July 2016 Newsletter

VOLUME XXVI

JULY 2016

Courtesy of: http://listabuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Habeas-Corpus.jpg

“Freemasonry at Labour and Refreshment” Published by: The District Grand Lodge of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands 45-47 Barbados Avenue, Kingston 5, Jamaica, W.I. Phone: (876) 926-6018 Fax: (876) 960-7776 E-mail: fmaj@cwjamaica.com

NO. 2

Who is Brother…

RW Bro Maj Gen (Ret) R. Green

2 THE FREEMASON’S NEWS

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he 2nd installment of the Who is Brother Forum was a very special one, as the 1st interviewee became the moderator for the evening. RW Bro Afeef Lazarus who was the first ever guest in the series turned tables and was now asking the questions. The honor bestowed on him was to ask the decorated RW Major General Rudolph Green a few questions on who he his, and to describe his experiences in Freemasonry.

By Bro Chadwick Paul

Military career – retired in 1979.

After 7 years as Chief of Defence Staff.

Major General Rudolph Green CD, JP, OSM. •Order of Service to Masonry •PSGW •PDDistGM

Who are you, where were you born and where did you grow up?

Born in Kingston, Jamaica on the 11th of November 1926 (89 years old). When he was 1 year old, he was taken to his grandparents in Hampstead, St. Mary. At that time, it was a small village but not anymore. He attended an elementary school until 6 years old then moved to Kingston to attend Central Branch Primary School on Church Street. Kingston was very different back then as there was no television; children had to find other ways of entertaining themselves.

In his last year at Central Branch, he was interviewed by the Headmistress who asked of him, what he would like to become. His answer was that he aspired to become a doctor, but knew the financial reach of the parents would not allow it at the time. He later decided on be

which later became Price Waterhouse. While there, he saw an ad in the newspaper inviting gentlemen to join the army as officers. He applied, and out of a batch of 21, he was one of only 5 which were admitted. Jamaicans were not allowed to go to England for training in those days thus training was done in Jamaica. For 6 months there was intense training at Munro College, St. Elizabeth.

coming an accountant. The Headmistress advised him that only Kingston Technical would help him in his studies in commercial training. She offered to put his name down to take the entrance exam, in which he did and he was successful in gaining entrance to the Kingston Technical School.

Masonic timeline – Initiated on the 15th January 1959 in the Moore Keys Lodge 2519 E.C. Passed on the 19th February 1959. Raised on the 16th of April 1959.

In May 1959 he went to England to do a course at the School of Infantry for Company Commanders. In September 1959 at the Moore Keys Lodge Installation, he was appointed Inner Guard. In December of the same year he went to Trinidad to be ADC to then Governor General of the West Indies FedHe met many people at the school eration, Lord Hailes; spending 2 who went to the civil service, and he years in that post . On his return to spent three years at the school, comJamaica, he was appointed Inner pleting the London based junior Guard for a second year. He proexam in which there was an examigressed to Junior Deacon then Sennation which he eventually passed ior Deacon. He travelled to and gained a certificate. He had to England to attend Staff College for sit 9 subjects, in which he was suc1 year. Re-turned to Jamaica in 1965 cessful in passing all and attained and was appointed Junior Warden. the certificate.

The Sen-ior Warden at the time was His first job was at Island Medical a hotel manager and he advised Office. Spent some years in the civil him he would not be able to go to service then he moved to an ac- the chair as Worshipful Master due counting firm, Carmen and Bruce, to his pri-

vate avocation. However there was a retired Lt. Colonel in the Lodge from Guyana who was a District Senior Warden and he expressed a wish if possible to become Master. He was installed and Major General Green was appointed to Senior Warden.

The following year an Englishman who was Junior Warden invited his father to visit Jamaica for holidays.

Major General Green was again asked if he would mind if he could be installed as Master so his visiting father could take part in the installation. After these two years of giving up his spot, he was installed as Worshipful Master. A few years after he was appointed District Grand Sword Bearer. He had that post for 3 years, until he was promoted to District Senior Grand Warden.

While District Grand Sword Bearer, he was asked if he would like to become Deputy District Grand Master. He wasn’t sure if his official duties in the military would allow him to give enough time to the appointment. He was told that the same time he has given as DGSwBr could be given as DDGM. In 1978 he became DDGM, and had that post until 1988. He was moved up in rank in the army to Brigadier and then Chief of Defence Staff.

Grand Master’s Order of Service to Masonry - The Order of Service to Masonry is the highest honour the Grand Master can confer on any member of the Craft. Instituted in 1945, it is in the personal gift of the Grand Master, and is an acknowl-edgment of exceptional services to the Craft. The Order is limited to 12 holders, confers no precedence on them, but entitles them to place the letters OSM after their names, pre-ceding the initials of any other Ma-sonic rank they may hold. The Order is a neck decoration in the form of a Garter blue ribbon from which hangs the

jewel of the Order.

THE FREEMASON’S NEWS 3

Despite travelling due to his official military capacity, he still managed to visit lodges when in Trinidad. In 1979 he was appointed Deputy Grand Sword Bearer. At that time it was the highest rank given to some-one outside of the UK. DGM can recommend appointment to a cer-tain level, however that appoint-ment came from London.

In 2002 he was given the Grand Master’s Order of Service to Masonry. Only 10 jewels at any one time are present, and not until one of the 10 holders passes away, before another can be

Only 10 jewels at any one time are present, and not until one of the 10 holders passes away....

awarded. 12 jewels were made, 1 is in the museum at UGLE, another is on loan to the Mark Grand Lodge and the other 10 are issued around the world - 1 in Pakistan to the PDistGM, West Africa PDistGM. 7 in England and 1 in Jamaica. RW Bro Afeef Lazarus gave the recommendation for theOSM. In 2006 he was promoted to Grand Sword Bearer. And in 2010 he received the promotion to Past Junior Grand Warden, which gave him the Right Worshipful title.

Changes over the years and thoughts on the future in Jamaica –He has seen many changes over the years.

Administratively however a lot of things have remained the same.

Several changes in the HRA, but the changes have not affected

the ceremony in any way. He has taken part in the consecration of 7 HRA Chapters, and with 6 of them he being the Consecrating Joshua, and the last one he was the Acting Grand Director of Ceremonies. One major change is that none of the principals need be a Past Master.

He must now only be a Master Mason. Masonry has remained unshaken in its practices and the performing ritual work. He wishes that what we practise in Freemasonry is also practised on the outside. Simple things as saying thank you and showing general courtesy to people you interact with. We as Freemasons can make a change in the society in how people interact with each other.

Masonry has survived over 300 years due to the principles taught in Freema-sonry; and the concern is just that that not many practice what they learn when they are on the outside.

Grand Lodge of Jamaica – Not a good idea, as it is a very expensive move to make, and it would not be easy to gain recognition from the 3 main Grand Lodges. Presently, members experience difficulty in paying dues, with a Grand Lodge the dues would increase as it will be used in paying the staff in the Grand Lodge and the traveling expenses of the Grand Master. It is beyond general financial means to support a Grand Lodge.

We must improve on the way we interact with people in public. Treat everyone as equal, showing curtesy and being appreciative for the actions of those around us.

Female Freemasonry in United Kingdom – No issue with it, and he would be pleased to see that be-come a reality in Jamaica. RW. Bro Major General Green added that if he had become DGM he would not become Inspector General of the Rose Croix.

NEWLY INSTALLED MASTERS January 2016 – July 2016

NAME

LODGE

W Bro. Rohan Hoilett

WELCOME! - NEW MASTER MASONS

INSTALLATION DATE

Kingston 1933

February 3th 2016

University 7128

February 12th 2016

January 2016 – July 2016

February 9th 2016

NAME

CRAFT LODGE

February 27th 2016

Darren Allwood

Royal 207

Kingsley Henry

Friendly 383

Jamaica College 7254

March 14th 2016

Dane Mullings

Phoenix 914

Craig Stephen

Kingston 1933

W Bro Michael McCatty

Adair 8146

April 9th 2016

Damion Franklin

Kingston 1933

Patrick Martin

Hope 2813

Neil McKenzie

Hope 2813

W Bro Clifton Grandison

Royal 207

Rayon Simpson

Hope 2813

May 5th 2016

William McTaggart

Cayman 8153

Shaun Cunning

Portland 7740

June 10th 2016

Paul Palmer

Cayman 8153

W Bro David Fernandez

Friendly 239

W Bro Roy Robinson

Ewing 3258

W Bro Peter Thompson

W Bro Warren Jengelley

Portland 7740

W Bro Whycliffe Cameron

Phoenix 914

W Bro Delroy Brown

W Bro Gary Whittaker

Harmony 3603

W Bro Michael Williams

Hamilton 1440

W Bro Dr Robert Green W Bro Hoel Jefferson

OBITUARIES

January 2016 – July 2016

NAME

W Bro Oswald Thorbourne Bro Levi Shaw

W Bro Noel DeLisser

W Bro Ernest Mignott

W Bro Donald Davidson W Bro Middleton March W Bro Calwyn Parkins

W Bro Lyndon McLaren

March 15th 2016 April 16th 2016 May 2nd 2016

Collegium Fabrorum 1836

The Brac 9470

March 5th 2016

June 9th 2016

AN IRISHMAN IN HONG KONG

CRAFT LODGE

Arawak 6902

St. Thomas 4338 Ewing 3258

Moore Keys 2519

Phoenix 914

Royal 207

St. Thomas 4338 St. Thomas 4338

Bro W Bro Dalton Yap of Emerald Lodge 899 I.C. with WM, WBro. Alex Y.C. Wong of The University Lodge of Hong Kong at Zetland Hall, Hong Kong on Monday, May 23, 2016

Soya Sauce on Toast - a tradition at the festive board of The University Lodge of Hong Kong #3666 E.C.

Informal Prestonian Lecture

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Prepared by: W. Bro Sonji Myles

n 24th May 2016 the brethren of both the Cayman Lodge No.8153 and the Brac Lodge No.9470 received an informal presentation of the 2016 Prestonian Lecture at Freemasons’ Hall, Cayman Islands.

The lecture was delivered by the Current Prestonian Lecturer himself, W Bro Dr. Richard Berman.

Prestonian Lectures are the only lectures held under the authority of the Grand Lodge of England. William Preston (1742-1818), the foremost Masonic educator of his time left a legacy to Grand Lodge to provide for an Annual Lectureship, which runs for one calendar year. The Lecturer chooses some aspect of Freemasonry which is not controversial but will educate and

Brethren in the Cayman Islands enjoying the informal presentation of the 2016 Prestonian Lecture.

entertain a general Lodge audience.

The 2016 Lecture is entitled 'Foundations - a new light on the origins and early years of Grand Lodge'.

The Cayman brethren were extremely delighted to receive the lecture and all commented on the quality of the information and how they better understood some of what could be considered the lesser known origins of Freemasonry.

L to R: W Bro Dr. Richard Berman; W. Bro Sonji Myles, Worshipful Master, Cayman Lodge No. 8153

At the conclusion of the lecture the Cayman brethren presented W Bro Dr Berman with a small token of their appreciation.

The lecture was followed by a dinner and fellowship, during which W Bro Dr. Berman offered insight into an array of Masonic knowledge and experiences.

6 THE FREEMASON’S NEWS

LOST LODGES DEMOGRAPHICS GONE AWRY

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n 2017 the United Grand Lodge of England will celebrate the Tercentenary of the formation of the First Grand Lodge in England and the world. As remarkable as this event will be, as not many institutions survive 300 years, it is, respectfully, remarkable for many other reasons.

One such reason is that despite the number of Lodges that have been formed and have been either erased or amalgamated, United Grand Lodge of England has an enormous number of Lodges on its Register which are active, working and submitting Annual Returns to it. The data for the last ten (10) years is as follows: London

2003

2004

1,570 1,556

Provincial 6,212 6,170 District & Abroad

791

787

8,573 8,513

2005

1,552

2006

1,532

6,130

6,075

784

782

8,466

8,389

In this brief paper I have used the term “Lost Lodges” to mean Lodges which no longer exist. Whether by being erased, or by virtue of the process of amalgamation. However it might have occurred, these lodges have been lost forever.

A review of the Minutes of Grand Lodge for the period March 2011 to March 2013 reveals that during that period some 227 Lodges warranted

by UGLE were erased.

The standard motion in respect of the Lodges to be erased is as follows:

“Over the recent years, the Lodges have found themselves no longer viable. The Board is satisfied that further efforts to save them would be to no avail and therefore has no alternative but to recommend that they be erased”

These Lodges are now lost forever.

Their Warrants have been surrendered to Grand Lodge and the few remaining members are dispersed to find Masonic refuge in other Lodges.

The overt cause of the erasure of these Lodges is their lack of viability. Why were they are no longer viable? The obvious answer is that they were no longer able to attract new members; old members died or 2007

1,489

2008

1,458

2009

1,433

2010

1,397

2011

1,374

scribe the historical changes in demographics in a population over any period of time being analysed.

All of this leads to demographic profiling. Demographic profiling is important to the recruitment of potential members for our Lodges.

Rule 157 of the Book of Constitutions of the United Grand Lodge of England is as follows: “No person shall be made a Mason while under the age of twenty-one years, unless by dispensation of the Grand Master or Metropolitan, Provincial or District Grand Master. Every candidate must be a free man and in respectable circumstances” Rule 158 which deals with enquiries as to candidates from other localities is also relevant.

In “The Charges of a Freemason III of Lodges” the following is 2012 set out:

1,351

“The persons made Masons or admitted members of a 5,996 5,900 5,840 5,774 5,694 5,626 Lodge must be good and true men, free-born, and of ma768 736 731 722 724 719 ture and discreet age and sound judgment, no bond8,253 8,094 8,004 7,893 7,792 7,696 man, no women, no immoral or scandalous men, both of good report” became inactive and could not participate in the business and efficient The observant amongst you will norunning of the Lodge. Whilst there tice that these Rules deal with age, may be many reasons why this ocstatus, residence, location and “recurs, I suspect that a major underlyspectable circumstances”. All of ing reason is the inability of the these are demographics.

Lodges in question to deal with changing demographics.

To the aforementioned must be

Demographics simply are statistics relating to the population and groups within it. Frequently examined demographics include gender, age, income, employment status, home ownership, education and location. Demographic trends de-

added economics or the economic circumstances of the gentlemen being recruited. Whilst our masonry is free it is neither cheap nor in-expensive. This is an important demographic. It is pointless attempting to recruit or to retain

someone whose economic circumstances in life will prohibit him from meeting his obligations on a timely, scheduled basis.

Demographics are not static. In every location or region they constantly change. For better or for worse. The question may be posed as to, what does all of this have to do with our Lodges? The answer is everything!

If as Lodges we do not get our demographics right, our membership will fall, and at worse, our Lodges will become other statistics, one of those Lodges which is erased. The majority of the Lodges in Jamaica, whether of the English, Irish or Scottish Constitution, are located in the Greater Kingston Area.

Outside of Kingston and St. Andrew the distribution of the Lodges is as follows: St. Thomas Portland St. Mary St. Ann Trelawny St. James

(1) (English) (1) (English) (1) (Scottish) (1) (Scottish) (0) (4) (1 English, 2 Scottish, 1 Irish) [Lodge Columbus is included] Hanover (1) (English) Harmony has most of its meetings in Montego Bay Westmoreland(1) (English) St. Elizabeth (2) (1 English, 1 Scottish) Manchester (1) (English) Clarendon (3) (1 Irish, 2 Scottish) St. Catherine (5) (2 English, 3 Scottish)

This paper does not seek merely to engage the listener in an academic or an intellectual exercise, as interesting as it may be.

The Records of United Grand Lodge of England for this Island demon-

THE FREEMASON’S NEWS 7

strate with clarity the effects of changing demographics on the existence of Lodges. I will give two sets of examples.

All Jamaicans know that the Parish of Hanover is the smallest Parish on the Island. The Parish was established in 1723 and named for George I who was from the House of Hanover in Germany. This Parish was established just six (6) years after the First Grand Lodge was formed in London in 1717. In its early days the Port Town of Lucea was busier than that of Montego Bay in St. James. It was the hub of the sugar growing region. Lucea was a very prosperous town. Sugar and Molasses were exported from its Port. It was a market centre.

Large numbers of European Jews settled there and were engaged in commerce as merchants, store keepers, goldsmiths and haberdashers.

Today Lucea has one Lodge, The Harmony Lodge No. 3603. It holds occasional meetings in Lucea. It holds most of its meetings in Montego Bay, St. James. Most of its members come from Montego Bay and its environs.

It may surprise you to learn that between 1772 and 1845 there were some five (5) English Lodges in the Parish of Hanover.

•1772 Lodge of Harmony, Green Island, Hanover No records after Nov. 1773

•1775 Lodge of Lucea, Lucea, Hanover - Erased in 1813

•1775 Green Island Lodge Green Island, Hanover -Erased in 1813

•1816 Athol Lodge, Lucea, Hanover Erased in June 1862 •1845 Friendship and Harmony Lodge Lucea, Hanover Erased in June 1862

None of these Lodges presently exist. The demographics of the Parish changed between the late 18th century and the mid 19th century. The Parish of Hanover is now one of the poorer parishes in the Island. Lucea is no longer a bustling Port. There are no large significant commercial enterprises in Lucea.

The demographics of the Parish have now changed even more.

Sadly, for the worse.

The Parish of St. Mary is, according to STATIN’s publications the 5th smallest Parish by population. The 2011 census revealed the following about St. Mary.

•Population 113,615 •Males 57,029 •Females 56,586

•Of the total number of males (57,029) in the Parish, 15,815 were under 15 and 5,132 were under 65.

15,488 were in the group 15-29 and 20,594 were in the group 30-64.

I rather suspect that for Scottish Free Masonry in Jamaica, the age group 30-64 provides most of its initiates.

Certainly in English Freemasonry this is the case. In 2012 the average age of our initiatives was 35 and in 2011 it was 33. The Parish of St. Mary is not one of the richer Parishes in the Island.

Indeed, were it not for the recent improvements in the Tourism stock and the infrastructure works, it would be amongst the very poorest Parishes in the Island.

The demographics of the Parish are not particularly auspicious for the building of vibrant Free Masonry.

Are there a sufficiently high number of gentlemen, not just males, who are resident in the Parish? Are there sufficient numbers of gentlemen who are in the traditional professions? Or, are men of commerce or

8 THE FREEMASON’S NEWS

LOST LODGES DEMOGRAPHICS GONE AWRY of the cloth, who meet the requirements of being “good and true men of mature and discreet age………no immoral or scandalous men, but of good repute” and, who can afford comfortably, the costs and expenses of being a Freemason?

Your Lodge is Lodge Caledonian No. 554. The Lodge was warranted on 04 May 1874. Your Lodge is the 3rd oldest Lodge ranging under the Banner of the District Grand Lodge of Jamaica, under the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The Parish has been your domain since 1874.

However, it may surprise you to learn that your Lodge has not been the only Lodge in the Parish.

Almost 100 years before, on 17 February 1757, the St. Mary’s Lodge was warranted. It was an English Lodge. It met in Port Maria, St. Mary. Over the years it carried a number of different numbers.

In 1770 it carried No. 180 In 1780 it carried No. 146 In 1781 it carried No. 147 In 1792 it carried No. 132

Its last payment to Grand Lodge in England was in 1800 and, it was erased in 1813. The English Constitution has no intention of returning to the Parish.

Parish. This Lodge has produced a District Grand Master and a District Grand Secretary for your Constitution. This Lodge is far too important to the Parish, to Scottish Freemasonry and to the Island to be a victim of changing demographics. I implore you to do all in your power to ensure that this storied Lodge does not become a “Lost Lodge”.

Walter H. Scott, Q.C. District Grand Master District Grand Lodge of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands

Many of the members of the Lodge Caledonia do not reside in the

Report from the Information & Public Relations (IPR) Committee 1

for the Quarter Mar 2016 - May 2016

PROGRESS UPDATES

1.3

Website

1.4

Lodge Minisites

1.5

APPROVAL REQUEST: Communication Strategy Plan

For March through May of 2016, we have served over four thousand (4,126) unique visitors almost The page has increased to two hundred and thirty- twenty two thousand (21,951) pages. five (235) "Likes" from 199. Posts on the page have The following updates have been made to the DGL reached 10,242 unique people for the year with website during the quarter: 30,256 Total Impressions (post views).

• New UGLE Charter mark approved 1.2 Twitter Account – first District in the world to do so We are following one thousand one hundred and • 2016-17 Administrations for both Craft and HRA updated eighty-eight (1,188) accounts up from 280 and are 1.1

Facebook Page for the District

followed by five hundred and sixty nine (569) accounts up from 279 with the majority being UK Lodges and Chapters. We are being followed by notable accounts such as the official Twitter account for the Grand Ball of the UGLE Tercentenary celebrations and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Castilla, Spain.

No further Lodges minisites have been launched.

The Communication Strategy Plan document previously circulated awaits formal approval.

Freemasonry at Refreshment

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n Tuesday 31st May 2016, a host of Brethren from across the Three Constitutions, made the trek to Mayfair Pub to bend an elbow and drink a toast to Bro. Chawick Paul of the Jamaica College Lodge No. 7254, who had a birthday imminent. Little did we know that he had a surprise in store for us all, including his lovely fiancee Jodi-Ann McBean, to whom he made a proposal of marriage, old school style, on bended knee!

Need-less to say, "she said yes!"

THE FREEMASON’S FREEMASON’S NEWS NEWS 9 9

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10 THE FREEMASON’S NEWS n Friday January 29th 2016, the District Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Walter H. Scott Q.C. hosted a dinner for all the 2015 initiates of the District and their spouses and including the members of the DGM's Council at the Alhambra Inn, Kingston.

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n Monday 1st February 2016, the Royal Lodge No. 207 held a special meeting where members of the Association of Atholl Lodges attended and made a special presentation to W. Bro. Dr. Jimoh Lasisi, W.M.

THE FREEMASON’S NEWS 11

Royal Lodge and the Friendly Lodge No. 239 are the only Lodges in Jamaica who can lay legitimate claim to the title of Atholl Lodge.

center left: W. Bro. Dr. Jimoh Lasisi WM Royal No. 207. center right: W. Bro. Bret Wong WM Friendly No. 239

Demeitrie Adams Birthday

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12 FREEMASON’S NEWS

he Adair Lodge commenced celebration of its 50 th anniversary of consecration with a Church Service at St. Matthews Anglican Church in Santa Cruz, on Sunday, April 17, 2016.

Celebrant was the Immediate Past Bishop of the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, Rt. Worshipful Bro. Dr. Alfred Reid. Rector of the Church is Bro. Daren Evans (Hamilton Lodge).

In attendance were the Assistant District Grand Master, W. Bro. Russell Hammond, Past Assistant District Grand Master W. Bro. Dr. Basil Robinson, Founder Member of the Adair Lodge, W. Bro. Reuben Spencer, Brethren and their families from the Adair Lodge, Ewing Lodge, Lodge Barrington Miller, and Lodge Middlesex.

The topic for the sermon by W. Bro. Alfred Reid was "The Good Shepherd". The message was well received by the Congregation, Brethren and their families, and a contribution was made by the Adair Lodge to the St. Matthews Anglican Church's outreach programmes. An after-service breakfast was held at the nearby St. Elizabeth Technical High School.

The Adair Lodge requested and was granted dispensation by the District Grand Master to attend church in our masonic regalia.

THE FREEMASON’S NEWS 13

The Cayman Masonic Children’s Foundation (CMCF) Donation To Feed Our Future Association (FOF)

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L to R: Simone Ross, Director, Feed our Future; Stacey VanDevelde, Chairwoman, Feed our Future; Bro. Donnie Forbes, President, Cayman Masonic Children’s Foundation and W. Bro. Geoff Scholefield, Treasurer, Cayman Masonic Children’s Foundation.

anced school meals to children in need. These children (in excess of 300) are from families who do not qualify for assistance under the umbrella of CI Government’s Department of Children and Family Services. Those families despite their best efforts (which are investigated and verified) are not financially able to provide the Feed our Future is a not for profit daily requisite of nourishment to association whose primary mis- their student children. sion is to solve childhood hunger in the Cayman Islands. The asso- The Cayman Masonic Children’s ciation funds nutritionally bal- Foundation was created and es-

he Cayman Masonic Children’s Foundation (CMCF) continues to support the Feed our Future association (FOF). Bro Donnie Forbes presents a cheque for KYD $15,000 representing the CMCF’s annual donation to the charity.

tablished with the intent of providing a collective body of/for Freemasons in the Cayman Islands to provide meaningful support of the youth in our community. The CMCF is funded by the annual charity collections from the majority of the Lodges and Chapters in the Cayman Islands including: Cayman Lodge No. 8153; Brac Lodge No. 9470; Cayman Holy Royal Arch Chapter, 8153 and generous donations from the brethren.

14 THE FREEMASON’S NEWS 17

2011 - Sixty Years On!

The following email message was received by the District Grand Secretary on January 21 2016 under the caption: Info in the Newsletter July 2011 - Joyce Wreford Dear Sir,

My name is David Hill, I am the nephew of Joyce Wreford (please refer to your newsletter page 8 attached).*see below

I only recently discovered that her visit was recorded and I was very proud of her to do this trip considering her health was not so good, she has always been a strong and determined lady.

I have some sad news as my Aunty Joyce passed away on January 8th after a short illness, she was 81 years old. She always wanted to do this trip to ‘discover’ her Father’s whereabouts. When she returned home she was absolutely overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support she had during her trip.

On behalf of my Aunty and my family, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the welcome she received and also am indebted to the lodges for the fantastic support provided to my Aunty Joyce, my Mother, my Aunty Kathleen, my Uncle Norman and of course my Grandmother, after my Grandfather (Herbert Wilkinson) had passed away.

They have all had successful lives based on the foundation, education and support provided during there early life.

My family have travelled and worked all over the world, I’m sure in no small part to the education received with the Masonic support.

Keep up the good work!

It was a huge pleasure to discover and read this, thank you very much.

With kind regards, David Hill.

What now follows is a redaction of the events (as best as a 70-year-old memory can recall) by W. Bro. Anthony Carr.

Wonderful. Well do I remember seeing Mrs Wreford a few times, during her visit to Jamaica, a few years ago. She stayed at Club Ambiance in Runaway Bay. It was interesting the way she made the contact.

THE FREEMASON’S NEWS 15 visit the grave, through the in- Christie, the then secretary of the strumentality of W Bro Michael St Thomas Lodge.

James.

My recollection was meant to Mine was a small role, but Mrs. share the experience, and the Wreford was gracious enough to roles played by Afeef Lazarus at take a taxi to my home in St Ann, the very outset, and subsequently Mike Fisher, Michael to say thanks.

A wonderful story. She gave me James, Dessie Edwards, and perHer nephew is correct. what her RN pin, which she claimed haps others whose names estenacity. Her mobility was 'lim- she earned through her father's cape, but they were the principal ited', as I recall the time it took masonic connections. I think I participants. her to make it from her room to had passed it on to W Bro Louis the hotel lobby, the first time we met, and again when she came by my home. Listening to her ,she made me feel even more proud to know that I was an English Freemason.

She spoke to the manager, a nonmason, whose name now escapes me, who spoke to his friend, the wife of a Lodge Seville brother, who called me.

Met her through that initiative, and realised that her father may have been an English mason.

I spoke to Rt W Bro Afeef Lazarus, and between us we surmised he must have been a Friendly 239 member , given his ethnicity. Afeef spoke to Bro Mike Fisher, who within hours did research, and told us that he was initiated in the St Thomas Lodge, as Friendly's minutes revealed. Quite ironical that we were asking him. We (St Thomas) checked and found it to be so. Then made a contact with an Irish brother, a JDF officer, whose name now escapes me, (Major Dessie Edwards) who checked the records and found out that Bro Wilkinson was indeed interred in the cemetery at Up Park Camp, and made arrangements for her to

16 THE FREEMASON’S NEWS

LLV Wanders & Wonders on 'Masonic Openness'

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by L.L. (Laurie) Ventour, PDistGSuptWks., DistGMentor

lmost twenty five years ago in 1991, I undertook some research for a Paper then titled 'Whose Innocence', in which I speculated on King Solomon's frame of mind at a given circumstance.

Included in the bibliography was a booklet, 'The Master's Time' - " Why should Interest in and Loyalty to Freemasonry fail?" (Caribbean Authors Publishing Company Ltd)

by W Bro Dr Owen St C. Morgan (Mico Lodge #1853 S.C.) in which he examined some of the reasons for poor attendance at Lodge meetings and the difficulties of Retention. I agreed with much of his analysis, but I do remember that one recommendation was cause for pause. Bro Dr Owen proposed that when we (as Freemasons) do good deeds, donate a bus shelter or maintain a hospital bed, etc., we should publicise these so '..that men may see our good works'.

As respectful as I then was to his view, I vividly remember my ambivalence on this particular sentiment on the ‘advertising’! No doubt you will have your own view (or similar ambivalence?) one way or the other. Eventually, I settled the matter - in my mind at least - when I wrote in my Booklet “...By all means let us as Freemasons donate a bus shelter, maintain a hospital bed, or donate a piece of equipment.

But when we do so, let us do it not necessarily so ‘....that men (the public) may see our good works …’ as Freemasons, but do it because we know that it is the right, proper and charitable thing to do.” With that given, I had no difficulty with any attendant good publicity.

By now you may be quite justified in wondering to what purpose is my wandering on the incident? Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin - as that old BBC's entertainment programme used to say.

growth which was accompanied by a considerable amount of public display'. There were so many masonic processions that they soon became cause for public ridicule. What my grandmother of blessed memory would call 'ah pappyshow' when she wished to hurl an insult!

Then came the Publications purporting to reveal the 'secrets'. It was clear that the Grand Lodge would have to moderate the publicity and openness. Bro Dr Paul cites Peter Clark in 'British Clubs and Societies 1580-1800 ', that there were clear '..signs that freemasonry was becoming less open, more private'.

L.L. (Laurie) Ventour, PDistGSuptWks., DistGMentor To explain, I recollect another Research Paper, The Prestonian Lecture for 2013 by W Bro. Dr Paul R. Calderwood, PSGD (Spencer Park Lodge #6198).

The focus of that Paper was a detailed examination 'As we were seen: The Press and Freemasonry.'

The Prestonian Lecture convincingly showed the changing faces of Freemasonry as it deals with the Press – or NOT dealt with the Press - (now Media?) and the resulting changing perceptions., under the different Masonic 'Administrations' over the years.

Starting with the early years post 1717 , 'The Mother Grand Lodge of the world entered a period of rapid

This move towards privacy and keeping a low profile was reinforced towards the end of the 1700's when Lodges were accused of radicalism, not excluding allegations of Conspiracy.

Rt W Bro Afeef Lazarus, PDGM, in his "What Inducement Have You to Leave?"

(ACQ, Vol 101 [1988] and also www.royallodge207.com/index.ph p?id=67) tells that although the situation was not desperate in Britain, elsewhere in the world the position was not so encouraging. That in Italy, for example, the number of masonic lodges grew, but became pro-revolutionary centres and many supported the Revolution in France.

He states that in the south of the country some elements connected with the Celestine lodge evolved a conspiracy which was discovered and the leaders executed in October 1794. Bro Afeef further states that some years later, freemasons' lodges in South America, some of which were under the Provincial Grand Lodge of Jamaica, were closed by

order of Simon Bolivar. All secret societies (generally defined as any organization which required the taking of a secret/esoteric oath to assure membership. -LLV), including Freemasonry, were prohibited. He gives Bro. Seal-Coon (AQC 89, p.94) as stating the probability that that was because of the political intrigues they gave cover to at that time.

The fact that Masonic Grand Lodges in Britain narrowly avoided proscription under the Unlawful Societies Act of 1799 - which required a declaration of membership of certain persons (mainly Civil and Municipal Servants) - was due in no small measure to Masonic influence.

Fortunate, because it was not until 1967 that that Act was finally repealed. Centuries prior to this, Henry VIII had dis-endowed, by an Act of 1547, all religious bodies, which at the time, 'housed' many crafts and guilds. (see my "The Mysteries, the Renaissance and the Craft" www.royallodge207.com/index.php?id=63 )

By the early 1900's Freemasonry had clawed its way back to again being a well respected organisation in general public esteem.

Bro Dr Paul in the Prestonian Lecture examines what were the factors in the 20th century which caused Freemasonry to deteriorate from this high regard to '..a position on the fringes in the 1990's'. He concludes that the change in the public regard for Freemasonry was due mainly - but not solely - to Masonic withdrawal from the public sphere.

And that in England and Wales, Freemasonry's reluctance to engage with the media after 1936 powerfully assisted its critics (including the churches) who grew in strength as a result of developments in the media. He posits that the "Conspir-

THE FREEMASON’S NEWS 17

acy culture" remains strong thus making the privacy/secrecy of Freemasonry '...a major handicap to public understanding'.

So we fast forward to the 21st century. Today. The ‘battle’ is by no means over. During the writing of this Paper, I have been reminded by an experienced and authoritative Brother that there were times when there were good reasons to suppress the fact that one was a Freemason.

(He mentions the incident of the Nazis’ plundering of the Masonic Temple in the island of Jersey as an example). This aspect of ‘Freemasony going under cover’ is one of the threads in “The Mysteries, the Renaissance and the Craft” abovementioned. (Read more on Suppression of Freemasonry at: www.wikipedia.org/ (Key: Suppession of Freemasonry). Our Brother also relates that Fidel Castro may have had a hand in protecting Freemasons (certainly their buildings) in Cuba.

He opines that it may have been that before the revolution and during his time in jail, Castro’s prison cell was adjacent to that of a Freemason and they became good friends. (A top level insight also suggests that this friendship may have been reinforcement for the fact that two of the great national heroes of Cuban Independence – Jose Marti [1853-1895] and Antonio Maceo [1845-1896] were themselves Freemasons).

As recently as 2009, Police on the Fiji island of Denerau detained 14 members (including 8 Australians and a New Zealander) at their Tuesday night meeting of a regular and properly constituted Freemasons' Lodge, after the Lodge was “raided” on complaints of "dopey village people" (sic Lodge Secretary)

that "...they were practising 'sorcery' with wands, compasses and a skull.." (UK Telegraph, July 16, 2009). And if that’s not enough, here is Greg Taylor in his book “The Guide to Dan Brown’s Lost Symbol”, describing Freemasonry as “..a secret society, complete with coded words and secret handshakes...”.

Compare this with “..a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols”.

Nonetheless:

Today, 'openness' is encouraged and we willingly engage the media.

As long as it does not compromise our esoteries.

Today, we feel a sense of pride when we see public display of our District Grand Master, Rt W Bro Walter H. Scott presenting a cheque to the National Children’s Home (Mr Leroy Anderson, Administrator, [Daily Observer, June 17, 2014]) or an equally public presentation of a similar donation to The Wortley Home (Board Chairman, Raphael Sangster [W Bro Dr Wade A. Morgan, Photographer]).

Today, District Grand Lodge (DGL) has in existence an Information and Public Relations Committee (IPRC).

The ‘name’ speaks for itself!

Today, we have a DGL Masonic Mentoring Scheme (MMS) which better prepares our young masons in their masonic development, including the ability to handle the public on matters masonic. This improves both confidence and Retention.

Today - the caveat on our esoteries being intact - I agree with this present dispensation of ‘openness’, as long as it is done without hyperbole.

Did W Bro Dr Owen St C. Morgan have the perspicacity to see it coming? What say you?

18 THE FREEMASON’S NEWS

The Historic Lodge Hall of Spanish Town’s Hamilton Lodge No. 1440 (EC)

E

By William (Bill) Poinsett, Hamilton Lodge No. 1440

nglish Freemasonry has a rich history within historic Spanish Town. From colonial days in the late 1700’s prominent English masons were in resident in Spanish Town, occupying historic King’s House as Governors of Jamaica. The first of these was Thomas Howard, the 3rd Earl of Effingham. Effingham, became a prominent English freemason in the mid 1770’s. He was in fact, one of only two (2) men to hold the office of Acting Grand Master in England. At the time, the Duke of Cumberland, a grandson of King George II was Hamilton Lodge Hall appointed to the office of Grand Master and appointed Effingham Early Places of Meetings as Acting Grand Master.

Hamilton Lodge held its meetings for Effingham is known as being instru- a short while after formation on the mental in granting a charter to the first upper floor of premises located at the African American Lodge no. 459 in corner of Constitution and Red Boston, New England. Prince Hall Church Streets. The Lodge was soon removed to “Ravensworth” and on was the Master of that Lodge.

August 1, 1876 to No. 14 Martin Street Effingham was followed in King’s (then the Marble Hall Hotel).

House by Major-General (afterwards Sir Adam) Williamson who was one of Purchase of the Ellis Street Property two Jamaica Governors who have held as a Lodge Hall the exalted position of Provincial Grand As far back as the year 1885 the memMaster. Williamson was knighted in the bers recognized that it was beneficial to square in Spanish Town in 1795. Mon- the successful working that they should uments for these two English Freema- meet in premises owned by the Lodge. sons can be found in the Spanish Town On the 17th February 1895 the Lodge purchased the property at 2-4 Ellis Anglican Cathedral.

Street in Spanish Town. The first reguFreemasonry has been in Spanish lar meeting of the Lodge was held there Town since the mid 1700’s but the on October 5, 1895. Repairs and imearly organizing of Hamilton Lodge provements to the building and were in Spanish Town is beyond the scope completed during 1908 following conof this article. This article will high- siderable damage to the building light the historic Lodge Hall building caused by the 1907 Earthquake. Since located at 2 Ellis Street.

May 1914 the building has been lighted throughout by electricity.

Interior Furnishings In 1895 and 1912 the large mahogany arm chairs were donated to the Lodge (These three chairs previously belonged to the Friendly Lodge No. 239, Kingston and are on the Master’s Platform) Also in 1912, 1916 and 1921 four dozen cane seated chairs, two electric fans and trestle tables were donated to the Lodge. The portraits that line the walls in the upstairs temple ware donated in the early 1900’s.

The historic pictures in the dining room have been collected and placed on the walls to highlight the rich history of Spanish Town.

It is noteworthy that the late Right Worshipful Bro. the Hon. Dr. Robert Hamilton, M.A., M.D. has been honoured in 1890 with a beautiful stained glass window at the east end of the north aisle in the Kingston Parish Church.

THE FREEMASON’S NEWS 19

THE JAMAICA MASONIC BENEVOLENCE ASSOCIATION (JMBA)

Discounts are offered, by the companies listed below, to Freemasons who are members of the JMBA and their spouses. Widows of Freemasons are equally eligible for these benefits.

1. The Nuttall Memorial Hospital has agreed to extend a ten percent (10%) discount across the board to members of the Jamaica Masonic Benevolence Association.

2. Biomedical (Caledonia Medical Laboratory Ltd.) of 8A Caledonia Avenue, Kingston 5 has agreed to provide laboratory service to Freemasons of Jamaica at a discounted rate of 20% on all tests.

3. Medical Associates Hospital has agreed to offer a 15% discount on all medical services.

4. X-Ray And Diagnostic Ultrasound Consultants Ltd of 2 Ripon Road, Kingston 5, (through W. Bro. Dr. Winston Clarke) has agreed to offer a 10% discount on all medical services.

5. Hi-Lo Food Stores islandwide has agreed to extend a 2% discount to all members of the Jamaica Masonic Benevolent Association. The Management of Hi-Lo Food Stores has communicated this to all Stores, informing them of the procedure to take upon the presentation of a JMBA Membership card, as all cardholders are now entitled to a discount.

6. Meadowrest Memorial Gardens (a Project of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands) continues to offer discounted prices to Brethren and their dependents for vaults and other related facilities.

7. J &J Pharmacy offers a 10% discount store wide.

8. Lydia Medical Ltd. (Lydia Dialysis Centre) – Facey Wellness Centre, 58 Halfway Tree Road, Kingston 10.

Service will include: a) 50% off Eprex injection (crythropoietin) b) 10% off dialysis treatment c) Preference for AM shift 9. MegaMart Wholesale Club has agreed to extend a 5% discount to all members of the Jamaica Masonic Benevolent Association and their spouses. The discount will be applied upon the presentation of the JMBA Membership card.

Please note that MegaMart offers on Wednesdays and Fridays senior citizens discount and that this discount is not in addition to the senior citizen discount. Only one discount of 5% will be extended in cases where the member qualifies for both.

10. Tropical Battery has agreed to offer discounts at their branches to all JMBA members: • Batteries…………….. 10% • Tyres………………… 5% • Castrol oil, STP, Gunk, Tuff Stuff, WD-40, Caribrake, Armoral, Engine coolant, DI water, windscreen wash & other car Care products, Syntron brake pads, Bosch spark plugs & Versachem epoxy………….. 10%

The discounts above can be accessed with the presentation of a valid JMBA and picture ID. Naturally a few conditions will apply, the most common being that sale prices below the suggested discount level will be the final price.

11. Mahogany Health & Fitness Dr. Winston Dawes - Shop #69 Winchester Business Centre.

1. A Wellness Programme for JMBA members, inclusive of:

(a) Sensitization talk- the value of good health, implications for work and retirement with chronic illnesses.

(b) Screening Segmental analyzer Analyzes the weight, total body fat, and Distribution of fat versus muscle in the arms, legs and trunk of each individual. It also examines bone density & mineralization.

Whole body scan - Assesses organ function (heart, lungs, brain, prostate etc.). It also looks at a person's susceptibility to stress, cardiac disease & diabetes.

Stress indicators- A non-invasive procedure, measuring central (aortic) blood pressure and the physiological age of the arteries. (c) Interview - Looks at the results for each individual, formulating a healthy diet and exercise prescription (goal setting).

2. An ongoing Follow-up Progranmme, which entails:

i. Monitoring the health of members with a follow-up reviews. Talks on setting up Exercise Programmes. ii Monitoring Exercise Programmes, with stretching, pulse measurement,etc. iii. Educate high risk members, such as those showing signs of hypertension & diabetes. We would inform persons on breakthroughs in medicine and medical care (e.g. Breaking news on diabetes drugs such as Avandia@).

20 THE FREEMASON’S NEWS

The cost for this Programme ( The Mahogany Health & Fitness) begins at f:ifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00) per person; however for JMBA members we will reduce the cost to $12,000.00. For each member who presents their JMBA card, we will donate $500 to the Association. In addition to this, if we receive a group of f:ifteen (15) or more members at a time, we would present demos on healthy cooking.

The benefits to be gained from are numerous, and include reduced health insurance costs and improved morale.

Our talk is normally one hour long, inclusive of Q&A, and screenings are normally ten to fifteen minutes in duration. Interviews are five to fifteen minutes, depending on the findings.

12. Jamaica International Insurance Company (JIIC) Discounts: (Premier Auto Cover)

• Members- 10% • Home Insurance (HOC) - 10% • Other Vehicle - 10% • Renewal - 10% • JIIC Care Pack - Toyota, BMW, Mercedes Benz & Suzuki - 15%; Honda, Nissan- 10% (Sum Insured $1,500,000.00 & above; Suzuki$750,000 and above).

• Tracking Device - 10% • NCD - subject to proof (maximum 60%)

A maximum of 4 discounts are allowed. However, a 5th will be allowed once it is for a tracking device.

Benefit to Jamaica Masonic Benevolent Association

• Free Valuation every two years • Protected Loyalty No Claim Discount* • New Vehicle Replacement* - If your vehicle is one year old or less and sustains more than 60% damage, JIIC will replace it with a brand new vehicle of the same year, make and model (if one is available) * Conditions apply

Premier Home Cover

The following benefits have all been increased and at no extra cost to the member: • Employer’s Liability - $5,000,000 • Public/ Personal Liability $5,000,000 • Property Owner’s/Tenant’s Liability-$5,000,000 • Spoilage of Food in Freezer or Refrigerator *(Limit $50,000) * Conditions apply

Additional Benefits:

• Magna Rewards - (earned on premium payment) and cheques accepted • Payment Option - 3 payments over 60 days (interest free) and can be made via Bill Express, online banking, cheques, Debit/Credit cards.

• Premium Financing - Up to 8 months and no minimum regarding amount to be financed (Option open to comprehensive motor and property premiums) Conditions:

Benefits to Members:

➡Presentation of JMBA membership card ➡Maximum (2) vehicles ➡ Minimum Sum Insured $750,000.00 ➡Vehicle 15 years and newer

• Capped Excess* - (Franchise dealer import) • Road Rescue - Accident or breakdown service

Vehicle: 1999 Toyota Crown Sum Insured: $750,000.00 No Claim Discount: 0 Other Discounts: JMBA

• Referral Fee - $1,000.00 per referral payable at intervals of 25 referrals.

Premier Auto Cover

Examples:

Premium: $104,400.00 + GCT & Stamp duty = $122,870.00

Vehicle:2005 Honda CRV Sum Insured:$1,750,00 No Claim Discount: 40% Other Discounts: JIIC Care Pack & JMBA Premium: $63,666.00 + GCT & Stamp duty = $75,007.55 Vehicle: 2008 Toyota Fortuner Sum Insured: $3,200,000.00 No Claim Discount: 60% Other Discounts: JIIC Care Pack & JMBA Premium: $56,916.00 + GCT & Stamp duty = $67,076.30

13. The Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) offers the following benefits:

• Gold - $4,100 +GCT -Annually • Platinum $7,000 + GCT -Annually

For every ‘Gold’ member sold through the JMBA the JAA will donate $1000 to the JMBA and $1,500 for every ‘Platinum’ sold.

There is no minimum membership required; and if existing members renew their membership through the JMBA, then the JMBA will benefit financially.

14. CARIHOME CariHome welcomes JMBA cardholding members to CariHome Supermarket.The JMBA card entitles cardholders to an instant 5% discount (before tax) on all purchases at CariHome Supermarket. Carihome will donate 1% of the total spent by JMBA cardholders to the JMBA, which will be beneficial to the Association. For instance, if each of the approximately 600 cardholders spends an average of $30,000 per month at CariHome, the JMBA will receive $180,000 dollars each month.

In order to take advantage of this offer, the JMBA members will be required to present their JMBA card to the cashier before items are scanned at the cashier till.