The Cross Keys March 2017 The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone Number 199

In this issue:

Continental Masonry John Paul Jones The Masonic Hall, Jerusalem More Certificates Johnstone Street Directory Terror Plot Stopped

Cross Keys March 2017 Continental Masonry

Many non-Masons, especially those living on the efits of masonry to about half of the population. European Continent, are familiar with a type of They claim to be more liberal and democratic Masonry that is radically different from that than traditional Masons. which is generally practiced in the United States. It a liberal, non-dogmatic, form of Masonry that The differences in style and interpretation accepts women as members and openly tries to evolved over time and reflect to some extent the influence government on issues of interest. Two history and culture of France and the other coun- grand orients in that group have even opened a tries where they exist. Some writers claim that Masonic liaison to the European Union to counter these Continental style were the the influence of organized religion. core of anti-clerical movements in many coun- tries as well as revolutions against established During the 1700s several grand lodges or orients government. There have been claims that . the formed from previously independent speculative liberal lodges are more into the occult than are Masonic lodges. Charters of later regular lodges the traditional lodges For many years, the Grand trace back to these early grand lodges. Lodges Orient de France was recognized by most main- then formed new grand lodges in open territory stream grand lodges. The language, content of so as to spread throughout the meetings, and ritual may have been different, but world. The difference in name between grand that was not significant. lodge and grand orient is not significant, but seems to have something to do with the relation- In the 1860s, the Grand Orient de France had ship between the grand body and local lodges. recognition problems with some grand lodges in the southern part of United States of America be- The grand lodges and orients worked out a sys- cause of its own recognition of a with tem of amity for recognition of other grand bodies black members operating in Louisiana, which the to permit visits by members. Generally the grand mainstream grand lodge there considered to be lodges must be exclusively male, be religiously its exclusive territory. Most American grand lodg- tolerant while insisting on a belief in a Supreme es still exchanged recognition with the Grand Ori- Being, and avoid discussions of religion and poli- ent de France at that time. tics in lodge. Each grand lodge decides on its own which other grand lodges it will accept based on In 1877, the Grand Orient de France adopted a how it interprets these and some other rules or policy that a man’s faith or lack thereof is a mat- landmarks. Other issues, such as the current feud ter for his absolute freedom of conscience and is between the grand lodges of West Virginia and of no concern to the lodge considering him for Ohio over one individual, sometimes cause a membership. Quoting the web site of the Grand break in recognition. Orient de France: “To date, this decision main- tains the distinctiveness of the Grand Orient The Grand Orient de France, the largest and old- which according to some, places the Order at the est grand body for France, originally consisted of forefront of Universal Freemasonry and accord- lodges that had been chartered by British grand ing to others, an outlaw.” lodges. This grand orient is the leading body for something that can be referred to as Continental Most grand lodges in the Anglo-American tradi- Masonry. tion followed the lead of the United Grand Lodge of England and severed fraternal relations with The Grand Orient de France and the other grand the Grand Orient de France. Some grand lodges bodies in the Continental system, which follow its and orients on the continent of Europe then fol- lead, such as the Grand Orient de Belgique, inter- lowed the lead of the French body and severed pret some of these rules of operation a bit differ- relations with the Anglo-American grand lodges. ently than most Anglo-American grand lodges. There was a schism in Freemasonry from that The grand and individual lodges might take politi- time forward. Eventually a separate, generally cal stands and endorse candidates for office. Athe- recognized grand lodge was established in France ists who are otherwise good and honorable men through the efforts of the United Grand Lodge of can be initiated into membership. Some Continen- England. In some countries where Continental or tal style lodges will even accept women into their liberal Masonry has significant presence, a tradi- membership as they do not want to deny the ben- tional, recognized grand lodge may, in fact, be the

Cross Keys March 2017 Continental Masonry Ctd)

larger body. The total population of France is around ten times that of Illinois The Grand Orient de It is not clear just what is involved with the ac- France, has about a third fewer members ceptance of women in the lodges. The women may than the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the or may not be prepared for initiation in the same State of Illinois and has about twice the num- manner as men. While the Grand Orient de France ber of lodges. Probably the other grand lodg- had not initiated women until very recently, it did es affiliated with it together don’t amount to and does have fraternal relations with some other much more. There are about 50 to 60 grand grand lodges that initiate women, such as federa- lodges or orients in the liberal or Continental tions of . In the United States the tradition. issue of extending fraternal relations for women was resolved with the Eastern Star; although it is There are about 200 traditional grand lodges regarded by the United Grand Lodge of England as among those that more or less consider each a prohibited mixed organization in which its mem- other regular and might share recognition by bers should not participate. following the traditions coming from the British grand lodges rather than the liberal During the twentieth century there was a period French traditions. While some of the many when the Grand Orient de France was recognized members are into politics, their lodges do not by some North American grand lodges. This seems get involved with political issues. The Prince to have been related to the re-establishment of Hall grand lodges are included in this group. Freemasonry in Europe after World War I and It has been estimated that there are any- World War II. The differences eventually again be- where about 5,000,000 to 6,000,000 mem- came too much to continue mutual recognition. bers of mainstream, traditional Masonic lodges; although I have also heard somewhat Even though we do not visit their lodges and their lower numbers. members cannot visit our lodges, we have some idea as to what the policies of these Continental In addition, there are also about another 400 style grand orients are. The Grand Orient de France organizations that call themselves Masonic and the Grand Orient de Belgique have web sites grand lodges, but are not in either group and and there have been published presentations with often may be totally bogus. Some have split their views. The web site is available in several lan- from legitimate groups, perhaps because of guages, including English. Some of the other grand political or personality differences. orients and grand lodges in its camp may or may not have web sites, but they generally are relatively small and follow the Grand Orient de France. Conti- By Bro. Hilton Kaufman PM nental Masonry has spread to , prob- ably through the Portuguese and Spanish.

The following is a quote from the website of the Grand Orient de France: “Somehow they consider themselves as guardians and avant-gardes of the republican regime, the sole champion of individual prosperity in Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.” They consider themselves to be a politically signifi- cant organization, even though they are but a small portion of the French population.

Cross Keys March 2017 Bro. John Paul Jones

A museum is to be set up in memory of the the memory alive, there will also be a statue naval commander who founded the American commissioned in the nearby naval fortress navy and went on to achieve a historic victory in Kronstadt. Sadly he was detested in Scot- for the Russian fleet under the Empress Cath- land after he attacked Whitehaven and Kirk- erine the Great. Although he was seen as a cudbright in 1778, and the following year pirate in his own country, for mounting raids sailed up the Firth of Forth to within cannon on Scotland during the American War of Inde- range of Leith, before a storm swept his ship pendence, Jones was feted in Russia for de- back to sea. In Russia, Jones served under feating the Turks during the Black Sea cam- Prince Potemkin against the Turks in the paign. Black Sea campaign. He thwarted the Turk- ish fleet at the Battle of Liman in 1788, kill- The Scots naval officer served as a rear admi- ing about 3,000 Turks, destroying 15 vessels ral in the Russian navy between 1788 and at a cost to his squadron of one frigate and 1789. The Admiral John Paul Jones Society 18 killed. Charity Fund, based in St Petersburg, has con- tacted Scottish museums and the Freema- sons’ Grand Lodge in Scotland for information Read more from the full article at The Scotman and artefacts related to the fearless Scottish seafarer. Jones, born near Kirkcudbright, Gal- loway, in 1747, joined in 1770 when he joined Lodge St Bernard’s, in Kirkcudbright, and lat- er joined another Scottish when he arrived in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Jones also visited the only Scottish Masonic Lodge in Russia.

In addition to a book being published to keep

Cross Keys March 2017 Gong Collectors

One of the most lamentable spectacles in was often vacant, especially at regular meet- Freemasonry is the Brother whose designa- ings when there was no degree on. And tion heads this article. He is to be found in when the I.P.M.'s collar had been transferred almost every Lodge. Whilst a neophyte in the to other shoulders, the fall from grace came Order, his Masonic devotion knew no limits. on apace. At every meeting, he was sure to be there and when he received the honours of office Regular as well as working meetings saw a his enthusiasm seemed to grow with his ad- vacant chair on the dais, and the master was vancement. He it was who toiled at the Lodge often at a loss when he looked for someone of Instruction, at least when its programme to relieve him of a Charge or a Tracing was ritual only, who was always ready to fill Board, or help him in point of ruling. "Facilis the place of an absentee and to rail at him est descensus Arverni", and soon the Wor. because he was not on hand, and above all, Brother is only on hand when an Installation he was prime mover in every proposition to or Ball gives him the opportunity of showing run another higher degree. the crowd his dingy apron. He is for all prac- tical Masonic purposes dead as a door-nail, But the time came when he was accorded the and although he pays his dues with com- highest honor that the Lodge has in its power mendable regularity, at least when the to bestow, and then came the beginning of Treasurer looks him up, the Lodge forgets the end. At his Installation he made great him as a factor in its existence. promises, and doubtless meant to fulfil them, but when he had passed through his year of Such is the story of many a Masonic fossil, office, with more or less eclat, and had en- literally "on the shelf' and more is the pity of tered on the "otium cum dignitate" of the it all. If Masonry is worth anything at all it is I.P.M.'s collar, he began to mysteriously talk worth cultivating to the end of one's active of "the burden and heat of the day" and of the mental life, and he who drops out of it di- necessity of "giving a chance to younger rectly has nor acquired the potentiality of hands" and his place at the left of the Master being truly useful, has never properly im- bibed its sublime teachings. The P.M. on the shelf is a sorry spectacle and a blot on the Masonic escutcheon. Beware of falling into a similar state of dry rot - rather, be ready, honours or no honours, to do your Masonic duty so long as the Great Architect of the Universe gives you strength to put on an apron or frame a sentence of ritual.

By Bro. Ed Halpaus, Short Talk Bulletin

Cross Keys March 2017 The Masonic Hall, Jerusalem Charles Warren was a keen Freemason, having It was half-filled with rubble and soil, but rising already at the age of 23 been the Master of a out of the centre of the earth floor was a Lodge in Gibraltar. Before my visit to Jerusalem I smooth pillar with a broken top. The scene re- had learned that Warren had been involved in a minded Warren of a traditional Masonic myth Masonic ritual in a cavern, somewhere deep un- and so he named the chamber the ‘Masonic derneath the Old City. There were two possible Hall’ (Figs 1 & 2). The famous war artist Wil- candidates for the site: one called ‘The Masonic liam Simpson, also a senior Freemason, was vis- Hall’, the other ‘King Solomon’s Quarry.’ A recent iting Jerusalem a month later and he sketched book on Warren’s Freemasonry appears to claim the scene. As can be seen from Simpson’s that these two sites were one and the same – sketch, the column was originally the support hence my need to clarify the issue. The site for twin arches that lined the roof. known as the ‘Masonic Hall’ is a chamber that Warren tunneled his way into in February 1869.

Warren ordered the clearing of the rubble, which, when he first entered the chamber, reached up to the mark on the column. By the time Simpson made his sketch, the hall had been partially cleared of rubble.

The ‘Masonic Hall’ today, part of the ‘Western Walls’ archaeological complex. Warren broke in through the hole in the roof – the dark patch against the back wall, right of centre. The earth at that time was two-thirds of the way up the column.

Cross Keys March 2017 Certificates

Framed Master Mason Masonic Cer- tificate on Vellum, New York, 1809, the certificate affirming the sta- tus of Richard Hitchings as a Master Mason, from the Morton Lodge No. 20, New York City, dated August 12, 5809 (1809), with silk ribbon and impressed wax seal. There is a genealogy is affixed to the reverse, it relates that Richard Hitchins was born in Cornwall, England in 1777 and married the widow Mary Gates in New York in 1804. Richard died in Canada on February 18, 1845 and is buried with a Masonic emblem on his tombstone. Estimate $300-500 at Skinner’s Auctioneers!!!

Master Mason certificate issued by Loge St. Louis de la Martinique to Chauron du Malo, dated January 28, 1766.

Cross Keys March 2017

Over the following months, there will be a series of excerpts of old minutes. It is im- portant we know from whence we come.

In the 1830s, the lodge met in both the Black Changes in 242 Bull Inn (now the chemist at the corner of The lodge is now looking at meeting the Higher Street and George Street) and the monthly rather than twice a month Buck’s Head Inn at 14 High Street which is which is more in line with most constitu- where Lidl is situated. In 1832, Johnstone tions. This is through necessity due to a had overcrowding and slums due to having lack of suitable candidates and falling at- an increase in population of over 5000. Dur- tendances. ing that year, the lodge refused to pay for the diploma plate costing £7.15 and four breth- Many brethren will disagree, but doing ren were summoned to the Sheriff Small something is better than nothing. If the Debt Court in Paisley. This was the plate brethren feel we need an extra meeting used to produce its own diplomas as Grand then a special can be requested from Lodge did not issue certificates at that time. PGL. Is there a desire to see exemplifica- As the lodge had not ordered it, the court tions, walk through degrees, lectures, decided that the lodge pay £6 for the plate etc? Most brethren appear to enjoy these while the printer paid for printing costs AND in small doses, but get bored with too court costs. An example of the certificate many. Unfortunately, the days of the still hangs on the foyer wall on the left hand mass produced degree factory have long side and shows the original number of the gone and brethren need to accept the lodge—318. change or let their lodge go…….

This was also the year of the first minuted Or are there enough brethren willing to mention of an obligation, two brethren re- support the lodge whether it’s an exem- fusing office, missing office-bearers being plification, a walk through or a lecture? written to so they explain their absence and The next few meetings will probably de- one being fined for absence. The lodge was a cide where we want the lodge to go. very different place altogether. Meetings were quarterly and the average attendance Now is the time the lodge needs you. was approximately 15-20 although many were below 10.

Cross Keys March 2017 Johnstone Street Directory

Freemasonry is a secret society? Brethren often talk about it as a soci- ety with secrets which is probably more accurate. Today, masonic lodg- es can be seen in most large towns and are not disguised, but usually there is a sign or name to indicate that it is a lodge. So why all the secre- cy discussions recently?

In Europe, the Craft did have to hide from persecution of the Nazis and often in communist countries or Muslim countries issues have arisen and a low key approach is the best practice. Rituals and constitutions have always been available and more so today with Google.

However, even in the mid 19th Cen- tury, it was not a secret society as can be seen with the image from the Fowler’s Directory for Johnstone. The main office bearers of the lodge, the Royal Arch Chapter and the Free Gardeners’ Lodge are given including the address of the secretary. All three used the Masonic Hall in the Cross Keys Hotel in the High Street.

As no records of the Gardeners’ Lodge exist now, the directories have been useful to show that many members of the Gardeners were also Freemasons. The Royal Arch continues to meet on the third Thursday, but the lodge changed from one Friday to two Thursday nights. This might change again in the near future depending on the views of the brethren,

The JW went on to become the founding master of Lodge Craigends No.1042.

Cross Keys March 2017 Special Jewel

In 1734 a charter was issued by the United Grand Lodge of England authorizing the formation of Sol- Pictured below is the crown "jewel" of Solo- omon's Lodge No.1 in South Carolina. On October mon's Lodge No. 1 of Charleston, Ancient Free 28th 1735 the first meeting was held in Shepard's Masons of South Carolina which belonged to Tavern and 66 years later, May 31st 1801, the Su- Bro. in 1843. Every year when preme Council 33 ° Mother Supreme Council of the the ensuing year's officers are installed, the World Ancient and Accepted South- current Master receives his past master's ern Jurisdiction was formed in the apron, and an exact replica of the same "Shepard's Tavern" known Mackey Jewel. The picture does then at "City Tavern". Solomon's not show relative size but its ap- Lodge No.1 of the Most Worshipful proximately 3 1/2 inches across Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons the quadrant and 4 inches tall. of South Carolina is the second old- Thus when the Solomon's Past est chartered lodge in the United Masters wear their jewels, it is States. done with pride and distinction coming from the Lodge of Broth- During the , the er Mackey as well as many other charter was stored by the Grand celebrated brothers famous in Lodge while brothers and Officers the Charleston area. were fighting in the resistance. Hence why Solomon's Lodge No.1 in Solomon's Lodge No.1 still owns Savannah Georgia is the second oldest the original Mackey Jewel and today it is dis- "Continually Operating" Lodge in the United played on special occasions as well as use its States. In 1843 Albert Gallatin Mackey, a well- likeness on coins and certificates. known masonic author, was elected and installed as the Master of Solomon's Lodge No.1 in Charles- ton. Hard to believe that was almost 175 years ago.

Masonic Cycling

Lodges have had bowling, golf and fishing competitions for many years. However, one that fell away was the Masonic Cycling Club around the early 1900s. When the club folded is not known, but looking at the members, it must have been well run and popular club. Perhaps today, in order to attract young members, we should have a Masonic PlayStation Club.

Cross Keys March 2017

Over the last few years, I have been asked by a number of brethren regarding what they should use to sign the minutes, especially if they are done electronically. First thing is that the paper should be good quality—the obvious comparison is the thick paper of the Minute Books bought from Grand Lodge.

However, a pen is very much a personal preference, but the one I tend to opt for is the Parker IM Fountain pen (in photo). Not too expen- sive, but gives good quality writing. They cost £18.99 and come in a huge variety of colours. One of the best companies in terms of cost and service is: Executive Pens Direct

Masonic Record? An historic evening took place at he me of last year where Bro. John Muir PM conclud- ed visiting every Lodge in Scotland at Lodge Ruchill No. 1436, his final Lodge on the journey. Bro. Muir was presented with a certificate to commemorate this special event and can be seen seated centre. An excellent FC Degree was also carried out by Lodge Dalry Blair No. 290. John was also humbled by the distinguished Brethren that took time to support him on the evening in- cluding Depute Grand Master Ramsay McGhee, Bro Robert Little PGM of Ayrshire, Bro Bill Perry PGM Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Bro Moises Gomez PG Historian from the GL of New Jersey as well as oth- er distinguished Breth- ren and friends. Bro. John has been a long time reader and contributor to the Cross Keys and on behalf of everyone here, very many congratulations on a landmark event that cannot be beaten!

Cross Keys March 2017 Famous Freemasons

It is common to hear of famous freemasons, but rare to see many in actual regalia. Often it might be due to the brother not being particularly active or it was not commonplace to take photographs. However, the images below show two former Presidents of the USA, one is only a sketch of Bro. Teddy Roosevelt while the other is the 330 collar of Bro Tru- man who was also a Grand Master.

March Events in 242

Thursday 9th—EA Walk Though (first showing)

Thursday 23rd—PGLRE Visitation & Open Forum

Visit to Craigends No.1042 on Thursday 2nd March—MMM degree.

Visit to Lodge Garthland St. Winnoch No.205 on Monday 6th March—FC degree.

Cross Keys March 2017

In a very tight market, regalia makers are possibly struggling due to diminishing numbers. However, one Scottish company from Livingston is expanding: VSL Regalia at https:// www.vslregalia.co.uk/ The brethren who run the shop provide the full range of regalia, jew- ellery, gifts, etc. Their after sales service is superb which is not always the case when dealing with some other non-Scottish companies.

If you are thinking of buying regalia, PM jewels or the like then give Bro Alan a call or email and get a quote. You won’t be disappointed.

Is this Unique?

On September 15th 1861 a man named Samuel Adams and his wife were the proprietors of General Store in the small town of Monticello Minnesota. When Mrs. Adams went into labour with their first son, Mr. Adams took her to the second floor of their building for her privacy and to wait for the town doctor. The second floor was the meeting place of Monticello Masonic Lodge No.16 and the doctor was the Junior Warden of the Lodge. The boy was delivered in the Lodge Room and was named Henry Rice Adams. Twenty three years Henry was made a Ma- son in the room in which he was born. He later transferred his membership to Minnesota Lodge No. 224 in Bloomington, Minnesota and eventually he became the Grand Master of the in 1903. In 1928, Bro. Adams died of an apparent heart attack while attending a stated communication of his Lodge. Bro. Adams was born in a Masonic Lodge and died in a Masonic Lodge. A freemason to the end!

Cross Keys March 2017 Terror Plot Stopped

Milwaukee’s terror suspect, Samy Hamzeh, was plot- ting to kill at least 30 people at the Humphrey Scot- tish Rite Masonic Center in downtown Milwaukee. The door there is now locked 24 hours a day along with other Masonic facilities around the state. Hamzeh had taken a tour of the 1883-built building earlier in the month to understand its floorplan. He was arrested last Monday after buy- ing two automatic weapons and a silencer from un- dercover agents, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin said in a statement ing “casing videos” of potential terror targets in the which was planned in defence of Islam. USA. One of the targets was a Masonic building in northern Virginia. Masonic author, Angel Millar de- Chillingly he said “One of us will stay a the door at tails how he “was met with nervous-looking security the entrance and lock the door down, he will be at guards at the entrance [of a Masonic building in the main door down, two will get to the lift up, they 2002], and had to be escorted around inside.” When will enter the room, and spray everyone in the room. he asked ‘why?’ He was told that “three ‘Muslim The one who is standing downstairs will spray any- gentlemen’ had been found wandering the building, one he finds. We will shoot them, kill them and get taking photos, and talking on a cellphone. The call out.” The Federal Grand Jury has indicted him and a was later traced, by police […] to a shop selling Is- date has not yet been set for trial. He could face 20 lamist anti-Masonic propaganda videos.” years in prison due to the firearms charges alone. A Canadian intelligence service 2009 report noted Angel Millar notes that there is a long history of Ji- that between 2008 and 2009, al-Qaeda in Yemen hadist anti-Masonic attempts to attack Masonic called for attacks against the embassies of Western buildings. “The most successful attack so far came in nations, claiming that they “facilitated the spread of 2004, when two Jihadist terrorists entered a Mason- factions that run counter to Islam, including Free- ic building in Istanbul, Turkey, and sprayed it with masonry.” The Fall 2010 edition of the online al- bullets. They then exploded several devices that they Qaeda magazine Inspire carried an article listing had strapped to their bodies […] Six people were in- numerous attacks against Jews, Americans, Rus- jured, and a waiter was killed, along with one of the sians, and Freemasons that the author considered terrorists,” a CNN source details. According to Istan- praiseworthy. An excerpt from the article reads: “in bul’s governor Muammer Guler, eighteen suspects Jordan, an outstanding group consisting of four men were questioned after the attack, ten of which had created a cell to assassinate Freemasons in Amman, been formally charged at the time of his announce- and succeeded in executing a number of them. They ment. The bombers had been trained in Pakistan and were subsequently arrested after clashing with the Afghanistan. “We don’t know if they are al Qaeda police, and some of them died as martyrs.” camps,” Guler said, “but the influence of al Qaeda in those camps is obvious.” Perhaps all lodges should be more aware of the world we live in and the open policy used by many In 2009, Syed Haris Ahmed was found guilty of mak- is no longer safe.

Cross Keys March 2017 242 On Tour

This month has been busy for the master and it might be worth start- ing the old idea of “242 on Tour” where a group of brethren visit vari- ous lodges out with the normal rou- tine. Recently, brethren have joined with the brethren of St. Barchan No.156 to visit the Good Compan- ions Lodge No.6759 in Birkenhead, England. To the right, rear row we have Bros. Iain Rogers IPM, John Flanagan PM, Graham Scott 242 Master and far right Leigh Gibney 156 Master with front row left the new PGM of Renfrewshire East Bro. Neil Fraser.

In the photo below, it’s good to see Lodge 6759 proudly displayed on their top table a framed stamp sheet of 242’s 200th Anniversary present- ed by Bro. John Flanagan a few years before.

Another visit was to our good friends of Wallace Masonic Lodge No.146 in Hollywood, Northern Ireland. The master Bro. Graeme can be seen withy their new master W. Bro. Tony Donan PM and one of our very good friends W. Bro. Vic Welsh PM (far left) looking in good form.

Thus both home constitutions have been visited in the last few weeks—a very good effort.

Cross Keys March 2017 242 On Tour

Congratulations once again to Bro. Dougie Dick MM 242 as master of Lodge St. Aethan’s No. 1227 in Burghead in the Province of Moray and Nairn. Dougie is shown above with the OBs of the PGL and his installing masters Bros. Danny Burrell PM 242 and Allan Stobo PM 242. Below is the group photo with the brethren of 242 who were able to attend: Front—Graham Scott, Master, Danny, Dougie, Allan and Brian Smolarek JW. Rear: Dougie Ennis and John Flanagan PM.

Cross Keys March 2017 Masonic Lodges Worldwide

Silver City Lodge in Idaho, US has an amazing old building. The lodge used the Silver City Hall which after many year became unsuitable and moved into their own premises about 50 years ago. The lodge room upstairs has been left to the ravages of time. However, the old building has an air of tradition about it!

Cross Keys March 2017

The blog above has a huge number of articles about currents events in the Craft as a whole. It is well worth bookmarking and if you have some information you would like made available, bro. Stuart would be delighted to add this. The web- site can be found by clicking on the image or here: http://www.thefraternity.info/

No.3 bis Complaint In modern times, it has been the practice of many of the Royal Arch Chapters to give the Mark Master's and Chair Master's Ceremonial as separate Degrees, classing them after the Master's Degree; this is contrary to the practice of the Ancient Craft Lodges, who class the former with the Fellow-craft, and the latter with the Master Mason Degree. Dr Oliver, in re- ferring to the Mark Master in his Landmarks, remarks, "that this is usually classed after the Master's Degree, but in strict propriety it ought to precede it, for the Mark Master is but the Master of a Lodge of Fellow-crafts." This difference of opinion was decided by the , in so far as it affected the Lodges under her jurisdiction, at the Quarterly Communication held in November, 1858.

On that occasion a representation was made by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow, that the Lodge of Glasgow St John was practising the Mark and Chair Master Degrees; which De- grees, said the Memorialists, were neither recognised nor practised by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. In defence, it was stated that the Lodge of Glasgow St John did not recognise them as separate Degrees, but as portions of the Fellow-craft and Master's Degrees, sanctioned by the Laws and Constitutions of the Grand Lodge. After mature deliberation, the Grand Lodge, without a division, found that the Lodge of Glasgow St John was in perfect order, and dis- missed the complaint.

From the lodge’s history by Bro. Cruikshank.

Cross Keys March 2017 A Warning to all!

The masonic centre in Charlotte, North Carolina has been sold to developers and will be demol- ished to make way for houses or shops. Sadly, this is happening all over English speaking countries which is a real cause for concern. Diminishing numbers and apathy amongst the remaining mem- bers means that many lodges are in the situation where they can no longer afford their buildings.

242 has a lodge and social club that needs support and now is the time for its members to do some- thing otherwise the situation just mentioned might not be too far away, as pointed out by Bro. Secretary. Unfortunately, it’s not an ideal threat—the figures show clearly what is going on.

Masonic Week

Last month was Masonic Week for some of the other orders in Wash- ington DC to advertise for members. This annual event consists of elections, speeches, banquets within the bodies and some other organisations such as the Grand Council of Engineers, The Ma- sonic Society, etc. The plethora of orders is astounding and I am not sure I know what they all are. In Scotland, we do not have enough brethren to support this sheer volume of orders.

Cross Keys March 2017 UGLE Special Events

Two events in the calendar of the United Grand Lodge of England will take place next month. These will become popular attractions in the future and should serve as a source of pride for all freemasons.

 On 18th April, the Masonic memorial Garden will be opened officially at the Na- tional Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. This will commemorate the freema- sons who gave their lives in the service of our country.

 On 25th April, the Victoria Cross Memorial will be unveiled by the Grand Master. This has been placed in the front of the Tower Entrance of Freemasons’ Hall in and will take the form of a number of paving stones. The memorial will contain the names of 63 UGLE freemasons who won the VC during World War 1.

Hopefully, the Cross Keys will report on these, no doubt, successful events in the coming months. If any brother is in attendance would like to send photos, it would be greatly appre- ciated. Email address on the last page.

Masonic Outing

Every lodge has had an outing. This was more popular in the past, but this one is different. This photo shows a group a masons from Kerry in the Republic of Ireland on a trip in regalia! Perhaps they close tyled the hill?

Cross Keys March 2017 A Unique Rugby Shirt

Well?

Would you wear this?......

BB Swimming Gala

The lodge has been ambassadors to the Boys’ Brigade Swimming Competition for a number of years. Bro Peter Smolarek PM (on the left) once again went along to the gala to present the priz- es.

Perhaps it’s time to resurrect the old lodge tour- nament of the various companies of local BB to participate in this again. It would be interesting to see if they can must sufficient interest.

New Lodge 242 website http://lodge242.bravesites.com/

After two months, if any brother thinks the website should be amended, we would be delighted to hear. The idea of General Committee was to have a website with the min- imal information as past sites had too much. Hence the reason for a home page (with next meeting), a contact page, the Cross Keys page, a short history page and most im- portantly the syllabus which now changes on a regular basis depending on candidates. This will be updated after each meeting so the website is current and brethren are en- couraged to check regularly as well.

Cross Keys March 2017

To submit an article or want added to the mail list or Facebook group, contact the Editor, Grant Macleod:

E-Mail: [email protected] Website: http://lodge242.bravesites.com/

Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo PM for proof reading.

Don’t forget to support The Ashlar magazine— Scotland’s only Masonic magazine.

Just click on the magazine to find out more.

Cross Keys March 2017