March 2009

Editor: RWBro George Tapley Vol. 74, No. 3

studies: one of Joseph Fort Newton’s Beyond the Tracing Board: The Builders, and the other of Oliver Day A Masonic Study Group in Edmonton Street’s Symbolism of the Three Degrees. Bro Randy Williams Each book was divided into three parts Dominion Lodge No. 117 and Jasper Lodge No. 14, of Alberta (a number both practical for scheduling About one year ago I founded an moment to the present. purposes and suitably “Masonic” for Edmonton-based Masonic study group The study sessions themselves are those of us who see symbolism in ev- known as Beyond the Tracing Board held once a month at my home in Ed- erything), and we discussed them over (BtTB) that seeks to provide effective monton, usually on Sunday afternoons. three consecutive months. Although Masonic education in a casual setting. The meetings are informal, and the these books were written in the early The original impetus for the group was attending Brethren take turns bringing 20th century, the group found each to my own desire to exchange ideas and a light festive board to share during a still be highly relevant and thought pro- dig a little more deeply into Masonic break. Reading “assignments” are given voking. In fact, Street’s book, which is in ritual, symbolism, and history. When at least a month ahead of time so that the public domain and is seldom read I was a complete newcomer to Free- participants can arrive prepared for today, inspired brilliant discussions masonry, the words of the ritual could lively discussion. There are very few from the study group. Street’s writing leave me feeling equal parts intrigued “rules,” apart from the expectation that truly deserves to be rediscovered by and baffled (“Fellowcrafts were paid in no one member will dominate discus- modern readers. what?”). I am a voracious reader and was sions or become overbearing with his The study group’s only real struggle already conducting a great deal of inde- opinions. Each member’s contribution has been competition from the mem- pendent study into the Craft, as well as is important, and we strive to create a bers’ busy schedules. Work and family looking into related subjects including pressure-free environment that is stimu- commitments sometimes keep mem- Rosicrucianism, Kabbalah, philosophy, lating for experienced Masonic scholars bers away, and it can be challenging to and Gnosticism. One problem with self- but not intimidating for members who catch up to the group if one has missed study, however, is that many resources aren’t looking for the rigours of a formal a big chunk of discussion about a book. give contradictory information; another . It was this difficulty with longer pieces is that mind-blowing ideas, once encoun- Although attendance varies, we now that led to some changes in upcoming tered, are much more useful if one can have a group ranging in age from the sessions. Rather than schedule three discuss and debate them with others. late 20s to early 80s and who range in meetings for one long book, I have or- I first proposed the idea of a Masonic experience from relative newcomers ganized self-contained study sessions study group to the Worshipful Master with shiny new aprons to Past Masters for March and April. The March session and officers of my mother Lodge, Do- with 50-year pins. It is this fluid mixture will focus on the first degree, and will minion No. 117, as an addition to the of perspectives that provides the magic use as its primary resource an excellent Lodge’s education and mentorship ef- of the study sessions. Although BtTB short book by Stephen Dafoe, Everything forts. My proposal was warmly received. has discussed articles, research papers, I Learned About (I Learned The study group was known only to DVDs and even Masonic blog posts, our As An Apprentice). The April session members of Dominion for its first few primary focus has thus far been on im- will focus on the second degree and months, during which time a small portant books from the Masonic canon. will examine The Ceremony of Passing, group read and debated Christopher The group has completed two major See Study Group, page 2. Hodapp’s Freemasons for Dummies in anticipation of his appearance at the 2008 Masonic Spring Workshop. It was at Kananaskis, while discussing Masonic books with a diverse group, that I was first asked whether the study group was open to members of other Lodges. I had to admit that the notion of casting a wider net for members hadn’t even occurred to me, but I was happy to welcome the Worshipful Brother who asked the question to join us. He has since become a die-hard member and Study Group (l to r): WBro Louis Fradette, VWBro Don Dobie, Bro Christopher Mis, Bro has never missed a meeting from that Trevor Pohle, Bro Randy Williams, Bro Todd Bekolay, WBro Jim Gervais. Editorial silk and turn’d over two inches with blue silk linings.” Originally, Garter Blue was a very pale blue, “of a watery Writing Designs on One’s TB tinge”, changed under Edward VI to a mazarine or light This edition features a group of Edmonton Masons who sky blue and changed again during the Hanoverian period have put into action the exhortation to improve in Masonic (probably 1745) to the current darker hue. knowledge in leisure hours. The success of Beyond the Examples of the earliest Masonic blue can be found Tracing Board shows what can result when Masonic Educa- extant on ribbons attached to Grand Lodge of Ireland tion at a personal level is approached with enthusiasm and Lodge warrants, [sic] This is not the same as the national commitment. colour of Ireland which is traditionally azure. Masonic education doesn’t always have to come from Masonic Bulletin, Grand Lodge of BC and Yukon, May 2007 books. At the District level, The Beacon, Central District’s on- And still others, even if they apply elsewhere, raise inter- line newsletter provides education in addition to information esting issues: about activities throughout their district (http://masterma- Q. Is there a proper place to put the Bible marker (rib- son.com/Beacon190/newsletter.htm). At the international bons) on the Altar when opening or closing Lodge and level there is more and more interest in Freemasonry in the Degree work? academic world, especially in Europe. The announcement A. There is no set standard where to place the Bible of the formation of an academic organization devoted to marker. Some Lodges do not use them. If they are used, the study of Freemasonry also provides a good rationale for a suggestion is that they be placed on the Altar next to having such a group. the Great Light, but never left on the page covering the Neither does Masonic education have to come in large passage of the Degree [emphasis added.] “chunks.” Several Masonic magazines have “Question and “Ask the Grand Lecturer,” RW James L. Sullivan, Grand Answer” features on an irregular basis. While some of these Lecturer, Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the questions are specific to a particular Jurisdiction, others State of New York. The Empire State Mason Magazine, Sum- provide nuggets of general information: mer 2006. Q. Why are our aprons blue trimmed? And finally, if you haven’t visited Freemasons’ Hall in A. Shortly after the establishment of the Grand Lodge Calgary lately, make a point of doing so. The redecoration of England we find in the Rawlinson MS c. 136, (1734): of the main lodge room is quite beautiful — pictures can’t “Two Grand Masters aprons lined with Garter Blue do it justice.

Study Group, from page 1. Jasper Lodge No. 14 (a research-orient- ticipant bringing original thoughts and/ a classic essay by W.L. Wilmshurst. A ed, European Concept Lodge), and have or closely related secondary sources session for May, focusing on the third also become a subscribing member of that he wishes to share. I further hope degree, will be announced at a later date the Internet Lodge of Research. While that the group will become more self- and will use a short resource chosen by these groups help satisfy my need for sustaining as it evolves. I have been the group members. intellectual pursuits, I am still proudly happy to do all of the planning and We are getting some positive feed- hosting BtTB for all area Freemasons on hosting thus far, but I don’t want BtTB back on this format from Lodges that behalf of my mother Lodge, Dominion to be seen as “Randy’s project.” Ideally, plan to recommend these sessions No. 117. If the current focus on shorter the group should become more organic, to their degree candidates, as well as resources proves successful, I will look with members taking turns with the from more “seasoned” Masons who into providing more of these meetings necessary organizational work. want to participate but can’t commit later in the year. I am also discussing Would you like to join us? Edmonton- to three-month blocks of sessions to with some members the possibility of area Masons who are interested in partici- study longer resources. The hope is a summer book study of just one or pating should check the “Activities” page that this change will allow Brethren to two meetings, to help fill the dreaded of Dominion Lodge’s website at http:// attend and participate as often as they “Masonic gap” during the months when dominionlodge.ca/ for the latest informa- can, without feeling left behind if a ses- our Lodges all go dark. tion. You may also feel free to contact me sion is missed. My most ambitious plan for BtTB, directly at DominionLodge117@gmail. My own passion for seeking Masonic which I hope will come to fruition this com. Remember, Brethren, that we are enlightenment has not waned; in fact, fall, is to conduct a three-part, direct charged to pursue daily advancement in it has continued to grow and guide my study of the Craft degrees — studying Masonic knowledge. I wish you all the steps in new directions. I have affiliated the words of the ritual directly from the best on that journey, whatever path you with and presented original papers to blue books themselves, with each par- take toward the light. The Committee on the Grand Lodge Bulletin Provided to Freemasons of Alberta and the Northwest Territories west of the 4th Meridian who are members of RWBro George Tapley (Chairman); The Grand Lodge of Alberta, A.F. & A.M. MWBro Robert E. Juthner, Editor emeritus; WBro Garth Cochran; WBro Loren Kline; 330 – 12 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 0H2 Bro Trevor Morris; Ex Officio: Grand Master, Tel 403-262-1140 — Fax 403-290-0671 Published each month except July and August by Deputy Grand Master & Grand Secretary www.freemasons.ab.ca Annual subscription rate for non-members of the GLA The Grand Lodge of Alberta, A.F. & A.M. is C$10.00 plus mailing costs. Republication rights are Grand Master MWBro John D. Hart Editor: RWBro George Tapley granted to other Masonic Jurisdictions, but acknow­ Deputy Grand Master RWBro Brian Shimmons ledgement of the source is requested. The Editor reserves 339 Whitefield Dr NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 5S2 Senior Grand Warden RWBro Sam Moore the right to accept, reject and re-write material submitted Junior Grand Warden RWBro Gerald Waldren Tel 403-280-6776 — Fax 403-290-0671 for publication. Deadline for copy is the 1st day of the Grand Secretary RWBro Jerry W. Kopp e-mail: [email protected] month, two months prior to the month of issue. 2 Calgary’s Freemasons’ Hall Regains Its Art Deco Splendour Calgary’s Freemasons Hall has a brand new look that has restored much of the art deco splendour of the building. The changes are most obvious in the Blue Room with the

dark blue end walls and gold capitals on the columns. In the East (top left) the Charters have been moved from the main wall to positions on the side, producing a clean look. Subtle shadings of colour on the various elements make the room sparkle with freshness. The West (above) continues the motif, which sets off the 99-year-old pipe organ in the loft above. Outside the entrance to the lodge room (far left), the woodwork has been refinished and the walls covered with a textured paper. Even the Grand Lodge Library received similar attention resulting in a pleasant, comfortable space in which to read and study. The new look is a tribute to the vision of the late Temple Manager, RWBro Al Teuling. Anderson’s Constitutions WBro Alan Gale, Past Junior Grand Deacon, United Grand Lodge of Victoria. From a lecture delivered at the Victorian Lodge of Research No. 218 in June 2006 and printed in Freemasonry Victoria Issue 109, October 2006 Dr. James Anderson’s Constitutions for the stimulus for the process undertaken The Grand Lodge of England of 1723 were by Anderson, the actual result was the theologically brave and somewhat revo- opening to all adherents of Deity-based lutionary. Not because it was his intent religions of a system of speculative de- to remove Christianity as a requirement grees about the relationship between for membership — rather his intention Creature and Creator that commu- was to open Freemasonry to all Christian nicated universal tenets of theology denominations. However his wording using non-spiritual terms which were went further, making it clear that men (therefore) applicable across the spec- practising any religion could join. Rather trum of faiths. than be seen as a restrictive move, it Anderson’s move was deliberately should be seen as inclusive. inclusive, and was certainly not seek- It had an almost immediate effect. ing to exclude, as the work itself makes Contemporary Freemasons quickly plain: nominated Jewish candidates; the first But though in ancient Times Ma- was initiated in 1724 and the first Jewish sons were charg’d in every Country Master installed in 1730.1 It is unlikely to be of the Religion of that Country the decision was made without the ap- or Nation, whatever it was, yet ’tis proval of the leaders of the day, as it is Dr James Anderson now thought more expedient only to known the Constitutions were written David Stevenson examines Anderson oblige them to that Religion in which with the assistance or oversight of a and the process in some detail in his all Men agree, leaving their particular Grand Lodge Committee. highly recommended essay “James Opinions to themselves; that is, to be The contemporary Scottish scholar Anderson, Man and Mason.” Whatever good Men and true, or Men of Honour 3 and Honesty, by whatever Denomi- Christian, Jew, Moslem and Buddhist whose dogmas are fundamentalist and nations or Persuasions they may be could meet on equal terms. the Roman Catholic church is, at heart, distinguish’d; whereby Masonry a fundamentalist church, as it believes becomes the Centre of Union, Ramifications humanity’s sole means of salvation is and the Means of conciliating In his essay “The Art, Craft, Science through a belief in the Jesus Christ of the true Friendship among Persons or ‘Mistery’ of Masonry,” the Presto- New Testament it promulgates, and any that must have remain’d at a nian Lecturer of 1934, Bro. F. Fighiera other belief is considered heretic and perpetual Distance.2 [Emphasis notes: therefore sinful and to be condemned. added.] This definite departure from Chris- The universalisation of Freemasonry, Anderson is a controversial figure in tianity, and the adoption as the new whilst on one hand its greatest strength, Freemasonry — he is slated by some and only requisite qualification for has on the other brought Freemasonry and lauded by others. His work on the Masonry… caused the Pope, by 1738, into conflict with fundamentalist theolo- Constitutions was definitely inconsistent, to take action: he could not accept gians from all religions who criticise it for as contemporary Masonic scholar David the position and so, on the 28th April not supporting their particular dogma. Stevenson makes clear: of that year, Clement XII launched his So, here is something to consider: while …the Charges have religion and famous Bull In Eminenti, excommuni- it is unlikely Freemasonry would have moral law, and a denunciation of cating Masonry not merely because it come in conflict with Christianity had Atheists, without (except in the was a secret society imposing an oath, Anderson’s changes not been accepted, heading) specific mention of God. but because, under its new Constitu- would it have spread as far? Would it This vagueness, if not ambigu- tion, men of all religious creeds were have had the universal appeal which ity, has exasperated generations admissible as candidates. This was has characterised its membership, of Masonic historians, who have heresy. So long as we were Roman particularly in the last 150 years? generally attributed it to Anderson’s Catholic, like the other Guilds, we It is more likely it would become incompetence, but again this ignores were no doubt encouraged; while some obscure men’s society within the the context. His task was to provide we remained Christian, we were Church of England that suffered the fate a broad framework, not lay down a tolerated, but [the perception of] of the many other Christian fraternities new dogma for a new denomination. Monotheism could not be for one or simply withered away. Its world wide Freemasonry existed as an escape moment sanctioned.4 appeal and enduring strength has been from denominational and factional The point is well made that, by the the universal application of its symbol- constraints into a sphere into which removal of Christian references from ism and allegory to men of all religions. men concentrated on what bound Freemasonry, Freemasonry placed An appeal solely made possible by them together, not what divided itself in conflict with those theologians Anderson’s Constitutions. them. In not defining the “Religion 1 Shaftesley in “English Freemasonry in the 18th and 19th Centuries.” AQC 92: 26 (1979). It is worth in which all Men agree” Anderson pointing out these candidates would have been subject to the usual balloting process — making is being evasive in one sense, but is it clear the move to a more open basis for membership was not unpopular and must have had also appealing to an ideal. Vagueness support at the “grass roots”” level. 2 Constitutions, 1723. becomes a virtue, for any attempt at 3 Stevenson, D. “James Anderson Man and Mason.” In R.W. Weisberger, W. McLeod, and S.B. precise definition would have been Morris, eds. Freemasonry on Both Sides of the Atlantic. Boulder: East European Monographs, destructive. His ambiguity should 2002, p 118. perhaps be seen as masterly.3 4 Fighiera, F. “The Art, Craft, Science or ‘Mistery’ of Masonry.” The 1934 Prestonian Lecture in One cannot help but ponder what The Collected Prestonian Lectures 1925–1960. London, The Quator Coronati Lodge No 2076, 1967, p 187–88. placed Anderson in such a position of influence making him responsible for such a theologically earthmoving de- A Member of It velopment. Whether he was the author John L. Cooper III, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of California or simply the professional scribe for a California Freemason, Fall 2006 Grand Lodge committee, the Constitu- In the recitation of our ritual, phrases attention to the words. And yet there tion of 1723 left us: fall from the tongue with the ease of is a powerful message in each of these • A heritage of incredible wisdom, long-practiced familiarity. This very “charges” — a distillation of important strength and beauty. familiarity is what gives comfort to Masonic teachings — which deserves • A complex system of degrees with infi- hearing the ritual spoken correctly, and to be pondered. nite allegorical possibility, redolent with with clarity and feeling. However, this The charges of the three degrees of imagery and swimming in mystery. very familiarity can obscure meaning. Masonry are the membership rules. • A central belief which has the po- That is particularly true of the “charge” They are those things which are the tential to lay foundations of peace and — the pithy summary of the teachings indispensable demonstration that a resolve the differences of race, religion of each degree given to the candidate Mason is a member of our ancient and territorial conflict. as the last — or almost the last — in- and honourable Fraternity. With the By requiring members to be tolerant struction of the occasion. For those observance of these rules a man dem- of different spiritual beliefs and not listening to those familiar words, the onstrates to the world at large, and to requiring membership or adherence to lateness of the hour and the anticipa- his Brethren, that he is a Mason. Without a particular theology, Anderson’s move tion of the food and drink to come may the observance of these membership laid the foundation for a place where cause them to pay less than normal rules, he demonstrates the opposite. A 4 dues receipt is evidence that he has paid • He will act with his neighbour upon is untarnished, and his private life his annual subscription to his Lodge, or the square. In doing so, he will dem- reflects it perfectly. holds a lifetime membership therein. But onstrate a commitment not only to • He is faithful to every trust commit- how he lives is his evidence that he is a justice, but to mercy; he will do what- ted to him. He keeps the promises he Mason. What are our membership rules? ever he can to relieve the distress of makes, and especially those solemn They are easy to list, when we stop to others just as he would want them promises he entered into when he look carefully at the charges of the three to do the same for him. became a Mason. degrees of Masonry. Here is a simple list • He will take care of himself physically, Those “characteristics of a Mason” from the First Degree of Masonry — the mentally, morally, and spiritually. He are all listed in the charge of the Entered “marks of a Mason” by which we will will use the talents with which God Apprentice Degree, and similar ones are know him to be such: has blessed him to the glory of God, found in the Fellow Craft [sic] Degree • He regards the Volume of the Sacred and for the welfare of others. and Master Mason Degree. They are the Law as the great light in his profes- • He will be an exemplary citizen. This “marks of membership” in the Masonic sion as a Mason. Freemasonry does characteristic comes out not only fraternity. They are the proof that he is not specify that volume; only a man’s in loyalty to his country, but by his a Mason — far more important than a religion can do that. But we expect whole attitude toward the law, which piece of paper which says that he has him to live a life that demonstrates is at the base of peace and good order contributed financially to his Lodge. that he holds his particular faith in society. He isn’t a good citizen only Membership in Freemasonry isn’t sacred — the emblem of which is when it is convenient. And by never about “joining” a fraternity; it isn’t the Sacred Law upon which he was losing sight of the allegiance due to about being in good standing because obligated as a Mason. his country, he understands that the one’s dues are paid; and it isn’t about • He will show forth that commitment burdens of such an allegiance require how long one has been such a member. to the sacred by how he talks and an active commitment to the daily Membership is the living proof that a acts. “God,” for a Mason, is not an practice of that citizenship. Mason exhibits each day to his family, oath uttered in frustration, but the • He practices the “domestic and his Lodge, his community, and his world, name of the Supreme Being whose public virtues.” In other words, he that he is a Mason. The “marks of mem- love created the world, and who lives his private life as if the whole bership” are easy to see. They are what holds all Masons in the hollows of world had a window into his soul. He really make a man a Mason. his hands. is not a hypocrite. His public image All About Boards RW Thomas M. Savini, Director, Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library, Grand Lodge of New York The Empire State Mason, Fall 2007 The theme for the autumn issue of The A Rose By Any Other Name lost to Masonic history. This unfettered Empire State Mason is “Trestleboard.” Freemasonry is, among other things, quality of instruction has contributed to It reflects our return to the quarries a system of education that involves its Freemasonry’s survival, as it encourages of Freemasonry after a refreshing and members in the study of principles of exploration among its members, thereby hopefully invigorating summer break behaviour and conduct, using symbols, providing infinite pathways of study and from our labours. Most of us are used allegory, and, largely, unwritten commu- interest. Unchangeable concepts and to this pattern from childhood, when nication as its modes of transmission. principles — the landmarks — maintain September represented a return to the For hundreds of years our Brothers our traditions and consistency across classroom after a few months away from have shared the lessons of Freemasonry the centuries. But the tradition of “open- schoolwork. Then we would be greeted through the Masonic Ritual, dramatiz- ness to interpretation” has resulted in with a list of school supplies, homework ing and discussing the lessons, working different meanings being attached to assignments and projects, and a stack together to apply the principles to their a single symbol, or, in the case of the of syllabuses foreshadowing the work own lives, and providing examples for trestle board, different terms being as- to come. Now, as Freemasons, we re- later Craftsmen to follow. Freemasonry sociated with similar items. turn to our Lodge rooms and examine avoids applying a single, authoritarian the Trestleboard to see what tasks and definition to a given symbol or idea. You Say Trestle, I Say Tracing… labours await us during the coming For example, the trowel has an explicit We have all heard members of our Masonic season. Many of us have heard meaning in Masonic ritual; however, Lodges refer to the meeting notice as the and used the words “trestle board” be- Brothers are free to study and ponder Trestleboard. We have seen Past Masters fore. We may also have heard the words the trowel, and to apply to it symbolic smile as they ask the Senior Warden to “tracing board,” a similar term, and it is meanings beyond the explanation in submit his proposed Trestleboard for quite possible we have seen or heard the context of the Ritual. Many of these his year as Worshipful Master. As with trestle board and tracing board used secondary insights have been incorpo- many things Masonic, it is difficult to find interchangeably. What exactly are these rated into Masonic tradition through consensus on the origins and use of the items, what do they represent, and why repetition or common agreement. Other term “trestle board.” Henry Wilson Coil was Trestleboard chosen as the theme interpretations have been published in and Allen Roberts both use the words for this time of the Masonic year? Masonic Research Lodge transactions. “trestle board” interchangeably with Still other observations as to the nature the term “tracing board.” Coil writes in and meaning of the trowel have been his Masonic Encyclopedia that trestle 5 board is meant to represent a piece of every degree, from the first to the high- Noted Author At MSW furniture, “a board used to draw designs est. And, lastly, the Trestle-Board is a upon or exhibit designs already drawn symbol; the Tracing-Board is a piece and, if supported on a ‘horse,’ easel, of furniture or picture containing the or trestle, it is a trestle-tracing board or representation of many symbols. trestle board.” He further elaborates that Mackey thus maintains a clear the origins of trestle board and tracing separation between trestle board and board probably date to the early 18th tracing board, with the former as the century, and come to us from the term place where the Master draws his direc- “Trasel Board,” as in “Trasel board for tions for the day’s labour and where the the Master to draw his designs upon,” Speculative Mason looks for the designs from Pritchard’s Masonry Dissected. Coil of the Great Architect, whereby he may posits that “trasel” was easily mispro- proceed with the building of his spiritual nounced and mis-remembered as “tas- temple. Mackey draws an obvious con- sel,” “tessel,” or “Tracer,” and likely gave nection between the trestle board and rise to the tessellated border, the trestle the : board, and the tracing board. The fact Freemasonry does not interfere that each of these items could be used with the peculiar form or develop- to display images of symbols, or some ment of any one’s religious faith. All iteration of “the Master’s designs,” led to that it asks is that the interpretation further confusion and use of one term for of the symbol shall be according to Photo by Stephen Dafoe another. Coil describes the tradition of what each one supposes to be the Jack Whyte, Canada’s most popu- tracing the symbols of the Degree upon revealed will of his Creator. lar author based on total cumulative the floor of the meeting room in chalk, This definition makes the trestle book sales, will be a special guest charcoal, or some other impermanent board an object of action — the place speaker. He is author of the Camulod medium. We know from tradition that where we look for direction, purpose Chronicles, nine books based on the early meeting rooms, and guidance — while assigning a more Arthurian legend and the new Templar often rented common rooms, sometimes passive role to the tracing board as a Trilogy — Knights of the Black and White, included a sand box where the symbols collage or representation of the symbols Standard of Honor and Order in Chaos, could also be traced. As Lodge rooms of the Craft. to be released this August. Jack will became more permanent, so too did the sign books and perform readings from form of display of the symbols of the Which Brings Us Back To… Order in Chaos on Friday afternoon, and Degrees. Floor charts, Master’s Carpets, In Allen Roberts’ description in The on Saturday morning will discuss what and wall charts came into common use, Craft and Its Symbols, the trestle board, he has learned from researching the some taking the form of beautiful and as a piece of furniture Templars for his books. elaborate paintings. In the early days of …used by the master workman to Also, there is still time to enter either the Craft when most ritual was passed draw his designs upon, is a symbol of of the two contests. The first is Iron mouth to ear, it would be easy to confuse perfection. It is symbolically a spiri- Mike’s Masonic Chef to pick the best the Floor cloth, which lay within the tes- tual board on which a man should team of three at preparing a festive sellated border, with the Trestle board, lay out his plans to build his “living board (entries close 7 March). The where the Master drew his designs for stones” into a Temple to the Great prize includes an hour with the Chef at the Craft’s labour, with the Tracing board, Architect of the Universe. Kananaskis in a real line kitchen for all upon which were displayed the symbols The Roberts definition focuses on entries. The second is Masonic Idol to of the Craft. the heart of the matter: the trestle pick the best ritualist (entries open until Albert Gallatin Mackey provides a board is the place where we find our the Workshop. Prize includes a trip to deeper analysis and a sense of distinc- designs for our conduct as Freemasons. either Calgary or Edmonton to perform tion between the trestle board and the Put in today’s vernacular, the trestle your ritual at a Lodge meeting. tracing board. In his Encyclopedia of board tells us how to “walk the walk” The Masonic Spring Workshop is the Freemasonry, Mackey writes: as Freemasons, how to take what we best weekend for fun and fellowship The trestle is a framework for a have learned and studied and pondered, anywhere. Join us 17 to 19 April 2009 table — in Scotch, trest; the Trestle- and apply it to our actions, so that our at the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis. Board is the board placed for the con- conduct might show that we are Free- Information, agenda and registation at venience of drawing on that frame. It masons, and that our actions might www.masonicspringworkshop.ab.ca. contains nothing but a few diagrams, contribute to the world around us. We usually geometrical figures. The use the Trestleboard as the theme for Grand Master’s Itinerary Tracing-Board is a picture formerly this autumn issue, so that we might see, March drawn on the floor of the Lodge, with each article and feature, examples 10 Patricia Lodge No 91 Blarney Night; whence it was called a Floor-cloth or of Freemasonry in action, with clear Edm Freemasons’ Hall; 19 30 h Carpet. It contains a delineation of examples of brotherly love, relief, and 20 Calgary-Highland District 3rd Degree, the symbols of the Degree to which truth. It is our hope that these examples host Calgary Lodge No. 23; Cgy it belongs. The Trestle-Board is to be will serve each of us as designs of guid- Freemasons’ Hall; first section 17 00 found only in the Entered Apprentice’s ance for the construction of our own h, reception of GM 19 30 h Degree. There is a Tracing-Board in spiritual temple. 26–28 All Canada Conference; Winnipeg 6