The Cross Keys

November 2016 The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone Number 196

In this issue:

Why St. Andrew? Mount Moriah Lodge The Volunteers Vietnam Vets Memorial Parachute Regiment Lodge General Barksdale National Sojourners Bunker Hill Army Lodge

Cross Keys Nov 2016 Why St. Andrew?

In former times it was the tradition in the G.L of Scotland for the annual oration on St. Andrew's night to be delivered by the holder of the office of Grand Orator. He was given no specific subject for his address, but was instructed that the address "must be approved by the Grand Master Mason and should contain matters of importance not only to Masonry but to the World and should touch the heart and soul of every man and Mason." I feel certain that it is because of the inability to find suitable subjects, rather than suita- ble orators to convey new and soul searching messages to Freemasons and other men each year and for over two hundred years, that both the office of Grand Orator and the requirement to touch the heart and soul of every man and Mason, the annual oration is no longer part of the ceremonial of G.L. on St. An- drew’s night. After 27 years there may still be a few subjects that have not yet been narrated upon in our District, but I am certain that the time is not far distant when this practice in the D.G.L. of T. & T. will also fall into disuse, as it has done in Grand Lodge of Scotland, because of repetitiveness.

I wish to share with you some thoughts on whether of all the Apostles and Saints, Andrew was the ideal or at all a worthy choice to be the Patron Saint of Freemasonry… In short "Why Andrew?"

Most writers on and students of the Scriptures agree that Andrew was the most faceless and perhaps the most under-rated of the Apostles. In the four Gospels he is referred to on only 13 occasions, and on 6 of these occasions he is identified as "Peter's Brother" rather than in his own name. Although he was one of the first two men whom Jesus called to follow Him, Andrew was never among the three Apostles chosen by Jesus to be with Him on important occasions. It was always Peter, James and John. Yet Andrew never displayed bitterness against James and John in particular. How different is the case of some of our brethren who become disenchanted, lose interest in and even withdraw from active participation in their Lodge be- cause a brother of lesser years of membership and without special attributes is preferred for higher office or distinguished Honours. Others consider the Chair of K.S. the end all and be all of their Masonry and try to achieve it by any means, even moving from Lodge to Lodge, and having attained this Chair, ungraciously fade away. Andrew never gave up once he had undertaken to follow his Messiah…Once a Mason always a Mason. Let me hasten to add that there are several Brethren, who although passing through the Chair of K. S. twice or thrice continue to be active.

Andrew was a fisherman from the small village of Bethsaida, a man of simple tastes and barely literate. His brother Peter was learned, imperious and arrogant. Yet it is Andrew who was described as an Exhorter of persons". Not Peter. It is Andrew who we find being accepted as the Patron Saint of countries as far distant and of diverse creeds, customs and cultures as Scotland, Russia and Greece, and he is also held in high es- teem among Saints in Sweden. What are the significant deeds performed by or the characteristics in life style of Andrew which endeared him to peoples of these distant lands.

History records that Andrew was a preacher in many lands - in Cappadocia, Bethynia, Galatia, Byzantium and the areas around the Black Sea between the Rivers Danube and Tanais, areas now within the United States Soviet Re-public. He is particularly remembered for his conversion to Christianity of the barbarous Scythians. He is credited with having healed the ailing Maximila, wife of Aegas, the Governor of Patrai, who was afflicted with a deadly ailment. He was subsequently condemned to death by the same Governor, who had him bound to a cross and left to hunger and thirst and eventually to die of exposure. While bound to the cross for more than two days, it is claimed he preached to and converted over 20,000 persons to Christianity.

There are several legends surrounding the death of Andrew and the interment of his body or parts of it in several countries. Some say he was buried in Constantinople, Others that parts of his body lie in a grave in Scotland. There is no need for me to repeat these legends, which have often times been related in this Tem- ple. But while each of these legends is of significance to the country of which he is regarded as the Patron

Cross Keys Nov 2016 Why St Andrew? (Ctd) Saint, Andrew's acceptance as the Patron Saint of Freemasonry appears to be merely by coincidence, in that the first meeting of the newly formed Grand Lodge of Scotland for the installation of office Bearers, was held on St. Andrew's Day in 1736 –30th November, 1736. The annual meeting of Grand Lodge has since then been held on St. Andrew's Day of each year, Sundays excepted.

I submit however that there are few, if any, of the other' Apostles whose lifestyle and teachings have more in common with the tenets and practices of Freemasonry than those of Andrew, the Apostle and Martyr. As stated earlier Andrew was one of the first men whom Jesus called to follow him, but it was Andrew who introduced his brother Peter to Jesus. Having found something of value he was eager to share it with his brother. Is this not the manner in which the profane finds himself on his entry to Freemasonry? He is totally unaware of what the future holds for him. He depends solely on the faith he has in his proposer, seconder and his conductor.

He is admitted sightless, penniless and ignorant of what he is to meet. Neither Andrew nor Peter had pre- viously known Jesus but had abiding faith in Him. Although Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus, he did not thereafter go and call out all his friends and the fisher folk of Bethsaida to make them Apostles as was done to Peter. He recognised in Peter qualities for Apostleship. He told Peter: "We have found the Messi- ah" note "Not I have found". "We have found the Messiah" and invited Peter to follow Him. To the others at Bethsaida he merely preached and converted them. Yet on another occasion at Jerusalem when the Greeks came to Jesus they sought out Phillip to arrange a meeting for them with the Christ. We are told, Phillip counseled with Andrew. Andrew knew that the Greeks were Gentiles, yet he did not turn them away from the presence of Jews. He took them to Jesus for His blessing and they were sent away pleased. Does this not have a lesson for us Masons? We are urged to display brotherly love and give relief to all in need. Yet we are charged to refrain from recommending anyone to a participation in our secrets unless we have strong grounds for believing that they would ultimately reflect honour on our choice. How many of us can truthfully say that in our choice of candidate for membership we are as discerning as was Andrew? Do we take the time and patient enquiry to discern the would be Apostle from the mere worshipper?

Andrew was an optimist. He always saw the bright side of life. It was Andrew who mentioned to Jesus the presence in their midst of a little boy with a sack containing 5 barley loaves and 2 small fish, with which Jesus miraculously fed the multitude of thousands. What a supreme act of faith! Are we not told that the light of a mason is but darkness visible, and that the temporary gloom merely rests on the prospects of fu- turity. Examine the cases of the dropouts from the Craft. It will astonish you to discover how many are as a result of pettiness and personal disappointments. No chance is given to futurity. No attempt at concilia- tion.

Another characteristic of the life of Andrew which I commend to you is the universality and conviction of his teachings. Of all the Apostles, none travelled as far and wide as did Peter (turned Paul) and Andrew. In every place he went on his many journeys, Andrew spread the gospel of the Messiah and made converts. Even when hung on the cross at Patrai and left to die, he preached with conviction and made more con- verts. Masonry spreads throughout all quarters of the world the same message of brotherly love. How many of us are guilty of preaching one thing and practicing another? For example, at most initiation ban- quets initiates are advised to visit regularly. This advice is sometimes given by masons who do not them- selves regularly attend their mother lodge far more visit other lodges. Where is the example? Most lodges today in Trinidad and Tobago are moving away from the custom of having informative papers read and discussed in open lodge for the education and edification of younger brethren. The accent is on ceremonial work and making new initiates with the festive celebrations which follow. Where is the teaching and coun- seling which were the hallmark of Andrew's apostleship, not the vanity of ritualistic excellence? Having laid the foundation do we ensure that the superstructure is also sturdily built in our younger masons? Do we really strive to meet and treat all masons on the level? Are we sympathetic to their failures and counsel

Cross Keys Nov 2016 Why St Andrew? (Ctd) them on their shortcomings? It is therefore most pleasing to note the steps some very novel ones being made by young Lodges to ensure that Masonic light is made to shine during their meetings.

R.W.D.G.M. and Brethren in considering the life of Andrew, Saint, Apostle and Martyr, there are four outstanding qualities which I wish to commend to you. In the language of Masons I refer to them as:

1. PRUDENCE: Andrew was able to discern qualities in his friends and associates and gave to each according to his worth. . .Apostleship to those with qualities of leadership . . . Disci- pleship to mere believers and followers. 2. BROTHERLY LOVE: He knew of no jealousy, sought selflessly, teaching and healing those in need in many lands. 3. RELIEF: He was always willing to assist a friend or brother and was optimistic of success. His message was carried throughout the then known world of the advent of the Messiah, the Saviour of Mankind. 4. TRUTH: He preached and taught fearlessly and with conviction. Even when faced with death on the cross he professed his belief in the Messiah, which he claimed gave him the power to heal the Governor's wife. Truth made him strong.

How many a Freemason has been known to suffer and even to pay the supreme penalty even with his life for practising the Craft, in countries where it was outlawed.

R.W.D.G.M. and Brethren, I suggest that while the date of the first annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of Scotland conduced to the acceptance of Andrew as the Patron Saint of Scottish Freema- sonry, his selection was no mere co-incidence. Indeed I consider it divine inspiration which led our forebears to adopt Andrew as our Patron.

In thanking you once more for this privilege and patient hearing, and as we move on in a short while to the social relaxation of our celebrations to follow this meeting, let us not convert it into an occasion of debauch. I therefore leave with you a part of the charge taken from the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of England of 1723: you may now enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth, treating one another ac- cording to ability, but avoiding excesses, or forcing any Brother to eat or drink beyond his inclination."

From the DGL of Trinidad & Tobago

The new statue at Grand Lodge is shown on the right.

Cross Keys Nov 2016 Mount Moriah Lodge of the Kosbies

Military lodges were commonplace in the 18th and 19th centuries and worked with travelling warrants which allowed them to hold meetings where ever the regiment was stationed. The 25th Regiment of Foot (later the King’s Own Borderers and then the King’s Own Scottish Borderers) was typ- ical of such a regiment.

In 1738, the regiment was given a charter under the Grand Lodge of Ireland with Number 92(a) which functioned until 1749. At this point there was no name – this was common practice under the GLoI. A second charter was issued in 1749 suggesting the origi- nal charter was lost – again not uncommon when regimental chests were lost in transit or after a battle. This was number 92b. Again the chest was lost in 1763 during the journey to Munster in Germany for the Austrian War of Succession when another charter, number 92c, was issued. However, the name Mount Moriah was now associated with the lodge. This is actually recorded in the minutes of St. Ebbe Lodge No.70 in Eyemouth.

During this period, the regiment served at Culloden (and was the only regiment to serve in the three main battles of the Jacobite period). The regiment was known as Semphill’s Regi- ment after Hugh Semphill of Castle Semple and it is likely that he would have been the founding master as the CO tended to take up that position. Certainly the MacDowall family that followed him at the Castle Semple estate were very active freemasons. It was also dur- ing this period the regiment won its first Minden battle honour in 1759 which is still cele- brated on 1st August.

A minute of Shamrock Lodge No 27, Cork, tells us something of the integrity with which these military lodges were managed. The Master, whose name is unfortunately not recorded, of Lodge No 92 in the 25th Regiment in 1751, was approached by some former members of Lodge 27 with a request that he constitute them a lodge. Shamrock Lodge No 27 objected as there appeared to be some irregularity in the manner in which the warrant for the new lodge had been obtained. The minutes of Lodge No 27 states:

"The Secretary was directed to write to the Worshipful Master of Lodge 92 in the 25th Regiment and thank him for his commendable behaviour in refusing to enstall (consecrate) some Scandalous and Excluded Masons, who met for that purpose, but were very justly rejected with Scorn and Contempt by the Master, though but a poor Common Soldier."

This "poor common soldier" could have been very well recompensed by the wealthy seced- ing brethren but he chose to put the honour of the Fraternity and of his Regiment above per- sonal gain.

Cross Keys Nov 2016 Mount Moriah Lodge of the Kosbies (ctd)

Whilst stationed in Gibraltar during 1789, the Lodge was honoured by having Bro. Lt. John Ross appointed as Provincial Grand Master of Anda- lucí a who preceded HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. The regiment sur- rendered the warrant on the 1st July 1815. This is probably due to the re -structuring of the British Army after the Battle of Waterloo when many regiments (or at least some battalions were deemed no longer necessary and a reduction of regiments was made). However, as the lodge then served in the West Indies, Ireland, etc. the lodge appears to have contin- ued to work. To the right is a regimental gravestone showing the square & compasses in St. Kitts.

On the 2nd October 1817 the warrant was reissued to Donegore Mason- ic Lodge who held it until December 1995. With the assistance of R.W.Bro. Robert J. Thompson Provincial Grand Master the warrant was re-issued to Bydand Masonic Lodge on the 27th April 1996. Bydand Ma- sonic Lodge No.92 was created by 22 brethren from 10 Lodges and now meets in the Leighton Room, Freemasons' Hall, Arthur Square, Belfast on the 4th Saturday of each month at 3:30 p.m. Strangely enough, the lodge name is the motto of the Gordon Highlanders. Why the Gordons? I can only assume that this was chosen as the 92nd Regiment of Foot was the Gordon High- landers.

In 1819, another number was issued: No. 250 – was this a different battalion? This was then exchanged for Number 25 (presumably in line with the regiment’s old number) - to Lodge 25 in Youghal, Cork in Ireland on 7th July 1823 who held it until the warrant was sent in Octo- ber 1839. It was reissued under the title Duke of York Lodge in November 1853 in Dublin where, aside from the period June 1860 – January 1866, it has met ever since. This Lodge meets in Freemasons' Hall in Dublin on the third Tuesday of each month from September to April inclusive.

To conclude, the only photo of the regi- ment meeting as a lodge:

Cross Keys Nov 2016 The Volunteers

It was once claimed that each Company of Volunteers in Ireland should be made up of local Freemasons and that each Masonic Lodge should have its own Volunteer Battalion. Certainly it is correct to claim that there was widespread joint membership between both bodies in the latter half of the 18th century.

It is of course important to say, that the Volunteer Movement was of course legal at the time, and arose as the result of the American War of Independence, when large numbers of British troops were sent out of Ireland to fight in the United States. This left the coasts of Ireland vir- tually undefended, and as a result local Volunteer companies were formed to assist in the de- fence of the Realm. However, one unexpected result of this development was the politicisa- tion of the movement to reduce the punitive English tax system on exports from Ireland and to give the ordinary people of Ireland a voice, in a way that they had not previously enjoyed. Indeed, there were some in Ireland, who watched with interest the revolutions in France and America, and seeing these international events as a possible catalyst for similar develop- ments in Ireland. The Volunteers became less influential after the end of the war in America in 1783, and rapidly declined except in Ulster. Whilst volunteering remained of interest in counties Antrim and Down, in other places such as neighbouring County Armagh, interest was in serious decline as was membership. Internal politics too played a role in the Volun- teers demise with sharp divisions of opinion regarding political affairs, possibly including “disapproval of the revolutionary and republican sentiments then being so freely expressed”, especially amongst northern circles.

The ultimate demise of the Volunteers occurred during 1793 with the passing of the Gunpowder Act and Convention Act, both of which “effectively killed off Volunteering”, whilst the creation of a militia, followed by the yeomanry, served to de- prive the Volunteers of their justification of being a voluntary defence force. The more radical Volunteers went on to join the United Irishmen movement whilst the majority were inclined towards the new Yeomanry movement, which was used to help put down the United Irishmen’s rebellion in 1798. Inter- estingly some of these United Irishmen and Yeomen had re- ceived their military training in the same Volunteer company; for example, the Ballymoney company’s Alexander Gamble became a United Irishman, whilst George Hutchinson, a cap- tain in the company, joined the Yeomanry.

Cross Keys Nov 2016 The Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Lodge

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Lodge was formed as a living memorial to Vietnam Vet- erans. Whereas all the founding petitioners had to be a bona fide Vietnam Veteran, such service is not a requirement to join the Lodge. The Lodge was consecrated and constitut- ed in 1999, by the then Grand Master MWBro Carl Stewart who accepted honorary mem- bership and has since installed every Master of the Lodge. The founding Master was WBro Garry Edwards PGJD - O St J.

The Lodge meets at the Ivalda Masonic Centre, in the Melbourne suburb of Darebin, on the third Saturday of February, April (Installation), June, August, October and Decem- ber. In November, the Lodge exercises its Travelling Warrant to visit a different Regional Centre, particularly those with a significant ex-servicemen population. The December meeting culminates in a "Ladies in the South" evening at which members families and guests are welcomed.

For Australian Defence Force Vietnam Veterans, the 18th August is "Vietnam Veterans Day"; the National Day of Commemoration. One of the highlights for Lodge members each year is the August "Long Tan Night" ceremony, which is dedicated to all Australian servicemen who lost their lives during service with their units in the Vietnam War and especially the 18 diggers killed in action at the battle of Long Tan. In that battle, “Delta” Company 6th Battalion Royal Regiment (6RAR) though heavily outnumbered repelled, with artillery and helicopter support, an attack by elements of the North Vietnamese Ar- my, inflicting major casualties (later confirmed to be in excess of 1,000). The "Long Tan Night" ceremony, an adaptation of the traditional vacant chair ceremony and described by those who have witnessed it as incredibly moving, reflects the unveiling of the origi- nal Long Tan cross in Vietnam (one of the few Monuments to allied troops permitted to remain by the Republic of Vietnam Government and be visited by Australians touring Vietnam). The ceremony, conducted after the Lodge has been formally closed and open to member's families and guests as well as non-Freemasons is followed by a Festive Board, where those assembled are addressed by a key note speaker. It is seldom other than a "Full House"!

Cross Keys Nov 2016 Parachute Regiment Lodge No.9315 (EC)

The founding of this Lodge was primarily the dream of an ex-member of the Parachute Regi- ment, the late Bro. Les Petty LGR; but like Freemasonry in general, whose branches are spread over the four quarters of the globe and whose membership are drawn from many different professions and occupations, the Founder members were also drawn from diverse walks of life.

At a meeting of the Founders on 29th March 1988, it was the original intention to have the title "The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Lodge", to encircle the camaraderie of the Airborne Forces in general. This being deemed too long a name by Grand Lodge, a com- promise was suggested that the name of the Lodge should be 'The Parachute Regiment Lodge' and to use the Airborne Forces motto "Ad Unum Omnes", not the Parachute Regi- ment's motto "Utrinque Paratus".

This proved acceptable and the Lodge was consecrated on the 5th June 1989. One of the Lodge's honorary members was the founder of the Regiment, the late Bro. Brigadier E.W.C. Flavell, who always followed the progress of the Lodge with a keen interest.

The inspiration for the Banner came from another Founder member, the late WBro. Henry Carr. It incorporates the Masonic emblem, the Parachute Regiment battle honours, and the names of the Founders. The Banner was dedicat- ed 4 years later on the 4th September 1993 and is borne proudly in procession into and out of the Lodge at the beginning and closing of every Meet- ing.

It should be noted that the Banner and also the Lodge Summons, not only bears the Parachute Regiment badge but displays the Latin motto of the Airborne Forces, thereby neatly encompass- ing both into a Masonic emblem and al- so complying with the two wishes of the founders.

Cross Keys Nov 2016 Bro. General William Barksdale

Bro. Barksdale was a representative from Mississippi; born in Rutherford County, Tenn. in 1821 and attended the University of Nashville where he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1839. He joined Columbus Lodge No. 5 in Mississippi and the Confederate Army in 1861 as a Colonel.

According to Lieutenant General James Longstreet, Commander of the Confederate First Corps, the most gallant charge of the entire war was led by Brigadier General William Barksdale, a Mason from Jackson, Mississippi. When Longstreet ordered him forward, Barksdale was on the frontline. It was in that position, after forcing the Union lines to collapse and retreat, that he was shot, mortally wounded, wearing a clean white linen shirt fas- tened with Masonic studs.

Barksdale's courageous charge was directed at the bloody Peach Orchard, defended in part by the men of the 2nd New Hampshire regiment led by Captain Thomas Hubbard, a Mason from Concord, New Hampshire. Hubbard was killed on the battlefield and was buried by Confederate Masons.

Continued over.

Cross Keys Nov 2016 Bro. General William Barksdale (ctd)

Soon after the war, Barksdale’s family began making preparations to have the general’s body brought back to Mississippi. In 1867, The Vicksburg Daily Herald reported the following:

The remains of this noble and lamented son of Mississippi, arrived here yesterday at 1 o’clock, and will this evening be conveyed to their last resting place – in the bosom of the State he loved so well, and among a people that will ever respect and revere his memory. The body was brought here by Lieut. Harris Barksdale, nephew of the deceased, from Washington, where it had been embalmed, and was met at the depot by a committee of citizens, and conducted to the Capitol, where it lays in state until the hour appointed for the funeral.

The funeral of Gen. Wm. Barksdale will take place at 3 0’clock this evening, from the Capitol Rotunda, where his body, in an elaborately mounted coffin, is now lying in state. Religious services will be performed by the Rev. Mr. Crane. The procession, under the di- rection of Col. Geo. L. Donald, Marshal, and Maj. A.J. Herod, Assistant Marshal, will be formed in the following order: 1. The Body, 2. Relatives of the de- ceased, 3. State Authorities, 4. Judges of the High Court, 5. City Au- thorities, 6. Survivors of the Brigade, 7. Masonic Fraternity, 8. Citi- zens.

Bro. Barksdale led by example and was respected by his men—a fine Freemason.

November Events in 242

INSTALLATION

on 11th November at 7pm

Thursday 24th—EA by OBs

Cross Keys Nov 2016

Proxy Votes at Grand Lodge (June 1873)

At the May meeting of Grand Lodge the following notice of motion was brought:

That GL...be composed entirely of masters, wardens and PMs.

The reasons given were to prevent GL being filled with brethren with a hidden agenda want- ing to vote on one particular topic to secure a majority. In this case, some proxy fees had been paid by brethren wanting the change passed. Secondly, to prevent masons who has be initiated the night before from voting on subjects that they know nothing about and lastly try to ease the Edinburgh influence of Edinburgh brethren have a dominance due to being resi- dent in the area. The argument against was mainly reducing the number of brethren who would attend and therefore reduce the revenue of GL, that only Edinburgh PMs would attend in numbers (and therefore strengthening the grip of Edinburgh brethren as stated by Lord Blytheswood at a PGLRE Meeting) and that lodges abroad would lose their say if their OBs were not resident in Scotland. The notice failed.

Another would be raised at the next quarterly:

That for the good of Freemasonry in this country, it is expedient that business meetings of GL be held in Scotland, the suitable time and place for such meetings to be determined by Grand Committee.

The motion wasn’t heard at the next Quarterly due ot the death of the Earl of Zetland and then it was withdrawn (no reason given) and the following meeting. However, the following year, the Festival of St. Andrew was held in Glasgow! Coincidence? Perhaps, but GL met in Glasgow a further twice in 1907 and 1910. How often has it met outside Edinburgh, I don’t know, but perhaps this is worth looking at again? Should Grand Lodge have business meet- ings throughout the whole of Scotland?

Maybe an updated notice of motion on the very topic which actually gets a vote would be in- teresting!

Cross Keys Nov 2016 National Sojourners

“The Purposes of National Sojourners shall be to or- ganize Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers, Sen- ior Non-Commissioned Officers of the uniformed forces (past and present) of the United States, and Honorary Members, who are Master Masons, into Chapters, for the promotion of good fellowship among its members, for assisting such as may be overtaken by adversity or affliction, for cultivating Masonic ideals, for supporting all patriotic aims and activities in Masonry, for developing true Patriotism and Americanism throughout the Nation, for bringing together representatives of the uniformed forces of the United States (past and present) in a united effort to further the military need of National Defence, and for opposing any influence whatsoever calculated to weaken the National Security.”

The NS was formed in 1931 although its forerunners were about years before that date. Clicking on the apron will take you to their full history page. Members are required to go through a pleasant degree. The fol- lowing is a short lecture given during the ceremony.

Masonry is the worlds greatest example of individualistic evolution. If we can turn the rough ashlar of our character into a more perfect har- mony, if we can subdue the unworthy passions of selfishness and greed within us, we can obtain a happier family, a more stable society, and a Nation purer in its accomplishments, To be selected by your brothers here you must be a Mason not in word only, not a member by obliga- tion simply, but true indeed without reservation. As you have pledged yourself to be true to your brother, your neighbour, and yourself you have, also taken the oath of service to your Country. You are, or have been, officers in the military or naval establishments of the United States Government. Let your eyes rest upon the beautiful Flag of your Country, an emblem conceived by Masons and representing Masonic ideals Under it you must serve with a lofty patriotism and a zealous devotion, which expresses itself in loyal obedience to our Coun- try’s laws, as well as a sacrifice to our Country’s needs. So live day by day that the Nation shall be prospered through your industry, established through your fidelity, and honoured through your integrity. Such service to your Country becomes possible only when the individual man be- comes a true Masonic brother, strong in the integrity of his actions, zealous in his Trust in God, and firm in his Faith of his Country’s ideals.

Cross Keys Nov 2016 Pause to think!

1. Corn, wine and oil are used at dedication ceremonies and various other cere- monies. What is the significance of them?

2. What one word could sum up the Mark Degree?

Answers on next page.

Lodge Greenock St. John’s No.175

Below is a photo of the lodge shooting team. It is likely that all the brethren were part of one of the local militias and shooting was as popular a sport as bowling or golf.

Cross Keys Nov 2016 National Arboretum

Below is the service at the Masonic Memorial Garden at the National Arboretum last No- vember under the auspice of the PGL of Staffordshire. The front cover is also at the Ar- boretum, but is the memorial to the Airborne Forces.

Pause to think!

Answers

1. Corn symbolises plenty, wine is joy and oil for peace—the result and reward of all true work.

2. There are loads! Mine would be perseverance. What is yours?

Cross Keys Nov 2016 Scottish Rite Cathedrals

Continuing from last month, we have the cathedral from Tacoma in Washington State (west coast). Looking at the inside, it clear to see why it is a popular venue for weddings.

Masonic Lodges Worldwide Union Masonic Lodge No.75 located on the Duncan Bypass in Union, South Carolina in the US built in 1957. This carpet must be one of a kind.

Cross Keys Nov 2016 A US Marine Corps Apron

Pearl Harbour

The master with the man, the myth, the legend and Brother, Edward Hall PM, 33rd Degree, Pearl Harbour survivor. His speech to Daylite Lodge No. 44 in Las Vegas under the Grand Lodge of Nevada about his Pearl Harbour experiences was one of the most amazing and moving speeches ever heard in the lodge.

Cross Keys Nov 2016 Bunker Hill Army Lodge No.5

The following is a report by Bro. Alonzo Quint the chaplain of the 2nd Mass Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War:

The intercourse with Masonic brethren was always good. Masons were found to give a brotherly wel- come everywhere. The intercourse, even with ene- mies, was never in the slightest degree prejudicial to loyalty: yet it proved often valuable. The courtesies and helps to prisoners, and to wounded men, [were often touching. The hand of the wounded on the field of battle felt a safeguard even from those just before in conflict, when it found a brother; and the wounded prisoner on the operating-table felt relieved when he knew that a brother's hand held the knife of the surgeon.

Of those eight originally mentioned in the Dispensation, I will recapitulate, with those who were subsequently under the Craft's care: — Colonel Gordon became Brevet Major-General; Chaplain Quint left service in Georgia, by advice of the Surgeon; Lieutenant-Colonel Dwight fell at Antietam nobly; Captain Tucker resigned; Surgeon Leland wounded at Cedar Moun- tain, and resigned; Captain Underwood maimed for life at Wauhetchie, became Brevet Major- General; Lieutenant Sawyer resigned, from ill health, in front of Atlanta; Captain Abbott was killed at Cedar Mountain— a brave soldier.

Of those who received degrees— Lieutenant-Colonel Mudge fell at Gettysburg, bravely lead- ing his men; Lieutenant Wheaton is still in service; Captain Brown served with gallantry until the close of the war. Of the other five, four have been wounded. Of other Masons working with us, Surgeon Heath died of disease in front of Atlanta, a true and noble man. I believe that none of the enlisted men were wounded; except that George H. Ide a Fellow Craft (though not sitting with the Lodge) was killed at Cedar Mountain. The lamented Shaw, then a Captain in the Second, had expressed his determination to offer himself at the first opportunity; but he left to take that position in which he fell at Wagner.

Cross Keys Nov 2016 Lodge 5005 Installation

Five brethren from 242 travelled to Lodge Selsdon Park No.1005 in Croydon so witness Bro. Tony Pearson installed as master. From the left, Bros John Flannagan PM, Garry Forbes PM WJW, Graham Scott PM WSW, Tony, Ian Rogers Master 242 and Brian Smolarek PM.

We wish Bro. Tony and the brethren a happy and successful year.

Jubilee Certificates

Congratulations to Bros John Muir (on the left) and Henry Leslie PM on the presenta- tion of their Jubilee Certificates. Bro. John has actually done 55 years while Big Henry was 50 years to the very night on 13th Oc- tober, 1966. Both were delighted with their certificates and gave suitable replies.

Cross Keys Nov 2016

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Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo PM for proof reading.

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Cross Keys Nov 2016