1

2014

1954

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HOWARD FREEMAN - THIRD DISTRICT GRAND PRINCIPAL

Howard was born in Johannesburg on 24 March 1956. His

late father was Merton Freeman, PDGM and PGSupt of the

Transvaal. From the age of 7, he started travelling with his

family through the Transvaal District as his father and grand-

father attended Masonic meetings.

Howard was initiated into Aviation Lodge in May 1977 and

has been invested as the Third District Grand Principal. His

Masonic achievements include:

Initiated into Aviation Lodge in May 1977

Past Grand Standard Bearer of the Supreme Grand

Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England

Past District Grand Scribe Nehemiah of the District

Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Africa, North

Past First Principal of Transvaal Jubilee Chapter No.

6143 EC

Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies of the

United Grand Lodge of England

Past District Junior Grand Warden of the District Grand

Lodge of South Africa, North

Past Master of Aviation Lodge No. 8471 EC

ANNUAL INVESTITURES IN LONDON - VW Bro. Iain Fraser

Our DGM attended the Annual Investitures of United Grand Lodge and of Supreme Grand Chap-

ter on Wednesday 30 April and Thursday 01 May, in London. He was accompanied by VW Bro.

David Whitfield as well as several of the Brethren and Companions who received Grand Hon-

ours.

In the Craft, first appointments to PAGDC were received by W Bros. Mike Edy, Bernie Krone and

Dr Ron Poole. W Bro. David Whitfield was promoted to PGSwdB, W Bro. Richard Moore to

PSGD and W Bro. Brian McDermott to PJGD.

In the Royal Arch, E Comps. Percy Green and David Johnston received first appointments to

PGStB and E Comp. John Edby to PAGDC. E Comp. Brad Gillies was promoted to PGSoj and E

Comp. Stan Elms to PAGSoj.

Congratulations to all these Brethren and Companions. We wish them many more years of ser-

vice and enjoyment in our District.

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DISTRICT GRAND BANQUET 2014 - W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar

This year’s Charity Banquet was a truly splen-

did occasion. It was held for the first time, in the

re-decorated main Park Lane Dining Room.

The President of the Board of General Purpos-

es, W Bro. Mike Edy and his committee ar-

ranged a sumptuous menu and glittering table

settings, all at two thirds of the cost of the previ-

ous banquet, making it more affordable for the

Brethren and their wives. Well done!

With sherries away, the resplendent ladies and

their penguins took their seats. After grace and

starters, the RW District Grand Master wel-

comed guests and proceeded to the toasts,

ending with a toast to our beautiful yet long suf-

fering ladies.

I delivered a speech and PowerPoint presenta-

tion on behalf of the Manager of the MOTHWA

Med-Step Clinic, who was unable to attend.

Mrs Yolandi McMaster (Accounts Manager)

and Ms Reynecke (Duty Manager), then pre-

sented a certificate of appreciation from the

MOTHWA Med-Step Rehabilitation Clinic to the

RW District Grand Master.

After the delicious main course and just a few

glasses of wine – an outline of the charity do-

nations for the year was explained. The major

recipient, Oliver’s House will utilise the dona-

tion for the building of classrooms in order to

encourage promising students in maths and

science – the essential building blocks of our

country’s future.

The RW District Grand Master made the

presentation to Mr Terence Ferreira (Chairman)

and two of his Board Members, Mrs Helene

Barker and Mr Charles Mahlangu.

In an impassioned response, Mr Ferreira gave

an outline of work successfully undertaken by

Oliver’s House and their enthusiasm for the

new projects of the future.

Dessert and coffee were then served to end a

thoroughly successful Charity Banquet.

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A MASONIC JOURNEY APRIL 2014 - W Bro. Dr. Ron Poole

It was a privilege to find myself awarded Grand Rank and to be invested at Great Queen Street in

London. With the weak South African currency it made sense to visit other places of interest

while in the UK.

First, was to visit Mariner Lodge at the Queen Street Masonic Centre in Brighton (the centre of

Masonry in Sussex) to attend an Initiation. They follow the Emulation ritual with some interesting

differences known as the “Sussex way”. The meeting was preceded with a couple of toots and

followed by a marvellous festive board. Most of us left by taxi which magically appeared after the

function. This was the last opportunity for me to wear my District Regalia and also resulted in an

open invitation to Brighthelmstone Lodge.

A visit to Batemans, Rudyard Kipling’s home in Sussex, run by the National Trust was worth a

visit where his Masonic jewels were on display. Kipling enjoyed his masonry but did not aspire to

rank, which I found surprising from the author of, “The Man Who Would be King”.

My next adventure was to take my sister to Picardy to pay homage to our great uncle who fell

during battle in Pozieres in 1918. We drove across the Somme battlefields and trenches – what a

grim experience! The cemeteries and memorials, of which there are many, are beautifully main-

tained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. We visited several facinating museums

run by the French. Delville Wood has re-grown and is very beautiful with a magnificent carpet of

blue bells in Spring. After the battle, there was one tree left standing, which can still be seen.

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Surprisingly, we did not find any Masonic references or exhibits but we were on another mission.

The grim conditions were probably not conducive to practising Masonry. Nevertheless, one can-

not help but remember the great numbers of Masons who served and fell on both sides and to

remember why we have, until recently, worn black ties. The journey was also a fitting preface to

the Grand Festival at Freemasons’ Hall, which was built as a permanent memorial to those who

lost their lives during the Great War.

Off to London to attend the Craft Investiture. It was a delight to attend a Supreme Council Short

Discussion Meeting and tour of the Duke Street HQ. This was followed by a superb buffet lunch

in the Solarium, which included Cumberland sausage and a fine selection of cheese. Afterwards

we retired to the Great Queen Street Freemasons Hall where the King Edward VII Chapter of

Improvement demonstrated the 4th and 5

th degrees. It was interesting to compare their produc-

tions with those of our St Vitus Chapter.

The great day arrived – Wednesday 30th April. The Investiture was in the afternoon and, prior to

the Meeting, it was quite an experience to see so many Masons in dark suits milling around be-

forehand. This included several brethren from South Africa, North, as well as brethren from oth-

er South African Districts – we appreciated your support. We were guided to dressing rooms

and then to the Grand Temple itself, quite a logistical exercise which was well managed by older

masons directing us through a “rabbit warren”. If you think Park Lane is extensive, think again!

1700 Brethren packed into the Grand Temple. The meeting was opened by our Grand Master,

the Duke of Kent. We, first appointments and promotions to Grand Rank, were carefully collect-

ed by Grand Stewards who walked us with great decorum to the Grand Master himself. The

shaking of hands, investiture as PAGDC and brief exchange of words passed all too quickly. In

future, I will know who I’m toasting as Grand Master at our festive boards - it makes such a dif-

ference! We closed by singing the National Anthem “God save the Queen” – it was so moving.

The Stewards cherish their positions and incur much expense for the privilege, including having

to sojourn through France to seek out and buy suitable wines for the following banquet.

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The Grand Temple is aptly

named. This is beautifully deco-

rated and includes the magnifi-

cent Star Ceiling. No photos are

allowed and all cell phones

were ordered off but I can attest

to the awe inspiring setting.

On to the Connaught Rooms

next door where we were plied

with champagne in the Cham-

pagne Bar and then to the

Grand Connaught Room for a

superb banquet. We were all

served in unison by very pretty

students recruited for the day.

The Grand Connaught room is

bright with huge wall mirrors reflecting the crystal chandeliers. The speeches were well delivered,

the food wonderful and the wine well chosen by the Stewards. Overwhelmed, I retired replete to

my hotel for a cognac nightcap on the patio overlooking Lincolns Inn Fields.

The next day, a shopping trip was necessary to buy a new white shirt. Not easy as the London

shops stock all designs and colours, but a simple white shirt! Having succeeded in my quest I

made my way to meet our DGM and Deputy DGM in Leicester Square. On my way back, I took

the opportunity to browse the regalia shops. Central Regalia and Toye, Kenning & Spencer all

stocked Craft and RA items including books and ties of various orders. It was difficult to resist the

temptation to acquire those items of regalia which are not so readily available here in SA. Unable

to resist, I came away well laden.

The RA Investiture, also in the Grand Temple, was next on my agenda. Now being somewhat

more familiar with the procedure we again enjoyed another professional ceremony, this time as

an observer and finished by again singing “God Save the Queen”. Finally, another lunch in the

Grand Connaught Room.

Finally, on to Heathrow to do battle on the Tube (crowded and recovering from a strike) and with

a very full suitcase. A young lady seeing me struggling with my burden offered me her seat,

which I graciously declined, reminding me that none of us are getting any younger.

In my early days as a Mason, I remember being in awe of the top brass at Installations. I never

thought I would become one of them and never aspired to. My Masonic journey of some 27 years

continues culminating in a marvellous journey to London to receive Grand Rank. My sincere

thanks go to those brethren of our District who gave their support and particularly to VW Bro. Da-

vid Whitfield for arranging such a memorable and fulfilling Masonic week in London.

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ACTIVE CRAFT OFFICERS 2014 - 2015

DepDGM David Whitfield

AsstDGM Chris van Gaalen

AsstDGM Graeme MacKenzie

AsstDGM Brian McDermott

AsstDGM Bernie Krone

Dist SGW David Gurney

Dist JGW Dries Krause

Dist G Chap Vernon van Wyk

Dist G Treasurer Charles Burn

Dist G Registrar Gordon Martin

Pres DistBd GP Mike Edy

Dist G Sec David Pickard

Pres DistBd Benev Brian Kretzschmar

DistGDC Richard Fahrenheim

DistG SwdB Guss Sou thgate

DistG SuptWks Dave Griffiths

DistG Almoner Mike Armour

DistDepGDC Simon Knutton

DistDepGDC Sean Heathcote

DistDepGDC André Ferreira

DistG Mentor Philip Heydenrych

Dist G Orator Dick Glanville

DistSGD John Clüver

DistSGD Charles Fox

DistSGD Ferdi Freyer

DistJGD Tom Korff

DistJGD Roy Menyennett

DistJGD Philip Venn

DistAsstGSec Glenn C Rae

DistAGDC John Dixon

DistAGDC Bill WJ Hynds

DistAGDC Mike Smith

DistAGDC Jean-Paul Tredoux

DistG Org Pieter Wessels

DistGStB J Francois de Coriolis

DistGStB Thys MJ Snyman

DistG Pursuivant Ross SV Cole

DistGStwd Jose (Joe) de Mosquita

DistGStwd Dawid Faul

DistGStwd Bogdan Milewski

DistGStwd Srdjan Obradovitch

DistGStwd Paul Spencer

DistGStwd Peter Veal

DistGTyler Frans F Visagie

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ACTIVE ROYAL ARCH OFFICERS 2014 - 2015

Dep G Supt Tim Smith

2ndDistG Princ David Gamble

3rd Dist G Princ Howard Freeman

Asst to Dist Grand Principals Colin Robinson

PresDCommGP Brad Gillies

DGSE Dave Pickard

DGSN John Stephens

DGTreas Hilary Rosin

DGReg Gordon Martin

DGDC Vaughn Williams

DGSwdB Alan Clothier

DDepGDC Mike Armour

DDepGDC Ian Fraser

DGSoj Richard Stuart

D1stAsstGSoj Richard Woodward

D2ndAsstGSoj Dave W Jones

DAsstGSE Jimmy CA Littlewood

DGStB J Arthur Bremner

DGStB David Hand

DGOrg Dave McNally

DAGDC Philip Cooper

DAGDC Rory Jones

DistGStwd Lance Epstein

DistGStwd Richard Hawthorne

DistGStwd Leighton Shaw

DistGStwd Gijs Spruijt

DistGJanitor Frans Visagie

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“STANDING ROOM ONLY!” - W Bro. Richard Glanville

On 29 July 2014, approximately 270 Brethren, their partners and guests attended a Masonic lec-

ture hosted by Lodge Lyceum, No. 8682 EC. The well attended meeting took place in Temple 1

at FMH.

It was a very special Masonic lecture; as it was delivered by a lady who is not a Freemason.

Mrs Louise Schoeman presented a well researched paper entitled “Freemasonry, a Living Ency-

clopaedia of Ancient Insight and Wisdom”.

Louise, who holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters in Transpersonal Psycholo-

gy, held the audience spellbound as she traced and discussed the history and origins of the eso-

teric knowledge that we accept as part of our Craft. It was amazing to learn that the same princi-

ples and beliefs were common in so many of the ancient cultures of the world, which were, ac-

cording to contemporary history, isolated from each other.

Louise has been researching Freemasonry for 28 years. She started the investigation when con-

fronted with criticism from the local Church in her home town of Vredefort, where her father was

Master of his Lodge. What started as a project to defend her Father became a lifelong quest for

knowledge when she realised the beauty of the principles and tenets of the Order.

The passion that Louise has for her subject came through in the relaxed and erudite manner in

which she made her presentation and this enthralled her audience. Question time was lively but

sadly had to be limited due to the lateness of the hour. Louise has also delivered lectures on the

subject at Wits University and has taken part in radio broadcasts.

The lecture was followed by supper, which regrettably was available to only half of the attendees.

Such was the demand.

The concept of exposing the principles of Freemasonry to our friends and connections through

successful lecture evenings has once again proved the Lyceum slogan: “Moving ahead with Ma-

sonic knowledge”.

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FREEMASONS TO THE RESCUE - W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar

Tyrone is 6 years old and has quadri-

plegic cerebral palsy. As part of his

condition, he has a dislocated left hip

and curvature of the spine to the

right. The orthopaedic surgeon treat-

ing him has indicated his need of a

specialist wheelchair (called a Chunc

45) to balance him. Tyrone is pictured

in his old wheelchair which he has

now outgrown.

The cost of a new wheel chair is

R52 000. The family’s medical aid

was prepared to pay R20 000 to-

wards the wheel chair and the family

needed to raise another R32 000.

Tyrone’s mother, Mandy, is not able to work as she needs to look after him. Eslie, his father is

the only source of income for the family.

The family, needing assistance to acquire this chair, contacted everyone they knew in Rusten-

burg, including the Methodist Church where a number of our Freemasons are parishioners.

W Bro. Bill King, a senior member of our District in Rustenburg, contacted me on the Board of

Benevolence with a plea to assist as after 6 months, the R32,000 was still outstanding. After all

the checks and balances had been done, the District Board of General Purposes agreed to as-

sist. The new adjustable chair which was made overseas has now been delivered, giving the little

lad great relief from pain and putting a smile on his face.

Well done Bill, the driving force behind this project and all the Lodges that have made charitable

donations during the course of the year.

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Top: Consecrating officers of the South Africa, North First Principals Chapter

Below: Newly invested office bearers and founder members at the consecration

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CONSECRATION OF SOUTH AFRICA, NORTH 1ST PRINCIPALS CHAPTER No. 8192

This Oration was given by E. Comp. Richard Moore PGSwbB, Past Deputy Grand Superinten-

dent at the Consecration.

“ME Grand Superintendent, E. Comps, Comps All

At the outset might I thank the Grand Superintendent for the privilege of presenting this Oration.

Described in the Oxford Dictionary as "a formal speech, especially one given on a ceremonial oc-

casion". Comps. I think the occasion qualifies for an Oration.

Those of you who know me and the passion I have for this glorious Order, will know just how

much I appreciate this honour. The consecration of another Chapter so soon after the recent

opening of the Chapter of Friendship in Mauritius, speaks volumes for the ever-increasing enjoy-

ment the District is deriving from this, the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.

I will not bore you with a dissertation on the inexorable link between the Craft and the Royal Arch

as detailed in the Preliminary Declaration, but I do feel compelled to highlight to you, two subse-

quent pronouncements:

In 2007 Grand Lodge issued the following repositioning statement: “The Order of the Holy Royal

Arch is an integral part of Pure Antient Masonry, being the completion of Craft Masonry, AND

THE ESSENTIAL NEXT STEP IN FREEMASONRY FOR All MASTER MASONS."

Our Grand Master, H.R.H. The Duke of Kent, saw fit to comment further on this subject: "A man

can only become a complete Mason when he takes the very important step into the Royal Arch."

There are times that I am vexed and perplexed by what might be described as the contrary be-

haviour of a few Brethren in our District. As the Petitioners and Founders of this new Chapter you

have a primary deep responsibility to ensure the enthusiastic, non negotiable adherence to the

Aldersgate Ritual; such Exaltation and Installation Ceremonies are to be conducted with the ut-

most dignity and decorum that the Ceremonies demand.

I would like to share with you a few thoughts on the other primary objectives of this new Chapter:

The first objective must surely be to provide a vehicle so as to encourage Past Principals to

maintain their on-going enthusiasm for the Order, having completed their term of Office in

the First Principal's Chair of their respective Chapters.

This Chapter is to be considered to have similar well known objectives as that of the Trans-

vaal District Grand Stewards Lodge, whose number it bears.

To give lectures as requested so that the Historical and Symbolical aspects of the Ritual, so

that the Furniture and the Layout of the Chapter may be better understood, appreciated and

thus enjoyed.

To assist Chapters when an office needs to be filled; be it a regular Exaltation or Installation

(reasonable notice Companions is not one hour!)

Every two years or so to demonstrate the Ceremony of “The Passing of the Veils".

Let the Festive Boards be noted for their superb fare and resulting enjoyment.

May the enthusiasm and excitement at the founding of this the South Africa North 1st Principals

Chapter No. 8192 EC prevailing today NEVER diminish. Companions, Thank you. “

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Mission Statement

To demonstrate Royal Arch workings

To act as a service to Chapters

To recruit new members

Suggested Activities:

Demonstration of Exaltation ceremony

Correct way of opening and closing a Chapter

Correct procedure for balloting

Correct way of conducting a candidate

The correct way of showing the signs and their explanation

Demonstration of the Installation Ceremony

Demonstration of procedures for installing Principals

Lectures

Lectures on the ritual – to be given in chapters when requested

General lectures to be given at the request of Chapters

Lectures to be given in Craft Lodges regarding the Royal Arch.

Assist Chapters

Assist Chapters when an Officer is required for exaltation or installation

Walk Through

Explanation of various items and procedures.

Ritual split

Splitting the ritual between the Principals and Sojourners

Quiz

Conducting a quiz within a chapter or between Chapters

Ceremony of the Veils

To be demonstrated every two or three years.

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RW Bro. James van Zyl RW Bro. Prof. Guy Charlesworth

15

DEATH NOTICES - Mrs Fern Rowles

It is with regret that we record the calling of the following Brethren to the Grand Lodge above:

W.Bro. M I Adams PJGD Flame Lily 25/06/2014 Bro. J Botha Pretoria 19/08/2014 W.Bro. J W Caizerques PDistSGD Melrose 12/04/2014 W.Bro. G S E Child PDistGStB Kosmos 03/06/2014 W.Bro. R Cotton PDistAGDC Flame Lily 09/05/2014 W.Bro. S E Dickson PDistJGW Pyramid 24/03/2014 W.Bro. P J L Drysdale PDistJGW Flame Lily 26/08/2014 W.Bro. R W Evans PGStB Golden Harvest 26/08/2014 W.Bro. C A Flint PDistSGW Golden Harvest 01/09/2014 W.Bro. J E Goudge PDistJGD Vrede 24/05/2014 W.Bro. D D Grace PDistSGW Aviation 12/05/2014 Bro. D Granville Roberts Golden Harvest 23/06/2014 W.Bro. N G Hood PAGDC Ionic 10/07/2014 W.Bro. S N Horne PJGD Golden Harvest 18/03/2014 W.Bro. R A Jackson PAGDC Germiston 01/08/2014 Bro. W C Jansen van Rensburg Pietersburg United 12/05/2014 W.Bro. D Kyriazis PDistAGDC Vernon 27/05/2014 W.Bro. J J S Liebenberg PDistSGW King Edward 04/07/2014 W.Bro. D J Malan PDistAGDC Roodepoort 20/06/2014 W.Bro. G M J Nel PDistAGDC Boksburg St John 18/04/2014 W.Bro. V L H Raison PDistJGD Pyramid 16/07/2014 W.Bro. P P Roos PDistSGW Unanimity 04/06/2014 W.Bro. P G Slabbert PGStB Royal Albert 31/03/2014 W.Bro. R G Stott PDistSGW Barberton 06/07/2014 W.Bro. W E Tecklenburg PDistSGW Barberton 28/08/2014 W.Bro. T E Thomas PDistSGW New Zealand 23/06/2014 W.Bro. F C Visagie PDistSGW Ionic 24/03/2014 W.Bro. G Von Moricz PDistJGW Hesperia 16/09/2014 W.Bro. D T Vosloo PDistSGW Hartebeestpoort 11/07/2014 W.Bro. P J B Walker PDistSGW St Michael's 17/06/2014 W.Bro. J E Wardle PDistGStB Corona 14/09/2014 W.Bro. H R Wharton PDistSGW University 19/06/2014 W.Bro. R C Young PDistJGW Civil Service 19/05/2014

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THE CORNERSTONE TEAM

Project leader: VW Bro. Iain Fraser pandifraser@gmail.com 082 377 2396

Editor: W Bro. Vaughn Williams vaughnw@iafrica.com 082 899 5100

Proof reader: Mrs Helen Charlesworth

Repro and layout: Michelle Segalla marketingservices@mweb.co.za

Contributors:

VW Bro. Iain Fraser

Mrs Fern Rowles

E. Comp. Richard Moore

E. Comp. Howard Freeman

W Bro. Dr Ron Poole

W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar

W Bro. Richard Glanville

W Bro. David Pickard

W Bro. Donald Gair

W Bro. Lance Epstein