Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
TESSELLATED TALES
II 21st April 1926 - 8th September 2022
Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand
Sept 2022
A message from our District Grand Master
Some masonic humour
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The evolution of our apron
14
Pictures from our Lodges and Chapters
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Introducing the DGLNINZ Lodge Companion
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18 Communications 168
Keeping it in the family
The rebuilding of Sir Donald McLean Lodge 9 Membership drive by Zealandia Lodge No.2072
In This Issue
Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand
When to wear Masonic Jewels
Interviews with new Masters........................................................................................................................................4
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How to have mental health conversations
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Our Grand Lodge and the New Zealand government has put out directions on what we are to do during this period of mourning, and these are now with all Lodge Secretaries and Chapter Scribes
Tonight, the Government ended the majority of the COVID restrictions we have met and lived with for the past two and a half years. While COVID has not gone away, the decision by the Government to end pandemic restrictions marks a major change for our way of life.
A message from our District Grand Master
Winter to Spring, sadness, and loss, social changes, and social evolution along with traditions and celebrations make up the continuing weave in the fabric of life for both our Nation and Freemasonry. May we continue to be inspired from the lives of her Majesty the Queen and our departed brethren with their commitment of service to others
God Save The King
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Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Royal family,
The loss we felt for her Majesty has also been magnified within the District by the sadness that we were feeling with the deaths of a number of our own precious links. These links included V.W Bro Bruce McMurtrie, W.Bro Andy Gofton and W.Bro John Woodage. It is hard to lose so many highly respected brethren in a one week period. While these brethren may not have had the same impact on the world as her Majesty, their loss is equally heartfelt. These brethren have added to the life of the District and their Lodges with their love of Masonry. All had personalities which made them special brothers whose smiles, laughter and friendship were part of the fabric of the District. With the death of V W Bro Bruce McMurtrie, who was the District Secretary of 23 years and served three District Grand Masters, an era of the District’s history has also ended.
DISTRICT GRAND LODGE of NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND UNDER THE UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF ENGLAND
Kind DistrictWarrenregardsWeirGrand Master.
She was genuinely loved and respected throughout the Commonwealth and the world. Somehow, we all felt that we personally knew her, and all were touched by her kindness and genuine caring for people. She was so much part of our lives and our Masonic meetings with our “toast to the Queen” being a symbolic appreciation of her presence. Her passing marks the end of an era but also marks a continuation of a monarchy that is hundreds of years old. With her death we instantly have a King. A chain is unbroken even if one remarkable and irreplaceable link is lost.
The coming Quarterly Communications also brings major changes to the leadership of our Constitution. A new Pro Grand Master, Pro First Grand Principal, Deputy Grand Master, Assistant Grand Master, Grand Secretary and Grand Scribe Ezra will be invested at this meeting on 14th September 2022.
Dear Brethren, I do not think there are adequate words to express the overwhelming feeling of sadness and huge sense of loss that is being felt throughout the world with the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Few people have made the contribution or had the impact on the world in the last century in the manner that her Majesty has with her quiet and dedicated leadership.
Q. Where did you go to school?
A. I was born and grew up in Harrow, just outside of London.
Q. Chris, where you were born?
A. I did my accounting apprenticeship under Articles in which another accountant supervised my training.
W.Bro Chris Younger
Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand
Q. Can you tell us about your family?
All our family live in Auckland except one daughter who is in Australia and who we often visit on the Sunshine Coast. Helen and I live in Taupo where we recently purchased a very large American caravan which is sited on Acacia Bay it’s our one bedroomed ‘retirement apartment’.
A. I came to New Zealand in 1981 with my first wife who was a Kiwi. We met when her family were living and working in London.
Q. When did you come to New Zealand?
Q. Would you tell us a bit about your family and any Masonic interests they have?
A. I joined cricket and swimming teams at school, got the usual bursaries in academic style, but didn’t use them, because in those days going to university wasn’t a big deal, so I went straight into the accounting profession. Other than that, I’ve been President of the Taupo Bridge Club where we play three times a week. Great fun!
A. The first time I married was in England, and as a family came to New Zealand with my two daughters. I later remarried to Helen who has three children.
A. My father passed away when I was rather young. However, my father in law was also a Freemason in London, and he was the one who really got me into Freemasonry years later. He was a member of New Zealand Lodge No.5175 in London, one of the Commonwealth lodges set up principally for ex pats living there. As my father in law was a Mason, and I was married to his daughter, there seemed to be an unwritten rule that it was a close enough connection to New Zealand to allow me to join. I was initiated in London in 1975.
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A. I was interested in reading Lee Child’s books, a bit rough but they’re good stories. I also like John Gresham books.
A. My father was a building contractor. He was also a prominent Freemason in London a member of Horsenden Hill Lodge No.6215 where he served as WM several times. He was also a member of Viator Royal Arch Chapter. My maternal grandfather was a Freemason in Manchester Lodge. I have a brother who lives in Auckland, however, he is not a Freemason.
Interviews with new Masters
A. I went to school at Merchant Taylors School (private school) and left in 1960. Prior to moving to New Zealand in 1981, I was briefly a member of the Sir Thomas White Lodge, named after one of the founders of my school.
W. Bro Steven Elliot of Aorangi Lodge No 2300, continues the interviews of the new Masters, on behalf of the District. If you are going into the chair soon, your turn will come
Q. What was your father’s line of work?
Q. What was your career?
Q. What sports or other interests do you enjoy?
Q. What are some of your favourite books?
A. The challenges of it all are very enjoyable.
Q. How did you come to join the Freemasons in New Zealand?
A. I wish younger people would try to understand what’s in Freemasonry and what goes on, there’s still quite a bit of uncertainty and nonsense around their lack of knowledge of the Craft. They need some ‘perception management’.
W.Bro Bill Rossiter
Q. Bill, where you were born?
Q. Where did you go to school?
A. I went to school in Nireaha near Eketahuna, then moved to Ruawhata in 1945, a farming district near Pahiatua. I attended Pahiatua District High School.
Q. Are you married?
A. Yes, I was married for over 40 years with my first wife Zita, who is no longer alive. I re married with Alison three years later in Whangarei. We have been together for 14 years
A. Yes, we have two boys and a girl, one lives in Auckland, one in Melbourne and one lives in Whangarei.
A. Doing the things you enjoy doing and doing them with people you enjoy being ***********************************************************************************************with.
Q. What can you say to younger people about the Craft?
Q. Can you tell us about your career, your work?
Q. What keeps you in the Masons?
Q. Do you have kids?
Q. What comprises your Masonic life?
A. I was born in Eketahuna.
Q. What is your secret for a happy life?
Q. Who were your mentors in the Craft?
A. My father was a farmer; the original landowner was my mother’s family.
A. Other than my father in law, I came under the influence of Eddie Gibb in Auckland and Roger Everest and Bill Andrew in Taupo.
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A. I came to Whangarei as a traffic cop working for the Ministry of Transport. Then, in 1971 I started my own printing business in Whangarei. We sold it six weeks before my first wife died in 2002.
A. I’m currently WM of Te Awamutu Lodge No.2221 (for the second time). I was a member of the Taupo Royal Arch Chapter until it closed several years ago, and also Taupo Rose Croix.
A. When I came to New Zealand I had quite a few introductions to lodges here. The very first one I joined in 1981 was Te Awamutu Lodge No.2221 which met in Parnell back then. When I moved to Waiheke Island, I joined the NZC Lodge there and was WM for a year. When we moved to Taupo, I joined Tauhara Lodge, NZC. The latter surrendered its Charter about fifteen years ago. I re joined Te Awamutu Lodge No.2221, in 2008, I believe.
Q. What was your father’s occupation?
Q. Do you have brother and sisters?
A. Yes, I have three brothers and two sisters. Two brothers have passed away. A sister died of measles at two years old.
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Q. Do you have any message concerning Freemasonry?
Q. Would you tell us about your Masonic experience?
A. My friend Bill Palmer in Auckland invited me into the Craft in 1984. I first joined Whangarei Lodge 102 NZC, then moved on to Hikurangi 140 NZC since they met on a Friday night, and it was more suitable. Then finally the great decision to the join our English Constitution Lodge, which meets on Wednesdays, and at last, Star of the North. I also joined the Hokianga Lodge 69 NZC.
A. It’s important for people to know the charity work we do. Young people don’t seem to be interested in the Craft these days, despite our concern and emphasis on them. They don’t seem to feel they have the time for it. They should become more interested.
My first job off the farm was with New Zealand Railways where I was posted to Cross Creek, near Featherston, then Palmerston North, Woodville, Paekakariki, then back to Palmerston North where I be friended a fellow mason, Dave Marshall.
I received a Ministerial award for road safety in 1992, and a Queens Service Medal, QSM in 2014 for driving license training for Māori at 63 maraes in Northland. I had eleven contractors training Māori back then and we were also urging the community to install child safety seats. We got a 92% return rate, better than the usual 35% rate for a ‘safe route to school and elsewhere’ programmes. Our efforts worked well, in part, because children were provided ‘treats and lollies’ for their returns. Likewise, my lovely wife Alison provides a lollypop to everyone receiving a COVID vaccination. A little sugar helps the medicine go down.
I received many awards from Rotary in over 40 years as a member, notably for hosting students from around the world, and also overseas students from the local high school. I also spent thirty years on the North Power Electric Power Trust and retired from that work this year. I worked three years as a Whangarei District Councilor and fifteen years as a Northland Regional Councilor.
Q. What do you enjoy most from the Craft?
Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand
Q. What are your various interests and past times?
I went to a training school in Auckland to learn the printing trade and then at Lucas Print. My own business commenced with offset and then into letterpress printing later. I learned a lot about the trade from those well trained and skilled tradesmen who worked with us.
My brother got us interested in darts, having represented New Zealand eight times before he died. Alas, I finally had to give it up after having suffered an injured shoulder. I worked 21 years as a St John ambulance driver on night call in Whangarei. I was also Treasurer of the RSA in Whangarei for one year. I have taken up Ham Radio and I also assist in the local Hospice Shop.
A. I enjoy learning the rituals, it’s good for the memory and keeps the mind active. My mentor was Bill Palmer. We were neighbours we lived across the street from each other. I did a lot of business with Bill and his father; they were one of my first printing customers. In 2022 I became Worshipful Master of Star Of The North No.1647.
I joined the Rose Croix when I first entered the Craft in 1984, but I found the meeting times interfered with my work, so I concentrated on my business instead.
A. I’ve learned and enjoyed aviation power flying since 1956. I took up gliding in 1977 and achieved a Gold and three Diamonds gliding level. That requires a voyage of 500 kms in distance. I flew from Masterton to Lake Ferry to north of Napier then back to Masterton, all by wave and ridge lift gliding, and I got to an altitude of 26,000 feet, supplementary oxygen level. It was very cold up there; the temperature was minus 41C.
The wearing of breast jewels in our meetings is fraught with misunderstanding and mistakes. I have fielded a number of enquiries from lodges, Chapters, and individuals, so I thought I should clarify things with this, hopefully, simple guide as to where and when to wear the various jewels in common use. The below is for English Constitution members only, other Constitutions may have differing guidelines for their members.
When to wear Masonic Jewels
In the image to the right, a Past First Principal Jewel is worn when he leaves the Chair of Z in addition to a Principal’s or District Jewel. This can only be worn within his own Chapter, similar to other Chapter specific jewels like centenary or founder jewels, as appropriate. When visiting another English Chapter or District meeting, these Chapter jewels should not be worn, leaving only one of the above RA jewels and the Tercentenary Jewel.
Tercentenary Jewel
This Jewel has been approved by Grand Lodge to celebrate three hundred years since the Grand Lodge of England was first formed in 1717. This Jewel can only be worn by brethren who were Craft members between 24/6/16 and 31/12/17. This can be worn in any lodge or Chapter meeting, to the District Craft Communications, but not at District Chapter Convocations.
Lodge Jewels
lodges and Chapters has already been mentioned, but if you visit any meeting of another Constitution (including Communications etc) then the lodge/Chapter jewels and Tercentenary Jewel should be removed. For these occasions, you should only wear the one jewel the appropriate Royal Arch Jewel from the first image.
No jewels from any Progressive Orders should be worn outside their meetings. Permanent Jewels, such as Charity Steward Jewels and Samaritan Jewels have special permissions attached to them regarding their wearing
selection of three Royal Arch jewels often seen: District Chapter jewel (worn by Active and Past Officers), Principal’s Jewel (worn by any current or past Third, Second or Third Principals), and Companion Jewel (worn by those Exalted into the Royal Arch but not yet a Principal. It goes without saying, that only one of these jewels can be worn at any time.
Chapter AlongsideJewelsarea
by W.Bro Russell Chilton, DGSec
Other Jewels
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Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand
Other VisitingMeetingsotherEnglish
These are very similar as Chapter jewels: your RA Jewel (Comp, Principal or DG Chapter), if appropriate, is closest to your tie; then comes the Tercentenary Jewel, if applicable, in the centre; and any lodge specific jewels are placed closest to your arm. Again, when you visit another English lodge or District meeting, your lodge jewels should not be worn.
St George Lodge No.1801 in Northcote, on the North Shore of Auckland got back into the swing of things on Monday 30th May, with a bang! Having not been together in a meeting for over nine months the Brethren were keen to meet up and get the Masonic wheel rolling again! The work of the evening was not only a proclamation but also the Initiation of Mr Aaron Cathro, who had been waiting patiently for 15 months to join us!
The Principals of the Auckland Chapter No.1338 at their installation meeting, with the company of Ex Comp Mavin McAuley from Harte Chapter No 4217
Some anecdotes have been travelling around the District about how quickly Proclamations are being carried out but one regular visitor commented that the three and a half minutes St. George took to make their proclamation was one of the quickest ever conducted! The long awaited Initiation then took place and St. George welcomed Bro Aaron Cathro, aged 21, one of the youngest members St. George has initiated for many years!
Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand
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To truly enhance the whole evening we were honoured to have a very distinguished visitor in the person of R.W.Bro Jeyaraj Ratnaswamy, a Past Master of Negri Sembilan Lodge No.3552 (EC) Kuala Lumpur, who is also the Past District Grand Master of Eastern Archipelago, UGLE. "Raj" made a wonderful presentation in open lodge, of a Lewis Badge, to the only Lewis currently in St. George Lodge, our WM, W. Bro. Stuart Howard! He then joined us for a very enjoyable hour in refectory, to round off a great evening!
Officers of St George No. 1801 for 2022/3 welcome new EA Aaron Cathro, in the revered company o (Photo W. Bro B Holland DC)
Pictures from our Lodges and Chapters Back with a Bang! In Excellent Company!
Each of those meeting will commence with a “meet and greet” on the Friday evening, shared breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday, a very brief lodge meeting following the Saturday breakfast, and then the most important part. The rest of the day will involve social activities with brethren and wives/partners in visits to local places of interest (probably by bus, to allow everyone to relax) and complete the day with a shared evening dinner.
You could say that the “Rebuilding” of Sir Donald McLean commenced at the Installation meeting held on 11 June.
In fact, that was the culmination of efforts over a year.
As part of being a “social” lodge, it is going to wander to be a “peripatetic” lodge.
If the discussions at the special meeting before our recent installation is anything to go by, weekends will be busy, happy, fun and quite probably spill over to the Sunday.
An essential part of the philosophy of the Lodge is that masons of all Constitutions are welcome as members, and lodges meeting in regions near where SDM meetings are planned will be invited to join in the social activities. Our whole objective is to make masonry fun for wives and partners as well as for members. This is an exciting experiment, and we look forward to working with other lodges, other freemasons, AND THEIR WIVES/PARTNERS!
“Peripatetic” from the Greek “walk up and down” and defined by the OED as “walking about in connection with one’s calling”
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The next meeting is to be in the Wairarapa on the weekend of 9 to 11 September and you will all get details and an invitation to attend.
But while the Installation meeting was the most important masonic activity, it was not the most important meeting for the future of the lodge. That was the meeting held on Saturday morning before the Installation. This meeting was not just of members it also included wives of members. And it planned the future of SDM. That future is to be a “social” lodge. It does not plan to hold ceremonies it encourages masons of any Constitution to join. And apart from the essential requirements of our constitution, it will always involve the wives/partners.
The rebuilding of Sir Donald McLean Lodge
In the period leading into 2021, Sir Donald McLean had fallen on lean times, and frequently did not have sufficient members to open a meeting without the assistance of visitors. By mid 2020, the members had agreed that the Lodge could no longer continue, and planned to hand in its Thatcharter.wasreversed in dramatic fashion toward the end of 2021, by introducing a number of joining members from Mount Egmont and other Lodges. Further joining members were approved in the business meeting prior to the Installation and more are planned!
Three meetings are planned for each year, on the second Saturdays of June (installation), September and March. The installation meetings will be held in New Plymouth. The other meetings will be somewhere else, normally in the southern part of the North Island.
Being the first time at setting up a stall at the market in Kerikeri, we were not entirely sure what to expect. We arrived at 6.30am and set up took about 3/4 of an hour; we really wanted to show some bling and aprons as some sort of attraction and to say who we are. We had a great site, positioned at the car park entrance and beside a very popular stall selling puppies.
Once we have done this a couple of times and have things ready to just hang up and go, things will be easier. An information board with our District, or possibly lodge, details would be useful, as would some pull up banners. These will help in filling up the stall and enticing people to approach us. District Office kindly printed up some interesting and colourful recruitment pamphlets for us.
We found it important to stand behind or to the side of whatever table, if there is one being used, so that a space is opened up for people to enter into: so too many Masons on duty could be counterproductive. Our space on the day was always open and Brian and Cathy were very good at interacting with the public in that space although Steve had to interact a couple of times off to one side at the same time, which worked well.
This would make for a very busy time, are we up to the demands? One point I have realised is that we did not add our names or phone numbers to any literature so there is a point to remember as maybe someone will know where a more local lodge is and end up joining them, at least we will have moved them to join, the day tends to finish up around the middle of the day so we made a joint decision regarding the right time to pack up.
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Membership Drive by Zealandia Lodge No.2072
Do I think this was a worthwhile activity? Yes without a doubt, but our timing could have been far better, not in the winter but through the late spring, summer, autumn when the market is far larger and there will be a larger public participation. We had no adverse reaction to being there for which we were quite pleased about so all is, to our knowledge, in our favour which gives me positive vibes to try again.
The market was about 25% of its usual numbers due to it being a winter’s day, so not the best time of year but a start none the less and one we could learn from. We will definitely try again, although probably when the weather is warmer in October/November; also the annual A&P Shows in November and February; and probably a summer market or two(?) then Northland Field Days.
Most people were enquiring about what we stand for, so more information and photos on our charitable activities would have been useful. A few ladies were asking about women in Freemasonry and fortunately some online resources were put to good use.
Brian Bailey (WM) and Steve Hammerton (PM) of Zealandia Lodge
We had Brian Bailey, his wife Cathy, Steve Hammerton and Chris Smyth, our newest member, later in the morning manning the stand. This worked well with it being a slow winters day; if we were busy however, then one or two more would have been needed.
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Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand
Some masonic humour
This is a truly astounding and historic family commitment to the Lodge and Freemasonry in general.
Waitemata Lodge has survived through many difficult times. It has also had a number of colourful and interesting members many of whom were influential in the establishment of the City of Auckland.
W.Bro C.N. Hardy, J.P. PAGDC, PDSGW.
On the seventh of July this year a historic ceremony was performed at the EMC when W.Bro Bryan Coyte had the privilege of Installing his eldest son Paul as the fourth generation of the Coyte family to become Master of the Lodge. W.Bro Paul Bryan Coyte then appointed his father as Senior Warden and his brother Bro Christopher Keith Coyte, as Junior Warden. His uncle is also the Treasurer.
Our parents socialised together and therefore we as children grew up together. It was therefore a privilege to be a member of the Waitemata extended family.
In my address at the Waitemata Lodge sesquicentennial dinner in 2005, attended by the Assistant Grand Master, R W Bro D.K. Williamson, I made the comment that Waitemata Lodge is a family Lodge.
The Lodge is the Mother Lodge of all English Constitution Lodges in the Auckland area and of many other lodges that converted to the New Zealand constitution in the late 1800’s.
Our new Master, W.Bro Paul Coyte’s great grandfather, W.Bro Archibald Coyte was Master of the Lodge in 1925 and his grandfather W.Bro Keith Morris Coyte (PAGDC), in 1962. His father W.Bro Bryan Arch Coyte was Master in 1985.
Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand
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Waitemata Lodge 689 is the oldest English Constitution lodge in Auckland, New Zealand, having been established on 6th September 1855 by Sir Samuel Osborne Gibbes Bart, PM 199 & 843 P.P.S.G.W.
4 generations of Worshipful Masters
The Coyte family have now expanded this family out to four generations, and they currently hold all principal office positions in the Lodge. The current senior member of the family, W.Bro B. A. Coyte, (Bryan) has his two sons in the lodge and as an aside he also organised that successful sesquicentennial dinner.
Going through the membership lists you will find names repeated generation after generation. Grandfathers, fathers, and sons. As children we were brought into the lodge for Christmas functions and to help set up for other celebrations. In my memory “Lodge”, as we called it, was a fun place. It was housed in a big building in town which was great to explore. There were expeditions upstairs to sneak into the lodge room and look at the big chairs and funny floor. But the best bit was to look at the real sword in the glass case on the wall.
Keeping it in the family
ENCOURAGE. Specifically, encourage action. With good listening comes sincere encouragement. That could take the form of simple questions like “are you getting enough sleep?” or “what’s helped in the past?” It could also be encouraging action towards help seeking such as “have you spoken to anyone about this”. Remember, though, you’re not here to tell him what to do or how to fix his problems. As a good listener, you’re making it clear that you hear him. Relevant, encouraging questions do exactly that.
It also goes without saying that you need to have the time and energy to see it through (seriously, put your phone away). And are you mentally prepared for whatever may come?For instance, would you know what to do if he ‘shuts down’ or insists he’s ok (even if you sense that’s very much not the case)? What if he tells you straight out that he’s not doing well? Or reacts defensively?
LISTEN. Arguably the most important part. It means you should be prepared to see the conversation through, no matter where it goes. He might open up or he might not. He may get upset, start to close up, or get defensive. Whatever happens, you’re not there to solve his problems you’re there to listen and support, for however long it takes to see it through. That could be 10 minutes or an hour.
An article about reaching out in mental health, from the Movember magazine
• Ask Listen Encourage • Check-in
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Or in other words: how to be there for someone. We’ve used the ALEC model to create our very own tool to give you the know how and confidence to approach a difficult conversation. It’s called Movember Conversations and it has loads of tips, whether it’s finding the best way to talk to a grieving man, supporting a guy who is struggling financially, or advice on how to talk about depression (and heaps more mental health resources). Here’s how it works.
ASK. You can’t start a conversation without asking. Follow ALEC’s guidelines for ways to start different kinds of difficult conversations. Ask him how he’s going or mention that he hasn’t seemed like himself lately.
Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand
When it comes totough conversations about mental health, Movember recommends using a process called ALEC.It’ssomethingthatourfriendsatRUOK?developed,anditstandsfor:
Whatever the reason (and don’t assume you know what it is), here’s how to reach out to a guy if you’re worried
It might sound too good to be true, but when it comes to mental health, talking it out is one of the best things anyone can do. It’s always better out than in. But sometimes we need a hand finding a way into having this chat, whether it’s what words to use, or finding the ‘right’ time and place. These conversations aren’t always easy, but they’re often a game changer. Moving past any excuses, awkwardness, or discomfort that “we just don’t talk about this stuff” and understanding that this “stuff” is what life is all about, is the fastest way to make sure you’re on track to support him.
•
Before you charge in with the best intentions, there are some things to keep in mind. Talking to someone about their mental health needs to be done properly. At the risk of stating the obvious, you want to try and find the right time and place. That means not cornering them at work drinks or a party, but rather, finding a relaxed and neutral environment where you typically hang out and have plenty of time to talk it over. Remember, mental health conversations don’t always need to be backroom, hidden and heavy conversations either. The more normal, the better.
How to have mental health conversations
Are you concerned that something’s up with a guy you know? Think he’s not being his usual self? Is something not right? Then reach out to him.
There can be no doubt that today’s Masonic apron has been developed from the apron worn by operative masons in the middle ages. The few surviving examples show that the operative apron was fashioned from the skin of an animal, most likely a sheep. It was large enough to cover the wearer from his chest to below the knees. Its flap or bib was held by a leather cord, which passed around the neck. Cords were attached to each side. This enabled the stonemason to tie the apron around his waist ending up with a tied bow at the front. The bottom had rounded corners. The use of this rough apron continued to be used for many centuries. It was also used by speculative Masons, when attending lodge, with this difference. The apron must be new and never used in the workplace. In 1741, we see, in the minutes of one lodge, that a Brother was fined for wearing his dirty working apron inside the lodge.
For the Fellow Craft apron, add two sky blue rosettes at the bottom. No Flap. For the M.M. apron, this time with a flap, add a third sky blue rosette to the flap, plus sky blue edging of 1½ inches in width.
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It is thought possible that in the 1730s some Speculative Masons were experimenting with fabrics other than leather for their aprons. We do not know when the very long aprons went out of use, however, pictures show them still in use in 1754. The early fashion of wearing the bib or flap up soon fell into disfavour. The bib was either cut off, or worn turned down. On our aprons today, we refer to this as the flap.
Between 1740 and 1790, elaborately painted or embroidered aprons came into fashion, and continued to be favoured, until the Union of Grand Lodges in 1813. Many of these aprons were homemade. The most popular designs usually included the Square and Compasses, the All Seeing Eye, the Pillars, Working tools, and the Mosaic pavement. As time went on the apron size grew smaller and smaller.
The Evolution of our Apron
CHECK IN. And when you’ve talked? Checking in means don’t leave him hanging. It doesn’t have to be another intense or prolonged conversation. It can be as simple as a text or social post. It can be a social catch up or a quick lunch. What’s important is that he knows you’ve got his back.
From 1731, onwards leather gave way to softer fabrics, silk, satin, velvet, linen, and chamois leather. The flap, when retained, was either cut to a triangular form or in a semi circular line. The lower part of the apron was sometimes squared off, but generally, the corners were trimmed to give a semi circular line. The leather cords were replaced by ribbons or strings.
Grand Lodge Officers first edged their aprons with light blue silk but by 1750 they changed the colour to purple. Soon after that, the Master Mason’s aprons were edged the now well known light blue. In 1815, the new United Grand Lodge enforced a standardized apron. The specified apron dimensions were as follows: The E.A. apron, without a flap, is to be of white lambskin, with white strings attached at the top for tying. It is to be 14 16 inches wide, 12 14 inches deep, and square at the bottom.
In speculative Masonry, around 1720, we see a picture of a Tyler carrying a number of aprons. These have long tie strings which seem to be of leather. They are also large, well capable of covering a man from chest to below his knees. The method of tying on the apron was that of operative masons, with the bow and strings in front. This method was continued later, even when silk or linen strings were used.
Next, we come to the tassels. These evolved from the waist strings being tied at the front and hanging down over the apron. The ends of the ties were edged, usually with gold fringe, so that when tied at the front the fringed ends have the appearance of a pair of tassels. It is impossible to say when the silver tassels made their first appearance as standard decoration for the M.M.’s apron. While they were probably in use sometime before 1841, the first recorded evidence shows up in the Book of Constitutions of that same year. There appears to be no record of when the silver rope tassels gave way to two strips of ribbon on which are attached seven chains.
BroSource:F.R. Worts, Quatuor Coronati Lodge No.2076, London England W.Bro K. Sheriff, District Grand Lodge of Gibraltar It has been edited with additional comments by: V.W.Bro Barry D. Thom
Today it is ruled that the apron of the E.A. must have a “flap”, that the two rosettes of the F.C. must be attached “to the lower corners” of the apron, and that the aprons of Master Masons are to be edged with sky blue ribbon of “not more than two inches in width”, that “silver tassels” must hang over the face and that the tie strings must also be “sky blue”.
There appears to be no official name for the squares or levels which decorate the apron of a Master or Past Master. The 1815 Constitutions described them as “perpendicular lines upon horizontal lines, thereby each one forming two right angles”. Originally, they were to be of inch wide ribbon. Today the emblems are of silver coloured metal. They were designed only for the purpose of distinction.
The seven chains themselves are full of symbolic meaning and represent various Masonic allegories such as the seven liberal Arts and Sciences, the number of Masons required to make a lodge perfect, the number of years it took King Solomon to build the temple, etc. The two ribbons and chains represent the pillars of B. and J. The origin of rosettes is also unknown. It is probable, however, that their original purpose was purely ornamental. The origin of the word “rosette” comes from the French language and means ‘little rose’.
Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand
For the next 150 years, there was little change.
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Here you will find a place to remember Brethren who have recently passed to The Grand Lodge Above or visit a buy and sell marketplace. Perhaps you have a particular skill that may assist a Brother and wish to advertise it.
LISTEN
THE CENTRE
DGLNINZ
DISTRICT NEWS
BOOK
Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand
Need information about another Order? We have you covered.
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Join a Lodge chat room (visible to all users) or create a private chat room where you can send text messages and images to others in these rooms.
MOBILE APP FOR ANDFROID AND IPHONE
Visiting an unfamiliar town or Lodge and need information or directions? Everything you need, including a map and a turn by turn guide to the Lodge can be found here.
LODGE NOTICES
Your Lodge Secretary can post notices, summonses, and meeting minutes into your Lodge storage area. No more digging through emails.
We will publish interesting audio content or perhaps Masonic lectures here. The possibilities are endless.... MORE...
A list of current App users, Lodge friends and send them private messages.
This space is reserved for the various DGLNINZ meeting calendars and other representation information. A work in progress....
Practice ritual at any time with the aid of your mobile phone. At the moment only the First Degree ritual is there for obvious reasons....
RITUAL
Check this repository for a history of notifications sent by the District to all users.
FIND LODGES
CONTACTS
EVENTS
Intending to visit a Lodge and need to book a meal? Select the Lodge and the date you intend to visit, and Lodge Companion takes care of it for you. Still under test until we have contact information.
This is District’s space. Come here to see the latest news from the DGM or the DGLNINZ Executive.
DGLNINZ’s own social media space. Upload images, comment on posts or send messages to other brethren
REALTIME CHAT
OTHER ORDERS
Register here as a Lodge Companion user. Your information is securely held on a private server located in Wellington.
Introducing the Lodge Companion
NOTIFICATIONS
Reserved for a special event that District may wish to advertise to the Brethren. CALENDARS
Our District Grand Master is keen to broadcast regular video messages to the Brethren. This is where you will find them.
YOUR ACCOUNT
DGM MEDIA
• Click ‘Yes’ to the enable notifications message.
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WhatsApp is great as a mobile communications or chat tool BUT be aware that a user’s private information is held overseas, and is vulnerable to misuse. It is not really a multi functional tool in the true Whatsense.about
IMPORTANT: You will not have access to some App features until your registration and your membership has been verified on the backend server.
What methods do we currently use to communicate with other Brethren?
Email is by far the most common means of communicating these days, but unless one is super organised the information or attachment that an email may contain soon becomes very difficult to find. Also, many of us prefer not to use a mobile phone for sending or receiving email.
Facebook has become ubiquitous as a means of sharing information (social media). The way most of us use Facebook however is limited to posting the occasional image or comment to a Facebook group representing our own lodge. How many of us search out or are members of more than a few DGLNINZ Lodge groups? Facebook users should be aware of its intrusive ability to monitor a user’s online activities for targeted advertising and other commercial purposes.
Please forward any bugs or questions regarding the App or suggestions for content to: dgco@freemasons.org.nz (W.Bro Andrew Vincent)
When we are not at our various Lodge meetings most of us remain in touch to some extent with members of our own lodges, or with DGLNINZ officers and friends in other lodges using the following methods:
Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand
Isn’t Tessellated Tales also an efficient means of communicating with DGLNINZ Brethren? It sure is, and it is an important part of our overall strategy of ensuring that communications are targeted correctly. Tessellated Tales provides a creative outlet for DGLNINZ members who wish to share items of interest with other District Brethren.
INFORMATION IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND So where does the District App fit into the strategy? Provided you carry a mobile phone, Lodge Companion is always in your hand. It will alert you to new messages or important notifications. It will allow you to chat with friends, upload photos, refer to documents, listen to Masonic Audio content, navigate to lodges, and refer to a wealth of user generated
safe? Lodge Companion is probably safer in a cyber security sense than other social media applications we use. We built it and we have full control of the server it runs on. The App server is SSL protected and runs on dedicated hardware in a residential situation in Wellington, i.e. it is not running in a leased, virtualised environment like most Lodge websites. Of course, this means if the power goes off then the server will go down.
Ismaterial.LodgeCompanion
Access to any information or documents on the server, including a user’s private details, e.g. telephone number etc. is password protected. Yes, it is theoretically possible that the server could be hacked, but if that were to happen it would not be the end of the world.
• Install the App (it may not work on really old phones)
• Swipe up to ‘MY ACCOUNT’ create an account. As it is our App you can be as truthful as you wish just as long as we recognise you. Send an email to the District Grand Communications Officer (email address below) if you wish to use a pseudonym.
our Lodge websites or the District website, are they not also a means of communication? Of course, but how many of us regularly visit our own lodge websites? Many sites have content that is months out of date and often they contain incorrect information. Our District website has had a recent update, and now we need to ask ourselves who the target audience is for our various sites. In many cases, a visitor to a website is a prospective member checking you out.
IT’S ABOUT STAYING IN TOUCH...
How do I get Lodge Companion, and then what do I do? It’s easy (and free), but you will need to be familiar with navigating the ‘App store’ on an iPhone, or the ‘Play store’ on an Android phone: Search for Lodge Companion DGLNINZ
Looking for Regalia
The March 2023 Ladies’ weekend is still in the early stages of planning, with an ideal date still being looked at as it appears no date is universally favoured. Any recommendations of events should be sent to the District Secretary. November 2023 Communications Currently planned to be in Auckland.
Communications
The November Communications has been confirmed for the 5th of November 2022 (5/11/22) to be held in the Petone Freemasons Centre, Udy Street, Wellington. Dining has yet to be confirmed but our President of the Board of General Purposes is hoping to have this at Angus Inn Hotel and a target cost of $65 80. The Angus Inn is also likely to be the suggested hotel for brethren. Details should be confirmed by mid September with the District Secretary conducting a site visit before the end of August. A first rehearsal will happen in Auckland, followed by another in the morning of the meeting.
If you would like to contribute to the next issue of Tessellated tales, please email your article or photos to steveglew@xtra.co.nz before 31st December 2022
Contact the District Grand Secretary first, as there may be some second hand regalia that will meet your needs from the store at Ellerslie Masonic Centre
secretary@freemasons.org.nz
Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand
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