling team agreed we made a good choice going up about which a certain amount to Kerikeri this year and we all of teasing was found necessary. look forward to going back Arriving early, we met up The masonic status of the Grand there in the future. with our colleagues from the Officer having been settled Scottish and Irish constitutions to the satisfaction of the DC, W Bro Tony Mansfield and settled down for a convivial the ceremony proceeded, and PDGJD
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The Jewels of the Craft Part Two: Medals and Early Officer’s Jewels Again I acknowledge with grateful thanks W Bro Trevor Harris for granting permission to use material from his book “The Medals and Jewels of British Freemasonry”.
Fig. 3 depicts the Freemasons Hall medal issued in 1780. This medal was presented to brethren and lodges for contributions towards the building of the first Freemasons Hall in London. The Foundation Stone was laid in 1775.
Medals: From the early days of Freemasonry right up to recent years, there have been medals issued by Masonic lodges and bodies for commemorative or other reasons. It almost seems, looking back, that any occasion was an excuse for a new medal. The first known medal was the Sackville Medal issued in 1730. Charles Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset, visited Italy in 1730 and in 1733 was reputed to have become the first Master of a lodge in Florence. Fig. 1 shows the Minorca medal issued in 1749. This medal was struck for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Minorca where three lodges had been constituted. The lodges stopped working when the island was ceded to Spain.
Figure 3.
Fig. 4 shows the Nine Worthies medal from 1792. The medal was also known as the “Nine Excellent Masters” and was worn by senior Antient or Athol masons who visited Antient Lodges around England in an effort to standardise their ritual. After the amalgamation of the two Grand Lodges in 1813, these medals were recalled in 1817 but only seven of the nine were returned.
Figure 4. Figure 1.
Each year from 1841, the Royal Masonic Institution Fig. 2 shows a medal issued on the formation for Boys and the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls of Union Lodge No. 370 in Exeter in 1766. each issued a presentation medal for “General Interestingly, the Lodge was restricted to twenty Good Conduct”. Fig. 5 shows an example from members of high rank. The lodge ceased working the Royal Institution for Boys. and was erased in 1789.
Figure 2.
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Figure 5.
Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand
Tessellated Tales Fig. 6 shows the medal issued in 1884 to commemorate the Worcester Masonic Exhibition, the first of a series of exhibitions to display Masonic artefacts, books and medals.
Figure 6.
R F Gould was a noted Masonic researcher who was one of the founders of Quator Coronati Lodge, which is now the premier research lodge in the world. The founders insisted on using an evidence-based approach to the study of Masonic history. As such, their approach was new and unusual, and they intended that the results should “replace the imaginative writings of earlier authors on the history of Freemasonry.” This began what is now called the “authentic school” of Masonic research. R F Gould was the author of the then definitive, multi-volume “History of Freemasonry”. Fig. 7 shows a medal issued to mark his membership of the craft for 50 years.
Figure 8.
Early Officers Jewels: While many of the early Officers jewels were similar in design to those in current use and it is fairly obvious the early designs were standardised into the designs used today, that was not always the case. Fig. 9 shows a Lodge Secretary jewel from around 1780. Jewels like this were made in several pieces and welded together on the back.
Figure 7.
Figure 9.
Figs 10 and 11 show Deacons’ jewels from Lodge Fig. 8 shows the pair of medals issued in 1976 as of Industry No. 48. Formed around 1717, the a framed set to commemorate the Bi-centenary lodge recognised the role of Deacons around of the original Freemasons Hall in London. The 1733. In Moderns’ Lodges, the current Deacons’ top jewel was a reproduction of the original work was usually performed by Stewards. In Antients Lodges, the Deacons generally used Freemasons Hall jewel from 1780 (see Fig. 3). wands surmounted by a figure of Hermes or Mercury, the Greek or Roman God and Guide to Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand
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Tessellated Tales Travellers. It was not until the amalgamation in 1813 that the familiar dove design appeared.
Through the 1800s various symbolic jewels were worn. Many were worn as Past Masters jewels but others were presented to the officers of the lodge. Fig. 12 shows a symbolic jewel from about 1830 presented to the Senior Warden of Lodge Harmony No. 641.
Figure 10.
Figure 12.
Next - Part Three: Founder and Consecrating Officer Jewels W Bro Tony Mansfield PDJGD
Figure 11.
Mark Degree Honours At a ceremony in Christchurch, W Bro Alan Polashek, South Canterbury Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 300, was appointed Past District Grand Senior Warden in acknowledgement of his long time leadership and support to the Lodge and to Masonry generally. W Bro Connal Townsend, Deputy DGM, attended and he gave W Bro Terry Williams, another stalwart of South Canterbury Lodge, and also Grand Chaplain NZ District Grand lodge of MMM’s – NZC, the honour of investing W Bro Alan. W Bro Murray Macdonald PAGDC Page 7
Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand
Tessellated Tales
The same, but different
It was mid-October again and, that being the case, it was time for the annual tour of the East Cape region, with installations at Opotiki and Turanganui to attend and fun to be had along the way. There was a bit of a stutter before we even started when we were told the annual Motu Challenge would be happening on the same weekend and there was no accommodation available. Fortunately, with the help of Rex Newton from Ara Lodge No. 348 I.C., accommodation was found and we were able to
the morning, back down to the lodge room for the full cooked breakfast they provide each year. Even though the whitebait fritters were being rationed (only one quarter fritter per mason)
relax and look forward to the trip.
pretty good condition if a bit windy in places and it does take nearly double the travelling time but what a fantastic trip. The scenery is very special indeed. After a brief stop in Tokomaru Bay for some lunch and in Tolaga Bay to look at the famous wharf, we eventually arrived in Gisborne somewhat weary but very pleased we had taken the time to make that trip, even if it mean a couple of the team missed a lodge practice.
the hospitality of the Opotiki brethren really is outstanding. Sadly, some of the travelling party had to return to Auckland and left us there. Usually we would have headed to Gisborne through the Waioeka Gorge where the scenery is quite stunning but, this year, some of us decided to take the longer route round the coast which we hadn’t used for some years. The road was, fortunately, in
Then came the next challenge. Three adults plus luggage and regalia is not difficult to fit into a full size car. However, when you need to add a box of 100 teddy bears (of which more later), fitting everything becomes more difficult. A bit of perseverance and the application of a little unseemly language and everything was fitted in and we were off for a pleasant cruise on a sunny Saturday morning. Our spirits were soon revived by a welcoming An uneventful drive to Opotiki followed, pausing drink at the home of Tony DaCosta and a only to partake of the usual excellent breakfast at pleasant dinner at the Fishing Club. The next day we were welcomed at Merv Harding’s farm Ronnies in Matamata. for what has become a regular part of the trip, Once at our destination, it was into our suits a marvellous morning tea. Of course, no trip to and down to the lodge room for the installation the farm is complete until Lake Harding has been meeting. As always, we received a fabulous duly inspected. welcome from the Opotiki brethren, who went out of their way to make us feel at home. A In the afternoon, we had the very great pleasure good meeting was followed by a great refectory of calling at the Gisborne Hospital which is although, sadly, there was no whitebait prizes the pilot site for the Teddies for Loving Care for the raffles. Despite the best efforts of Jeff Programme. The car finally disgorged the initial Vanstone (who had travelled done early with the supply of teddies which were presented to the express purpose of providing some), it seems the hospital by the masters of the four local lodges. whitebait were being elusive and were even to be The teddies were really well received by the nurses and we look forward to hearing how they are rationed at the breakfast. received by the children. The presentation and Back to the motel for the after match function, the programme were given a really good write thoroughly enjoyed by all as usual and then, in Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand
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Tessellated Tales The evening saw us welcomed by the brethren of the Turanganui Lodge for the installation meeting followed by an enjoyable refectory and then it was back to the motel for a good night’s sleep before heading back to Auckland. Another great trip with the trip round the coast and the presentation of the teddies making it even more fun than usual. Sadly, the numbers were down this year. Perhaps next year, the regular travellers will be joined by others for what really is a great trip. Certainly both lodges are very welcoming and they deserve our -up in both the hospital newsletter and the local support. paper which we hope created a positive public W Bro Tony Mansfield view of freemasonry. PDJGD DISTRICT BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES FOR 2017 - 2018 President W.Bro. G.N. Martin PDGTreas
President, District Board of General Purposes
1338
Elected and appointed members: W.Bro. G.W. Abbott W.Bro. R.R. Agnew W.Bro. K.J. Armstrong W.Bro. G.M. Byrne W.Bro. A.A. DeCosta W.Bro. R.N. Clay W.Bro. A.S. Cross W.Bro. S. Elliott W.Bro. R.H. Fricker W.Bro. S. R. Hammerton W.Bro. B.J. Holland W.Bro. R.H. Johnstone PDGTreas W.Bro. D.D. Leach VW.Bro. B. McMurtrie W. Bro D.J.M. Miller W.Bro. P. Parris
Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Past District Junior Grand warden District Grand Chaplain Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Past District Junior Grand Warden District Grand Sword Bearer Past District Grand Pursuivant Past District Senior Grand Warden District Grand Superintendent of Works Past District Grand Sword Bearer District Grand Almoner Past District Junior Grand Warden Past Grand Sword Bearer Past District Senior Grand Deacon Past District Grand Registrar
1878 1655 670 2180 1480 2138 1521 2300 1711 2072 1801 1188 2073 1530 942 1338
Ex officio members: RW.Bro. B.J. Westhead VW.Bro. F.A. Khan PGSwdB W.Bro. M.A. Chopping W.Bro. B.M.R. Smith W.Bro. G.S. Wilson W.Bro. T. R. Stansfield W.Bro. A.J.M. Macdonald PAGDC W.Bro. R. Pemberton
District Grand Master Deputy District Grand Master Assistant District Grand Master Assistant District Grand Master District Grand Treasurer District Grand Registrar Chairman of Trustees District Charitable Trust District Grand Secretary
2180 1710 1338 705 1710 1710 1710 1338
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Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand
Tessellated Tales Appointments and promotions made at the District Communications held in Rotorua in November. DISTRICT GRAND OFFICERS for 2017 – 2018 District Grand Master Brian James Westhead Deputy District Grand Master Farouk Ali Khan PGSwdB Assistant District Grand Master Michael Anthony Chopping PAGDC Assistant District Grand Master Bryce Matthew Reid Smith District Senior Grand Warden David Dyet Leach PDJGW District Junior Grand Warden Anthony Stuart Cross PDGSwdB District Grand Chaplain Michael Arthur Lea PDGSuptWks District Grand Treasurer Graham Roger Scott Wilson PDGSwdB District Grand Registrar Timothy Richard Stansfield PDGSwdB *President, District Board Graeme Nelson Martin PDGTreas of General Purposes District Grand Secretary Ronald Pemberton PDGSuptWks District Grand DC Euan Alexander Allan PDGSwdB District Grand Sword Bearer William Craig Harris PDGStdB District Grand Supt. of Works Stephen Rex Hammerton PDSGD *Deputy District Grand DC Owen Douglas Jarrett District Grand Almoner Roger Hutchinson Johnstone PDGTreas District Grand Charity Steward Barry John Holland PDGSwdB *District Grand Mentor William Terence Andrew PAGDC District Senior Grand Deacon Steven Elliott PDGPurs District Junior Grand Deacon Alastair Andrew Chalmers Fairweather PDGT District Assistant Grand Secretary Brian Malcolm Roland Jackson District Grand Organist Andrew Gordon Cochrane District Grand Standard Bearer Rodney Wayne Hetherington District Grand Standard Bearer Brian Eardley-Wilmot District Grand Pursuivant Robert Douglas Ellis District Grand Steward Garry Keyworth Chalk District Grand Tyler Neville Cedric Bowen FIRST APPOINTMENT TO PAST RANK Rule 69 (a) Past Deputy District Grand DC Kelvin Poole Willmoth FIRST APPOINTMENT TO PAST RANK Rule 69 (b) Past District Senior Grand Warden Richard Michael Bray Laurence John Hunt PROMOTIONS for 2017 Past District Junior Grand Warden Past District Grand Chaplain Past District Grand DC Past District Grand Supt. of Works Past District Senior Grand Deacon *Re-appointment
Robin Norman Clay PDGReg Colin John Douch PDGDC Owen Douglas Jarrett DDepGDC Rodney Keith Parker PADGSec Gerard Nicholas Paver PDGStdB William Robert Lowe PDGStdB Graham Rogerson PDGStdB
Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand
Harmony 2180 Remuera 1710 Prince of Wales 1338 Tongariro 705 Duke of Albany 2073 Wellington 1521 Duke of Albany 2073 Te Awamutu 2221 Remuera 1710 Prince of Wales 1338 Prince of Wales 1338 Prince of Wales 1338 Harmony 2180 Zealandia 2072 United Manawatu 1721 Alexandra 1188 Saint George 1801 Remuera 1710 Mount Egmont 670 Alexandra 1188 Turanganui 1480 Saint George 1801 Aorangi 2300 Remuera 1710 Duke of Albany 2073 Prince of Wales 1338 Te Awamutu 2221 Opotiki 1930 Port Chalmers Marine 942 United Manawatu 1721 Franklin 2138 Aorangi 2300 United Manawatu 1721 Franklin 2138 Wellington 1521 Aorangi 2300 Star of the North 1647
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