The Queensland Freemason - March 2023

Contents

Features

www.uglq.org.au

www.facebook.com/freemasonsqueensland

MARCH 2023

Organisational From Page 3

Masonic Interest From Page 9

Hand Heart Pocket Page 22

Regulars From Page 26

Grand Royal Arch Page 46

On the cover

A collage of some of the many Masonic happenings and events around the State by Queensland Freemasons. Note the many wonderful and happy things done by Lodges their members and individuals.

Secret Monitor Page 52

General interest From Page 54

DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not neccessarily reflect the opinions or policy of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland. The Editor reserves the right, due to limitation of space, to accept, reject, sub-edit and rearrange material submitted for publication. No photographic or editorial contained herein may be reproduced without prior consent of the Editor. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to ensure that all advertisements comply with the Trade Practices Act 1974 as amended. All advertisements are accepted for publication on the condition that the advertiser indemnifies The Queensland Freemason, The Editor, the United Grand Lodge of Queensland and all its servants against actions, suits, claims, loss and/or damages resulting from anything published on behalf of the advertiser.

Message from the Grand Master

MW Bro Jeffrey Harper AFSM, GM.

Brethren, as I write this, I am about to complete my last business meeting for the year and look forward to a short holiday with the family. It has been an exciting year. In the beginning, we were experiencing a wave of covid after the borders opened. We then experienced severe flooding in various locations throughout the state.

We experienced a period where it was tough to arrange practices and ceremonial teams as we had members being taken down with COVID almost weekly. I must thank the Grand officers for their commitment to the team and for standing up to fill positions on very short notice. If I were a cricket coach, I would say that Queensland has a team of all-rounders. Thank you for your continued support of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland.

We have also celebrated the close of our first one hundred years with a special ceremony in April.

To the lodges that have invited the team to attend or carry out the work, thank you for the invitation. These are wonderful opportunities to make and rekindle friendships. The year ahead looks as if we will continue the path to normality.

I am looking forward to the celebrations on the 11 March in Townsville to mark the Centennial of the District Grand Lodge of North Queensland. Many lodges will also celebrate their centennial in 2023.

The Grand Installation in Tasmania in Late February and Victoria in Late March is vital as we can support our sister constitutions.

At the Grand Installation, I gave a short history of how I became a Freemason, those individuals that

“We are one tree with many Branches. I would ask all branches to focus on the nourishment of the main trunk. I believe if we can grow and retain members, the various branches of the tree will be supplied with nutrition and support. Most importantly, we must ensure that all members enjoy the Masonic experience.“

greatly influenced my decision to become a Freemason, and why I have remained a Freemason. Brethren, there are many and varied reasons why an individual joins; however, there is, I believe, only one reason we stay.

Brethren, we remain as members because we enjoy the experience. Membership growth needs to be the focus of all lodges into the future to ensure our fraternity will prosper. We must remember that the various appended orders that draw their members or support from lodges depend on our membership.

We are one tree with many Branches. I would ask all branches to focus on the nourishment of the main trunk. I believe if we can grow and retain members, the various branches of the tree will be supplied with nutrition and support. Most importantly, we must ensure that all members enjoy the Masonic experience.

To all brethren, let us be positive in 2023 and build. Thank you for being so supportive, and all the best for 2023.

Fraternally, Jeffrey Harper

Masonic Memorial Centre

311 Ann Street, Brisbane Q 4000

GPO Box 2204 Brisbane Q 4001 (07) 3229 3533

www.uglq.org.au

membership@uglq.org.au

United Grand Lodge of Queensland

Grand Master

MW Bro Jeffrey Harper AFSM

Deputy Grand Master

RW Bro David Grey

Assistant Grand Master RW Bro Sydney David Richard Melville APM ASM

FREEMASONS QUEENSLAND

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM

Grand Secretary RW Bro Milan Pavasovic grandsecretary@uglq.org.au

Board of Benevolence (07) 3493 6000 info@handheartpocket.org.au

District Grand Lodge of North QLD

District Grand Master

RW John Playford

District Grand Secretary

WB Ian Alexanda (Jock) Reid

50 Ingham Road West End, Queensland 4810 (07) 4771 6284 dglnq@nqfreemasons.com.au

District Grand Lodge of Carpentaria

District Grand Master

RW Bro Raja Chohan info@dglcarpentaria.org.au dglcarpentaria.org.au

FREEMASON QUEENSLAND PUBLISHED BY UNITED GRAND LODGE OF QUEENSLAND

From the Editor’s Desk

By Harvey Lovewell

We have the first issue for 2023, and I wish you all the best for 2023. The last issue was a story about the Water of Life or whiskey. I received many comments on this, like why wasn’t Jim Beam or Jack Daniels discussed, even Irish and Japanese whiskey? I put this to our lover of the water of life, who has penned a followup on page 64

I was not sure how the crossword would have been received, but I have received positive comments on this; it has even been used as an educational tool at the festive board, where all have participated. What a splendid idea. There is another on page 51. Questions for the Masonic Mentor are still coming in. Answers have been included to the extent we have room. Keep them coming, and don’t forget that your lodge members are a wealth of knowledge; they will not bite if you ask.

We are at that stage when Lodge centenaries are here or close. This issue includes an oration by MW Bro Gary Bacon given on the celebration of the centenary of Barrine and Ravenshoe Lodges on the Atherton Tablelands, with a dual re-enactment; you will find it interesting, I’m sure. I urge you to read about all the innovative events that various Lodges have dreamt up for fundraisings and social activities, like shared breakfast, dark dining, and others.

I am sad to report that our Beacon of Freemasonry in the last issue, RW,

Bro Laurie Alchin passed at the end of 2022. Our Beacon, this issue is a tribute to our ladies, read how being married to a Freemason expanded this lady’s life and outlook. Page 20

Editor WBro Harvey Lovewell harvey@uglq.org.au

Art Direction and Layout

Dan Hancock

Getting all the snippets of information together for inclusion in the mag can be quite a process; chasing contributors for their stories that should be included is even more so. For each issue, a deadline is included in the box at the side of this page. It is there so we can get the magazine out to you on time. As we only have two issues a year, it should not be too onerous for your stories to be completed within the time frame and sent to me. Please try hard to do this so production can be timely.

Fraternally Harvey Lovewell, Editor.

“I urge you to read about all the innovative events that various Lodges have dreamt up for fundraisings and social activities, like shared breakfast, dark dining, and others.”

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From the desk of the Grand Secretary

RW Bro Milan Pavasovic

Welcome to the first edition of The Queensland Freemason Magazine for 2023. I would like to begin by extending my fraternal greetings to all brethren and their families and hope that you all had a wonderful start to 2023.

Since the last magazine and with the success of the Grand Installation, there has been no time for the Grand Secretariat to rest on its laurels. The administration team has continued to focus on service delivery, communication, and events throughout the remainder of 2022.

As a Grand Secretariat initiative, a special limited edition Remembrance Day Square and Compass poppy pin was designed by our office manager which was received extremely well by the brethren to the point that it sold out within 48hours. As a result, new pins have been designed for 2023 and a relationship has been established with Legacy Brisbane. Proceeds of pin sales will be donated to Legacy Brisbane and we hope that you will enthusiastically support this initiative again.

The administration team assisted the Grand Master’s wife Dorothy with the first Ladies event post COVID being the Ladies Christmas Dinner which coincided with the 2022 December Quarterly Communications. Supper Room Two was decorated with bounds of festive joy in colours of Red, Green and Gold and the evening was attended by 28 Ladies and catered by Job’s Daughters. We were proud to be able to assist Dorothy with her first event and the start of her fundraising efforts for Dementia Australia.

As we commence 2023, the Grand Secretariat is already a hive of activity with Lodges coming out of recess, installation season, interstate Grand Installation visits, event coordination for a busy first half of the year over and as well as our busy daily membership functions. The administration team have all celebrated 12 months

“Since the last magazine and with the success of the Grand Installation, there has been no time for the Grand Secretariat to rest on its laurels. The administration team has continued to focus on service delivery, communication, and events throughout the remainder of 2022.”

of service with UGLQ which has provided stability and consistency in membership services. Monica, Danielle, Bradleigh, Sandra, Andrew and I would like to thank the brethren for their support, encouragement, patience and feedback during the last 12 months. It has been a tough but rewarding journey.

With the planned introduction of the new EMS (Engagement Management System) announced at 2022 October Quarterly Communications, there will be a progressive rollout of changes which will include website re-development, event management,

e-commerce, fundraising, internal communications, digital resource management and secure member management. Essentially, imagine a fraternal MyGOV for members. Brethren in good standing will be able to access the portal using their registered email address securely, update their personal data and view masonic history as well as access other resources.

In turn, Secretaries, Districts and PNG will also be able to view and manage their lodge membership records. The data validation project demonstrated a 60% response rate, data accuracy issues, gaps in information and an urgent need to facilitate and provide better digital services back to the membership.

On another exciting front, new merchandise is currently being sourced and will be released soon. Men’s and Ladies branded polos have been highly sought after and requested so we are in the final stages of procuring quality Queensland weather friendly Polo shirts. There are other items in the design and development stage which will be made available at major events and by announcement/pre-order.

Finally brethren, and as always, if there is anything that we, your Grand Secreteriat can be of assistance with, please don’t hesitate to contact us at your convenience.

Fraternal regards,

RW Bro Milan Pavasovic Grand Secretary

From the General Board of Directors

Rob Collins

Governance in the digital age

In my role as Board President, many will have heard me talk about the General Board of Directors’ commitment to improve corporate governance.

Sounds good but what is governance?

It means capable people working within a framework rules and policies, using practices and procedures to direct or control the organization. The basic principles include; planning, responsibility and accountability, stakeholder communication, transparency and fairness, good record keeping, and risk management.

An organization that has good governance practices in place engenders stakeholder confidence, business resilience, better collaboration and is more able to withstand internal and external scrutiny.

The UGLQ has done a lot in the past few years to improve its governance arrangements. For example, the General Board are reviewing, amending, and developing policies that are contemporary reflecting masonic and societal issues and values. The digital age presents new challenges for the UGLQ corporately and us as members, and its important to have policies that reflect the risks and opportunities of the modern era. An example of this is our social media policy and our practices relating to our IT systems.

The General Board and the Ceremonial Board use software called BoardPro to enable good records to be made and ensure action items are completed. This is more accurate and less resourse intensive than taking minutes and printing them in hard copy.

In the future, new member software (called IMIS) will be implemented to

ensure more efficient establishment and maintenance of member records, as well as a better communication capability. As I understand it, IMIS will also include a platform for a better transactional website to provide the capability for online forms and electronic submissions, assessments, and processing.

On-line Voting for some Quarterly

Communications is still on the list to be implemented too to enable our remotely located brethren to have a say in important matters within our jurisdiction.

The Secretariat has worked on developing documented procedures, so that business can affected efficiency and continue regardless of the officer assigned to the task. This work is ongoing, and the procedures refined as continual improvement is one of the cornerstones of a Quality Management System.

The General Board has established the Membership and Communications Committees. These may be amended slightly in the future to better reflect our evolving requirements. More Board Committees are planned, and I hope to announce them in the next edition of the magazine.

I’ve been asked a few times recently about the magazine and whether the UGLQ would consider making a digital version available. Whilst there is no plan to only publish a digital version, the General Board will consider offering a digital version instead of a printed version as an option. This would ensure that the magazine is delivered to subscribers and save a considerable sum in print costs and postage. Unfortunately, to date we still haven’t solved the problem of postage returns and magazine wastage so all ideas will need to be explored. By the way, if you have or know someone who has a business that would like to advertise in the magazine, please contact the Secretariat.

The Membership Committee has come up with the idea of “Dollars for Members” to encourage brethren, and Lodges to seek potential new members. The incentive may benefit the Lodge or the new member. Please find and reread the brochure developed by the Committee. Increasing our membership is a challenge for every one of us.

Finally, I’m very pleased to introduce two new Board members being, Very Worshipful Brother Shannan Summers and Very Worshipful Brother Leigh Smith. I welcome their capabilities and enthusiasm and hope their time is rewarding. At the time of writing, the General Board is now at the full complement of seven members.

Until next time,

Right Worshipful Brother Rob Collins President of the General Board of Directors.

“An organization that has good governance practices in place engenders stakeholder confidence, business resilience, better collaboration and is more able to withstand internal and external scrutiny.”

A Message from the Ceremonial Board

RW Bro David Melville AGM

Fraternal Greetings from myself and all the members of the Ceremonial Board.

I hope you and your family all healthy and happy as our Masonic activities get underway for 2023.

2022 was quite a year for all of us and, with the Holiday season now behind us, we can look forward to the opportunities that lay ahead in 2023.

The Ceremonial Board continues to devote its efforts towards focussing on ‘core business’. That is, all matters ceremonial. We are all committed to ensuring that we concentrate on undertaking work aimed at directly fulfilling this function. With this clear objective in mind the Board will, wherever it can, strive to ensure it adds value to ceremonial proceedings within the UGLQ in whichever form that may take.

During the latter part of 2022 the Board took a keen interest in the Remembrance Day Service held on 11th November and will continue to do so in 2023, thereby assisting the Office of the Grand Secretary in matters ceremonial for this event. The Board believes the Remembrance Day Service was a memorable event in 2022 being the first Remembrance Day Service held post-Covid.

The introduction of the Watch Party, dressed in Scottish traditional attire and the inclusion of both the Australian and other Flags of the nations who fought as a ‘coalition of forces’ in the First World War against our enemies, added further significance to the occasion.

“The introduction of the Watch Party, dressed in Scottish traditional attire and the inclusion of both the Australian and other Flags of the nations who fought as a ‘coalition of forces’ in the First World War against our enemies, added further significance to the occasion.”

It is anticipated that we will build on the work undertaken in November and add further value to the ceremony this year.

The Digital Music Project commenced in the latter part of 2022. By now,

each Lodge should have received a package including a USB and materials. Contact your AGDD urgently if your Lodge has not received its package.

I encourage you to reach out by email to the Grand Director of Music, VW Bro Leigh Smith at DMProject@uglq. org.au if you need any further advice and information.

I am pleased to announce that the Board has approved the commencement of a Digital Music Project for Scottish Working Lodges. It is anticipated that the music will be ready for distribution around midyear. Scotties … watch this space!

Thank you again for your support during 2022. I wish you the best of health, happiness, and success during 2023 and beyond.

RW Bro David Melville AGM Chair - Ceremonial Board

Watch Party, Wor Bro Richard Arthur, Lodge St George foreground; RW Bro Ian Kerr, Ashton Lodge back left and Wor Bro Ted Faulkner, Windsor Lodge back right. Bro Glen Weston Lodge Silver Cross to the left, view obstructed.

The Grand re-opening of the Ian Maddox Memorial Library of UGLQ

By Stig R. Hokanson

Forty-two invited guests attended the long-awaited convivial reopening of the Grand Lodge Library on March 1, 2023. The special occasion was a culmination of long, dedicated and often pain staking work over the past three years to bring the library into the modern age. Young, gifted Grand Lodge Librarian VWB Brodie Taylor welcomed assembled guests with “I inherited a library that was about to hibernate.”

Indeed, conceded Brodie, there would be no library at all for some years until painstaking reorganisation, cataloguing and countless hours were spent in stocktaking our written records spanning in excess of 100 years. The sheer logistics of the above falls nothing short of breathtaking but was ably assisted through the efforts of Dr David Lauder and wife Ross Lauder, recognised absentia by Brodie Taylor. When a person reaches 100 he/she is always celebrated; so too, when a Grand Lodge reaches the same important mile stone. There was much to celebrate on March 1, 2023. From many ‘false starts’ attempting to capture all Grand Officers in 2021 the goal was not only achieved, but revealed through the unveiling of the ‘Class of 100 Portrait.’ MC for the evening Brodie Taylor next called on Grandmaster Jeff Harper to address assembled guests.

MWB Harper’s address was directed to all members of the UGLQ constitution. MWB Harper stressed the importance of ‘history’ to our Order. “Without it, we are nothing. Do not miss an opportunity to interview Brethren; do not miss an opportunity to record our journeys through the Craft. Time will come when missed opportunities become regretted as aged Brethren go to a realm from which interviews become impossible.”

Alluding to the possibilities of recording our past MWB Harper hoped that “the newly reopened Grand Library in Ann Street would be a source of inspiration, depository of history and a waiting field of research for budding historians.”

The cutting of the symbolical red ribbon by MWB Harper and Grand Librarian Taylor had purposely been set up before an imposing portrait of Alexander Corrie. Staring at Corrie’s portrait in full regalia the audience was almost expecting a wink or nod of approval. 100 years down the track, continued MWB Harper, “We hope that another Masonic assembly will meet again in 2123 to celebrate the continuance of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland.” Perhaps Alexander Corrie had similar views in mind in 1921 when he achieved, after so many attempts, a United Grand Lodge of Queensland. The final launch, in a ceremony of launches, was the 52 Treasures Book, the culmination in print

of 52 UGLQ Treasures rarely seen or touched, yet brought out on Facebook, Instagram and other public platforms to celebrate one item at a time over the span of fifty-two weeks. It was warmly appreciated at the time and is now available in print for purchase at Ann Street for $40.00 (all proceeds going towards the Ian Maddox Memorial Library). The value of the Library cannot be underestimated. It is a sanctuary of research and study. Indeed, it is also a depository of resources for people outside our fraternity. Questions often reach my desk such as “My great grandfather was Grandmaster of the Masons in Queensland...” I always caution the enquirer that this assertion is possibly not quite correct, but encourage them to pursue their enquiry which, thanks to our great resources, may yield an answer to a jigsaw puzzle of love of family history begun in a suburban home somewhere. Grand Librarian VWB Brodie Taylor, and his many assistants’ work is done. We cannot thank him enough for his dedication and toil. Sadly, VWB Taylor signalled tonight that he is not renewing his tenure as Grand Librarian after July, 2023.

It makes me think of Homer Smith (played by Sidney Poitier) in the 1963 flick Lillies of the Field. When, as many of you will recall, the humble chapel is finished, the work is completed, poor Homer Smith, rather than staying around to be appreciated by the flock of nuns and worshippers in the Arizona desert, gets into his clapped out car, leaves the scene all while the worshipers sing Amen, amen, aaaa-men, aaa-men. The role of Grand Librarian is an important role in every Grand Lodge around the world. When VWB Brodie Taylor hands over the baton to our next Grand Librarian he may justifiably borrow the quote from the late Queensland Premier the Hon Wayne Goss: “I hope I leave this place a better place than that in which I found it.” The UGLQ membership register its appreciation to Brodie Taylor and his intrepid team who battled logistics under Covid lockdowns too numerous to mention.

“There would be no library at all for some years until painstaking reorganisation.”

A Double Centenary.

By Dr Gary Bacon AM PGM - 12 November 2022

The Atherton Tablelands is a vast area that once was covered in timber. This brought many people to

for much work had to be done. The men moving to the area formed many Masonic Lodges, two of which were Ravenhoe and Barrine Lodges.

Atrain was hired to bring the Grand Team from Cairns first to Yungaburra to Barrine Lodge 296 and continue to Ravenshoe 297. These Lodges were consecrated one after the other 100 years ago. Below is the talk by RW Gary Bacon on the occasion of this double re-enactment.

“Whence come you.”

We Masons are all familiar with this query embedded in our traditional ritual. It also served as the title of a comprehensive history of Carpentaria District Lodges that District Grand Master RW Bro Allan Douglas Wakeham 1985-87 compiled, which I acknowledge as a prime reference.

Let me borrow the question to introduce two journeys, neigh adjacent in the landscape and parallel in theme. Barrine and Ravenshoe Lodges took Journeys from the foundation to this combined celebratory event to mark a 100-year timeline. Their respective numbers on the roll of UGLQ, Barrine

at #296 and Ravenshoe at#297, are our starting points. Only a 24-hour age difference separates the two Lodges in a 36,539 day parallel timeline.

The Atherton Tablelands and its eponymous town are named after John Atherton, a pioneering pastoralist. The discovery of tin and the establishment of Herberton in 1880 brought hordes to the then-pristine tablelands. However, Atherton owed its permanency to the timber industry, with large areas of red cedar, kauri, maple, black bean, walnut, white beech and bull oak being milled by a myriad of sawmills.

The productivity and species diversity of the northern rainforests was never exceeded on any part of the Australian continent. The core ingredient to this apogee forest ecosystem and subsequent farming enterprises was the fertile basalt soil derived from the massive volcanic eruptions that formed the Tableland landscape and the many diatremes that still capture the eye today. Lake Eacham, Lake Barrine and Mount Hypipamee Crater.

The spread of the Craft into the newly-pioneered Northern frontiers of Queensland is one of the most colourful stories of world Freemasonry. The environment and circumstances were exceptional and gave Queensland Freemasonry a unique flavour and character. The most significant difficulties in those early days were imposed not by finance but by distance, inadequate transport (steamer, rail, coach and dray) and accommodation. Horses and shanks’ pony were common means of travel. It is difficult for Brethren today to realise the extent to which the attendance at Lodge was, for the pioneers, a significant operation.

Despite these challenges, the growth in Freemasonry in the northern reaches of the State was such that by the time the UGLQ was established in 1921, no less than 18 lodges had been Warranted by Provincial and mother Grand Lodges. The first of these founding lodges

was Endeavour Lodge #26 Cooktown, which commenced life as Lodge #1595 EC in 1876 on the banks of the Endeavour River, a site visited by the first Freemason who stepped ashore in Queensland, indeed Australia, Bro Joseph Banks.

By the time Grand Master, MW Bro Charles Stumm visited Cairns on 28 October 1922 and met with Lodge officials regarding the formation of the District Grand Lodge of Carpentaria, some seven lodges had been formed about the Tablelands, including three here in Atherton, namely Atherton Lodge #150 in 1904, Duke of Connaught Lodge #187 in 1908 and Fraser Lodge #210 in 1911.

The formation of the two birthday lodges we celebrate today can thus be viewed within the context of the operative pioneering times.

The first meeting to form a lodge at Yungaburra was held on 23 April 1922 in the local sawmill office of Bro Thomas Wensley, with twelve Freemasons in attendance and Bro Charles Davis in the chair. He suggested the name be ‘Barrine Lodge’ and Atherton Lodge be asked to sponsor them. These were generous men of action, and with the purchase of a town block for 40 pounds (a workers wage was less than £4 a week), a large Masonic Hall measuring 54ft long by 26ft wide, with 14ft high walls and an anteroom of 16ft was erected in six weeks with donated prime kauri pine timber and labour. The week before the opening, a working bee was held to build a fence using split bean tree posts around the Lodge and erect a structure for the celebration banquet. Carbide gas provided lighting, the ashlars were made from stone procured from King Solomon’s Temple quarries, and regalia was ordered from Brisbane. The National Bank provided a 300-pound overdraft which was cleared by June 1928. Barrine Lodge was Consecrated by Grand Master Charles Stumm and his Grand Officer team at 4 pm Monday, 30 October 1922, with 54 Brethren in

the area,

“The spread of the Craft into the newlypioneered Northern frontiers of Queensland is one of the most colourful stories of world Freemasonry.”

attendance. Deputy Grand Master Robert Nicholas Fernehough Quinn called off 6 to 7.30 pm and, resuming with now 98 Brethren in attendance, proceeded with the inaugural Installation of VW Bro Charles Davis and officers.

Attendance was assisted with commissioning a special steam train for £11/14/0. The gathering sat down to a well-provisioned banquet donated by the members, complete with customary liquid refreshments, cigars and cigarettes.

Ravenshoe Lodge #297 took over seven years to become a reality after 11 local Freemasons signed the inaugural petition in February 1915 sponsored by Atherton and Evelyn Lodges. This delay was a consequence of the Great War 1915-18, the formation of, in turn, the Queensland Grand Lodge in 1920 and UGLQ in 1921 and local amalgamations, e.g. St George English Constitution (Herberton) and Evelyn Scottish Constitution Lodges. In all that delay, the Master elect Wor Bro Thomas Condon never remotely lost enthusiasm and continually prompted the authorities for the cherished goal of establishing a new lodge in Ravenshoe. When the urgent go-ahead came in the form of a misdated telegram

from the Grand Secretary in Brisbane, the foundation members had six weeks to build a Lodge Hall from scratch. Labour and timber, including silver silkwood flooring and maple furnishings, were provided gratis. All was ready for the Consecration and inaugural Installation on Tuesday, 31 October 1922, by Grand Master Stumm and practically the same Grand Officer team as the day before, save that a Grand Organist (Wor Bro T Banwell) was present at the Ravenshoe ceremony.

The expenditures listed on 30 December 1922 are of interest. They included Land, £70 snigging logs £5/19/0 roofing iron 2 guineas, building material ex Cairns and Mareeba £12/11/0, Cairns Post for printing Installation cards £6/1/3, Lighting apparatus £28. Herberton Lodge regalia (Scottish ex Evelyn Lodge) £26/14/1 refreshments for banquet £21/9/0 and the UGLQ Lodge Warrant 15 guineas. An overdraft of £300 was taken and Debentures of £120 in £5 lots were raised by the members to meet all start-up costs.

In this précised history, some common themes become evident. Overtly committed and energised local Masons founded both Lodges. Lodge buildings

were constructed post haste using prime carbon-rich local timbers. Wood constitutes 50 per cent by weight of elemental carbon. Thus both Lodge buildings have done their bit for the environment by capturing and storing about 9.5 t of Carbon Dioxide each!

How apt that the Consecration ceremony was performed by the super-energised Grand Master Stumm, whose legacy on the union, constitution, tradition and travel is unsurpassed on the Australian plateau.

Finally, a century’s journey has witnessed the vicissitudes of wars, droughts, floods, pandemics, and financial pressures with the ebbs and flows of membership. Despite all these challenges, the Brethren have taken their DNA from their founding fathers through the decades and have risen to all challenges.

Well done, indeed.

May the members of both Lodges carry on your fine well-crafted traditions into the next century; indeed an apt answer to the secondary ritual question, ‘Whither directing your course’.

Kauri

Pine Logs - Atherton District

Centenary Telford Lodge 291

On 10 September 2022, the members of Telford Lodge #291 celebrated their centenary installation at Imbil. Many visitors came from the Mary Valley, Gympie and the Sunshine Coast.

Wor. Bro. Chris Doyle of Dagun had the honour of being installed as the Master of the lodge for its centenary. He was first installed as the Master in 1977 at 26. In June of this year, he had been a member for 50 years. Chris Doyle is a well-known pineapple farmer from Dagun and Brooloo. Chris’s father, the late Bertie Doyle, was the Master of the lodge in 1966.

The list of members who have served as the Master of the lodge represents many notable individuals from the Mary Valley and surrounding regions.

A special guest was the Most Worshipful Grand Master Jeff Harper FSM, who travelled to Imbil to witness the ceremony. Members of his delegation who accompanied him came from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

Freemasons filled the Lodge room with not even one spare seat. Members produced an excellent centenary book recording the history of Telford Lodge. Following the ceremony, a tasty

3-course dinner was served at the Imbil Bowls Club, which was also filled, where 20 ladies joined in the celebrations. Members decorated the dining room with pineapples from the Wor Master’s farm.

The first loyal masonic toast was honoured to “The King and the Craft”, followed by the singing of the Royal Anthem “God Save the King.” After the installation ceremony, the Australian National Anthem was sung.

Master Chris Doyle was presented with a gavel made of Silky Oak by MW Bro Adrian Burton PGM, originally from Kandanga and Gympie. Both families were pineapple farmers. Adrian’s grandfather JSR (Jack) Stephens of Kandanga, was the Master of Telford Lodge in 1934. The Stephens family emigrated from Devon in England in 1832 and settled at Kandanga in 1864. The first European farmers in the area. John Day Stephen’s original farm is directly opposite the Kandanga Cemetery. Jack Stephens also spoke the local Aboriginal language.

TheLewis

The Lewis was and is a tool used for lifting large objects.

The origins of the Lewis as an instrument used in operative masonry are lost to history. It is known that the Romans used it. It probably goes back even further. In modern times, different tools are still referred to as Lewis, although how they are used differs from the earliest forms. The origin of the name Lewis is also lost to history.

Some believe Lewis was a proper name, perhaps the tool’s inventor. Others believe it could come from the Latin leva to lift (levavi -lifted and levatum - raised).

The types of Lewis include the external Lewis, chain-linked Lewis,

split-pin Lewis, two-pinned Lewis and three-legged Lewis. Regardless of the type of Lewis being used, the principles of the operation remain the same. Using friction and the weight of the lifted object, a Lewis is attached to the object and hoisted into place by attaching ropes or other appropriate lifting mechanisms.

Of the various types, the most commonly referred to in Freemasonry is the three-legged Lewis. This also goes by the names dovetailed Lewis, St. Peter’s Keys and Wilson Bolt. The three-legged Lewis was inserted in a properly cut hole at the stone’s top. The object

was then lifted into place and made part of the structure.

In speculative Freemasonry, Lewis is the son of a Freemason who joins the fraternity. As an analogy, it is commonly meant that the father raised (levatum) the son into position to take his place as part of the structure of Freemasonry.

Left to right. Chris Pike PAGM / Norrie Morris PDGM / Grand Master Jeff Harper FSM / Worshipful Master Chris Doyle / Adrian Burton PGM / Doug Wells PDGM

“Freemasons filled the Lodge room with not even one spare seat. Members produced an excellent centenary book recording the history of Telford Lodge.”

Redcliffe First Settlement Lodge

On Saturday, the 23rd of July, 2022, Bro Simon Pitcher was installed (for the first time) into the Worshipful Master’s Chair of Redcliffe First Settlement Lodge (RFSL) No.287 at the Scarborough Masonic Centre on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula. He was very honoured to have his father, VW Bro Michael Pitcher PDGDC; also the Foundation Master of RFSL, deliver the Address to the Master on this auspicious occasion.

Due to the 100 year Re-consecration of Lodge No.287 (named Redcliffe Lodge initially) earlier that day, the Lodge

“Due to the 100 year Re-consecration of Lodge No.287 (named Redcliffe Lodge initially) earlier that day, the Lodge was attended by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, MW Bro Jeff Harper AFSM; the Deputy Grand Master, RW Bro David Gray and a Grand Team of 15 Worshipful Brethren from the United Grand Lodge of Queensland”

was attended by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, MW Bro Jeff Harper AFSM; the Deputy Grand Master, RW Bro David Gray and a Grand Team of 15 Worshipful Brethren from the United Grand Lodge of Queensland. There were also 34 members and visitors, plus wives and the Festive Board was wonderfully catered to by the ladies and girls of Job’s Daughters.

At the beginning of his Installation, Bro Simon also had the honour of wearing the 121-year-old apron of his Great Grandfather (Bro John Rawlins) from Royal Sussex Lodge No.53 in Bath, England.

Then, on the 8th of October, 2022, Wor Bor Simon Pitcher was granted permission by the WM and Brethren of Tynwald Lodge No.262 (Scottish constitution) to be able to install his father into the Worshipful Master’s Chair of King Solomon. Tynwald Lodge also meets at the Scarborough Masonic Centre, and between father and son, they have 75 years of Freemasonry experience on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

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Two WM hands

Whence come you

By Dr Gary Bacon AM PGM - 1 October 2022

We Masons are all familiar with this query embedded in our traditional ritual. Don’t fret; these terms will be explained soon after that to be added to your lexicons. Let me borrow the question to introduce a journey, a particular trip taken by Argyle Lodge from the foundation to this site to this carbonencased Lodge room perched upon Montmorillonite.

The rich alluvial plains of the Lockyer Valley were pioneered and remain one of the State’s most important centres of diversified agriculture.

In 1880, AJ Boyd purchased land from the Queensland Government and named this property Forest Hill after seeing Allan Cunningham’s map of the region where he had marked a “forest hill”. A station on the Main Line railway was established to service the property called Boyd’s Siding, which later changed its name to Forest Hill. By the early 1900s, Forest Hill was thriving and growing more produce than the older Gatton and Laidley settlements. Forest Hill was Australia’s largest produce distribution centre in 190405, and 10 Produce Merchants had established businesses in the town.

On 30 July 1906, a group of Freemasons interested in forming a Lodge held their inaugural meeting in Bell’s produce shed. RW Bro Thomas Mylne, GM of Scottish Freemasons in Queensland, chaired the meeting. Just twelve days later, on 11 August 1906, he led the team who Consecrated Lodge Argyle and provided a Working Dispensation. Immediately afterwards six candidates were balloted and Initiated. Bell’s shed was then dedicated as the first Lodge Hall. A change in meeting place took effect quite quickly. The following month on 16 September 1906, Argyle Lodge met in the Presbyterian Church, which was Consecrated immediately prior. Here was home for the next 16 years. Argyle Lodge was issued Warrant #1016 in November 1906 by Grand Lodge Scotland.

It took many hours to find land suitable for building a hall, and in 1913 Portion 92 on Victoria St, Forest Hill, obtained

for 40 pounds. The onset of WW1 deferred building planning. Major Bro Thomas J Logan lost his life at Quinn’s Post Gallipoli in August 1915. A Memorial Service was held at the Presbyterian Church, and the Lodge members marched in procession down the main street to the School of Arts. A 100th-anniversary replica march was conducted on 22 August 2015. As Grand Master, it was my privilege to take part.

Argyle Lodge joined the newly established Queensland Grand Lodge and received Warrant #115 in June 1920. This step was the forerunner to the formation in April 1921 of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland (UGLQ) and the issue of Warrant #164 in November 1921. Efforts began in earnest to draw plans and build a hall. In April 1922, samples of fibro suggested by the Grand Architect and three-ply wood were displayed at the regular meeting. The members decided to go with hardwood weatherboard cladding and an interior lining of silky oak plywood.

Thus, we are enclosed within a carbonrich timber framework of Eucalyptus crebra (Ironbark) and Grevillea robusta (Silky Oak). All the wood you observe constitutes 50% by weight of elemental carbon. Thus the Lodge building has done its bit for the environment by capturing and storing about 9.5 t of Carbon Dioxide.

This new Lodge temple constructed for £465 ‘ bare cost price’ was Consecrated by MW Bro T S Burstow on 30 September 1922 with 98 members and visitors packed within. A beautiful banquet was held at the School of Arts, and cigars and

cigarettes were provided! The members paid a £1 levy for it!

The 36,526 days journey of this Temple since has witnessed the ebbs and flows of membership (23 to 34) and the resultant pressures on finances. A continuing theme throughout the minutes has been the costly improvements and maintenance of this wooden building. Electricity connected in 1936, mains water in 1958 (and a new tank as the Brethren disliked the town water) and sewerage in 1968 meant renovations to the back porch. Fresh paint windows and guttering were regularly needed. Many successful calls weres made to the Brethren for donations and loans to keep the building habitable.

Access to recent welcome funds was necessary to overcome the problems associated with a building continually moving on cracking clays, otherwise known as the black earth of the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley. Suitable for producing abundant agricultural harvests, the cracking clays are not ideal for the stability of fence posts, electricity poles and house stumps. The problem underneath us is that Montmorillonite dominates the soil profile.

Montmorillonite is a 2:1 clay, meaning that it has two tetrahedral sheets of silica sandwiching a central octahedral sheet of alumina. Montmorillonites expand considerably more than other clays due to water penetrating the interlayer molecular spaces and simultaneous adsorption. The solution in 2010 was to re-foundation and level the building on steel adjustable stumps. I can recommend crawling underneath to view these compact engineering marvels.

Here are the words of Grand Master Menzies regarding the Argyle Lodge’s centenary in 2006; ‘The fortitude and dedication of past members, which enabled Argyle to survive trying times and enjoy the bounty, must be applauded …… may your members carry on the fine tradition into the next century.

Surely the aptest answer to the second question, ‘Whither directing your course’.

“The rich alluvial plains of the Lockyer Valley were pioneered and remain one of the State’s most important centres of diversified agriculture.”

MW Grand Master’s wife joins other Masonic wives for high tea in Brisbane

Mrs Dorothy Harper, the wife of the MW Grand Master, was a guest of honour at the inaugural High Tea for Masonic wives at the Treasury Building in Brisbane. Our ladies enjoyed a selection of sandwiches and cakes.

It has also been reported that some ladies skipped the tea for a selection of wines and champagne. However, there is no photographic evidence to support such a claim! Nichola Potter, the organiser of the event and wife of the current Master of Portal Lodge 444, was delighted by the outcome, “It was wonderful to meet other Masonic wives, and I am very grateful to Dorothy for her kind words”; she continued “what is clear, is that we need more events for Masonic Wives not only in Brisbane but elsewhere in Queensland”. Nichola coordinates a Masonic Ladies Facebook page and encourages all partners of Queensland Freemasons to make contact.

In the first instance, please email nichola.potter@hotmail.com

“It was wonderful to meet other Masonic wives, and I am very grateful to Dorothy for her kind words”; she continued “what is clear, is that we need more events for Masonic Wives not only in Brisbane but elsewhere in Queensland”

Portal Lodge’s oldest member turns 99 years young

A delegation of Portal Lodge brethren visited Brother Les Perry on his 99th birthday in January 2023. Worshipful Brother Glen Berghofer commented on what an achievement it has been for Brother Les, who, until very recently, regularly attended the lodge and delivered charges. Brother Perry was initiated into freemasonry in November 1949. His mother lodge was Rocklea, later joined Portal Lodge in December 2002.

Freemasonry

Brotherly love is not a tangible commodity. We cannot touch it or weigh it, smell it or taste it. Yet it is a reality; it can be creative, it can be fostered, it can be made a dynamic power. The Master who has it in his Lodge and his brethren will find that Lodge and brethren give it back to him. The Master too worried over the cares of his office to express friendliness need never wonder why his Lodge seems too cold to his effort.

From the pen Carl H Claudy

John Theophilius Desaguliers was born in France, in 1683, and is sometimes called the Father of Speculative Freemasonry. He became a famous teacher, minister, and scientist. He was named a fellow of the Royal Society. He became a member of Antiquity Lodge no 2 and several other Lodges. Under his leadership the 1717 Grand Lodge was organized and he helped organize the Ritual. he was elected the third Grand Master in 1719. He passed this life in 1744.

Left to right: RWBro Frank Holmes, WBro Glen Berghofer, WBro Peter Beavers and WBro Andrew Potter (Current Master of Portal Lodge)

The Feast of St. John the Evangelist The Cooke Manuscript

St. John the Evangelist, along with St. John the Baptist are the two St. John’s referred to in Masonic ritual. John the Evangelist, also referred to as John the Theologian and the Apostle John, lived from approximately 15 A.D. to 100 A.D.

In the Bible, the Gospel of John refers to an unnamed “disciple whom Jesus loved.” It is believed the Apostle John wrote the gospel because, in part, the author refers to James and Peter and is not claiming to be neither of these disciples. The writer of this gospel also is writing the Gospel in the light of the Synoptic Gospels which are the gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke. This leads to the conclusion it must be the Apostle John. The term Evangelist comes from a Greek word which means “writer of the gospel”, it is also in reference to the Latin word evangelium. In most Christian traditions, the Apostle John is John the Evangelist.

John the Evangelist as a historical figure was one of the “pillars” of the Jerusalem Church after Jesus’ death. He is believed to be the only one of the Apostles to survive until old age. The other apostles all having been put to death for their faith.

Some believe John, around 95 A.D. was exiled to the island of Patmos. There it is believed he wrote Revelations. This is a matter for debate. Many scholars believe John of Patmos was not John the Evangelist. Beyond the Gospel of John, there are many works attributed to him, most, including the Gospel of John are still debated whether he actually wrote them. Some scholars believe the Gospel of John was not written by anyone named John. This debate has raged since 200 A.D.

For Freemasonry, the Feast of St. John the Evangelist was utilized by many of the early Grand Lodges in England and Scotland as well as individual lodges. The Lodge of Edinburgh was associated with the aisle of St. John the Evangelist in St. Giles Cathedral as far back as the 15th century. The Grand Lodge of All England, which was a masonic body located primarily in the city of York, as well as it’s predecessor the Ancient Society of Freemasons in the City of York, elected it’s President and, starting in 1725, its Grand Master on the Feast of St. John the Evangelist. The Antient Grand Lodge of England also elected it’s Grand Master on the same day. When the Antients and the Moderns merged in 1813 to become the United Grand Lodge of England it occurred on the Feast of St. John the Evangelist.

The Cooke Manuscript was first translated and published in the 1800s by R. Spencer and edited by Mr Mathew Cooke, who gave his name to the manuscript.

Like the Regius poem, the Cooke Manuscript starts in antiquity and describes the events that caused the development of Freemasonry. It starts with describing the seven liberal arts and directly equating geometry with masonry. Unlike the Regius poem, the Cooke Manuscript describes the tale of the children of Lamech, a descendant of Cain in the Book of Genesis. Lamech’s children are remembered. There is Jabal, who discovers geometry; Jubal, who discovers music; Tubal Cain, who discovers metallurgy and the art of the smith; and Naameh, daughter of Lamech, who invents weaving. When the children of Lamech fear the world will be destroyed by fire or flood, they inscribe their knowledge on two pillars, one of stone and one of wood, one that will survive fire (conflagration) and the other that will float (inundation). These pillars are later discovered by Pythagoras and the philosopher Hermes. The knowledge was then passed down through Nimrod, who created the Tower of Babel.

Here, the Cooke Manuscript comes back together with the Regius Manuscript, although not completely with the story’s details. In the Cooke Manuscript, the knowledge is passed to the Egyptians and Euclid and eventually to the court of Athelstan in England, where the same nine articles, rules for the job site, and nine points, rules for the Freemason, are put down.

Unlike the other ancient masonic documents, the charges and constitutions are not placed on a scroll or roll. Instead, the Cooke Manuscript is written on pieces of vellum and then placed in a book covered by two pieces of oak.

James Anderson of Anderson’s Constitutions, written in 1723, had access to the Cooke Manuscript when he wrote his constitutions. In a footnote at the end of these, he quotes the last 60 lines of the Cooke Manuscript describing the assembly in York in the court of Athelstan.

The Cooke Manuscript is dated 1450. Early attempts to date the manuscript had it as 1482, although it was dated this way due to a translation error by Cooke. It is believed that the document was copied from another manuscript due to some obvious transcription errors. It is believed the manuscript was a contemporary document of the Cooke Manuscript and unlikely a work from earlier as Freemasons were banned from meeting together for fear they might demand higher wages.

“John the Evangelist as a historical figure was one of the “pillars” of the Jerusalem Church after Jesus’ death. He is believed to be the only one of the Apostles to survive until old age.”

“Unlike the other ancient masonic documents, the charges and constitutions are not placed on a scroll or roll.”

The Feast of St. John the Evangelist is celebrated annually on December 27th and marks the mid-winter.

The Cooke Manuscript is the second oldest document known about Freemasonry.

Centenary Telford Lodge 291

On 10 September 2022, the members of Telford Lodge #291 celebrated their centenary installation at Imbil. Many visitors came from the Mary Valley, Gympie and the Sunshine Coast.

Wor. Bro. Chris Doyle of Dagun had the honour of being installed as the Master of the lodge for its centenary. He was first installed as the Master in 1977 at 26. In June of this year, he had been a member for 50 years. Chris Doyle is a well-known pineapple farmer from Dagun and Brooloo. Chris’s father, the late Bertie Doyle, was the Master of the lodge in 1966. The list of members who have served as the Master of the lodge represents many notable individuals from the Mary Valley and surrounding regions.

A special guest was the Most Worshipful Grand Master

Jeff Harper FSM, who travelled to Imbil to witness the ceremony. Members of his delegation who accompanied him came from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba. Freemasons filled the Lodge room with not even one spare seat. Members produced an excellent centenary book recording the history of Telford Lodge.

Following the ceremony, a tasty 3-course dinner was served at the Imbil Bowls Club, which was also filled, where 20 ladies joined in the celebrations. Members decorated the dining room with pineapples from the Wor Master’s farm. The first loyal masonic toast was honoured to “The King and the Craft”, followed by the singing of the Royal Anthem “God Save the King.” After the installation ceremony, the Australian National Anthem was sung. Master Chris Doyle was presented with a gavel made of Silky Oak by MW Bro Adrian Burton PGM, originally from Kandanga and Gympie. Both families were pineapple farmers. Adrian’s grandfather JSR (Jack) Stephens of Kandanga, was the Master of Telford Lodge in 1934. The Stephens family emigrated from Devon in England in 1832 and settled at Kandanga in 1864. The first European farmers in the area. John Day Stephen’s original farm is directly opposite the Kandanga Cemetery. Jack Stephens also spoke the local Aboriginal language.

Frazer Coast Freemasons in Action

Late last year Mundubbera-Burnett Lodge 326 was proud to present the Mundubbera’s Men shed with a defibrillator. Mundubbera-Burnett Lodge changed its meeting place to Maryborough Masonic Centre some eight years ago and has gone on to improve the membership of the Lodge. We keep a presence at Mundubbera as we still have three members in the district, with two always attending Lodge. We are always seeking opportunities to make donations to any worthwhile charity in the Wide Bay area. For E.g., we donated $25000 to the Maryborough Special School. Hervey Bay Daylight Lodge ably assisted us in donating two defibrillators to Fraser Community Meals on Wheels for Hervey Bay and Maryborough. At a recent meeting of both Mundubbera-Burnett Lodge 326 and Hervey Bay Daylight Lodge 521, we have taken the initiative to combine some hard-earned funds from both Lodge’s and make a worthwhile donation of 2 defibrillators to Fraser Coast Meals on Wheels for their Hervey Bay and Maryborough premises.

Our 2 Lodges are working together to promote Freemasonry in the Wide Bay area by assisting one another in various fundraising and social activities. Being available to help each other in “filling” officers within each lodge, when necessary, at meetings and generally enjoying each other’s company. At the February meeting of Hervey Bay Daylight Lodge, MundubberaBurnett were very generous in providing a candidate who was suitably passed to the second degree. Lodge members from both Lodge’s took part in the ceremony, which was performed to a high standard, the candidate, who is quite young, proved his ability in response to the questions asked of him, and we hope that he has a great future in Freemasonry. The future of Freemasonry rests with its members combining the strengths and determination of the members of our two lodges, and we hope this will assist in growing Freemasonry in the Wide Bay for the future. Taken from letters sent by Peter F Keller OSB PJGW. Secretary.

Grand Lodge Regalia, All types of Name Badges, Lapel Pins, Past Masters Jewel, Gloves, Caps, Shirts, BBQ Aprons, Cufflinks, Self Inking Stamps, Regalia, Eton Jackets & Jigger Buttons

Left to right: Chris Pike PAGM / Norrie Morris PDGM / Grand Master Jeff Harper FSM / Worshipful Master Chris Doyle / Adrian Burton PGM / Doug Wells PDGM

Maroochydore Lodge Proclamation Perpetual IPM Jewel Builders all.

Surely some workman has built the pillar as well as the spire; The cross that the painter has gilded was fashioned in somebody’s fire.

Surely men dig in the ditches preparing a place for the wall; And someone has made with her stitches the flag that shall fly over all. Someone has blended the plaster, and someone has carried the stone;

Neither the man nor the Master ever has built alone.

Making a roof for the weather, building a house for the King; Only by working together men have accomplished a thing.

All have a share in the beauty, all have a part in the plan; What does it matter what duty falls to the lot of a man.

Each has a hand in the building, no one has built alone; Whether a cross he was gilding, whether he carried the stone.

Did you know ...

Mt Rushmore the world’s largest monument, was carved by a freemason. The awe-inspiring patriotic shrine on Mt Rushmore near Keystone, South Dakota, was sculpted by Gutzon Borglum with the help of his son. Gutzon was past Master of Howard Lodge no 35 N.Y.. Washington, Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt, depicted in the sculpture, were all Freemasons. The sculptures are around 60 ft or 18 metres high. Construction began in 1927, and the presidents’ faces were completed between 1934 and 1939. After Gutzon Borglum died in March 1941, his son Lincoln took over as construction project leader. Each president was originally to be depicted from head to waist, but lack of funding forced construction to end on October 31, 1941.

On Saturday, 17th September, at the Maroochydore Lodge Proclamation, Mrs Lynn Pfeiffer presented the IPM, Wor Bro Bob Reehal, with a UGLQ Centennial Collarette in memory of her husband, Bro Gordon Pfeiffer.

The Collarette is to be worn by the Immediate Past Master of the Lodge and will be presented to the new IPM at each Installation.

The Magic Flute by Brother Wolfgang Mozart

Presentation of IPM Perpetual Jewel by Lynn Pfeiffer

“The Magic Flute” by Brother Wolfgang Mozart is the symbolic representation of human evolution and was composed by him to replace the symbolic Masonic Initiations forbidden by the emperor of Austria. Thus enabling his brethren to instruct Masonically in spite of the edicts of a tyrannical Government.

Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run

By Bro Raider Rezende

This year, our Deputy Grand Master, Very Worthful Brother David Gray, joined us, much due to the encouragement of his wife, who seemed a much-experienced runner.

A few days before the event, our shirt supplier advised our team shirts would not arrive in time. That was when I saw the Masonic spirit in action; I called a few brothers who had participated last year but would not make it this time. I asked if I could borrow their shirts, and they were glad to help. A big shoutout to them!

We raised AU$900 for Supertee, a foundation that offers medical garments to Australia’s sickest and bravest children as they embark on the most brutal fight. Well done! More about our charity for this year at https://www.supertee.org.au/

To all who joined the team, thank you! And I hope to see you all again next year.

If you missed it, keep an eye out for Team Freemasons Queensland 2023. Remember, a year from now, you will wish you had started training today.

We did it again!!! This year 25 brothers, some accompanied by their wives, registered for the Bridge to Brisbane fun run 2022. Twenty of those went for the 10km course and five for 4.5km.

At the bottom of the Gateway Bridge, we saw the sunrise to perfect weather as we waited for our turn to start. With a little chat and lots of smiles, the expectation increased for at least half of the team doing it for the first time.

We began with enthusiasm; some went straight ahead at a fast pace, others took their time with an easy jog, and others walked. It did not matter the speed, as long every brother had company. We were sorry to part at the start but were happy to meet again at the end.

Along the way, we enjoyed the view at the top of the bridge, some points with music - which included a station with opera, lots of water and the incentive of people cheering on the sidelines.

It was heaps of fun! By the sound of live music, we listened to each other’s experiences while we waited for the rest of the team to arrive. In the end, everyone collected a medal and some fruits to refill the body.

“It was heaps of fun! By the sound of live music, we listened to each other’s experiences while we waited for the rest of the team to arrive. In the end, everyone collected a medal and some fruits to refill the body.”

Beacons of Freemasonry

My fascinating glimpse into the world of “Freemasons”

by Alla Craigie

ED Note. After the story on Beacons Of Freemasonry in the last issue. I am sad to say that Brother Laurie Alchin passed late in 2022. However, there are also Beacons we may sometimes forget. Here is one such written and submitted by Alla, wife of a Freemason.

My husband, John, joined the “Fraternity” in 1982. Little did I know then what a fascinating world would open to me. John’s late father became a mason while living in Scotland. Unfortunately, he did not have the opportunity to continue with his journey. He arrived in Australia in 1951 as a 10 Pound Pom with four children in tow, his priority was establishing a home and a future for his children. John regretted that his father did not see him installed as Master of the Blue Lodge, Beaudesert 379 (70Klms South of Brisbane) in 1987.

It was some consolation that his mother and younger brother were able to attend, having travelled from Melbourne to be there for this auspicious occasion. It was an emotional night for his mother, who shed a tear, a happy one, to see one of her sons installed in the “Chair of King Solomon” Albeit so many years later.

“The term “free mason” can be found as far back as the thirteenth century and refers to the stonemasons who crafted freestone (a type of stone, such as limestone that would not fracture when chiselled). In time it came to signify a stonemason who was free to ply his trade without restriction from the Builders Guild or Trade Union. It seems likely that these free masons travelled from one location to another, joining other groups of builders as required. By the late seventeenth century in Britain there was evidence that these stonemasons were demonstrating their professional qualifications with specific signs and words that were kept secret with in the industry. The term “free mason” gained popularity among the stonemasons or builders of the seventeenth and early eighteenth century that it is from here that we derive the contemporary name “Freemason.” At that time the term “accepted mason” also came into use and applied to those intellectuals (or those men not employed in the building profession) who had joined or rather were accepted by, a Masons’ Lodge. These two terms were later employed together, and today, for example in America, “Free and Accepted Masons” is used as a more official

“John was presented with his certificate of becoming Eminent Brother John Craigie Companion of the Order of Merit (CoM) in the 32nd degree. This was to be John’s last meeting. It has been my privilege to be part of an exciting and unique journey. These memories I will treasure.”

term for a body of Freemasons.( Freemasonry: a history – Angel Millar.)

Encyclopaedia Britannica – Freemasonry from its inception encountered considerable opposition from organised religion, especially the Roman Catholic Church, and from various states. Freemasonry is banned in the U.S.S.R, Hungary, Poland, Spain, Portugal, China, Indonesia, the United Arab Republic and elsewhere.

At midnight 1 July 1997, Britain handed Hong Kong back to China. This ended 156 years of British rule in the former colony. The Chinese Government allowed the “Freemasons” to continue meeting, but only in Hong Kong and not on the Mainland. In 2009, when John and I visited Hong Kong, he could attend a couple of Lodge meetings. I am not aware of what is happening there at this moment in time.

Stepping into a world where I would hear words like “Chair of King Solomon“, “Festive board”, “Mother lodge”, “Square and Compass”, “Great Architect”, “Brother”, “Master of the Lodge” “Working Tools”, “Tracing Board” these words would become quite familiar to me with the passing years. Sometimes I would chuckle, hearing John refer to his “Mother Lodge”. For an all-male fraternity, I found it quite poignant.

Each time we travelled overseas, John would take the letter from the United Grand Lodge of Queensland (this is to verify who he is and what

position he holds within the Lodge) together with his “Apron”. I used to say jokingly, a throwback from a TV series “Have gun will travel” in John’s case, it was “Have apron will travel.” Ah, if only that “Apron” could speak, the stories it could convey, of all the places and people the “Apron” met during its journey from the beginning to its end. The many “Secret Handshake” that John would have exchanged during that time. While attending a meeting in the Grand Lodge of Ireland, John purchased a “mug” with the words “Old Masons never die, but you’ll have to join to find out why!

For anyone that had watched the BBC series “Spooks,” the opening scene is the Grand Lodge in London. The novel “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown became an international seller in 2003, opening up a whole new chapter into Freemasonry. In America, over 10 million people have read this novel. In 2006 when the movie “The Da Vinci Code” was released, which took it to the next level. On “YouTube”, Liz Hayes from 60 minutes Australia interviewed Don Brown about his book.

In 2012, while visiting John’s cousin in Glasgow, a Mason, he took us to a town named ROSLIN. Here stands Rosslyn Chapel. William St. Clair of Rosslyn was a Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Mason of Scotland in 1736. This little-known chapel would explode onto the world stage once the movie was released. Around 176,000 visitors visited this unique chapel. The “Holy Grail” is supposed to

be hidden in the dungeon in the movie. (It has been said that the stone carvings within the church have “secret” symbols only Freemasons can decipher). The carvings are exquisite; you have to see the stonework to appreciate how talented these stonemasons were. One outstanding piece of stonework is the Apprentice Pillar. There is quite a history behind this brilliant structure. (www.rosslynchapel.org.uk)

Some Noteworthy Freemasons – Prince Phillip, George Washington, Robert Burns, Oscar Wilde, Arthur Cannon Doyle, Sir Winston Churchill, Buzz Aldrin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Harry Houdini, Clark Gable, Duke Ellington, Burl Ives, Peter Sellers, Phil Collins, Duke of Kent. During one of John’s overseas visits to a lodge, he was presented with a tiny badge in the shape of a forget–me–not flower.

Forget-Me-Not (the story behind the emblem of the Craft in Germany). As early as the year 1934, soon after Adolf Hitler’s rise to power, it became apparent that Freemasonry was in danger. Masonry had gone underground, and the Brethren needed readily recognisable means of identification. Throughout the entire Nazi era, a little blue flower in a lapel marked a Brother. In the Concentration Camps and cities, a little blue Forget-Me-Not distinguished the Masons who refused to allow the light of masonry to be extinguished.

In 2011, while visiting the Grand Lodge New York Headquarters, the enormous gold statue of George Washington had to be seen to be believed. Their brochure stated. Perhaps Brother George Washington best summed up when he wrote” “It is most fervently to be wished that the conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of freemasonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.”

In August 2016, Redlands Lodge 252, John, while Master of the Lodge, celebrated its centenary, precisely one hundred years since the Lodge was consecrated. To mark the occasion, the Lodge held a reconsecration ceremony. (The Grand Team reenacted the ritual front of many guests). It was an emotional one for John, who has dedicated 35 years to the “craft”. Over the years John had been elevated to various positions: Master of the Blue Lodge. First Principal in the Royal Arch. Most Wise Sovereign, in the 18th Degree. On 12 November 2016, John was presented with his certificate of becoming Eminent Brother John Craigie Companion of the Order of Merit (CoM) in the 32nd degree. This was to be John’s last meeting.

It has been my privilege to be part of an exciting and unique journey. These memories I will treasure.

John and Alla

Alan’s green thumb keeps gardens lush

With the expansion of Dollars 4 Dollars, Hand Heart Pocket now matches Lodges and individual Members volunteering and personal giving. Find out how you can access Dollars 4 Doers.

The unique rainforest environment which surrounds the COUCH Wellness Centre in Cairns provides a peaceful place for people going through cancer to sit and take in the sights and sounds around them.

It’s an essential part of the care and support people receive at the Centre as they navigate their way through a cancer diagnosis.

Volunteers like Alan Sims help to look after the gardens within the precinct. He’s there 4-6 hours a week, doing everything from planting and tending to the garden beds, to checking the sprinklers and gurni-ing the concrete footpaths.

“When the COUCH Wellness Centre opened in 2019, it meant people going through cancer in the Far North no longer had to travel hundreds of kilometers away from their families to

access support services to improve their quality of life.”

“They can do yoga, get a massage and meet other people who will support them as they live with cancer right here in the Far North.”

Volunteering is community service

Alan says as a Freemason he looks at volunteering as community service and says he gets a lot of satisfaction from giving his time.

“When it’s a cause that really matters to you, it outweighs anything else. I think of the people that this Centre is for and if my few hours a week can contribute to their wellbeing, then I’ve made a difference,” Alan said.

With the expansion of Dollars 4 Dollars, Hand Heart Pocket now matches Lodges and individual Members volunteering and personal giving.

“It’s a great idea and it’s easy to access. What you do is, choose a

said.

HHP Champion and OSB recipient Alan Sims volunteers at the COUCH Wellness Centre in Cairns.

“When it’s a cause that really matters to you, it outweighs anything else. I think of the people that this Centre is for and if my few hours a week can contribute to their wellbeing, then I’ve made a difference,” Alan

charity that qualifies, go and volunteer, ask for a letter from the charity to confirm the hours you have given and then attach that to your Personal Dollars 4 Doers form. Hand Heart Pocket then matches it with a donation directly to your charity,” Alan said.

“I’ve had a positive response from the Members I’ve spoken to about Dollars 4 Doers, I have no doubt there will be a big uptake in 2023.”

Hand Heart Pocket CEO Sara Parrott said the thinking behind the expansion was to help more Members to engage with their communities whether Members donate their time or money to the causes they care about.

“We’re here to help Members with their community work, to empower them to support the causes that matter to them in their community.

“Through our Member Survey we found out that 75% of respondents volunteer and we felt it was important to recognise Members volunteering because volunteering is just as important as giving or fundraising,” Ms Parrott said.

There is a total of $500,000 available for Dollars 4 Dollars activities each year, so the more involved Members are with their community, the quicker these funds can be distributed to support local charities.

“Through our Member Survey we found out that 75% of respondents volunteer and we felt it was important to recognise Members volunteering because volunteering is just as important as giving or fundraising.”

Alan’s message to other Members thinking of applying for Dollars 4 Doers is to just do it. “Volunteering is good for your wellbeing and it’s good for the charity you’re supporting,” Alan said.

“There are plenty of charities that could use some help, maybe you could set up a Lodge working bee for the charity, get a few Members along and make a day of it,” Alan said.

What sorts of volunteering activities can HHP match with a donation:

Provided that the community organisation you are volunteering for is a registered charity and has tax-deductible gift status, Lodges can take up a range of volunteer opportunities such as:

Assisting community organisations with their operations (eg, preparing food, stocking shelves, general administration)

Supporting community organisations with their fundraising activities (eg, selling merchandise for charities, helping during events, running stalls, stuffing envelopes for their annual fundraising appeals)

Using your professional skills to assist community organisations (eg, attending working bees, building, teaching/instructing)

Visiting the sick, elderly or person with a disability if they reside in a not-for-profit facility

To read our FAQs, access our new forms or to find out which charities qualify go to www.handheartpocket.org.au/matched-giving

More For more information about Hand Heart Pocket,

Find

23 MARCH 2023

Get involved now

Celebrating our proud history

The QMTC has a proud history over its 21 years of spreading Freemasonry’s name and supporting remote communities through spending when we visit. In addition, we uphold the Masonic tenet of charity each year, and we select a charity that does not receive government support for our fundraising activities for the year. In 2022 our charity was the Pyjama Foundation, and with the assistance of HHP, we could present them with a cheque for $5000. The Pyjama Foundation trains and provides mentors for children in foster care, especially in improving their literacy levels.

Of course, it is not all work and no play, and we enjoy a very social time during our rallies with organised visits to places of interest in the localities we visit, communal meals at local hotels or provided by local groups such as the show society or even done by our members. The group photo was taken during a tour of the Dinosaur trail. In addition, there are games such as disc bowls, molkky (Finska or skittles) and cards and of course, we can’t forget the traditional happy hour and then port club after the evening meal. If the occasion arises when we are in town, we also attend the local lodge. As our membership is spread far and wide, we look to members who reside in the area we visit and organise the activities for that area.

As the name suggests, we are a touring club, and owning a caravan or motor home is not necessary. We have several members who stay in cabins, motels etc, in the areas we visit, although our leading destination is the caravan park or Showgrounds as they provide the group facilities we require.

New members are always welcome, and if you think joining such a group of like-minded people could be of interest, further information can be obtained by contacting us at:qldmasonictouringclub@hotmail.com

The lodge helps Guide Dogs

Lodge Barron Barnett, 146, has been busy raising money for charity. Events included “Dining in the Dark” and others. The positive outcome was an AUD 50 K cheque presented to guide dogs Australia with the help of HHP. The attached pictures show the new guide dogs named Barron and Barnett, additions to the guide dogs training centre.

Barron Barnett

In June 1903, at Quarterly Communications of the District Grand Lodge of England, the District Board of General Purposes recommended the establishment of a Lodge of Instruction upon the Emulation Lodge of Instruction lines in London, UK. The primary purpose would be to establish some uniformity of ritual.

On Monday, August 10, 1903, an inaugural meeting of 17 Installed Masters, mostly prominent English District Grand Lodge members, was held to form a Lodge of Instruction. The chairman of this meeting was R.W.Bro. Barron Lewis Barnett, Deputy Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of England. According to R.W.Bro. Ken Wells prepared the history of Barron Barnett Lodge in 2003, the first critical resolution submitted to the meeting in 1903 by R.W.Bro. Alexander Corrie said, “It is expedient to form a lodge and to present a petition for a Warrant”. It was seconded by W.Bro. J.D.Reeve.

The second resolution was also moved by R.W.Bro. Corrie, and seconded by W.Bro. F.G. Nevill was “That the lodge is called “Adorim Lodge”. There was an amendment for the lodge to be called “Dormer Lodge” and a second amendment that it be called “Unity Lodge”. Both amendments were lost and the original motion was put and carried.

However, a later resolution in the next forty-eight hours, signed by 43 brethren, decided that the lodge be called “Barron Barnett Lodge”. In short order, on Saturday, 15 August 1903, five days after the original meeting, Barron Barnett Lodge No.3011 English Constitution was duly consecrated and dedicated by the District Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Augustus Charles Gregory, Deputy District Grand Master, Barron Lewis Barnett and Grand Officers. Indeed, many members of the Board of General Purposes were present and became founding members of the Lodge. District Grand Master Gregory called on his Deputy R.W.Bro. Barron Barnett to perform the consecration and dedication. The petition specified that R.W.Bro. Barnett was the Master, R.W.Bro. Corrie the Senior Warden, and R.W.Bro. Reeve, the Junior Warden. The District Grand Master Gregory then installed R.W.Bro. Barnett as Foundation Master of the Lodge.

Barron Lewis Barnett had been Deputy District Grand Master for the District Grand Lodge of the United Grand Lodge of England for 23 years and was, as stated above, Foundation Master of the Lodge. Uniquely, R.W.Bro. Barnett not only officiated at the consecration of his eponymous Lodge but was also its first Master.

100 Years of Keeping the Promise

For almost 100 years, Legacy has been standing proudly as the only service organisation in Australia dedicated solely to the care and support of our veterans’ families. 44 Legacy Clubs across Australia and one Club in London work to ensure our families receive the emotional, social and financial support they deserve.

Legacy grew out of the ashes of World War One.

In the trenches of the Western Front during World War I, a soldier said to his dying mate “I’ll look after the missus and kids”. This became known as The Promise – and it is still kept today. The Badge of Legacy symbolises this Promise in its Torch, which represents the undying flame of service and sacrifice.

Realising the dire circumstances of the tens of thousands of veterans, widows and children left behind those who returned set out to help them. In 1923, Major General Sir John Gellibrand formed the Remembrance Club in Hobart. Another returning soldier, Lieutenant General Sir Stanley Savige, was inspired to establish a similar club in Melbourne which was named Legacy. Subsequently, Legacy Clubs were formed across Australia with local Legatees assisting local families.

Originally, it was returned servicemen who took this duty of caring for and supporting widows and children. They later became known as Legatees. To this day, it is the Legatees who volunteer the support that Legacy provides to its beneficiaries.

For nearly 100 years the Legacy movement has transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in Australia by providing caring and compassionate support and will continue to support the families of the fallen from every conflict where we have sent Australian’s into harm’s way.

This is achieved through the dedication and passion of Legacy volunteers - also known as Legatees. Legatees are strongly committed to the work of Legacy. They embody the ethos of “keeping the promise” and they wear the Legacy torch symbol upon a pin with pride.

Legatees are the backbone of Legacy and, supported by paid staff and other volunteers, continue to deliver on Legacy’s promise.

Legacy Today

In responding to the needs of families of veterans for 100 years, Legacy, in conjunction with the network of Legacy Clubs throughout regional and metropolitan Australia, stands proudly as the only veteran service organisation in Australia dedicated solely to the care and support of our veterans’ families. Legacy strives to ensure the families of our veterans can fully realise their potential. In practical terms, Legacy provides long-term social, emotional, developmental and financial support to over 40,000 people. Legacy is the only organisation of its kind in the world and is affectionately known as ‘Australia’s Biggest Family’.

As one of 44 Legacy Clubs in Australia, Legacy Brisbane supports more than 5,700 people, including 5,466 widow(er)s, 170 youth and 121 people with a disability across South-East, Central and Western Queensland. We provide:

• Advocacy and assistance with making claims through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to ensure families receive all their entitlements and benefits

• Socialisation activities

• Holidays and Camps

• Education support for school aged and tertiary students

• In home care support ranging from help with house maintenance through to phone calls and visits

• Financial relief for families in crisis.

How to help

Your support, as a volunteer or as a donor, can help our veterans’ families in their time of greatest need. We work every day with families experiencing grief, loss and hardship. Your support can deliver personal, long-lasting help. Together, we can serve the families that have given so much for us.

Legacy relies on more than 3,400 volunteer members around Australia are known as Legatees. Legatees are strongly committed to the ethos of “keeping the promise” and work directly with families. They provide support, friendship and mentorship to those most impacted by military service. Legatees are the backbone of Legacy and, supported by paid staff and other volunteers, continue to deliver on Legacy’s promise. To learn more about volunteering for Legacy or becoming a Legatee, please visit www.legacy.com.au.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 presented by Defence Health

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 presented by Defence Health is a six-month campaign to commemorate Legacy’s 100 years of service and acknowledge veterans’ families, saluting their sacrifice. The torch will travel on a remarkable journey spanning over 55,000 kilometres through 100 locations, carried by approximately 1500 Torcher Bearers. The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay (TLCTR) will begin in a ceremony at Pozieres (Pozieres British Cemetery) France on 23 April 2023.

The Torch will then make its journey to Australia starting in Western Australia and stopping at all 44 Legacy Clubs across the country. For further information about the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 presented by Defence Health, please visit www.legacytorchrelay.com.au

Legacy is an iconic Australian charity dedicated to supporting the families of our veterans. Our vision is for no spouse or child of a veteran to suffer financial or social disadvantage as a result of their loved one’s death or injury from recognised military service.

District Grand Lodge of Carpentaria

By RW Bro Raja Chohan, District Grand Master

The later part of 2022 saw several brethren in the district being honoured and recognised for their services and dedication to Freemasonry. The following brethren were presented their 50-year service jewels:

Wor Bro Graeme Boydell by VW Bro Dave Scott, VW Bro Francis (Ley) James by RW Bro Duncan Walker, RW Bro David Rockley by RW Bro Bill Winfield, VW Bro Clyde Dorries by his wife Margaret and Wor Bro Bruce Penny by RW Bro George Harris.

RW Bro William (Bill) Sexton OAM was presented his 60-year service jewel by RW Bro David Rockley at Regis, McManus Street, Whitfield, where RW Bro Bill is a resident. RW Bro George Harris was presented his 70-year Jewel by VW Bro Dave Scott, assisted by RW Bro Harris’ daughters, Laurie and Vivienne, at the Cairns Gelling Lodge meeting on 13 December 2023.

Lodge to celebrate their centenaries. What an outstanding achievement for both these lodges, and we congratulate them for 100 years of operations, fellowship, and service to the community. For the record, Barrine Lodge was consecrated on 14 October 1922 at Yungaburra, and Ravenshoe Lodge was consecrated the following day on 15 October 1922 at Ravenshoe.

The Re-enactment Ceremony, open to the public, was performed by the District Grand Lodge Team. Some 65 brethren and members of the public were present. We were assisted by MW Gary Bacon, who delivered a sterling, well-researched Oration of the two lodges and the Grand Organist, RW Bro Gary Young, without whose music the ceremony would have been a dull affair. My thanks and appreciation to the two Grand Officers for making the trip up North and the District Grand Officers who carried out a well-rehearsed ceremony. I was certainly proud of the performance of the District Grand Team and thank them for their dedication, time and effort spent at practices.

What remarkable achievements we congratulate these brethren and thank them for their services to their Lodges, the District of Carpentaria and Freemasonry in general.

The most important event of this year for our District took place on Saturday, 12 November, at the Atherton Masonic Centre. This was the Re-enactment of the Consecration Ceremony for both Barrine Lodge and Ravenshoe

To mark the occasion, Barrine Lodge has put together the history of their lodge in a booklet. This booklet not only deals with Freemasonry in the Yungaburra area but also throws light on the early developments in the area and many of the leaders of that time in that community. The booklet will be of interest not only to Freemasons but also to the gen public. A block of land was purchased for £40 (equivalent to $80, around $2000 in today’s money). The spirit and determination of the brethren at the time shone through so brightly, with the lodge building being built in a matter of six weeks, using local timber, which is still a very

The month of February saw the commencement of Masonic activities across the District of Carpentaria. Apart from the regular lodge meetings, it is pleasing to see some degree work being conducted this month, including Initiation Ceremony at Barrine Lodge and Endeavour Lodge and a further Initiation Ceremony at Tully Lodge in March. Several other applications for Initiations and Joining brethren are also currently in the pipeline, certainly a good start to 2023.

The major focus for the District Grand Lodge for the year will be the planning for the Centenary Celebration with the Carpentaria District achieving the important 100-year milestone in April 2024 and establishing a Masonic Centre for the District in Cairns City. As in previous years, the District will again hold a stall at the Cairns Show, an opportunity to present ourselves to the public and gain a few new members. On the benevolence side, we will be looking to develop through HHP the option of a Community Partnership with a Charitable Organization, whereby several lodges across the District can get involved in a particular fundraising project rather than lodges trying to do fundraising on their own.

Since my Installation as District Grand Master in May 2021, I have very much focussed on the need for Masonic Education and for lodges to support each other through visitations, particularly for important events such as Installations/Proclamations, degree workings, particularly Initiation Ceremonies to welcome a new

member to our wonderful fraternity and on occasions such as Jewel presentations to recognise the good work, dedication and achievement by a brother. Lodges are being encouraged to provide Masonic education at every opportunity so that candidates are better informed about the degree workings they have been through and short lectures on the symbolism that we regularly see within our Lodge rooms but take for granted and never bother to question when, why and how some things have originated or evolved.

Another matter which concerns me is that Lodges have lost their way concerning the “pomp and pageantry” with which we used to conduct the Installation Ceremonies and our Regular Meetings. Perhaps it is due to declining numbers and, therefore, the loss of Organists from amongst our midst, and most lodges do not now sing the opening ode and the closing ode with the perambulation done by the Wardens and Deacons and the Master and Wor Brethren in the East then retiring. With digital music now being made available by the Grand Director of Music to all Lodges, I will be promoting to the lodges in the District to get back to the past and do those things we used to do at the start and end of our meetings and our Installations.

I wish all lodges a fruitful year and all brethren a safe and healthy 2023.

Caravan Donations

In November 2021, John Forde of the S.E.S. approached the Townsville Masonic Fundraising Committee for a donation to the SES.

John requested assistance to fit out two caravans as command centres and a place for volunteers to be able to rest during operations like search and rescue.

The initial request was for about $10,000 per caravan. The Townsville Masonic Fund-raising Committee approached Hand, Heart, Pocket for $ for $ and, after six months, got the go-ahead for them to match our donation of $10,000-00. John advised that the costs had increased in the six months delay, as they do, so from the initial $20, 000, there was another $4,000 to finish the vans, which we gladly paid. It took twelve months, but the result, I feel, is well worth the time and effort.

The vans will be located in Mt Isa and Townsville and can be towed anywhere in the state for SES operations. They are fitted with state-of-the-art satellite communications, mobile boosters, thermal imaging drones and other ways to enhance necessary communications.

They are air-conditioned and have a fridge, beds, as well as a large computer monitor on the outside so they can update the media in their operations.

I think all freemasons should be proud that we are supporting a worthy cause and that we have a chance to display our badge for all to see. If you see one of them, go and have a close look. The accompanying photographs show the branding on both caravans and as stated by Wor. Bro. Young if you are fortunate to see one of them, do ask to have a look through it.

Endeavour Lodge District of Carpentaria

Lyndon Brandt

Here is some idea of what we at Endeavour Lodge No 26 have been doing. Our brother, WBro Raymond George Stubbins, received his 60-YEAR Service Jewel at our Lodge Meeting held at the Bentley Park Centre on Saturday, 23 July 2022.

There was a total of 25 brethren present, and the presentation was enhanced by the presence of the District Grand Master RW Bro Raja Chohan, who presented the Jewel most ably. The District Grand Master commented that such Presentations were not a regular occurrence and that the excellent brother should be an example of loyalty and longevity for members of his Lodge and all lodges. RW Bro Chohan observed that WBro Ray was a member of Kin Kin Lodge in the South East and never resigned from his mother Lodge, instead affiliating with Endeavour Lodge in 2002. Bro Ray had attended Endeavour Lodge since 1988, regularly visiting the Lodge when he was relieving at his work at Cooktown and other centres. Endeavour Lodge was the first to obtain a Travelling Warrant, and to this day is forever indebted to the generosity of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland for this innovation at the time.

In response, Bro Ray thanked Kin Kin Lodge for their kind thoughts regarding the Jewel and The Endeavour Lodge for supporting the presentation. Bro Ray stated that he enjoyed the company and would continue to maintain his Office as Chaplain, which he has occupied for some 20 years. The Master of Endeavour Lodge, WB Michael Payne, officiated at the initiation of Brother Philemon Amoa into the mysteries and privileges of our Order. The District Grand Master, RW Bro Raja Chohan and his District Grand team attended.

It was a perfect occasion, with several highlights through the Degree presentation. Still, the absolute delight is the joy of receiving a newly initiated brother into membership of The Endeavour Lodge. Bro Philemon responded most positively at the South and was welcomed by all present.

Wor.Bro. Andrew Young, Pres. Townsville Fund Raising Committee.

District Grand Lodge NQ Centenary Celebrations.

The historic, heritage-listed Freemason’s Centre in Ryan Street, Charters Towers, came alive on Saturday, 10th December, when the District Grand Lodge of North Queensland hosted a luncheon as part of their Centenary Celebrations.

Ninety-five members and guests, including Councilor

Frank Beveridge, Mayor of Charters Towers, MW Bro

Jeff Harper AFSM, Grand Master of United Grand Lodge of Queensland, his wife Dorothy and the Deputy Grand DC VW Bro Peter Troeger, were entertained by the Charters Towers Excelsior Brass Band with popular 1920’s tunes on the sprawling veranda. As a tribute to Charters Towers’ ‘golden’ past, the lower floor of the Lodge was decorated in gold, and many of the guests dressed to suit the occasion.

The Mayor, Counsellor Frank Beveridge, welcomed everyone to Charters Towers as it celebrates 150 years. After a sumptuous meal prepared by the Lodge ladies, the District Grand Master, RW Bro John Playford, recounted the historical importance the thriving community of Charters Towers played in the formation of the District Grand Lodge of North Queensland in the early 1900s.

To continue the theme of harmony, guests were entertained with a series of musical items befitting times gone by. Members of the Freemason’s fraternity demonstrated their musical skills with Bro Bob Bogie, Wor Bro Ross Hughes and Marion Tilney providing a ‘song and dance’ number, RW Bro Beresford Whyte PAGM playing the saxophone, Wor Bro Roger Landsberg serenading us with his guitar and VW Bro Mike L’Huillier playing the piano accordion. As a fitting end to the celebration, RW Bro Col Bartholomew read a poem, ‘The Jewell’ as a tribute to the Freemasons.

Over 60 brethren and guests, including MW Bro Jeff Harper AFSM, Grand Master of United Grand Lodge of Queensland, his wife Dorothy and the Deputy Grand DC RW Bro Peter Troeger, attended the DGLNQ Christmas function on Sunday 11th December at 50 Ingham Rd. The function room was beautifully decorated for Christmas, and once again, the Ladies had organized a breakfast feast. Wor. Bro. Ron Rowe (with a few supervisors!) worked his barbeque magic, and we all sat down to enjoy a delicious brunch and wonderful company.

Our own Santa, R.W. Bro. Lyle McGrath, PAGM, paid us a special visit, and the Secret Santa activity provided everyone with fun and laughter as we shared gifts. We were also very lucky to have Wor. Bro. Bob Bogie tinkled the ivories as we sang a few Christmas Carols.

A very special thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of both the Centenary and Christmas celebrations.

On March 11 2023, the last Centenary Celebrations were held in Townsville. After the Quarterly Communication, the Grand Lodge Team Re-Consecrated the Masonic Temple in fine form, watched on by 120 Brethren and guests. A Roaring 20s-themed Banquet was held in the evening with 90 guests.

“To continue the theme of harmony, guests were entertained with a series of musical items befitting times gone by.”

Freemasonry

Freemasonry has come to mean all those principles originally illustrated by the symbolic use of the working tools but now expanded to include not only principles of right thinking, right living, probity, friendliness, and accord but also those pertaining to the rights and dignity of many, freedom of thought and action, political and religious liberty and all that makes for contentment and progress.

(H.W. Coil)

Masonic Mentor

Your Masonic Mentor. Or your questions answered.

Note from your Masonic Mentor, some have expressed the opinion that asking what they think are dumb questions could be embarrassing. Let me assure you that any questions that are reproduced here are anonymous, no one will know where they come from. So please do not think a question is dumb, there are no, I repeat No dumb questions. Don’t ever forget that Freemasonry abounds in symbol and allegory. Your Mentor.

I notice that on some occasions I hear the terms Due Form and Ample form. What doe this mean?

Other References are found when scanning the literature and it is not hard to find to the ‘Due’ or ‘Ample’ defined, some from abroad, vis:

Form: A lodge is always opened and closed in Form on the degrees of Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft except when the Grand Master presides.

Due Form: Meaning according to the ancient usages and customs, the laws and ritual of the Grand Lodge. A lodge is always opened and closed in Due Form on the degree of Master Mason except when the Grand Master presides.

Ample Form: The Grand Master may open and close a lodge in shortened form to save time. His power and authority are ‘ample’ to accomplish his purpose, regardless of the manner in which he performs this essential piece of ceremony.

Sitting in Grand Lodge for the Quarterly Communications you will be struck by the use of the term ‘In Ample Form’ as part of the Opening and Closing. For clarity in later parts of this paper it has to be noted that

the Quarterly Communications are usually always presided over by the Pro Grand Master, if not the Grand Master. So, what is ‘Ample’ form, when in lodges the term ‘Due’ form is used?

Due or Ample Form?

When the Grand Master is present at the opening or closing of the Grand Lodge, it is said to be opened or closed “in ample form.” Any ceremony performed by the Grand Master is said to be done “in ample form” ; when performed by the Deputy, it is said to be “in due form’’; and by any other temporarily presiding ofiicer, it is “in form” (see Form).

Freemasonry encourages intellectual exploration and academic achievement in its members and many Masons over the years have taken up this calling. The result has been that an incredible amount of philosophy, symbolic speculation and academic insights have been created. However, as Freemasonry teaches, human knowledge is frail and fragile. It is easily lost in the turnings of the ages and unforeseen catastrophes can result in great setbacks to human knowledge.

Did You Know?

What is the distinction between due form and ample form?

A lodge is opened and closed by its Master “in due form,” meaning according to the ancient usage’s and customs, the laws and ritual, of its Grand Lodge. When the Grand Master opens and closes a Grand Lodge (or a particular lodge) he is said to do so in “ample form.”

In some Jurisdictions the Grand Master will shorten the common ritual, to save time, but his power and authority are “ample” to accomplish his purpose, regardless of the manner in which he does it.

Note:- We have run out of room to answer your other questions which we will look at next issue, however, keep the questions coming, sent to Masonic Mentor via Editor at harvey@uglq.org.au

Masonic Mentor

During my time at various Lodge meetings, I have heard the expression perambulate but also circumambulate, can you explain to me what is the difference? MM

To circumambulate means to walk around, derived from the Latin words circum meaning around and ambulare/ ambulatum meaning to walk. In its original sense, it referred to that portion of the religious rites in the ancient initiation ceremonies, wherein the candidate was conducted in a formal procession around an altar or some other holy and consecrated object. The rite of circumambulation relates to the circle, which is a symbol of the all-embracing principle of Divine manifestation that is without beginning or ending, being complete and absolute.

To perambulate , the Latin word circum is replaced by the Latin word per which means through, originally meant to walk through, up and down or over to survey the land or patrol a beat. In lodges of operative freemasonry and the formative period of modern speculative freemasonry, the clear distinction between circumambulation and perambulation was always maintained in the ceremonials. . Nowadays, perambulate is often used in a general sense, meaning to walk about or around.

At meetings I have attended, mention is made of the Lodge Warrant, and it must be on display, or the meeting is not legal why is this so?

I should start with what the word means. A warrant is a legal document that allows someone to do something, especially one signed by a judge or magistrate and gives the police permission to arrest someone or search their house.

But what is used by Freemasonry is called a Warrant of Constitution. This document authorizes or gives a Warrant to certain persons named

to organize and constitute a Lodge, Chapter, or other Masonic Body, and which usually ends with the formula, “for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.”

Before a Lodge can be created, a Warrant must be granted by The Grand Lodge of that jurisdiction; here, it is the United Grand Lodge of Queensland. This is an official document issued to authorize the formation of a Lodge and consequently acts as the pledge, or security, for the future activity of the Lodge.

The practice of granting Warrants for the Constitution of Lodges dates only from the period of the Revival of Freemasonry in 1717. Before that period, a sufficient number of brethren met together within a particular district, had ample power to make Masons, and discharge every duty of Masonry without a Warrant of Constitution. But in 1717, a regulation was adopted that the privilege of assembling as Masons, which had been hitherto unlimited, should be vested in certain Lodges or assemblies of Masons convened in certain places; and that every Lodge to be hereafter Convened, except the four old Lodges at this time existing, should be legally authorized to act by a Warrant from the Grand

Master, for the time being, granted to specific individuals by petition, with the Consent and approbation of the Grand Lodge in communication; and that without such Warrant no Lodge should be hereafter deemed regular or Constitutional.

I have been invested as a steward in my Lodge, but from my observations, a steward does nothing. What should I do?

We can start with what you were told when you were invested: “to introduce visitors to see that they are appropriately accommodated. See that tables are properly furnished for refreshments. All are provided, assist the Deacons, and get to the Lodge early.

What does a steward do in Freemasonry?

The duties of a Steward may vary from Lodge to Lodge. Stewards may serve the Wine at Dinner or just care for the members. Look after unattended visitors, and not let them get ignored. At dinner, help anyone who doesn’t know where to go or where to sit, sell raffle tickets, distribute prizes and collect the place names once everyone has found their seat.

FREEMASONS IN THE AIR

A. Lindbergh wore the square and compasses on his jacket as a good luck emblem. He was a Mason at the time.

When Bernt Balchen, explorer and air pioneer, flew over the North and South Poles with Brother Richard E. Byrd, they dropped Masonic flags on both Poles. In the 1933-35 expedition over the South Pole, Brother Balchen also tossed his Shrine fez on the Pole.

Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr., a famous astronaut, on his 22-orbit flight, carried

a Masonic coin in his pocket and a blue Masonic flag which he later presented to his mother lodge, Carbondale No. 82, Carbondale, Colorado.

On August 23, 1879, Lodge No. 239 of France held a meeting in a balloon flying over Paris, when a Brother was initiated.

The inventors of the first balloon were Joseph Montgolfier, Michel Montgolfier, and Jacques Etielle; all were members of the Nine Sisters Lodge in France.

Brother Eddie Rickenbacker, World War I air ace, was a devoted Mason for many years.

Your Masonic Mentor. Or your questions answered.

On his famous solo flight over the Atlantic in 1927, Colonel Charles

Some facts on Toasting

by WBro Harvey Lovewell

For centuries, it has been the custom for members of the fraternity of Freemasons to retire, when the work of the Lodge is finished, to a separate room for refreshments, and in this room, the name of every article was changed to Masonic nomenclature.

Masonic Fire

At one time, the festive boards were called “Table Lodges”. The tables were arranged in a “horseshoe” shape with a warden at each end of the legs.

When “Table Lodges” were opened, everything changed its name:The tables became “tracing boards” The plates became “tiles”

The spoons became “trowels”

The glasses became “cannon” and the wine became “powder”

To fill the glass was “to charge it,” and to drink the contents was to “fire it”. After the toast, the “cannon” (glass), which had been charged, was “fired” (emptied) and certain simultaneous movements of the hand (“clapping”) were made concluding with three times three.

The last portion of the ritual is all that was generally adopted in England, for which firing glasses with heavy bases was necessary. After “firing” (draining of the glass), the brethren were called upon to copy the Worshipful Master –who made the following movements to show that the “cannon” had been well and truly “fired” and was empty.

Holding the “cannon” in his right hand he jerked his hand forward to the full length of the arm, then swung it to the left and then to the right. This he did three times and counted off “one”“two”, – “three”, and at the word “three”, banged the “cannon” on the “tracing board” (table). The toast was then further honoured by three times three claps on the hands. The symbolic meaning of the Masonic fire is explained as:

Toasting is the strongest and most formal in Germany, Scandinavia and Eastern European countries.

In France, Italy and Spain, the toast is even given German names. In Spain and Italy, toast is called brindar and came from the German phrase “Ich bring dir” which means “I bring it to you”.

In France, you will hear them say “trinquer”, which comes from the German word “trinken” and means “to drink”. And just in case you are wondering where the English phrase “toast” comes from, it comes from floating a piece of burnt toast on top of the wine of the loving cup. The reason for this was that the toast took away some of the acidity of the wine. Back years ago wine wasn’t as good as it is today, so this floating piece of burnt toast worked well to tone down the sharpness of the wine. It was an ancient custom popular during the roman and Greek times, dating as far back as the 6th Century B.C. After the bowl was passed around and shared by all the people, the host would be the last one to drink what was left, and this included eating the wine-saturated piece of toast. This was always done in honour of the guests.

There are lots of ways that toasts were done in ancient history, but the main point was that it was an offering from man to his Deity (God). Throughout history, man has always expressed his highest honours to the Deity in the form of a drink and the offering of toasts.

How the Toast Started

Many years ago, in Greece, the people would perform what was called a libation. A libation (an alcoholic drink that is offered as a religious ritual) was considered a prayer and a sharing of wine with the gods. They would stand up and, while holding a cup full of wine in one hand, look up into the sky, pray with both arms and cup raised, and then drink the wine. Of course, they realized the gods didn’t share the wine, but they knew their gift was accepted, and a connection with the gods was made...

In the British Navy, the officers’ noon mess typically began with the loyal toast, followed by a toast distinctive for the day of the week:

Monday - Our ships at sea.

Tuesday - Our men.

Wednesday - Ourselves. (“As no-one else is likely to concern themselves with our welfare,” is often the retort and not part of the toast)

Thursday - A bloody war or a sickly season (meaning the desire and likelihood of being promoted when many people die: during war or sickness.)

Friday - A willing foe and sea room. (Meaning the payment of prize money after a successful engagement)

Saturday - Sweethearts and wives. (“may they never meet” is often the retort and not part of the toast)

Sunday - Absent friends.

The sequence was also prescribed in at least one publication for the United States Navy. A toast might be spontaneous and free form, a carefully planned original speech, or a recitation of traditional sentiments such as this Irish example:

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Throughout history, toasting has been integrated into special occasions in almost every country. Although the custom dates back to biblical times, the first toast on record was in England in 450 AD at a huge feast given by British King Vortigen to his Saxon allies. This first toast was too good health and fortune and, over the years, has evolved through many stages.

During the 17th century, it was believed that the clinking of glasses’ bell-like noise would banish the devil, which is repelled by bells. It wasn’t until the late 17th century that the term “toasting” was used. It started with the Roman custom of placing a piece

of burnt bread into a wine goblet to improve the flavour, which attendees passed and shared. “Toasting” came about when the last person sipped from the glass claimed the “toast” at the bottom. The 18th century brought the position of the “toastmaster”, whose duties included proposing and announcing toasts, and making sure all toasters were given a chance to make his/her contribution. Finally, by the 19th century, toasting had turned into the “proper” thing to do. The British Duke insisted that every glass during dinner had to be dedicated to someone and that to leave out toasting a guest was a piece of direct disrespect.

Firing glass

An additional origin story ties the birth of the shot glass to the sound of a gunshot. At one time, certain fraternal organizations such as Freemasons had the custom of drinking toasts from specially shaped glasses known as cannons. Another name for these glasses is “firing glasses”, which comes from the French calling the toast “feu” or “fire”. If the glass is slammed on the table, it sounds like a gunshot – a firing glass then becomes a “shot glass”. Not only is the firing glass much older than the shot glass, but it also has a very specific shape (relatively thin sides, very

thick protruding base) which is quite different from the shot glass. Here is a form for giving the toast, which is loosely this:

Brethren, before we continue, I would like to share some Festive Board Etiquette with you: Alas, this is part of the past, at least here in Queensland.

When the Proposer says: Brethren, please be upstanding; EVERYONE— (unless the toast is for you) will rise. Raise your Cannon shoulder high with your arm extended straight out. With the Proposer, repeat in unison to whom the Toast is for. Then take a Drink. Return your Cannons to the table. Following the taking of wine, Remain Standing for the “Quick Fire”

The “QUICK FIRE”—

Following every Masonic Toast, except for Tyler’s Toast, it is customary to finish them off with what is referred to as a “Quick Fire.” This symbolises a 21gun salute as an honour to whom the Toast was proposed. The Quick Fire is given thusly, taking your time from the proposer; Place your Right Elbow in your Left Hand

With your Right Index Finger, I (he) will direct you to

Point—Left—Right

Point—Left—Right

Point—Left—Right

One—Two

You will then Clap your hands Rapidly Once, and then Three Times Three or Nine, Thusly:

+ / +++ / +++ / +++

An observed form used at a meeting I attended did not involve being upstanding, and the directions were somewhat different. The Toastmaster had us “charge our cannons (gavels). He would then say, “Ready”, and we would take hold of our glasses. “Aim”, and we would bring it to the lips. Then we would repeat for whom the toast was for. He would say “fire” and take a sip. Then raising our glass out in front of us, we would move it in a triangular motion three times - slam it to the table with a loud bang (see the need for the thick bottom on the glass) and give the battery of “three times three” All would then shout “Vivat, vivat, vivat” and the toast would be over.

Somewhat different but very enjoyable. The evening also included singing and education.

The Goose and Gridiron

by WBro Harvey Lovewell

We have all heard of the 1717 forming of the First Grand Lodge in London held at the tavern we know as the “Goose and Gridiron”, but what of this tavern? What was its claim to fame? What happened to it? Here is what I have found out.

During the building of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Christopher Wren, its builder, was the zealous Master of the St. Paul’s Freemason’s Lodge, which assembled at the “Goose and Gridiron,” one of the most ancient lodges in London. He regularly presided at its meetings for upwards of eighteen years. He presented the lodge with three beautifully carved mahogany candlesticks and the trowel and mallet, which he used in laying the first stone of the great cathedral in 1675. In 1688 Wren was elected Grand Master of the order, and he nominated his old fellow workers at St. Paul’s, Cibber, the sculptor, and Strong, the master mason, Grand Wardens. In Queen Anne’s reign, there were 129 lodges—eighty-six in London, thirty-six in provincial cities, and seven abroad. Many of the oldest lodges in London are in the neighbourhood of St. Paul’s. (British History Online)

”At the ‘Apple Tree’ Tavern,” say Messrs. Hotten and Larwood, in their history of “Inn and Tavern Signs,” “in Charles Street, Covent Garden, in 1716, four of the leading London Freemasons’ lodges, considering themselves neglected by Sir Christopher Wren, met and chose a Grand Master, pro tem., until they should be able to place a noble brother at the head, which they did the year following, electing the Duke of Montague. Sir Christopher had been chosen in 1698. The three lodges that joined with the ‘Apple Tree lodge used to meet respectively at the ‘Goose and Gridiron,’ St. Paul’s Churchyard; the ‘Crown,’ Parker’s Lane; and at the ‘Rummer and Grapes Tavern, Westminster. The ‘Goose and Gridiron’ occurs at Woodhall, Lincolnshire, and in several other localities.

The first home of the first Grand Lodge of Freemasons was an alehouse in the northwest end of St. Paul’s churchyard in London. A correspondent for the Daily Graphic mourned its passing in an article on the 28th of August, 1894, describing it as one of the most interesting old houses in London. We are indebted to the English research lodge, Quatuor Coronati No. 2076, for reprinting portions of the Daily Graphic article and, thus, preserving at least some of the atmosphere in which Speculative Masonry became formally organized.

“Trade that great ‘improver’ of the Metropolis is about to swallow up another of those old London landmarks so dear to antiquaries, so interesting even to the general public which runs and reads. Ere long the ‘Goose and Gridiron’ will probably disappear down the capacious maw, so to speak, of a well-known firm in St. Paul’s churchyard, for whose premises the site of the old hostelry is, or will be wanted.

‘’This old hostelry is historically connected with the Freemasons, for in 1717, Masonry was revived, and the first grand lodge of the world was founded. Of the taverns in which the four lodges then in England worked—the pioneers of English Freemasonry—the Goose and Gridiron is the last, and soon it too will disappear.

The pedigree of the strange sign of the house is somewhat involved but can be fairly elucidated with patience.

“Before the great fire of 1666, there was a house here, perhaps on this site, with the sign of the Mitre. It might be supposed that the sculptured mitre, still to be seen in the wall of this house,

was the actual sign. This, however, is not so; the mitre means merely that this property was attached to the See of London, and when the house was refronted or rebuilt in the last century, the sculptured tablet was inserted to testify to that fact, the fact that the house itself was once known as ‘The Mitre’ being merely a coincidence.

“This Mitre was the first music house in London. Its master was Robert Hubert, alias, Farges. Like many of his fellow publicans, he was a collector of curios.

“And so the Mitre—tavern, museum and music house— flourished until the great fire destroyed it, and the Goose and Gridiron rose phoenix-like from the ashes. But why Goose and Gridiron?’ Let us hear what the archaeologists who have made our old inns and their signs a specialty have to say about it. According to the Tatler, when the house ceased to be a music house, the succeeding landlord, to ridicule its former destiny, chose for his sign of a goose striking the bars of a gridiron with its foot, thus making fun of the Swan and Harp, which was a common sign of the early music-houses. In their history of signboards, Holten and Larwood say it was a homely rendering of a charge in the Coat of Arms of The Company of Musicians, namely a swan with its wings expanded within a double treasure counter flory and that the double treasure suggested a gridiron to passers-by. From Chambers ‘Book of Days’, it would appear that the house was the headquarters of a musical society, whose arms were the lyre of Apollo, with the swan as the crest, that this device was appropriated as the new sign when the house was rebuilt after the fire, and that it was nicknamed by vulgar and unsophisticated persons as ‘The Goose and Gridiron,’ the nickname sticking fast as nicknames will.

In or about 1713, one Ned Ward, who kept a public house in Noorfield, published a book now extremely scarce, entitled ‘A Vade Mecum for Malt Worms,’ or a guide to the good fellows, being a description of the manners and customs of the Most Eminent Publick Houses in and about the cities of London and Westminster.

The attractions of the Goose and Gridiron are celebrated in verse, some of which is quite unquotable, and its Props are mentioned, among them—

Dutch carvers from St. Paul’s adjacent dome, Hitherto wet their whistles daily come.

and further on, it is stated that the ‘rarities of the Goose and Gridiron are: -

1. The old sign.

2. The pillar which supports the chimney.

3. The skittle ground upon the top of the house.

4. The watercourse running through the chimney.

5. The handsome maid Hannah

“The Goose and Gridiron, as we have said, fell on evil days. and last May, the entire contents were sold off under a distress warrant. The very sign was sold for a few shillings and now does duty as a curio in the conservatory of a private house in Dulwich. ICHABOD!”

Presentation of 60 Year Service Jewel to Wor Bro Raymond George Stubbins

25 brethren attended the presentation of Wor Bro Raymond George Stubbins 60 YEAR Long Service Jewel by our Dist GM RW Bro Raja Chohan at Endeavour Lodge No 26H on Saturday, 23 July 2022.

The District Grand Master commented that such presentations were not a regular occurrence and that the excellent brother should be an example of loyalty and longevity for members of his Lodge and all lodges. It was observed by RW Bro Chohan that Wor Bro Ray was a member of Kin Kin Lodge in the South East and never resigned from his mother lodge, instead affiliating with Endeavour Lodge No 26H in 2002. Bro Ray had attended The Endeavour Lodge since 1988, regularly visiting the lodge when he was relieving at Cooktown and other centres.

Bro Ray thanked Kin Kin Lodge for their kind thoughts regarding the Jewel and the Endeavour Lodge for supporting the presentation. Bro Ray stated that he enjoyed the company and would continue to maintain his Office as Chaplain, which he has occupied for some 20 years.

The other three lodges that participated in the forming of the first Grand Lodge met at the following:

The Crown Alehouse in Parker’s Lane near Drury Lane.

The Apple Tree Tavern in Charles’ Street, Covent Garden. The Rummer and Grapes Tavern in Channel Row, Westminster.

The Grand Lodge continued to meet continuously on the Goose and Gridiron’s first floor until 1721. The room it met in measured 22 feet long by 15 feet wide and could not have accommodated more than 25 or 30, and that with very little comfort.

50 years a Mason

by RW Bro David Hall OSB PJGW

Wor Bro Bill Leech proudly received his 50 year Jewel at the Hervey Bay Daylight regular meeting on the 7th February 2023 at the Age of 92.

Bill was initiated into Ballandean Lodge No 295 on 10th February 1973. He joined Clifton Lodge No 111 on 19th January 1979 and retired to Hervey Bay and Joined Hervey Bay Daylight Lodge No 521 on the 4th June 2002. Since then Bill and his lovely wife Estel have been involved in a very large way in the running of the everyday chores that are required in all Lodges.

Bill has always been involved in raising a lot of money over the years for our Local Charities in Hervey Bay which include the Hervey Bay Special School, Angel Flight, Life Flight Helicopter Service. CPL, The Little Nippers Surf Life Saving, Camp Quality and Meals on Wheels Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

It was an Honor to be able to present Bill with his 50 Year Service Jewel on behalf of the MWGM with his wife Estel and Daughter Margie present. looking forward to receiving his jewel since September 2022.

60 years a Mason

Worshipful Brother Frank Wickham of Logan Beenleigh Daylight Lodge 536 has completed sixty years as a member of local Queensland lodges, commencing in 1962 at Kangaroo Point Lodge 104. He and several other brethren from Gold Coast Daylight Lodge 519 joined Logan Beenleigh Daylight Lodge in September of 2019 when GCDL became unviable. Unfortunately, due to increasing ill health and now being 92 years old, WB Frank attended only a few meetings.

Due to Franks recent injury falling the only way VWB Reg Langusch AGDD also a member of Logan Beenleigh Daylight Lodge could present WB Frank with his Sixty Year Jewel was by visiting him in Robina Hospital along with WBs Ken Rose, Ken McNab and Ken Evans. Mrs Nancy Wickham and daughter Mrs Lynne Spalding were delighted to see Frank honoured by the United Grand Lodge of Queensland. WB Frank was overcome with emotion and was in his words “over the moon” as he had been looking forward to receiving his jewel since September 2022.

Left to Right David Hall Secretary, Margie and Estel (Bills daughter and Wife) Bill Leech Ian Rennie WM and Howard Beattie DC

50-Year Service Jewel Presentation to RW Bro Gary Young PJGW GOrg

At the December QC 2022, MW Bro Gary John Bacon AM presented a 50-year service jewel to the Grand Organist RW Bro Gary John Young PJGW.

To scene set, highlights of his Initiation year 1970 here listed:

World

• Boeing 747 makes its first commercial passenger trip to London.

• Concorde makes its first supersonic flight at 700mph.

• The New English Bible is published.

• The Polaroid camera is patented.

Australia

• Monarch – Queen Elizabeth II Governor-General – Sir Paul Hasluck

• Prime Minister – Bro John Gorton ( Initiated Kerrange Lodge # 100

GLVic 5 February 1948} Opposition Leader – Gough Whitlam

• Premier of Queensland – Joh Bjelke-Peterson

• New Melbourne airport opens at Tullamarine

• The Queen officially opens the Sydney Opera House.

• $100 in 1970 is worth $1,135 today.

UGLQ

• Grand Master is the Governor of Qld, Sir Alan Mansfield, 1968-71.

• 470 Lodges operate with over 30,000 members

Next, a glimpse of Gary’s remarkable professional career was covered: At the time of his Initiation employed as an Industrial chemist but soon moved to QUT to teach physics and then onto the inaugural staff of Bond University in charge of the Media Unit developing interactive Laser Technology for Language Learning. After completing all flying qualifications, he established Flight Training Australia (FTA) for international airline cadet pilots. This became Australia’s largest flying training school.

He made many overseas trips to China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other Asian countries, developing contracts with airlines to train cadets. This training brought about Two significant outcomes to International pilot qualifications;

(1) The introduction of spoken English language for all pilots and Air Traffic controllers.

(2) The Development of Cockpit Resource Management (CRM), which has always been practised in Australia.

In 2005 Gary was awarded Liveryman of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators and received the Freeman of the City of London. In 2008 he was awarded the Telstra Businessman Achievement for developing an aviation training business.

Finally, Gary’s Masonic journey was covered:

He was Initiated on 24 March 1970 into St Andrew’s Cross Lodge #7. He served as WM in 1977 and Lodge Organist until its demise. All his Charity jewels were awarded by his mother, Lodge. He is currently a valued member of Gatton Lodge #87.

However, it is as Choirmaster, Deputy and Grand Organist for the past 2 decades plus that we all recognise, acknowledge and applaud his expertise, commitment and service. In recognition Gary was elevated to PJGW in 2016.

PGM Bacon concluded, “It is thus a privilege to present to you, RW Bro Gary Young, your 50 year service jewel with the acclamation of WELL PLAYED BROTHER.”

Name

Conferred Grand Rank

Since the last magazine in August 2022, the following Brethren have been honoured with the following Honours & Awards.

RW Bro Brian Stanley Ling Burleigh Lodge No.307

RW Bro Cyril Edward Leitch Halcyon Lodge No.492

RW Bro Colin Oswald Mander Redlands Lodge No.252

RW Bro Ronald Ellis Bryant Warwick Lodge No.160

VW Bro Neil Wales Calen Hamilton Lodge No.395

VW Bro Darryl James Bell Archer Lodge No.467

VW Bro Russell Lawrence Daniels Capricornia Lodge No 222

VW Bro Colin Bernard Fisher Beaudesert Lodge No.379

VW Bro Peter Sinclair Keith Hooper Argyle Lodge No 164

VW Bro Graham George Maltby Tynwald Lodge No.262

VW Bro Allan George McLean Walkerston Lodge No 482

VW Bro Geoffery Jackson Corinthian Lodge No 71

VW Bro Keith Latimer Harmony Daylight Lodge No 530

Wor Bro Denis Lawrence Miles Bright Northgate Remembrance Lodge No 285

Wor Bro Russel John Darcy Fraser Coast United Lodge No.19

Wor Bro Richard Fapani Pyramid Highleigh Lodge No.161

Wor Bro Jack Hook Providence Lodge No 144

Wor Bro Ross Percy David Hughes Mackay Lodge No.24

Wor Bro David Robert John Morayfield Lodge No.95

Wor Bro Clive Douglas Wearmouth Rockhampton Lodge No 106

Past Deputy Grand Master

Past Deputy Grand Master

Past Deputy Grand Master

Past Assistant Grand Master

Past Senior Grand Warden

Past Junior Grand Warden

Past Junior Grand Warden

Past Junior Grand Warden

Past Junior Grand Warden

Past Junior Grand Warden

Past Junior Grand Warden

Past Grand Director of Ceremonies

Past Grand Director of Ceremonies

Past Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies

Past Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies

Past Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies

Past Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies

Past Grand Organist

Past Junior Grand Deacon

Past Junior Grand Deacon

Wor Bro Robert Andrew Jenkinson Mount Pleasant Lodge No 361 PGSwd Br

Wor Bro Wayne Leonard Kampe Sir Wylie Norman Lodge No 79 PGSwd Br

Wor Bro David Ronald Leishman Pialba Lodge No.192

Wor Bro Blair Wayne Davis Calen Hamilton Lodge No 395

Wor Bro Ronald William O’Brien Proserpine Whitsunday Lodge No 251

Bro Keith McElligott Maryborough Lodge No.86

Wor Bro Stephen Charles Rowe Pialba Lodge No 192

Past Grand Sword Bearer

PGStd Br

PGStd Br

Meritorious Service to Masonry

Meritorious Service to Masonry

2022 ANNUAL REVIEW

Aegium Foundation (originally known as the Geriatric Medical Foundation of Queensland) was founded in 1986 as a joint initiative of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland and the Board of Benevolence and of the Aged Masons Widows and Orphans’ Fund (the Founders) to support the establishment of a Chair in Geriatric Medicine within the Medical Faculty of the University of Queensland.

Under its Trust

Deed the Founders envisaged that as it grew it could expand its support to other researchbased organisations which were also focused on research and education into the process of ageing.

Initial funding of $1million came from the Founders, donations from individual freemasons and from the corporate and community connections of the founding board of directors.

These funds continue to be invested in ASX listed companies selected for their record of reliable and growing dividend streams. The philosophy guiding investment decisions is that the Foundation is a longterm investor which aims to optimise dividend income as this is the only source from which funds to support its

research partners are derived. Investment assets are held only for the income they produce rather than for trading purposes to realise capital gains.

Investment assets held by the Foundation for the year under review continue to be concentrated on a portfolio of ASX Listed Investment Companies (LICs), represented by holdings in Australian Foundation Investment Company, Argo Investments, Washington H Soul Pattinson &Co, Mirrabooka Investments, and others (60%), with the balance from the top ten ASX stocks comprising BHP, CBA, NAB, Telstra, Westpac, Wesfarmers, and Woolworths. The market value of these holdings at 30 June 2022 was $7,201,918 this being down 10% on prior balance date, having been negatively impacted by

the market correction during June 2022. Notwithstanding this correction, directors remain satisfied with the quality of investment assets held in the portfolio. During the year the decision was taken to withdraw $2million from two fund managers and to reinvest direct by increasing holdings in the aforementioned stocks.

Record dividend receipts during the year were achieved through a significant special dividend from one of the holdings and through other corporate activity. These enabled an annual distribution to research partners of $332,000. Total distributions since inception now exceed $5million. The leverage achieved by research partners through the Foundation’s committed fundings has resulted in a far greater return to the community.

Directors have an established investment policy which is subject to annual review to ensure its ongoing relevance. Investment judgements are based upon their own collective experience as sophisticated investors, and by seeking outside professional input as and when considered appropriate.

The Foundation is governed by the following fundamental principles.

.. tax deductible donations are all treated as capital and invested for the long term

.. distributions to research partners (subject to ATO requirements – see below) are only paid out of net investment income

.. whilst necessarily varying from year to year depending upon actual investment returns,

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Aegium’s long term commitment is that approximately two thirds of net investment income in any one year is distributed to research partners with the balance one third being reinvested to enhance sustainability

… Australian Taxation Office requires that, in order to maintain its status as a Public Ancillary Fund and Deductible Gift Recipient with its income exempt from income tax, a minimum of 4% of the market value of investments at prior 30 June are distributed

.. operating costs are to be kept to an absolute minimum and no directors’ fees are paid. It is notable here that the Foundation’s expense ratio for the past year was 3.8%

This report is presented on a cash basis. Annual statutory accounts, yet to be prepared and which are subject to audit, will bring to account any movements in the market value of these assets during the year.

DIRECTORS

At the date of this report the following are directors of the Trustee Company and the Foundation

Gregory Andrews

Dr Adrian Guest

Andrew Little

Antony Love OAM

For the Directors

A.J. Love OAM

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Ross McDowell

Geoffrey White

David Whitman

Secretary Gordon Appleby

6th July 2022

Tax deductible donations are always welcome but, better still, please seriously contemplate a more valuable contribution to the advancement of the Founders’ vision by making provision for a bequest when next reviewing your will.

REPORTS FROM OUR RESEARCH PARTNERS

Professor Ruth E. Hubbard BSc MBBS MRCP MSc MD FRACP

Masonic Chair of Geriatric Medicine -The University of Queensland

In the last year, Professor Ruth Hubbard continued to lead a dynamic and innovative Ageing and Geriatric Medicine Program as the Masonic Chair in Geriatric Medicine. The program has a strong multidisciplinary focus across both the core team (medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy, psychology) and collaborators (biomedical engineering, health economics, data analytics, health informatics), as well as close working relationships with Queensland Health to bridge the academicclinical interface and translate research findings into practice.

As the Masonic Chair, Professor Hubbard led a number of key outcomes and achievements. The research team published 20 peer-reviewed publications (generating significant media coverage), presented virtually as invited speakers at multiple international conferences and delivered a webinar for the Australian Association of Gerontology. They were also awarded two new grants totalling $375,000 in 2021, with seven funded projects ongoing and three NHMRC grants submitted.

The team continued to grow last year, with Dr Adrienne Young and Dr Leila Hanjani recruited through UQ Research Stimulus Fellowships.

Dr Hanjani completed her PhD with Professor Hubbard in 2021, two PhD students met their milestones and three more commenced with the team. Professor Hubbard also continued to contribute to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at UQ, including leadership of the geriatric medicine curriculum and chairing of the MD admissions board.

In 2021, Aegium continued to support Dr Emily Gordon and her research in frailty, including sex differences in frailty and the pathophysiology of frailty. Dr Gordon secured a Queensland Health Clinical Research Fellowship ($250,000) and a research grant from the Metro South Research Support Scheme ($300,00) last year –significant achievements made possible with the philanthropic support of donors like Aegium.

Thank you for your ongoing support for this research at UQ. Together, we can continue to work towards a shared mission of patients receiving frailty-appropriate care in hospitals and more effective public health measures to promote healthy ageing.

In addition, Professor Geoff McColl, Executive Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Dr Toby Ford of the Farmers Health Collaborative had a positive introductory conversation about rural health provision in early June with a follow up meeting scheduled to discuss potential collaborative opportunities on 19 July.

REPORTS FROM OUR RESEARCH PARTNERS GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY

The Queensland Parkinson’s Project, supported for many years by the Aegium Foundation, is a hub for clinical and basic research into all aspects of Parkinson’s disease at Griffith University. It collects clinical information, essential basic data and biological samples from research volunteers including many Parkinson’s patients. There are now data on over 5000 individuals. This information has been used to identify essential factors in the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease. Genetic information from volunteers has also been in large population genetic analyses assessing and discovering risk factors for disease. Families enrolled in the Queensland Parkinson’s Project have also improved our understanding of the very rare genetic forms of disease. Clinical samples are being used in laboratory-based studies and in new drug and diagnostic development.

Our vision is to find out what causes Parkinson’s disease so that we can better treat, cure and ultimately prevent the disease from occurring.

Highlights of the past year include:

• 17 Peer-reviewed research articles published in international medical journals

– This includes:

• Articles discussing genetic and environmental risk factors (4 articles);

• The discovery a new genetic form of familial Parkinson’s disease (published in Genes);

• Reports of new chemicals identified

from natural sources (such as corals from the Great Barrier Reef) that may be potential new Parkinson’s drugs (3 articles);

• Research defining a blood-based biomarker that may identify patients who will go on to develop cognitive problems during the course of their disease (2 articles);

• A comprehensive analysis comparing the proteomic differences between cells from Parkinson’s patients and neurologically normal controls (in Proteomics Clinical Applications). This work has provided further clues towards a new blood test to group patients according to differences in the cause of their disease and thus assist with personalized therapy.

• 439 Research Citations – this is the number of times in the past year that research from the Queensland Parkinson’s Project has been cited in the international research literature by other researchers, demonstrating the impact of our work.

• 13 Research students supported , including 9 full doctoral candidates conducting Parkinson’s research and being trained in scientific skills development.

• Academic and research staff supported

More information about the Queensland Parkinson’s Project and our research can be found at https://www.griffith.edu.au/institute-drug-discovery/directions-in-drug-discovery/queensland-parkinsons-project

REPORTS FROM OUR RESEARCH PARTNERS

GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY (continued)

• Highlighted Projects

1. Our research into a newly identified genetic form of Parkinson’s is being funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. As part of the project, we will be breeding a new strain of mouse that carries the genetic abnormality that we believe leads to the disease. We will also be genetically engineering some experimental cell lines that can be used to study what goes wrong in the cells of patients with this form of disease. These research tools will be made available to researchers throughout the world will facilitate the development of new treatments to counter act the problems.

2. We are seeking support to further develop a diagnostic test that will help to differentiate patients on the basis of the disease’s root cause. Our early work is ready to be translated into a test that can be studied in hundreds of patients in a clinical setting.

REPORTS FROM OUR RESEARCH PARTNERS

FARMERS HEALTH PROMOTION COLLABORATIVE

Dr Toby Ford – MBBS GAICD

Farmers Health Promotion Collaborative (FHPC) has had a successful year in reconnecting with the task of improving rural health standards, following the impact of COVID, good weather and agribusiness rejuvenation. This included video conferencing, face-to-face assessments and trips through Qld and NSW.

Readers will know rural health standards lag city equivalents. The Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing (AIHW) has confirmed the more remote a person lives the shorter their lifespan.

A paucity of positive role models setting the tone and example for other rural dwellers to be fit, well, and resilient whilst living in an agricultural setting is the challenge. FHPC’s vision is to connect 1000 rural producers in 50 regions in 5 years.

Strategically traditional health service models spend $86,000 per adult per year on disease management and care whilst allocating $86 per person to prevention (AIHW). FHPC’s point of difference is we are finding, recruiting and engaging positive role models to collaborate and change things from the front, not the backend. This is like teaching people to fish, rather than feeding them. Hence our need for funding to carry out such important engagement work.

Aegium with other donors has helped fund the engagement of agribusiness aggregators such as Nuffield, MLA, ICPA who bring together influencers. FHPC for example has presented at the forums these groups organise to introduce literacy and conversation on the subjects of

being well in agricultural settings and what it does to productivity, performance and succession.

The team at Ford Health has been translating the work they have done in agribusiness workplace health settings, such as Consolidated Pastoral Holdings, Hewitt Cattle, Gilmac, Riverina, Ellerston, NAPCO to FHPC which is a collaborative vehicle to engage individual farming family enterprises that are the bedrock of Australia’s agricultural future and improve their health and wellbeing. This is a grassroots action supported by Aegium.

FHPC assisted as a co-sponsor for a men’s health tour to bring rowing to outback communities as a positive health activity for rural older men and women. An outcome of such collaboration is the founding of the inaugural Outback Rowing Regatta in Longreach and Barcaldine this October 2022. Such activity attracts positive role models for well-being which is FHPC’s mission.

We are grateful that Aegium has been instrumental in connecting with UQ Medical School and its other beneficiaries to create synergistic value.

A secondary investment of funds has gone into the formation of a research framework for collaboration with MLA to engage with their members as a flagship study in how to build our positive network for connecting to the other 11 RDAs in agriculture.

Aegium Foundation (originally known as the Geriatric Medical Foundation of Queensland) was founded in 1986 as a joint initiative of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland and the Board of Benevolence and of the Aged Masons Widows and Orphans’ Fund (the Founders) to support the establishment of a Chair in Geriatric Medicine within the Medical Faculty of the University of Queensland.

AEGIUM FOUNDATION’S VISION

Under its Trust Deed the Founders envisaged that as it grew it could expand its support to other research-based organisations which were also focused on research and education into the process of ageing.

Careful investment of the Foundation’s financial assets has achieved pleasing growth in its capital base, and distributions to beneficiaries may well have exceeded the expectations of the founders. They could not have envisioned the impressive achievements of its research partners. Expansion of these achievements will only be possible through generous support through donations or bequests.

Bequeath a gift to Aegium.

Initial funding of $1million came from the Founders, donations from individual freemasons and from the corporate and community connections of the founding board of directors. These funds continue to be invested in ASX listed companies selected for their record of reliable and growing dividend streams. The philosophy guiding investment decisions is that the Foundation is a long-term investor which aims to optimise dividend income as this is the only source from which funds to support its research partners are derived. Investment assets are held only for the income they produce rather than for trading purposes to realise capital gains.

Thank you for considering leaving a gift in your will. We are extremely grateful when people decide to leave a gift in their will to Aegium. Leaving a gift is important, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are the basic steps to ensure your support is delivered as you wish.

A. Make or update your will

B. Decide your gift

C. Notify your family and Aegium

Seek your lawyers support to ensure your gift complies with the laws of your State or Territory. To assist we have provided examples of wording needed to ensure your bequest is successful.

1. Wording for a residuary bequest

I give and bequeath the rest and residue of my estate both real and personal to Aegium Foundation (ABN 43 739 018 552) PO Box 311 Red Hill QLD 4059 Australia, for its general purposes and declare that the receipt of an executive officer at the time, shall be sufficient discharge of my executor’s duty.

2. Wording to leave a fixed dollar amount from the residue of an estate

Investment assets held by the Foundation for the year under review continue to be concentrated on a portfolio of ASX Listed Investment Companies (LICs), represented by holdings in Australian Foundation Investment Company, Argo Investments, Washington H Soul Pattinson &Co, Mirrabooka Investments, and others (60%), with the balance from the top ten ASX stocks comprising BHP, CBA, NAB, Telstra, Westpac, Wesfarmers, and Woolworths. The market value of these holdings at 30 June 2022 was $7,201,918 this being down 10% on prior balance date, having been negatively impacted by the market correction during June 2022. Notwithstanding this correction, directors remain satisfied with the quality of investment assets held in the portfolio. During the year the decision was taken to withdraw $2million from two fund managers and to reinvest direct by increasing holdings in the aforementioned stocks.

I give and bequeath $ __________ of the residue of my estate to Aegium Foundation

(ABN 43 739 018 552) PO Box 311 Red Hill QLD 4059 Australia, for its general purposes and declare that the receipt of an executive officer at the time, shall be sufficient discharge of my executor’s duty.

Record dividend receipts during the year were achieved through a significant special dividend from one of the holdings and through other corporate activity. These enabled an annual distribution to research partners of $332,000. Total distributions since inception now exceed $5million. The leverage achieved by research partners through the Foundation’s committed fundings has resulted in a far greater return to the community.

3. Wording for leaving a percentage of the total estate

I give and bequeath __________ per cent of my estate to Aegium Foundation (ABN 43 739 018 552) PO Box 311 Red Hill QLD 4059 Australia, for its general purposes and declare that the receipt of an executive officer at the time, shall be sufficient discharge of my executor’s duty.

PO Box 311 Red Hill Queensland 4059 Australia

E secretary@aegiumfoundation.org.au

W aegiumfoundation.org.au

The trustee of Aegium Foundation (ABN 43 739 018 552) is The Geriatric Medical Foundation of Queensland Limited (ACN 010 629 277)

Rethink Age: Support Aegium Foundation and help our later years become greater years.

In These Red Pages

This issue of the Red Pages contains articles sourced by V Ex Comp Duncan McGregor. Duncan firstly provides an article on the search for the true resting place of Noah’s Ark. Following are extracts from a paper entitled ‘Masonic Astronomy and the Royal Arch of the Heavens’ written by Companion David Cook (UGLQ’s Grand Librarian). David presented the full paper in 2012 as the Ken Wells Memorial Address at Barron Barnett Lodge No 146.

considered holy mountains.

CHARACTERS from Royal Arch Freemasonry

Comparing the geography of the four holy mountains, Alvand best fits the description in Genesis 11:2 of people moving “from the east” into Shinar and Sumerian literature describing the location of Aratta.

Joshua and Jeshua

Kuh-e alvand: seaRchIng foR The TRue MounTaIn of noah and hIs aRK

Kuh-e Alvand is Persian for Mount Alvand. Located in the Zagros mountains near the city of Hamadan in northwestern Iran at map coordinates 34.664167, 48.486667, the elevation of Alvand is 3,580 meters or 11,750 feet, making it one of the tallest mountains in this ancient region.

Tomb of Shem

Near the top of Alvand mountain, there is a local legend that the tomb of Shem is located just below the summit. This would be consistent with the Book of Jubilees that states Noah and Shem stayed on or near the mountain after the Flood. Jubilees also mentions that Noah was buried on the mountain the Ark landed.

The Hebrew meaning of Joshua is ‘God is Salvation. The enquiring student who searches for information on Joshua – or Jeshua – will soon find that there is little to go on. Regarding the Royal Arch, even Bernard Jones, who wrote the definitive book on the English Royal Arch, makes scant reference to him. (Jones 139-141).

The following pictures show what is left of the claimed tomb of Shem. In addition to the stone walls, there are traces of reddish-colour mud bricks that are said to have been used for the top portion in the past.

Jones, in his book Freemasons’ Book of the Royal Arch , writes that Joshua the High Priest, under the direction of Zerubbabel and assisted by the Prophets Haggai and Zechariah, ensured the rebuilding of the second Temple (sometimes referred to as Zerubbabel’s Temple), was completed and dedicated.

The purpose of this article is to provide reasons why Alvand should be considered the modern name and location for ancient Ararat and Aratta—the probable landing site of Noah’s Ark.

Albert Mackey, in his Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, tells us (511) Joshua was the son of Josadek and grandson of Seraiah, adding that he was a driving force behind the Temple workers, showing strong resistance to those who hindered the progress of the works.

Robert Gould, who wrote a six-volume history of Freemasonry, does not mention Joshua and only mentions the name Jeshua once when quoting the Royal Arch Chapter principal officers in the English ritual as Zerubbabel, Haggai and Jeshua. (Vol IV, 190).

Harry Carr, in his book, ‘The Freemason at Work’ (p30) says,” It was Joshua who spoke, or prayed to God and then commanded the sun to stand still”. There is no reference in this book to the name Jeshua.

Credit: Google Maps

The second reference (F&W) tells us, “The Hebrew name Joshua means ‘Jehova is Salvation’ and Joshua was the leader of the invasion and occupation of Canaan”. A further reference says Joshua is another name for Jesus. Joseph was the son of Nun (Ex. 33:11) of the tribe of Ephraim. In Exodus (17.9), we find the first mention of Joshua as the man God chose to succeed Moses as commander of the Jews in the battle against the Amalekites at Rephidim. He was one of the twelve spies (Num.13) sent to Canaan to ascertain the best and weakest part of the country for the Israelites to cross into the land and conquer its people. At the death of Moses, Joshua succeeded him and led the conquest of western Palestine. Joshua’s great battle was at Rephidim, where he defeated the Amalekites.

Joan Comay says. ” Nothing is known of Joshua’s early life or family”. He is first mentioned at Rephidim in the south Sinai Peninsula and was present when Moses first approached the holy mountain with Aaron and seventy elders, referred to as ‘the servant of Moses’ (Ex. 2:5). The Lord had filled Joshua with the spirit of wisdom. As death approached Moses, he handed his leadership to him.

The New Encyclopedia of Funk and Wagnall’s is more revealing (Vol.14, 270/271). This book gives two accounts of a person named Joshua. The first gives reference to the Book of Joshua found in the Old Testament, a book which was likely to have been written by Joshua who was the ancient leader of the Israelites. Others disagree, saying the book contains references from many Old Testament areas. When trying to date the book from information going back to the 10th century, researchers considered it was revised by members of the Deuteronomic school. The Book of Joshua continues and concludes the biblical books of Genesis, Exodus and Deuteronomy.

Early in the research process, “holy mountains” in Turkey and Iran were used in searches to filter possible locations. The thinking here is that something as important and significant as where Noah’s Ark landed and human civilization started (again) would permeate throughout history. Almost every ancient culture maintains a flood legend. In Turkey, both Ararat and Cudi are considered holy mountains. Generally, Bible-believing Christians hold Mount Ararat in Turkey as the traditional landing site of Noah’s Ark, while Muslims adhering to the Koran believe that Mount Cudi (pronounced Judi in Turkish) in southern Turkey is the location where Noah’s Ark landed. In Iran, both Damavand and Alvand are

Visit

Shem’s grave is located approximately 20 meters (65 feet) below the summit rock formation. The tomb dimensions are 5.5 meters (18 feet) by 2.5 meters (8 feet). It appears there was a wall made of stones with the roof made of mud or red clay bricks. Some climbers of Alvand say the roof was destroyed sometime around the 1980’s by treasure hunters, and the stone wall is now shorter. It is common to see a candle lit near Shem’s grave, especially during the summer religious ceremonies in August.

Joshua died at the age of one hundred and ten and was buried at Timnath-Serah, his personal estate in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim, to which he belonged. He was entombed (Joshua 24:30) on the northern side of Mount Gaash (Judges 2:9). This mount is in the hilly country Northeast of Bethlehem.

JOSHUA AND JESHUA

In a lecture by ME.Comp. B.T.Garton, PGH, we learn of the perceived lives of two separate identities - Joshua and Jeshua.

The picture which follows shows the distance from the edge of Shem’s grave to summit. The Book of Jubilees 10:15 “And Noah slept with his fathers, and was buried on Mount Lubar in the land of Ararat.” In 7:16 it states “And Shem dwelt with his father Noah, and built a city close to his father on the mountain”. A legend of Shem’s grave on the mountain where the Ark landed is just what one would expect from reading the Book of Jubilees. Noah was likely buried in this same tomb or nearby. The legend of Shem’s tomb near the summit of Alvand gives

Photo by A. Mahdi Ahadian 2015

1. JOSHUA

Comp. Garton writes, “Joshua is derived from Johoshua. (The name was originally Hoshea). He was the son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and born in Egypt at the time of the captivity”. The bible story of Joshua sees him as a noted prophet and courageous commander in battle. His most celebrated victory was the conquest of Canaan, (Deut. 3:21 31:3-8, Josh. 13:22), as charged by Moses. Before any conflict, he always gave the following edict:

“Whosoever desires to go let him go, and whoever desires to make peace, let him make peace; and whoever desires to make war, let him do so”.

From this is seen Joshua did not force his people into war, thereby allowing those who wanted peace not to take part in warlike conflicts. Because he was Moses’ successor, Joshua, as a holy person, was seen as the Servant of the Lord”. (Josh. 24:29).

2. JESHUA

Comp. Garton summarizes that Jeshua was the son of Jehozadak, a priest in the time of captivity by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar, and a grandson of the High Priest Seraiah. He was the last High Priest of the First Temple (1 Chron. 5:40) and was noted for assisting Zerubbabel to arrange the passage of the exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. He also assisted in preparations and rebuilding the Temple (Ezra 2:2). With Zerubbabel, he rejected the help

To every Master Mason

To every Master Mason, your Third Degree will have left you with some unanswered questions. For example, you were taught how the Entered Apprentices and Fellowcraft received their wages, but no mention is made of the Master Masons. How were they paid, and by whom? Why is there no mention of the Second Temple at Jerusalem, and how and why was King Solomon’s Temple destroyed? What is the purpose of the questions asked of the Wardens by the W.M. at the opening and closing of the Third Degree regarding their journey from the East to the West and back in search of the genuine secrets of a Master Mason?

What is the meaning of the unexplained symbols on the Third Degree Tracing Board, which is not even revealed to those reaching the Master’s Chair? And the great masonic enigma exists - if the three Grand Masters knew the genuine secrets of a Master Mason, why were the remaining two unable to pass them on to the successor of HAB after his death? You can only get the answers to ALL these questions in Queensland by becoming a member

offered by the Samaritans, who were known to be against the Temple being rebuilt. (It was noted Haggai always associated Jeshua’s name with that of Zerubbabel).

Early English Chapter rituals varied considerably, and it is apparent that some rituals named Jeshua as the last High Priest of King Solomon’s Temple. In the changes to a greater unity of English ritual, the dominant Joshua became standard. Thus, the present jurisdiction’s Royal Arch’s Third Principal is Joshua. The ritual of 2010 gives only ‘J’ but we hear ‘Joshua’, and earlier rituals, for example, the introduction to that of 1947, has the name Joshua printed in full.

Joshua was a man of intelligence, and high principles, an interpreter of God’s will, a man of strong convictions, a teacher, a brave warrior, and a great Jewish national leader.

Bibliography:

Carr, Harry: The Freemason at Work.

Comay, Joan: Who’s Who in the Old Testament, Dent, London, 1993.

Funk and Wagnall’s: The New Encyclopedia, Vol.14, 270,271 Rt Em. Comp. Garton, B.T. Caledonia RAC. Canberra. Lect. 43. appearing in Footprints Vol III, Sydney Correspondence Circle. 1992.

Gould, Robert: The History of Freemasonry, London, 1885. Jones, Bernard: Freemasons’ Book of the Royal Arch, Harrap, London, 1967.

Mackey, Albert: Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry

of a Chapter held under the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Queensland.

Many other questions will be answered in the degrees worked under the S.G.R.A.C.Q., such as how the stones were prepared and examined in the quarries, why the First Temple was destroyed and the Second Temple built, and many others. Finally, you will take part in the delightfully beautiful and ever-remembered ceremony, which depicts the providential means by which the genuine secrets of a Master Mason were discovered. The furnishings of the Chapter room and the regalia of the Companions, which are rich in symbolism, will be fully explained. To be exalted in this beautiful Order, so truly denominating Freemasonry’s essence, is an unforgettable experience.

All matters concerning and relative to the order should be addressed to THE GRAND SCRIBE EZRA, PO BOX I0272, BRISBANE 4000 E-Mail: gse@royalarch.org.au

The ritual and ceremony of the Royal Arch degrees

Introduction

It must be acknowledged that Royal Arch Masonry is not easy to comprehend. Sadly, many Companions leave the Chapter because they cannot understand what the Degree is all about, which is a loss to the Companion and the Chapter. Yet he who can persist, learn the ritual and seek to discover the philosophy behind that ritual will be rewarded with a much greater understanding of Freemasonry as a whole and perhaps of himself as well.

Partly this difficulty arises because of the sudden change of emphasis between the Royal Arch and the preceding degrees of the Craft and Mark. While there is certainly plenty of religious content in those Degrees, they are essentially “practical” in nature, promoting the conduct and philosophies required to live a virtuous life - admittedly with the object of making the individual worthy of the promised eternal reward, but nonetheless primarily concerned with the earthly life rather than the life hereafter.

On entering the Royal Arch, the new Companion is suddenly confronted with a very different sort of Freemasonry. Not only is the lodge layout quite different from that of his previous Masonic experience, but the whole way of thinking has also changed. Instead of being concerned with the physical existence, he must move on to the spiritual, to a far greater extent than before. This can represent a culture shock to some Companions, especially those not nurtured by a religious upbringing. Yet is this not the natural order of life, for man to spend his youth in physical pursuits and to turn to contemplation in old ageand, hopefully, wisdom?

The Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem

We sometimes forget that this is the proper name of “The Chapter”. “The Arch” we meet in the Exaltation Ceremony, but why is it “Holy”, and why “Royal”? According to the Oxford Dictionary, “holy” means “consecrated, sacred; morally and spiritually perfect; belonging to or devoted to God; of high moral or spiritual excellence.” Does the Royal Arch fit that definition? It is founded on an excerpt from Holy Scripture and encourages the candidate to discover the meaning of God’s Holy Will and Word. (Cryer, p 10).

The legend of the Degree takes place on holy ground, the site of the First Temple, so holy to the Hebrew people that only those properly qualified and proved to be so by rigorous testing were permitted to work there. Most importantly, the candidate is introduced to the “Sacred and Mysterious Name of the True and Living God Most High” -a name so holy that only the chief priest was permitted to pronounce it- signifying that he himself is now consecrated and purified sufficiently for that knowledge.

Given that the Arch is Holy, why is it “Royal”? As far as I know, no reigning monarch has provided the degree with such a warrant, so it differs from the “Royal Navy” or “Royal United Service Institution”. The name is a description rather than a title for several reasons (Cryer 11-13). In the earliest days of the Royal Arch, membership was open only to those who had served as Worshipful Masters in the Craft. Now as the Worshipful Master symbolically acts as the representative of King Solomon, it necessarily follows that all Past Masters of the Craft are past kings. So every companion of the Chapter is, therefore of royal rank. Hence the Degree itself cannot fail to be royal- sort of an extended Royal Family.

The legend itself suggests a royal connection. As we are well aware, the First Temple at Jerusalem was built by King Solomon to a plan devised by his father, King David. This temple was later destroyed by the Babylonians. The people were removed as slaves to Babylon for seventy years until released by the Persian King Cyrus, who not only released them from captivity but sent them to rebuild their holy temple, even returning them the looted holy vessels and giving them sufficient funds to carry out the work. Thus the Second Temple owed its existence to another king and was built on the foundations of the First.

The actual work was carried out under the supervision of Zerubbabel, “the Prince of the People”. (It is worth noting that princes usually take their titles from a country, such as “Prince of Wales”, etc.; being the leader of an exiled people without a home of their own gives Zerubbabel the “Prince of the People” title. He was a descendant of the royal line of David, the grandson of King Jehoiachin.) This event was of great significance to the Hebrew people, marking as it did their restoration to nationhood after the years of slavery. “Then it was that the kingly power was restored to the person of Zerubbabel, to the royal line of David and the princely tribe of Judah” – (the “Historical Lecture”). Admittedly, it was a client kingdom totally under the control of Cyrus, but certainly a vast improvement on their previous status. Also to be remembered is that the passwords used in the reconstruction were taken from those instituted by

“On entering the Royal Arch, the new Companion is suddenly confronted with a very different sort of Freemasonry. Not only is the lodge layout quite different from that of his previous Masonic experience, but the whole way of thinking has also changed.”

Moses, himself a prince of Egypt. With so many monarchs involved, it is not surprising that the term “Royal” is applied; it is not so much a title as a description.

A third reason, and one also given by Cryer, is that in the earliest years of the Degree, the Royal Arch was the furthest you could go in recognized Freemasonry. This concept was reinforced after the Union of the Grand Lodges when it was proclaimed that Freemasonry consisted of “three degrees and no more…including the Royal Arch”. This explains the “Supreme Degree” used by the Royal Arch; it was the ultimate step in Freemasonry. As the King or Queen, >

> being the Head of State, represent supreme authority, so is the Royal Arch in relation to the preceding degrees, and therefore “Royal”.

As a final justification of Royalty, we must remember that the early Freemasons were intensely religious men in a society far more religious than our own and that the religion was Christian. (This was particularly true of the Royal Arch, which retained its Christian character long after the more overt references to Christianity were expunged from the Craft ritual.) A common term for Jesus Christ was and is “The King of Heaven”- just see how many old hymns employ the phrase! Now, the Chapter being far more spiritual in character than the Craft, with the main thrust of the Royal Arch being to know and understand your God, to recognize His purpose for you- in other words, to follow your King- it will be seen that the Degree is both Holy and Royal.

Historical Background to the Chapter Legend

We are all aware that our Masonic ceremonies are based on certain Biblical events, with certain additions to flesh out the story and convey the philosophy of the Order. The Craft degrees use the events surrounding the construction of King Solomon’s Temple, concluding with the death of Hiram Abif, the principal architect, and the resulting loss of the secret words. To put the Temple into historical perspective, it was built in the era following King David’s capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, his conquest of the surrounding peoples (including the related Jewish tribes!) and establishing a strong Jewish state. (Keller p 191) Not permitted by God to build the Temple himself due to several sins on his conscience, the work was carried out by his son and successor, King Solomon, and completed in the mid-900 BC’s. This was about 400 years after the exodus from Egypt (perhaps- there were some conflicting dates offered by various erudite authorities!) and about 100-150 years after the Siege of Troy a bit further North. Much of the story we use is verified by the VSL and the research of later scholars; we are, however, less sure of Hiram Abif, who, although a

historical character, was not necessarily the actual architect of the Temple, and the story of his death as related in the Third Degree is definitely of much later origin.

The Royal Arch legend is taken from a later era. After the death of Solomon in about 927BC, the ten northern tribes revolted against the heavy-handed rule of his son Rehoboam and the nation was split into two unequal kingdoms, the ten rebel tribes becoming “Israel” with a capital at Samaria and the two loyal tribes- Judah and Benjamin- forming “Judah”, based around Jerusalem. (Jones p 138) The Hebrew tribes had never enjoyed a particularly fraternal relationship, and this degenerated into open hatred between the two kingdoms. (Herzog, Ch 6-11) Just to complicate matters, both kingdoms fell away from the worship of God and adopted many pagan beliefs. It was all very bad timing since they were bounded between North and South by the expansionist empires of Assyria and Egypt, both looking for regional supremacy. Over the next 400 years, the land became a battleground and was repeatedly ridden over by foreign armies (“The Assyrians came down like a wolf on the fold”etc.), and both nations suffered accordingly.

Very skilled diplomacy was necessary to survive, but lacking the legendary wisdom of Solomon, this was in short supply. Israel picked the wrong side, backing Egypt against Assyria, and paid the price. In 722BC, the Assyrians effectively wiped them out, slaughtering or enslaving their citizens, so they were never seen again. Judah wisely paid the ransom and survived as a vassal state for another 136 years. At that time, the new Babylonian Empire overthrew the Assyrians and the Judahites, scenting an opportunity, and made a bid for independence. This was swiftly crushed by the Babylonians, and in 587BC, after several further revolts, Nebuchadnezzar finally destroyed the city of Jerusalem and its Holy Temple, removing most of these troublesome people to Babylon as slaves, leaving behind only sufficient peasants to till the land (and pay the taxes).

This exile lasted until 539 BC when Cyrus the Great, King of the Medes & Persians, defeated Babylon in its turn and released the exiles, giving them permission (in 538 BC) to return home and rebuild their city and Holy Temple. (Keller p 301-3) Although we are informed by the ritual and the VSL that Cyrus did so under the instruction of God, we should be aware that many other subject peoples were similarly freed. Rather than pious obedience to what was to him a foreign god, it is far more likely that Cyrus followed a diplomatic policy to keep his widely assorted subjects happy and productive. (Cryer p 99-102) Having a happy and supportive client kingdom on his southern boundaries as a “buffer zone” made a lot of sense.

(To be continued next issue).

“Very skilled diplomacy was necessary to survive, but lacking the legendary wisdom of Solomon, this was in short supply. Israel picked the wrong side, backing Egypt against Assyria, and paid the price”

What is the origin of crosswords?

It was invented by British journalist Arthur Wynne, who emigrated to the United States in the 1890s. His first crossword, or ‘Word-Cross’ as he called it, did not look like the present ones – it was diamond shaped with no black squares. During the early 1920s, other newspapers picked up on the pastime. Wynne’s original puzzle looked a bit different from the crossword puzzles we see today—the boxes were arranged in a diamond shape, not a square, with an open space in the middle.

The first British crossword was published in Pearson’s Magazine in February 1922, and these versions were deemed harder than their American counterparts. This started a crossword craze during which even dresses and shirts were made of crossword puzzle material – to this day; you can buy toilet rolls impressed with crosswords for solving.

The first crossword answers were just definitions and similes; the first cryptic crossword was published on 30th July 1925 by The Daily Telegraph. The then Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, was known to enjoy doing crosswords, as does the Queen – whose cipher ER is a frequent allusion in cryptic clues. (Did you know crosswords are so popular that one man designed one for his tombstone?)

Grand Conclave of the Order of the Secret Monitor for Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea

In These PurPle Pages

Welcome to the twelfth issue of The Purple Pages, an information resource of the Order of the Secret Monitor in the jurisdiction of Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. This issue provides a short history of Friendship Conclave as it celebrates 90 years. Also featured is Right Worthy Bro Peter Keller and further information on the Scarlet Cord.

A Brief History of the Order

into his band one who had escaped from a massacre carried out at the order of Saul.

90Th annIversary of frIendshIP ConClave no

1

Friendship Conclave was consecrated at Ipswich on 28 June 1926 and is the oldest continually functioning Conclave in the Southern Hemisphere. It was originally numbered 56 English Constitution. It is not the technically the oldest Conclave as Southern Cross Conclave No. 27 had been established in Geelong Victoria in the early 1880s. It however went into dormancy for 25 years and was only revived when the Foundation Worthy Supreme Ruler of Friendship Conclave Bro James Simon Laurenson asked the Grand Recorder in London to transfer the Warrant from Geelong to Ipswich.

An Order of David and Jonathan existed in Holland in the 18th Century, but our present Order was brought from America to Britain by Dr I. Zacharie in about 1875. Originally the Order, as worked in America, consisted of a single degree, which could be conferred on any worthy Master Mason by another brother who had received it himself. Under Zacharie, a Grand Council was formed in 1887, and the ritual was extended to the present system of three degrees. Later, a problematic period followed when the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees was empowered to confer the American version of the Degree. The conflict between the two bodies was resolved in 1931 when all rights were transferred to the Order of the Secret Monitor’s Grand Council (later Conclave).

they need help in any way whatsoever. The Grand Conclave of the Order of the Secret Monitor for Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea became autonomous and was inaugurated on 31 May 1969.

WorThy Bro PeTer Keller

The Order consists of three degrees.

Friendship Conclave’s original Warrant named Bro James Laurenson (a New Zealander), Frederick George Marriott, Henry Charles Frost and others to be the petitioners.

Conclaves and Officers

The Conclave had its number changed after England decided to divide Australia into North and South, the Queensland border being the dividing line, stretching across Australia. When the District of Northern Australia was inaugurated on 3 December 1938 Bro James Laurenson was installed as the first District Grand Supreme Ruler for Northern Australia. Since that time Friendship Conclave No 1 has continued to attract new members and is in a strong position today, very proud of its heritage and based in Ipswich, Queensland.

Induction as a Secret Monitor is the First Degree where we reference David (father of Solomon) and Jonathan (son of Saul, the first King of Israel). David was a great warrior and a servant of the King. Saul soon became jealous of David’s brilliance and plotted to kill him. The First Degree graphically describes how Jonathan warned David (in a non-obvious manner, hence “Secret Monitor”) not to return to King Saul’s household. It is taken from the first book of Samuel. The lesson in the Degree is the importance of friendship and fidelity.

Peter was inducted into VW Martin Conclave on 29 May 2004 and gradually rose to be Worthy Supreme Ruler on 19 January 2008. He then was invited to join Grand Conclave becoming Assistant Grand Recorder and then Grand Visitor. After having served this office he was appointed Grand Guide on 17 May 2014. He is very active in Monitor Masonry joining Nanango Conclave and Beth Shalom Conclave (Darwin).

This is also taken from the first book of Samuel and again stresses the importance of friendship and fidelity. The third Degree is the Installation Ceremony of the Supreme Ruler, the Presiding Officer of the Conclave. It is unique in that in addition to the actual Installation Ceremony that is usually carried out by the Supreme Ruler’s predecessor; there is the Ceremony of Commissioning; the Ceremony of Commissioning must be carried out by a Past or present Grand Officer. Usually, the most senior present confers status throughout the entire Order, and a Certificate is issued by Grand Conclave to that effect.

He is a tireless worker for Freemasonry, especially enjoying the Order of the Secret Monitor, working with and encouraging members of VW Martin to further the Order. When he joined they only had 12 members and can now boast a membership of 52. He is now progressing through the ranks of the Scarlet Cord becoming the first President of the Consistory in Maryborough.

These ceremonies are very moving, and it is upon the principles exemplified therein that the system of communicating friendship and caring among the Order members is practically promoted.

Also he is active in fund raising in Hervey Bay, participating in a sausage sizzlers club raising funds for deserving local charities.

Congratulations to all at Friendship Conclave No 1.

a furTher uPdaTe on The sCarleT Cord

Each Conclave is headed by a Supreme Ruler who represents David. The Immediate Past Ruler represents Jonathan. The other principal officers are the Counsellor and the Guide. Then come the usual offices of Treasurer, Recorder and Director of Ceremonies. Next are four officers of key importance in promoting the fundamental principles of the Order – the Visiting Deacons. They are each assigned a portion of the membership and are responsible for communicating with their “charges” between meetings of the Conclave to ensure that all is well with them.

Three Companions of the Order from Queensland journeyed to Geelong recently to do the 4th Grade and are now known as Councillors in the Scarlet Cord.

The ceremony was very impressive requiring 24 existing Councillors to carry it out. The 4th Grade jewel is pictured.

Returning to Queensland we have had 1st and 2nd Grade ceremonies in Maryborough on 29 October and at Seventeen Mile Rocks on 12 November.

The Second Degree is the prince’s degree, Through his friendship with Jonathan, David was informed of the plot to kill him and fled to the hills for safety. To keep David informed of developments within the King’s court, Jonathan devised a special system of communication that the Degree embraces and develops. Saul was informed of the association between David and his son and blamed those around him for encouraging it. Saul embarked on a major search for David, slaughtering many whom he believed to be involved in his concealment, but David triumphed and eventually became the second King of Israel.

On 1 July 2011 he was honoured with the rank of District Commander of the 33rd degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for Australia. He has also served the Royal Arch attaining the rank of Past Third Grand Principal.

The other officers are the Assistant Director of Ceremonies, Guarder and Sentinel. In the Second or Prince’s Degree, the titles of some of the officers take on the names of certain Biblical characters involved in the story. At each meeting of the Conclave, a roll call of members is held, and the Visiting Deacons report on their contact with the absentees, the reason for their absence, and if

The Order continues to enjoy strong interest and growth.

This Degree tells how David admitted

Enquiries: Grand Recorder | Rt Worthy Brother Bill Benham | thebenhams@stoben.net.au

The regalia for members of the Order is quite simple: a breast jewel suspended from a different ribbon for each of the first two degrees. The Officers of the Conclave wear a sash, the colours being different for each of the first two degrees. The Supreme Ruler wears a purple robe, a jewel suspended from a collarette and a sash with the name of the Conclave and the initials SR on it. Grand Officers wear sashes of different colours embroidered with the symbol of the Jurisdiction, and a Grand Officer Jewel is suspended from a collarette, again of variant colours. The Grand Supreme Ruler and Deputy Grand Supreme Ruler each wear a Chain of Office, a Grand Officer Jewel surmounted with a Crown on a Collarette and carry a baton of office. The Order of the Secret Monitor is an extremely happy and friendly Order. The qualification for membership is solely that of being a Master Mason in good standing, and the office of Supreme Ruler can be reached without having to have been through the Chair of a Craft Lodge.

rIghT

“The Order of the Secret Monitor is an extremely happy and friendly Order.“

To Slice or not to Slice?

Devonshire Tea hosted by St James Shrine No153 - Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem

By Sojourner Wilma Grier Worthy Shepherdess

It was the 24th of September 2022 and the OES Hall in Townsville was ready to receive hordes of hungry scone addicts. Tables were arranged and beautifully decorated in Shrine colours of white and yellow, complete with vases of golden wattle flowers.

The kitchen was a hive of activity. Members of St James shrine No 153 and Queensland Country Women’s Association were bustling about the kitchen, boiling kettles, buttering sandwiches, cutting cakes and making copious quantities of tea. The occasion? The White Shrine of Jerusalem’s Devonshire Tea Day.

All preparations were jogging along nicely when a question was asked: “Shall we slice the scones now?” This was met with stunned silence. We looked at one another in bewilderment and wondered what terrible faux-pas had we made. With a sharp intake of breath and a steely stare, we were informed that no, proper scone etiquette required the scone to be served whole and to be broken apart only by the recipient. At this stage we dared not consider whether jam or cream should actually grace the top of the scone, leaving it to the recipient to decide. Phew! Problem solved.

The scones were in fact absolutely delicious. We offered the choice of

pumpkin scones made by Lorraine Lowe who is a Shrine member, or plain scones made to a time honoured recipe by the QCWA representative, Fay Lambert. Never mind any dilemmas of slicing or decorating, there was not a scone to be seen, not even a crumb at the end of the event!

We initially planned to cater for fifty to sixty people, however in the days leading up to the event, ticket sales surpassed our expectations, and we ended up serving over ninety afternoon teas. Naturally there was a raffle with lots of great prizes generously donated by various sponsors both individual and commercial. The proceeds from the day ($1,500) went to the Joyful Foundation Charity which supports disadvantaged children in the Townsville region. It is at times and events like this when it is lovely to see a community coming together to support each other.

Many people were involved both in preparation and working on the day including The Townsville and Willows branch of the QCWA, Grand

District Lodge, volunteers from the community and of course members of St James Shrine No 153. Our gratitude goes to all who helped and supported us with particular thanks to Andrea and John Playford.

Time now to start planning our next Devonshire Tea. Scones will most definitely be served whole and perhaps you can join us to debate the merits of jam or cream on top. Hope to see you there, Saturday September 23rd 2023!

Dianne, Lynda & Eric.

Rethink Age

Aegium Foundation (originally known as the Geriatric Medical Foundation of Queensland) was founded in 1986 as a joint initiative of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland and the Board of Benevolence and the Aged Masons Widows and Orphans’ Fund (the Founders) to support the establishment of a Chair in Geriatric Medicine within the Medical Faculty of the University of Queensland.

Under its Trust Deed, the Founders envisaged that as it grew, it could expand its support to other research-based organisations focused on research and education into the ageing process.

Initial funding of $1 million came from the Founders, donations from individual freemasons and the corporate and community connections of the founding board of directors. These funds are invested in ASX-listed companies selected for their record of reliable and growing dividend streams. The philosophy guiding investment decisions is that the Foundation is a long-term investment that aims to optimise dividend income as this is the only source from which funds to support its research partners are derived. Investment assets are held only for the income they produce rather than for trading purposes to realise capital gains.

Record dividend receipts during the year were achieved through a significant special dividend from one of the holdings and other corporate activity. These enabled an annual distribution to research partners of $332,000. Total distributions since inception now exceed $ 5 million. The leverage achieved by research partners through the Foundation’s committed funding has resulted in a far greater return to the community.

The following fundamental principles govern the Foundation.

• tax-deductible donations are all treated as capital and invested for the long term

• distributions to research partners (subject to ATO requirements – see below) are only paid out of net investment income

• whilst necessarily varying from year to year depending upon actual investment returns, Aegium’s long-term commitment is that approximately two-thirds of net investment income in any one year is distributed to research partners, with the balance one third being reinvested to enhance sustainability

• Australian Taxation Office requires that to maintain its status as a Public Ancillary Fund and Deductible Gift Recipient with its income exempt from income tax, a minimum of 4% of the market value of investments before 30 June are distributed

• operating costs are to be kept to an absolute minimum, and no directors’ fees are paid. It is notable here that the Foundation’s expense ratio for the past year was 3.8%

Find out More

For more information about Aegium Foundation

email secretary@aegiumfoundation.org.au

PO Box 311 Red Hill Queensland 4059

Dr James Anderson

In this issue, page 48 is a story about the 300th anniversary of the Constitutions commonly called Anderson’s Constitutions, but who was this, Anderson?

Dr James Anderson was born in Scotland, became a Presbyterian minister, and moved to London, England. He became a Mason early in his life, and while not a part of establishing the 1717 Grand Lodge, he became active several years later. He is best remembered as the author of the Constitutions of the Freemasons in 1723, with a revision in 1738. This is considered the basis of Masonic Law. The book contains a fanciful history of the Craft which today is considered a “curiosity”.

Anderson was the Master of a Masonic lodge and a Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster (later known as the Premier Grand Lodge of England and in the 19th century as the United Grand Lodge of England). He was commissioned in September 1721 by the Grand Lodge to write a history of the Free Masons, and it was published in 1723 as The Constitutions of the Free-Masons Anderson’s name does not appear on the title page, but his authorship is declared in an appendix.

Anderson’s work, although of the first importance to the history of freemasonry, is unfortunately marred by many extravagant and incredible claims. Indeed, it was shown at the tercentenary conference of the respected Quatuor Coronati research Lodge at Queens’ College, Cambridge, that Anderson’s history of the founding of the Grand Lodge is doubtful since the public houses mentioned could probably not have accommodated the meetings that he claims were held in 1717. Anderson’s account must be broadly accurate, having been widely published within six years of the events described. Still, it may have been backdated by two or three years to aggrandise some brethren as Past Grand Officers.

Drawn by Penny. Engraved by Roffe

The Chain of Union

I want to bring to your attention one aspect of our closing ceremony that used to happen. Much of the elaborate ceremony we used to perform has been lost over time, and that is a relatively short time. Some Lodges I have attended have kept this tradition, and others have lost it.

It was customary to perambulate out of the Lodge on closing, but this seems to be neglected by some. Another ceremony is/was done: The Chain of Union. The “Chain of Union” is done at the closing of the Lodge. All brethren assemble on the lodge floor, form a circle and join hands as one would for the singing of Auld Lang Syne. This is just before the Fidelity ritual.

Why? What is the purpose and significance of this? The purpose of a chain of union is to signify and validate the brethren’s unbreakable oneness by the fraternity’s bonds.

As with all things Masonic, there is much symbology in this action. The chain is an ancient symbol of Masonry. The symbol of a chain is hiding in full sight in the so-called cable tow, the cord attached to the neck of the candidate. It is used as a guide during his initiation process—a symbol of humility and bondage. The Masonic symbols associated with a chain can fill a book, but we will not go there.

If you look at the floor and see the tesselated pavement, you will know that it has a cord with tassels around it. This is linked to the symbolism of the Chain Of Union.

This sacred place is described in our ritual. But coming to its symbolic meaning as a chain of union, it speaks of the cosmic order proper to a sacred space: We talk here, of course, about the cosmic order expressed by the Temple of Solomon. In this context, the chain of union symbolized by the cord with tassels has the role of defending and maintaining this cosmic order, this harmony. What form is the Lodge? An oblong square is a symbol of the world.

It is a moment when all brothers join their hands, standing in a circle and looking towards the centre of the Lodge.

Everything is symbolically essential here: the manner of joining hands, the forming of the ring, and the words said by the Worshipful Master.

We now leave this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue. Remember, Brethren, that these solemn rites of which you have been partakers, and your parts in them, are as binding on your conscience outside the Lodge as within it. We are links in that chain made in life for eternity, the Chain Of Union and Friendship. We go again to mix with the world and its concerns and employment.

Here, in the physical performance of the chain of union, we can see a uniting bond of brothers beyond time and space; the communication of sacred tradition (one hand receives, one hand gives); the realization of unity through the fraternity.

Their bare hands speak about the honesty of hearts, and joining together in the same position invokes the values of the fraternity. The union chain may be considered a higher expression of fraternal love.

Considering how we may implement greater participation within our Lodge, including a Chain of Union, is not an innovation. Instead, it is a forgotten treasure of our Masonic history that could be restored.

Anderson’s Constitution

Anderson’s Constitution, also known as the “Antient Constitutions,” is a collection of Masonic rules and regulations first published in 1723. This year marks the 300th anniversary of its publication, a significant milestone in the history of Freemasonry. The Constitution set out the basic principles of the fraternity, including its purpose, governance, and ritual practices.

The author of the Constitution, James Anderson, was a Scottish Presbyterian minister and a prominent figure in the early days of Freemasonry. Anderson drew upon earlier Masonic documents and the General Regulations, which had been compiled first by George Payne in 1720. He also included his ideas and interpretations in the Constitution, making it a unique document that shaped the development of the fraternity. Also, reference to the “Regius Poem” (known as the “Halliwell Manuscript”), which is thought to have been written in the late 14th century.

Over the centuries, the Constitution has undergone several revisions and updates. Nevertheless, its core principles have remained unchanged, and it continues to serve as the foundation of Freemasonry. The 300th anniversary of the publication of

Anderson’s Constitutions provides an opportunity to reflect on its historical significance and ongoing impact on the fraternity.

Throughout its history, Freemasonry has faced criticism and controversy, with some groups claiming it is a secret society with sinister motives. However, the fraternity has consistently maintained that it is a benevolent organisation that seeks to promote moral values and support its members. The principles laid out in Anderson’s Constitutions, including the belief in a Supreme Being, the pursuit of truth, and the practice of charity, have been a cornerstone of this tradition.

The 300th anniversary of Anderson’s Constitutions is an occasion to celebrate the heritage of Freemasonry and recognise the fraternity’s contributions to society.

Throughout its history, Freemasonry has played a role in many important events and movements, including the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Enlightenment. Its members have included some of the most prominent figures in history, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

This 300th anniversary of Anderson’s Constitutions is an essential milestone in the history of Freemasonry. The Constitution has been the fraternity’s foundation for three centuries, guiding its development and shaping its principles. Today, as Freemasonry continues to thrive, the 300th anniversary of Anderson’s Constitutions provides an opportunity to celebrate its heritage and to recognise its ongoing contributions to society.

Oz and Kiwi Masons work together

All present were welcomed to the Sixteenth Biennial Conference, which the Immediate Past President, Bro Kerry Nicholls (N.Z.), K.L., opened with a thank you and warm welcome to all attending.

Happiness is the key to this Conference, and big smiles were all around. Due to our smaller numbers, this intimate Conference was successful and enjoyable.

All present were asked to stand for a moment of silence in honour of five stalwarts of the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council who have passed to the Grand Lodge Above as well as others who were in their hearts and thoughts – Brothers Peter Bindon, Colin Heyward, Keith Knox, Peter Verrall and Peter Wise.

The floor was then given to our Conference Convener (Bro Glenn Summerhayes). He welcomed the NZ Grand Master - M.W Bro Jim Watt, to officially open the Conference, bearing in mind that this was his second official task a week into the new position.

Over three days and 11 sessions, papers on various subjects were presented. Discussions ranging from – Matariki, Masonic Pillars –Rev. William Ronaldson and Charles John Ronaldson, Frenchmen, Chaps & Rogues Freemasonry in Victoria,

Some mid 19th Century Freemasons and how they created a life beyond the Craft in Sydney, Swedish Rite Freemasonsonry, Commemorative Crusader Orders in Freemasonry, 1798 Irish Rebellion to name but a few.

Two papers were presented by Queensland Masons, one by Bro Andrew Shepard of Barron Barnett Lodge and another by Bro Harvey

Lovewell from WHJ Mayers.

There were 7 Freemasons presented with Kellerman Lecturer certificates and jewels at this Conference.

The 2024 Conference will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre in October 2024. Now is the time to prepare for you to present a paper.

You may recognize the term ‘Grand Poobah’ from the famous cartoon Hanna-Barbera’s The Flintstones . The cartoon shows the Loyal Order of Water Buffalo, not a masonic lodge, which is a send-up of Freemasonry and other fraternal organizations. In the cartoon, the two main characters, Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble, regularly appear at their lodge meeting.

In the 70s, people also recognized it from the show Happy Days In the show, the patriarch of the family is a member of a leopard lodge. Often he is seen heading off to his meeting wearing a fez with leopard spots. Again the head of the leopard lodge is the ‘Grand Poobah.’

It is easy to assume the origin of the ‘title ‘Grand Poobah’ came from a pop culture reference such as the ones mentioned above or in some other

“Instead, the origin of the term Grand Poobah comes from March 1885. It also comes to us from two masonic brothers, Gilbert and Sullivan, in their comedic opera The Mikado.”

ways it has been used. Especially over the last few decades.

Instead, the origin of the term Grand Poobah comes from March 1885. It also comes to us from two masonic brothers, Gilbert and Sullivan, in their comedic opera The Mikado . In the opera, one of the characters is PoohBah. He holds various titles, including First Lord of the Treasury, Lord Chief

Justice, Commander-in-Chief, Lord High Admiral, Archbishop, Lord Mayor and Lord High Everything Else. The opera begins with the town executioner, in a Japanese town, being sentenced to death. It is decided the executioner can not perform any more executions until he executes himself since he is next in line. The townspeople are too proud to serve under the executioner and perform the execution. Eventually, all the town leaders resign their positions and Pooh-Bah ends up with all their titles.

The Mikado uses Japan as a backdrop to satirize British politics of the time.

In modern times the term Grand Poobah is generally meant to be a mocking term. Either describe someone with an inflated self-regard or someone with a superb title with little power.

The term ‘Grand Poobah’ originates closer to Freemasonry than many may think.

The Savage Club

The Savage Club is a gentlemen’s club in England open to professionals in art, drama, law, literature, music or science or individuals with a serious interest in one of those subjects.

George Augustus Sala sent invitations to various individuals and prospective members, inviting them to the first meeting. The letter stated, “a meeting of gentlemen connected with literature and the fine arts, and warmly interested in the promotion of Christian knowledge, and the sale of excisable liquors” was planned. It also stated that the meeting discussed “forming a social society or club.” The Savage Club had its first meeting on the 12th of October, 1857. Initially, the club was only open to those in literature and the fine arts.

At a later meeting, they discussed what to name themselves. A variety of names were suggested. Generally, the names of literary giants of the current period were suggested. When someone eventually suggested the name of Shakespeare, one of the members spoke up, stating that they were taking themselves too seriously and thereby made themselves ridiculous. It was then suggested they name themselves after Richard Savage, an 18th-century poet best known as the subject of a friend’s biography, rather than his writings. This seemed to fit the bill, and The Savage Club was named.

At the club’s beginning, many members were bohemian journalists writing for The Illustrated London News . Many who joined The Savage Club felt they’d be unwelcome in the Garrick Club, which formed more than twenty years earlier. The Garrick Club’s purpose was to “tend to the regeneration of the Drama.”

Within the first twenty years of The Savage Club, it had become a respectable institution. It also started changing its membership requirements, adding musicians to the mix.

The Savage Club welcomed various guests from around England and the World. This included Mark Twain and, in 1934, the Australian Cricket Team. In 1940, Oswald Mosley, founder of the British Union of Fascists, arrived as a member’s guest and was asked to leave. The Savage Club is also mentioned in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s book The Lost World

In 1882, King Edward VII, then the Prince of Wales, attended a dinner in his honour at The Savage Club. The Prince suggested a masonic lodge should be formed and associated with the club. In December of 1886, The Savage Club Lodge No. 28 was granted a warrant, and the lodge was consecrated in January of 1887.

The Savage Club and the lodge are no longer associated with each other. Although the tendency for a lodge member to be involved in one of the areas of art, drama, law, literature, music or science remains, it is not due to any membership requirement set by the lodge. The Savage Club and the lodge still hold regular joint events with each other.

“The Savage Club welcomed various guests from around England and the World. This included Mark Twain and, in 1934, the Australian Cricket Team. In 1940, Oswald Mosley, founder of the British Union of Fascists, arrived as a member’s guest and was asked to leave. The Savage Club is also mentioned in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s book The Lost World.”

When the door opened today ...

by Stig R. Hokanson

I often pondered the connection between Judaism and Freemasonry. Much was revealed to me on my first visit today to the Brisbane Synagogue in Margaret Street. The heritage listed building, a Brisbane landmark of note, is a rich depository of Jewish history in Queensland. Moreover, it is also a depository of Masonic history, as the two overlap.

Today I was welcomed by Phillip Zavelsky, the Synagogue’s consummate tour guide. A group of Catholic School teachers had booked a tour of the Synagogue; I was a mere late addition. Yet through Phillip’s engaging narrative, openness and abundant humorous anecdotes I was transposed to something which had eluded me far too long.

No hard sell, no conversion, no pressure, no ideological persuasion. There was no need. Judaism is the oldest of the three mono theistic religions. Only the two late comers – Christianity and Islam – see need for conversion to their theological beliefs; hence why Judaism is the smallest of the three. Do they care? After today, I say not.

Our Masonic ritual has extensively borrowed from Judaism. In Phillip’s lecture, peppered with invited questions and answers, a narrative exposed great similarities with Freemasonry. Indeed, paramount in his talk was the Golden Rule. This was followed by a burning desire to leave the earth a better place than in which you found it, a thinly veiled assertion of making good men better.

It reminded me of former Labor Premier Wayne Goss’s farewell address; an address given without

“Our Masonic ritual has extensively borrowed from Judaism. In Phillip’s lecture, peppered with invited questions and answers, a narrative exposed great similarities with Freemasonry. Indeed, paramount in his talk was the Golden Rule.”

pressure or hint of possible defeat at the next election. “I thank you for entrusting the stewardship of Queensland to me. I hope I have left the State a better place than that in which I found it in December 1989.”

A pivotal Jewish Masonic Brother in Queensland was RWB Adolphus Hertzberg. His work for his faith and that of Freemasonry in first the Colony, and later the State of Queensland, is legendary. Phillip Zavelsky brought me to the Chair in the East which Adolph Hertzberg occupied until his demise in 1917.

The building of King Solomon’s temple and the themes connected with its structure came alive for me today in a building tucked away between skyscrapers on both sides, bypassed by many such as myself since my arrival in Queensland in 1966. Its Spartan Byzantine inspired architecture featuring the essence of a synagogue suggested to me they spend more on philosophical enrichment and charity and less on gold leaf ornaments, hopefully a lesson not too late for the learning. Do not wait as long as I did to visit the Brisbane Synagogue, Brethren. I feel buoyed by the experience and enthused by Phillip Zavelsky’s knowledge and pervading wisdom. –

“Presentation of the Pillars”

by

Long may this Lodge in prosperity shine

And its members still vie with each other. In spreading the light of our order, divine And relieving the wants of a brother.

May envy and malice ne’er enter that door

That is, aye, closely tyled to the cowan. But peace, love and harmony aye be in store. More abundant the older you’re growing.

May our Master who presides like the Masters of old In wisdom, excel and astonish.

May he never be heard erring brothers to scold

But with brotherly love, aye admonish.

May our Warden in the West, like the sun’s setting rays

Illumine the golden horizon.

May his strength never fail with the burden of days

But increase every moment that flies on.

And to our Warden in the South, like the beauty of day

May he gladden the worn, tired and weary

Inspire with his smiles as they rest, by the way. The toilers, and make them feel cheery.

And to you whom our Master is honoured to rule and instruct

Be ye always sober and steady Expert in the use of each working tool And aye, hae them handy and ready.

Thus will the Temple we seek to upraise Be completed when all do their duty. And our voices unite in a chorus of praise. To Wisdom, to Strength and to Beauty

Robert Burns. Note: In the poem, ‘aye’ means ‘always’, and ‘hae’ means ‘have’

The power of Brethren when united ...

by Stig R. Hokanson

When WB Paul Kranen set out to rescue Duke of Leinster Lodge from closure in 2021, he took on a mammoth task. Not daunted by the challenge, Paul Kranen morphed the Duke from a night lodge with scant hope of survival to a vibrant day lodge.

Paul took a leaf out of the Book of Thespian , chapter and verse. He changed the meeting dates to the fourth Saturday tyling at Noon. It did not end there; Paul decided to welcome ladies to all festive boards another. Thespian initiative.

Too many long-time Duke Members had abandoned ship long ago. Their gripe was, in the main, the closure and sale of the Stones Corner Temple by UGLQ. Duke members with 2030 years of membership resigned en masse, refusing to travel to the Beenleigh Masonic Temple, the Duke’s new home.

To say Paul Kranen could have performed this miracle single-handed is somewhat stretching credulity. However, his unbridled enthusiasm and motivation have worked wonders to date. With an inherited membership base of around half a dozen Brethren, some who rarely, if ever, attend lodge, Paul sought help from other lodges. I am glad to inform you that most stepped up to the plate, and a few affiliated with the struggling Duke.

Statistics, as is well known, can be used to prove just about anything.

However, at the Duke’s regular meeting in October, they read as follows: Duke Members: 5, Visitors 17, Ladies 13. At Thespian Lodge 268, we can be especially proud to have played a significant role in the candidate Bro Erwin Pitsch’s Passing to the Degree of a Fellowcraft: (including include Chris as a most honorary Thespian) Indeed, Chris

Spectator WM Graham Hayward (who thrilled us at the festive board with You Never Walk Alone)

Organist WB Barry Scott OAM

Senior Deacon WB Ken Corley CSM

Chaplain WB Wilf Nock

Secretary WB Stig R. Hokanson CSM

Tyler WB Kev Roberts

Senior Warden RWB Chris Devine PAGM

took the role of Senior Warden with less than a minute’s notice when the Duke’s SW failed to show up. It did not end there. In the kitchen,

“Too many long-time Duke Members had abandoned ship long ago. Their gripe was, in the main, the closure and sale of the Stones Corner Temple by UGLQ”

Janette Hokanson, Jill Hayward, Glennis Corley and Tina Roberts prepared and served the meal, ably assisted by Maria Devine.

Thespian 268 punched above its weight, as did many other Brethren from lodges such as Southern Queensland 29, City of Logan No 529, Tamborine No 259, and Theodore Unmack No 60. The Duke of Leinster is out of ICU, out of the recovery ward and, with continued Brotherly love and help from far and wide, is on the road to full recovery. Dare I suggest the Duke’s founders back in 1864 are smiling from the Grand Lodge Above?

Lodge Regalia and Treasures Australia Day Awards

The 2023 Australia Day Awards saw Freemasons from the Maranoa District Lodges recognised by the Maranoa Regional Council based in Roma in Southwest Queensland. The Andrea Murray Memorial Award, the highest and most prestigious award, went to Maranoa District Assistant Grand Director of Development Michael Maloney for his contribution to Freemasonry and the Community in his work and charity life. Popular Past Worshipful Master of Bonnie Doon Lodge, Matthew Bidgood, at Injune, received the Citizen of the Year Award for Injune. Matthew is a Freemason who makes himself available to all Lodges in the Maranoa when work is to be done. He is also one of the “go to” people in his hometown of Injune with many Community activities. The Corona Lodge of Wallumbilla was a nomination for their involvement in organising the 2022 Remembrance Day Service at the Wallumbilla War Memorial with the Wallumbilla School. They did not receive an award. However, we’re pleased to be nominated.

orth Australian Lodge No1 (NAL1) had several precious memorabilia that disappeared during the renovation of the Masonic Memorial Centre (MMC). All our principal officers’ collars, some dating back from the 1800s, were gone; two swords we used for the initiation of candidates disappeared; they were Military Swords dating back to the 1910s donated to the lodge after 1936, etc...… We were not sure exactly what other items we had and could not claim them for insurance as we could not declare precisely what was stolen.

As is the case with many Lodges, over the years, the ‘old timers’ of the Lodge have been issued with Lodge Jewels as part of their Office in the Lodge, some dating back 90 years; other items were kept home for safety, in the safe in MMC or the Lodge Boxes.

The fact is that we did not know what we had. NAL1, the oldest Lodge in Queensland, had some invaluable memorabilia loaded with History.

For instance, the Bible we use for Initiations dates from the creation of the Lodge in 1859 and was given to the Lodge by Brother Radcliffe Pring, a lawyer and politician appointed Attorney-General in 1859 when he donated that VSL to the Lodge.

Two other swords dating back from 1891 also were used by the Lodge. They were possibly donated to the lodge after Queen Victoria died in 1910, when all State Military forces were transferred to the Australian Government and swords given to officers. They are now in the MMC safe.

A Charity Box presented to Lodge 796 EC in 1891 (the name of NAL1 before UGLQ) is also in a safe place.

NAL1 has created an Asset Register for all items it possesses, often spread among brethren, trustees and the storage boxes or safe in MMC. Numerous other items for the lodge work are now entered in the Register of Assets.

Jewellery items owned by the Lodge that is passed to Lodge officers are also entered in the Register. For instance, the Hall Stone Jewel and

“As is the case with many Lodges, over the years, the ‘old timers’ of the Lodge have been issued with Lodge Jewels as part of their Office in the Lodge”

Master Jewels worn by the Master of the Lodge since 1930 will be listed in the register, and other jewels owned by the lodge and passed to officers of the lodge.

The Lodge may also receive from the deceased state some Past Masters Jewels that are usually refurbished and passed on to some worthy brother. Some Brethren are wearing jewels up to 90 years old.

The register is a simple spreadsheet with a description of the item, date of acquisition, cost and current value, storage location and links to photos, all loaded on a USB key.

In November, we were fortunate to receive three new Principal Officer’s collars from UGLQ that matched the ones that disappeared to the best of our knowledge.

Last week we used for the first time a new set of swords we bought in December to replace the stolen ones. We made it a point to present the new Swords and Poignard in the lodge in an improvised ritual to mark the event.

As the premier lodge of UGLQ, North Australian is always focused on its history and its share in the parallel history of UGLQ. The Lodge published a history of NAL1 for the 162nd anniversary of the lodge on 13 July 2021, and the Register of Assets will support this document.

For any information on the History of the Lodge or its Register of assets, please get in touch with the Secretary, Carl Emmett, on 0410 450 295.

Matthew Bidgood from Bonnie Doon Lodge was named Citizen of the Year for Injune.

SW David Bowden from Corona Lodge Wallumbilla with Australia Day Nomination at Noonga Community Hall.

AGDD Michael Maloney with the Anfrea Murray Award for the Maranoa REgional Council.

The Third Degree

Getting the Third Degree as an expression has existed since at least the early 1500s. One of the first known uses of it was in D. Rembert Dodoen’s book Niewe herball or historie of plantes . In 1602 it appeared in Shakespeare’s the Twelfth Night . In both cases, it refers to moisture or dryness and heat or cold.

Using degrees to describe things were commonplace in the Middle Ages. Although the original guild lodges were around when Dodon and Shakespeare were writing their respective works, there is no direct correlation between the masonic guilds and the expression.

Flashing forward to the early 20th century, the expression ‘Getting the Third Degree’ began to appear in crime novels. The meaning changed from the Middle Ages definition to a series of unrelenting questions trying to gain information from a witness or criminal.

The more modern definition is directly tied to Freemasonry and has, at times,

been specifically cited as the origin of the phrase.

Freemasonry was where information was meant to be exchanged from the early guild lodges. The guild lodges were places where education took place. It was often the only educational opportunity individuals had if they were not members of the clergy or royalty. To advance to the following degree was to get better wages and more responsibility. It also meant being able to travel and work in other cities and countries. This required the apprentice and the journeyman (Fellowcraft in Masonry) to be able to answer questions about mathematics and other skills to be advanced.

During the age of Enlightenment, when the Freemasonry we know today took shape, it was a place to exchange ideas and information freely. At masonic gatherings questions were asked and answers given regarding a wide range of topics. Often these ideas and answers were outlawed or considered heresy. Some of the questions ensured that those

hearing those heretical ideas were trustworthy. More significantly, it tested the knowledge of new initiates confirming they had a proper understanding of the order. This was even more essential when they were “mouth to ear” lodges, Grand Lodges, or Jurisdictions.

“Mouth to Ear” means there are no written ritual books. All of the lessons of Freemasonry are taught from a more knowledgeable member of the fraternity to a newer member.

The idea of this intensive questionand-answer situation was adopted by individuals writing crime fiction in the early 1900s and became popular slang.

“Flashing forward to the early 20th century, the expression ‘Getting the Third Degree’ began to appear in crime novels.”

‘Getting the Third Degree’ is an expression associated with interrogation techniques.

More about whiskey

by a lover of the Water of Life

In the last issue, my story about whiskey brought a surprising response. I received comments about “what about Jack Daniels and Jimmy Beam” there was even one about Japanese whiskey and what is the difference between Bourbon and whisky. I was also asked questions that I feel need to be answered as you went to the trouble to ask them.

Whiskey is just the broadest term for distilled grain aged in oak barrels, regardless of factors such as the grains used (e.g., corn, rye, wheat, barley, rice), where it’s made, the barrels used, and more. One question I received, asked. Is Jack Daniels a scotch or whiskey? Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee whiskey, so it is also whiskey. It’s even in the name. So, how is Jack Daniels different from other whiskeys?

Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee Whiskey as opposed to a Bourbon because the whiskey goes through a charcoal mellowing process while it is still moonshine or “white lightning.” a distinctive aspect of the filtering process is that the Jack Daniel’s brand grinds its charcoal before using it for filtering. After the filtering, the whiskey is stored in newly handcrafted oak barrels, giving it its colour and flavour. The shine drips through homemade sugar maple charcoal for ten to twelve days. Then it heads to the barrel to age, just like Bourbon. Jack Daniels is then bottled at 80 proof which is 40% by volume.

There are hundreds of whiskeys, and I find them all unique, and each has its taste. One question asked was, is Jack Daniels better than Jonnie Walker? Come on, how long is a piece of string? Like all drinks, your taste is best. What you think is best, is best. Not what I or someone else thinks. What is true is that each of these distillers has a unique water supply free of unwanted minerals, clear and clean.

Moore County, where the Jack Daniel’s distillery is located, is one of the state’s many dry counties. While distilling the product within the county is legal, it is illegal to purchase it there. However, state law has provided one exception: a distillery may sell one commemorative product, regardless of county statutes. Jack Daniel’s now sells Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, the original No. 7 blend (in a commemorative bottle), and a seasonal mix (on rotation) at the distillery’s White Rabbit Bottle Shop. Jack Daniel’s is the highest-selling American whiskey, and Johnnie Walker is the top-selling Scotch whisky worldwide. Both brands are named after their founders (Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel and John “Johnnie” Walker) and are among the Top 100 global brands, with Jack Daniel’s at #78 and Johnnie Walker at #92.

All Bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is Bourbon. A strict set of standards from the government regulates what’s what. So, Jim Beam is a Bourbon whiskey, standards for production. By law, any “straight” bourbon must be: produced in the United States; made of a grain mix of at least 51% corn; distilled at no higher than 160 proof (80% ABV); free of any additives (except water to reduce proof for aging and bottling); aged in new, charred white oak barrels; entered into the aging barrels at no higher than 125 proof (62.5% ABV), aged for a minimum of 2 years, and bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% ABV).

Jim Beam starts with water filtered naturally by the limestone shelf found in Central Kentucky. that acts as a filter, creating iron-free, calcium-rich water; this helps to craft the slightly sweet, golden brown Bourbon we all know. A strain of yeast used since the end of Prohibition is added to a tank with the grains to create what is known as “dona yeast”, used later in the fermentation process.

Hammermills grind the mix of corn, rye and barley malt to break it down for easier cooking. The mixture is then placed into a large mash cooker where water and “setback” are added. The “setback” is a portion of the old mash from the previous distillation—the critical step of the sour mash process, ensuring consistency from batch to batch.

Which whiskey has the most alcohol? What does proof mean?

Bruichladdich ( pronounced Bru-Kladee) X4 Quadrupled Whiskey 184 (92% alcohol) (63.5% ABV).

Made in: Scotland Based on the 17th-century method of quadruple distilling, Bruichladdich’s X4 is billed as the most alcoholic single malt ever made. The Bruichladdich Distillery was built by the Harvey brothers in 1881, and sits on the Rhinns, opposite the western shore of Loch Indaal on the isle of Islay in Scotland. Have I tasted this? Unfortunately no. The term proof dates back to 16th century England when spirits were taxed at different rates depending on their alcohol content. In England, spirits were initially tested with a basic “burn-orno-burn” test, in which an alcoholcontaining liquid that would ignite was said to be “above proof” and one which would not, was said to be “under proof”. A liquid just alcoholic enough to maintain combustion was defined as 100 proof and was the basis for taxation. Because the flash point of alcohol is highly dependent on temperature, 100 proof defined this way ranges from 20% at 36 °C to 96% at 13 °C alcohol by weight (ABV); at 24 °C 100 proof would be 50% ABV. Nowadays, the term proof is primarily historical, and most spirit drink is measured by % alcohol. ABV is a standard measure of how much alcohol is contained in a given volume of an alcoholic beverage (expressed as a per cent).

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

Jim Beam Kentucky Whiskey Bruichladdich Scotch Whiskey

Lodge Regalia and Treasures

North Australian Lodge No1 (NAL1) had several precious memorabilia that disappeared during the renovation of the Masonic Memorial Centre (MMC). All our principal officers’ collars, some from the 1800s, were gone; two swords we used to initiate candidates disappeared; they were Military Swords dating back to the 1910s donated to the lodge after 1936, etc. We were unsure exactly what other items we had and could not claim them for insurance as we could not declare precisely what was stolen.

As is the case with many Lodges, over the years, the ‘old timers’ of the Lodge have been issued with Lodge Jewels as part of their Office in the Lodge, some dating back 90 years; other items were kept home for safety, in the safe in MMC or the Lodge Boxes.

The fact is that we did not know what we had. NAL1, the oldest Lodge in Queensland, had some invaluable memorabilia loaded with History.

For instance, the Bible we use for Initiations dates from the creation of the Lodge in 1859 and was given to the Lodge by Brother Radcliffe Pring, a lawyer and politician appointed Attorney-General in 1859 when he donated that VSL to the Lodge.

Two other swords dating back from 1891 also were used by the Lodge. They were possibly donated to the lodge after Queen Victoria died in 1910 when all State Military forces were transferred to the Australian Government and swords given to officers. They are now in the MMC safe.

A Charity Box presented to Lodge 796 EC in 1891 (the name of NAL1 before UGLQ) is also in a safe place.

NAL1 has created an Asset Register for all items it possesses, often spread among brethren, trustees and the storage boxes or safe in MMC. Numerous other items for the lodge work are now entered in the Register of Assets.

Jewellery items owned by the Lodge that is passed to Lodge officers are also entered in the Register. For instance, the Hall Stone Jewel and Master Jewels worn by the Master of

the Lodge since 1930 will be listed in the register, and other jewels owned by the lodge and passed to lodge officers.

The Lodge may also receive from the deceased state some Past Master’s Jewels that are usually refurbished and passed on to some worthy brother. Some Brethren are wearing jewels up to 90 years old.

The register is a simple spreadsheet with a description of the item, date of acquisition, cost and current value, storage location and links to photos, all loaded on a USB key.

In November, we were fortunate to receive three new Principal Officer’s collars from UGLQ that matched the ones that disappeared to the best of our knowledge.

Last week we used for the first time a new set of swords we bought in December to replace the stolen ones. We made it a point to present the new Swords and Poignard in the lodge in an improvised ritual to mark the event.

As the premier lodge of UGLQ, North Australian is always focused on its history and its share in the parallel history of UGLQ. The Lodge published an account of NAL1 for the 162nd anniversary of the lodge on 13 July 2021, and the Register of Assets will support this document.

For any information on the History of the Lodge or its Register of assets, please contact the Secretary, Carl Emmett, on 0410 450 295.

Photo Ratcliffe Pring in 1868 taken by George Hope Verney. Photo from the Collection of the State Library of Queensland Negative number 197590

“The fact is that we did not know what we had. NAL1, the oldest Lodge in Queensland, had some invaluable memorabilia loaded with History.”

Men’s mental health key facts.

Posted in the interest of all Freemasons.

Your mental health is an important part of your overall health and well-being. You need good mental health to help you get through life’s challenges, have healthy relationships with others and enjoy life. Problems with mental health are common and not a sign of weakness. It can take courage to admit the problem and to reach out for help.

Your mental health is like your physical health — the earlier you get onto it, the better. You can do many practical things to help support your mental health. Talk to people you trust, or seek professional support. There are Online resources that also build mental well-being and your mental health concerns. This page is about mental health resources for men; however, mental illness and mental health disorders are not confined to a particular sex or gender. This page may be helpful to people of any sex or gender.

What is mental health?

Mental health is a state of well-being where every individual realises their own potential, can work productively, can cope with the normal stresses of life, and can contribute to their community.

Why is my mental health important?

Your mental health is an important part of your overall health and well-being, good mental health helps you

get through life’s challenges, to have healthy relationships with others and to enjoy life. Problems with mental health are common and not signs of weakness. It takes courage to admit that there’s a problem and to look for help. Your mental health is like your physical health — the earlier you get onto it, the better.

What are some common mental health issues?

Many things can negatively affect your mental and emotional wellbeing. Sometimes you might be feeling stressed, anxious or angry. Some common issues are:

• relationship problems, separation and divorce

• financial stress

• work-related pressures

• unemployment or retirement

• physical illness

• social isolation

• partner’s pregnancy, the birth of a baby & becoming a parent

• drug and alcohol use

If you’re a new parent, adjusting to family life and the pressures of learning to raise a child can sometimes be stressful. Postnatal depression and anxiety are common and can affect either or both parents.

How can I improve my mental health and well-being?

Good mental health and well-being mean different things to different people. Well-being can mean enjoying and appreciating other people, your day-to-day life and your environment. When you are mentally healthy, you can: form positive relationships. use your abilities to reach your potential and deal with life’s challenges. There are practical things you can do to help support your mental health:

• eat well, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly

• spend time with your friends & family.

• talk about how you feel with people you trust and do activities you enjoy.

• take time to relax, but don’t use alcohol to relax; talk to your doctor, and set yourself realistic goals

There are also online resources that can provide more tips for good mental health and apps for building well-being.

What is mental illness?

A mental illness is a health problem that significantly affecting how you think, behave and interact with others. Everyone has ups and downs. Everyone experiences feelings of sadness or anger or hopelessness at times. If these feelings won’t go away or get so strong, they make it difficult for you to function normally; this could be a sign of a mental illness. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It could be time to seek professional support if you’re doing what you can but still feel like you’re struggling. Most mental illnesses can be effectively treated or managed, so if you have a problem and seek help, there’s a good chance that your condition will improve.

Resources and support

A good first step is to talk to people you trust, such as a partner, friend or colleague. You can also seek professional support, for example, from your GP, a psychologist, or a counsellor. These health professionals are all trained to help people with mental health difficulties.

Elsewhere in AustraliaKalgoorlie

Story from in the Kalgoorlie Miner newspaper by Carwyn Monck 27th Feb ED

AChristian congregation and the Freemasons united in Kalgoorlie-Boulder on Sunday morning, marking the first public display of Masonic regalia during a combined church service in the town for 43 years. About 30 Freemasons representing four masonic lodges attended the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Uniting Church’s service and donned their colourful regalia for the occasion. A procession was held down Egan Street from the Kalgoorlie Masonic Temple to the church led by piper Stuart Wilson. They were joined by grandmaster Mason Ramsay McGhee and grand secretary William Semble, who travelled to Kalgoorlie-Boulder from Scotland last week.

Local district Freemasons were given approval from Mr McGhee to wear their regalia in public during the church service on Sunday. According to their records, Masonic regalia had not been worn in public in Kalgoorlie-Boulder since a combined church service was held at the Kalgoorlie Anglican Church on Remembrance Day, 1979. Mr McGhee said combined services between Freemasons and Christian denominations were “pretty common” and helped to create “solid links” within their respective communities.

“We are delighted to see the local lodges working together with any groups in the community, whether it’s the churches, whether it’s community groups,” he said.

Long-term Kalgoorlie-Boulder Freemason Doug Daws said while Freemasonry is not classified a religion, the organisation is “religious in nature” and is “fundamentally rooted” in the Christian religion.

He said Freemasonry in the Goldfields had strong ties with the local Uniting Church with the first Masonic meeting in Kalgoorlie held at the site. Mr Daws said Freemasons rarely displayed their regalia in public following the persecution of the organisation during World War II at the hands of the Nazi regime.

“At those times (Freemasons) made a decision to become more secretive, less obvious in the public, and so they stopped wearing regalia by order publicly from then on,” he said.

“It (Sunday’s service) was a pretty impressive display of the colour and the colourful ritual that Freemasons enjoy during their ceremonies.

“We get accused of being secretive but people don’t know about it only because they haven’t been told.

“What we’ve seen here today is anything but secret — it was very, very public and we’re proud, delighted, happy and pretty committed to continue and maintain these rich cultural ties today through religion.”

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Uniting Church pastor Lindsay Ginn said

the church was honoured to host the service at a historically significant location for Freemasonry in the Goldfields. He said the church’s congregation was “very positive” about the combined service and will open their doors to anyone wanting to worship on Sunday.

“We would never turn anyone away from coming to worship God so everyone is welcome at the Uniting Church,” Mr Ginn said.

Grand secretary William Semble and grand master Mason Ramsay McGhee at the Kalgoorlie Masonic Temple. Credit: Carwyn Monck/Kalgoorlie Miner/Kalgoorlie Miner

Long-term Kalgoorlie-Boulder freemason Doug Daws in his freemasonry regalia Credit: Carwyn Monck/Kalgoorlie Miner/Kalgoorlie Miner

“We are delighted to see the local lodges working together with any groups in the community, whether it’s the churches, whether it’s community groups.”

Mitchell Freemasons in pursuit of new members

By Grace Frost North Central Review 7th March 2023

The Mitchell Masonic Lodge (Victoria) is excited to host a public open night on Wednesday, April 26, hoping to inspire new memberships and involvement in freemasonry. The occasion will mark the first of its kind in nearly 17 years since the merger of Broadford Masonic Lodge 174, and Kilmore Masonic Lodge 32, which formed Mitchell Lodge 929, in 2006.

The Freemasons often participate in charitable works, with their ‘three great principles’ being brotherly love, relief, and truth.

The mission and vision of the foundation includes investing in programs and initiatives that are ‘expected to provide stronger and healthier communities’, and ‘supporting individuals through access to education’.

Freemasons Foundation Victoria, FFV, gave $5000 in December to charity Love in Action to assist those in need in the district with food packages during the Christmas season.

Members are expected to participate in a ceremony and rehearsals each month at the lodge.

Though often regarded as ‘the world’s largest secret society’, the Freemasons are set to tell-all at April’s open night.

Attendees can expect a tour of the lodge room and temple, an in-depth description of the 10 Freemasonry roles, and to hear personal testimony on the organisation from experienced Freemasons, including lodge secretary and previous master David Atkinson.

Mr Atkinson has been involved in Freemasonry for nearly 30 years, which he said advanced his personal development, skills and abilities. “It’s a good night out, getting together with fellow Freemasons, and doing a ceremony,” he said.

Now witness to declining memberships, Mr Atkinson said the open day may be the last chance at reviving the organisation.

If the open night proves successful in encouraging new memberships, the Mitchell Lodge seeks to become ‘more active in involvement in worthy causes in the area’ through the Freemasons Foundation Victoria, FFV, and hopes to assist organisations in making financial support claims for charitable local projects and events.

RUDYARD KIPLING AND THE CRAFT

Rudyard Kipling, the famous English author, was born in India of English parents. He was educated in England but returned to India in 1880. He was initiated in Hope and Perseverance Lodge No. 782, Lahore, Punjab, India in 1886. A special dispensation was necessary as he was only twenty years and six months at the time. When he took the degrees, there were four Holy Books upon the alter representing the dominant religions in the area. Upon his rising he was immediately elected secretary; and he prepared the minutes of that meeting himself.

Members of the organisation hope families and descendants of existing members, community groups, sporting clubs, businesses and local RSL subbranches will be in attendance.

Despite being a men-only organisation, the Mitchell Freemasons are also inviting women to attend the open night for a better understanding of freemasonry, and to support their partners.

The open night will commence at 5.30pm at 23 Murchison Street, Broadford, with information and time for questions from visitors, followed by a supper. Attendees are asked to dress neat casual.

The Freemasons also welcomed the public to attend a ‘ceremony of the vacant chair’ at 7.30pm, which the organisation presents in commemoration of Anzac Day, to pay tribute to soldiers who left for war but did not return home.

“The lodge is keen to see membership grow and move forward to a 130 year celebration later in September 2023,” current master of the lodge Laurie Stelfox said.

For more information, email davidakko@hotmail.com

Many years later he wrote: “I was secretary for some years of Hope and Perseverance Lodge No. 782, E. C., Lahore, which included Brethren of at least four creeds. I was entered by a member of Brahmo Somaj, a Hindu; passed by a Mohammedan; and raised by an Englishman. Our Tyler was an Indian Jew. We met, of course on the level, and the only difference anyone would notice was that at the banquets, some of the Brethren, who were debarred by caste from eating food not ceremonially prepared, sat over empty plates.”

“The lodge is keen to see membership grow and move forward to a 130 year celebration later in September 2023.”

From the Quarries

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Freemasons worldwide found themselves cut off from the traditional means of communication, collaboration, and research essential to the craft. In response to this challenge, “From the Quarries” was created - a platform designed to preserve Masons’ past work and maintain and enhance Masonic communication and education during a crisis.

From the Quarries features a wide range of content, including historical and contemporary articles, lectures and presentations dating back over 100 years, and new and original contributions from leading Masonic scholars and practitioners worldwide. Its constantly growing catalogue includes more than 300 books, 500 videos and thousands of articles written by and for Craft members. But it’s not just a platform for Masonic scholarship - it’s also a hub for collaboration that allows Masons to connect with one another, share ideas, and work together to advance the craft. Brethren from different countries, jurisdictions and orders use “From The Quarries” as a space to meet, chat, collaborate and share.

In the coming months, exciting new collaboration features are coming to “From the Quarries”, enabling even greater opportunities for Masons worldwide to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. Features like live events, discussion forums, and social networking tools are being developed to help truly realise the maxim that “the Sun is always at Meridian with respect to Freemasonry”. With these new tools, From the Quarries is poised to become an even more essential resource for Masons around the world - a place where the traditions of the past meet the innovations of the present and where the craft of Masonry continues to flourish and thrive.

What began as a modest effort to connect Masons across the globe has grown into a thriving community of thousands, united by a shared passion for the craft and a commitment to furthering its knowledge and practice. Today, “From the Quarries” boasts a vast archive of historical and contemporary articles, lectures, and presentations, dating back over a century.

But “From the Quarries” is more than just an archive of Masonic lore - it’s a living, breathing Masonic worldwide community committed to advancing the craft and fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration among its members. Whether you’re a new initiate seeking to deepen your understanding of the craft, a seasoned Mason looking to share your knowledge and experience with others, or simply someone interested in the history and culture of this ancient and venerable tradition, “From the Quarries” has something for you.

So join over 3000 of your brethren today at https://www.youtube.com/fromthequarries or www.fromthequarries.com, and discover the wealth of resources and connections available through this dynamic ever-growing platform. And know that in doing so, you’re helping to preserve and advance the rich legacy of Masonic knowledge and practice that has endured for centuries - and that will continue to do so for generations to come.

An Archive of Masonic Lore. WBro. David Taylor (Halcyon 492 UGLQ) “The Quarrymaster”

The lighter side

APast Master handed his bank card to the teller and said, “I would like to withdraw $10”. The teller told him “For withdrawals less than $100, please use the ATM.

The Past Master wanted to know why... The teller returned his bank card and irritably told him “These are the rules, please leave if there is no further matter. There is a line of customers behind you”.

The Past Master remained silent for a few seconds, handed his card back to the teller, and said “please help me withdraw all the money I have.” The teller was astonished when she checked the account balance. She nodded her head, leaned down and respectfully told him “You have $300,000 in your account but the bank doesn’t have that much cash currently. Could you make an appointment and come back again tomorrow?

The Past Master then asked how much he could withdraw immediately. The teller told him any amount up to $3000. “Well please let me have $3000 now.” The teller handed $3000 very friendly and with a smile to him. The Past Master put $10 in his wallet and asked the teller to deposit $2990 back into his account. The moral of this story is…

Don’t be difficult with old people, they spent a lifetime learning the skill.

A Master Mason’s Wife.

By Mrs Ruth L Farrer wife of a Mason.

Hers is the sacrificial life

Who is the Master Mason’s wife For all alone at home she stays While he is teaching Masons’ ways. While she sits waiting for her mate The hour, it keeps on getting late, And while the time goes dragging by He helps someone to qualify, And while for him she burns the oil He sees it’s done “according to Hoyle”

The Master Mason’s wife must be As wise in many arts as he; Must learn to stretch a meal for four, At times for eight, or nine, or more. When “brothers” drop in from out of town; And never scold or never frown, At midnight, when he brings them back And asks for coffee and a snack;

And never sigh, when on the phone, He Says, “You’ll have to go alone”

The Master Masons wife must be As fond of Masonry as he, Although to her ‘twill ever be A thing of wonderous mystery

But still she always seems to know That with him, where he’s want to go Are honest men, and clkean, and strong, And men too big to stoop to wrong: Or never she’s consent to be The wife of such an absentee.

And never sigh, when on the phone, He says, “You’ll have to go alone.”

The Master Mason’s wife must be As fond of Masonry as he,

Although to her ’twitl ever be A thing of wondrous mystery.

But still she always seems to know Tiiat with him, where he’s wont to go, Are honest men, and clean, and strong,

Meditations

Lost is the person who spends the present regretting the past instead of planning for the future. Don’t wait to see what happens; roll up your sleeves and make it happen.

Old men love to give advice. It consoles them for being no longer able to set a bad example.

You needn’t worry about avoiding temptation as you grow older- it then starts avoiding you.

Leisure time means nothing to people who fail to use it.

we have the pleasure of inviting you to attend the 2023

On behalf of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland, we have the pleasure of inviting you to attend the 2023

If you require assistance - Please contact the office on Grand Proclamation

Grand Proclamation

To be held on Saturday, 1st July

To be held on Saturday, 1st July

Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite

Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite

If you require assistance - Please contact the office on Ph: 07) 3229 3533 or Email: membership@uglq.org.au

If you require assistance - Please contact the office on Ph: 07) 3229 3533 or Email: membership@uglq.org.au