Cross Keys April 2013

Cross Keys April. 2013

The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone

Walking the Road / Seeking the Light April 2013 Number 166

In this issue:

Education in Renfrewshire East

Freemasonry in South Africa

Masonic Villages Part 2

Preston’s Illustrations

Thee Freemason—an old magazine

The ABF

PGL RW Installation

Masonic Notices


The main emphasis for the PGL Commission in Renfrewshire East is to identify Educa-

tion & Training and Enlightenment needs across the Province and to supply the neces-

sary Training & Development requirements as identified.

We are seeking to Educate and Enlighten all who wish to be Educated and Enlightened in

the basic teachings and meanings of the Degree System. Besides having better informed

and more knowledgeable Masons, we believe this will have a positive impact on reten-

tion of membership.

We also recognise that for those who aspire to higher office, some form of Training & De-

velopment will be beneficial to the individual and to his lodge. We have men who aspire

to the Chair who have little or no experience in Leadership, Chairmanship, Public Speak-

ing or in Managing People. PGL hopes to supply those requirements by offering every

assistance open to us including the provision of Professional Standard Training & Devel-

opment.

Training & Development and the Enlightenment of our Brethren is a basic right to which

every member is entitled.

We are fortunate to have within the Commission, a Human Resources Manager, a Uni-

versity Doctor & Lecturer, a Private School Head of Department and from the Lodges,

several Teachers and Management Development Professionals who are more than will-

ing to be involved in our Education Programme.

We have looked, initially, at three main areas:

( i ) New / Newer Members

The introduction of a Mentoring Programme is a priority for the Province. We aim to

identify Brethren who are best suited to this type of work and to provide the training

they will require in order to properly fulfil this vital role. A Seminar to kick start our

Mentoring Programme will take place in the premises of Lodge Nitshill 1478 on the

morning of Saturday 20th April, 2013 when the concept of Mentoring will be fully ex-

plained along with what is required to be a successful Mentor.

( ii ) Experienced Masons

Besides exposure to all that we aim to make available to the New/Newer Member, we

plan to provide to the more experienced Mason an opportunity for “Personal Develop-

ment” in the form of a range of Seminars including:

Leadership – Chairmanship – Coaching

Masonic Education in the PGL of Renfrewshire East


Masonic Education in the PGL of RE ctd

Such Training & Development will, we trust, lead to better equipped RWMs and there-

fore better Lodges.

In addition our more experienced members are entitled to a fuller exposure to the Craft,

its History, the Aims & Relationships and the Challenges ahead. This can be achieved

through a number of means.

Papers – Lectures – Presentations – Seminars – Lodge Publications (magazines ) etc.

(iii) Job Specific Training

In addition to the Enlightenment , Education and Personal Development outlined above ,

there is a clear need for continuous Job Specific Training such as for, Secretaries , Treasur-

ers , Almoners and of course masters.

Whilst many are long serving and experienced in their respective roles, change is all

around us and these key Office Bearers should not be overlooked.

When there is a change in personnel in these offices, we require ensuring that the new

incumbent has the necessary training in that role and not being dependant on him

“picking it up” from his predecessor.

Regular Seminars will be planned for these Office Bearers, where knowledge, experience

and best practice can be shared.

Summary

In Renfrewshire East we have a Commission committed to the ongoing

provision of Masonic Education in its many forms. It is our aim, with the support of the

Lodges, to achieve the following:

better informed & more knowledgeable Brethren

improved retention rate

better qualified aspirants for the higher offices

more fruitful engagement of Brethren / Lodges / PGL


Freemasonry in South Africa

In South Africa, brethren have to travel huge distances to attend lodges, some

lodges are a 6/7 hour drive from home and usually meet on a Saturday. The DGL

actually do the workings at an installation, from all the offices to addressing the

new RWM, so it takes quite a dedicate team of brothers to carry this out. It not done

by the lodge itself.

In South Africa there is a high rate of crime, therefore as the brethren get older, leav-

ing their wife's at home alone is a worrying factor. Most meetings here start around

7.30 with the visitors coming into the lodge at 8. Then we have the Harmony after-

wards, and because we have plenty of visitors who bring greetings from their own

lodge, this can be lengthy time and sometimes you only get finished after 11 at

night, we have a rule that the lodges close at midnight.

1. We hold meetings right throughout the year, most lodges closing down for

Christmas or the New Year as the brethren are away on holiday, we like to get back

into the swing of the New Year with a Burns Nicht starting around the 2nd week of

January.

2. It is possible to attend an English, Irish and the Grand Lodge of South Africa

workings here and one can actually attend lodge 5 times a week and if you're really

keen and don't mind travelling even Saturdays.

3. The meetings here mostly have a Festive-board, (Harmony) after the meetings in

a dining hall, this can take the form of a finger supper or even a cooked meal, dur-

ing which the Master will ask the visitors to reply and bring greetings, (rather for-

mal) but one gets to meet and greet other masons over a meal and drink in a very

friendly atmosphere.

4. We very seldom do more than one candidate at a meeting, so the night belongs to

that brother only and makes it very special for him.

5. It has been a custom of this district to ask the Reigning Masters from other lodges

to partake in a working, this way it ensures that you will have more visitors at the

meeting, plus the workings are of a very high standard.

6. Because of the times, at an Installation there are more Past Masters and District

Grand Lodge officers present than MM, so all below Installed masters are asked to

leave the Lodge for a short while as we carry out the Board of Installed Masters

working, this is when the new Master receives his signs, token and words, a lovely

working and well worth seeing over and over, this is generally carried out by our

DGL Officers and not as you guys do, the past masters of the Lodge.

Bro John A. Grant

Hon WSGD of the Grand Lodge Of Scotland,

PSDGM of Central South Africa,

PM of Lodge Braemar No.1469


Derelict Lodge, NY

The sad pictures show the state of decay in an old German masonic home in Tappan, NY.

It comprised of a chapel, sitting rooms, meeting room, kitchen and three residential floors

for the Masonic Home, where members were able to live free of charge. When you literally

can’t build them like this anymore, it’s sad when you can’t find a purpose for the ones

that remain. The photos show a selection of the building today. For fuller details, click on

the first picture.

The land for the site, 20 acres in all, was purchased by the German Masons in 1872 for $14,500;

construction on the

Hall began in 1906

and finished in

1909. From then un-

til 1983, the building

was a residence hall

for Masons and

their kin in an at-

tempt to “shield the

individual against

the blasts of an ad-

verse fate,” accord-

ing to a Masonic

historian.

http://www.scoutingny.com/?p=5199


Masonic Villages of Pennsylvania Part 2

Founded as The Masonic Home of Pennsylvania in 1871, this facility was originally a haven for poor and

sick Pennsylvania Freemasons and their family members, relocating in 1976 from Philadelphia to Mont-

gomery County.

To fulfill the original vision of the Pennsylvania Masonic founders,

which was to offer three Masonic Homes across the Commonwealth,

plans began in 2002 for the Masonic Home of Pennsylvania and the

Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to become one Masonic Homes family.

A task force was formed to review daily operations to enhance ser-

vices currently provided at all locations. A survey was conducted of

members in the five-county area nearest to the Masonic Home of

Pennsylvania and the Masonic Eastern Star Home-East in Warmin-

ster to determine at which location prospective residents prefer to

receive nursing, personal care and retirement living services.

The results indicated that there was sufficient interest in both facili-

ties to support the continuation of services at both locations. The decision was made to move forward with

the union. The Lafayette Hill community became part of the Masonic Villages on Jan. 1, 2004.

In 2006, renovations to the health care and personal care areas were completed, which included a new din-

ing room for personal care residents and an updated one for health care residents. A new therapy suite and

spa were also built. By summer 2007, 21 new retirement living apartments were converted from 13 previ-

ous personal care apartments and a retirement living dining room and bistro were constructed. The Ken-

neth Mills Auditorium, bowling alley, recreation room and administrative offices were refurbished during

this phase. The second part of this phase includes upgrades to the remainder of the retirement living apart-

ments.

In 2007, pre-marketing began for 85 new retirement living apartments proposed to be built and connected

to the front of the existing building. The new apartments would extend our services to up to 170 additional

seniors.


Our Namesake

JOHNSTOWN, New York - most

residents of this area are familiar

with the name Sir William Johnson

and the historic landmarks associ-

ated with his settlement of the re-

gion.

But part of Johnson's legacy lives on

in relative obscurity in a stately brick

building on North Perry Street. In

1766, Johnson founded St. Patrick's

Lodge No. 4, a local branch of the

fraternity of Freemasons, whose

members included nearly every prominent landowner in upstate New York.

The lodge - named after the patron saint of Johnson's native Ireland and the fourth estab-

lished in New York - began as a small, exclusive organization made up of Johnson and

his closest associates. Its first meetings took place in Johnson's home. The lodge survived

its founder's death and the American Revolution and went on to thrive for generations.

The Cross Keys

What do 242 and Lodge St. James Tarbolton

Kilwinning No.135 have in common?

The Cross Keys was also a public house in

which the lodges met—one in the High Street

in Johnstone the other in the main road of Tar-

bolton. It is where Lodge St. James Tarbolton

No.135 reconstituted in 1782. Here the Lodge

was meeting when the three sons of the poet

were made Honorary Members of St. James,

9th August 1844. Now demolished but a hal-

lowed spot.


History of Warrant No.242

Abbey Lodge No.242 (IC) originated

from Boyle in southern Ireland, in the

County of Roscommon. The lodge is

a very old building and entering the

lodge room is similar to a time warp

of the 18th Century. It contains fur-

niture and floor clothes from that era

with degrees relating to Royal Arch

Excellence and High Knight Templar.

The original warrant was dated 20th March 1754, but returned to GLoI in 1763 and

The Roscommon Militia was issued with the warrant in 1808 from

Grand Master Seton probably in August 1806, confirmed by Grand

Lodge 17th September 1807 and settled in Boyle in 1817. Duplicate

warrants were issued over the period due to be lost in conflicts when

the lodge chest may have been left or taken. The militia merged with

the 88th Regiment of Foot, The Connaught Rangers (who had two

lodges attached to it 1821 and 1907) and prepared for war with Napo-

leon. Its membership comprised of mainly NCOs and Roman Catho-

lics. The lodge met in various homes of retired officers until their lodge building in

Boyle was acquired.

Following establishment of the independent Irish Free State in 1922, the five regi-

ments, which included the Connaught Rangers, that had their traditional recruiting

grounds in the counties of the new state were disbanded. On 12 June the Rangers

Colours, along with those of five other Irish regiments, were laid up in a disband-

ment ceremony in Windsor Castle.

In January 2001 after its amalgamation with Concord Lodge No. 854 (IC) which also

had a military warrant, it become know as “Abbey Concord”.


The Excellency of Masonry Displayed

Whoever attentively observes the objects which surround him, will find abundant reason to

admire the works of Nature, and to adore the Being who directs such astonishing opera-

tions: he will be convinced, that infinite wisdom could alone design, and infinite power fin-

ish, such amazing works. Were a man placed in a beautiful garden, would not his mind be

affected with exquisite delight on a calm survey of its rich collection? Would not the groves,

the grottoes, the artful wilds, the flowery parterres, the opening vistas, the lofty cascades,

the winding streams, the whole variegated scene, awaken his sensibility; and inspire his

soul with the most exalted ideas? When he observed the delicate order, the nice symmetry,

and the beautiful disposition of every part, seemingly complete in itself, yet reflecting new

beauties on the other, and all contributing to make one perfect whole, would not his mind

be agitated with the most bewitching sensations; and would not the view of the delightful

scene naturally lead him to admire and venerate the happy genius who contrived it?

If the productions of art so forcibly impress the mind with admiration, with how much

greater astonishment and reverence, with how much greater astonishment and reverence

must we behold the operations of Nature, which presents to view unbounded scenes of util-

ity and delight, in which divine wisdom is most strikingly conspicuous? These scenes are

indeed too expanded for the narrow capacity of man to comprehend; yet whoever contem-

plates the general system, form the uniformity of the plan must naturally be directed to the

original source, the supreme governor of the world, the one perfect and unsullied beauty!

Beside all the pleasing prospects that everywhere surround us, and with which our senses

are every moment gratified; beside the symmetry. good order, and proportion, which ap-

pear in all the works of creation, something further attracts the reflecting mind, and draws

its attention nearer to the Divinity - the universal harmony and affection among the differ-

ent species of beings of every rank and denomination. These are the cements of the rational

world, and by these alone it subsists. When they cease, nature must be dissolved, and man,

the image of his Maker and the chief of his works, be overwhelmed in the general chaos.

In the whole order of beings, for the seraph which adores and burns, down to the meanest

insect, all, according to their rank in the scale of existence, have, more or less, implanted in

them, the principle of association with others of the same species. Even the most inconsider-

able animals are formed into different ranks and societies, for mutual benefit and protec-

tion. Need we name the careful ant, or the industrious bee; insects which the wisest of men

has recommended as patterns of unwearied industry and prudent foresight? When we ex-

tend our ideas, we shall find, that the innate principle of friendship increases in proportion

to the extension of our intellectual faculties; and the only criterion by which a judgement

can be formed respecting the superiority of one part of the animal creation above the other,

is by observing the degrees of kindness and good-natured in which it excels. Such are the

general principles which pervade the whole system of creation; who forcibly then must

such lessons predominate in our assemblies, where civilisation and virtue are most zeal-

ously cherished, under the sanction of science and the arts?


Sunday 21st April, 2013—PGL Divine service in Stowe Brae Kirk, 82 Causeyside Street,

Paisley. PA1 1YP at 3pm. All brethren welcome—regalia to be worn.

Monday 29th April, 2013—Tri-Annual Communication of the PGL in Barrhead

SPECIAL EVENT

The “Showcase Event” for the PGLRE will take place in the Redhurst Hotel, 27

Eastwoodmains Road, Giffnock, Glasgow G46 6QE on Saturday 22nd June, 2013.

PGL News

GL News

My 12 year old son, 8 year old daughter and I will walk 25 times round Ibrox Stadium on 28th April, 2013 to raise

money for the Army Benevolent Fund supported by the Rangers Charity Foundation. With more troops returning

from Afghanistan, the fund is in requirement of much needed assistance. The sum raised will also be part of the

PGLRE which has the ABF as their nominated charity for 2013.

If you had it, would you give it? Just click below to go to the webpage—alternatively see Grant.

http://www.justgiving.com/user/40757377

Army Benevolent Fund—the Soldiers’ Charity

On 13th April, a new lodge called Quis Separabit – Irish Guards Masonic Lodge No 960

will be Constituted at 2.30pm in the Freemason’s Hall, Rosemary Street, Belfast by the

Grand Master, Most Worshipful Bro George Dunlop. Watch this space for further info.

The 4th International Conference on the History of Freemasonry will be held in Freema-

sons' Hall, Edinburgh, 24 - 26 May 2013. SEE PAGE for DETAILS.

http://www.justgiving.com/user/40757377


The heading has been taken from the newsletter of the GL, a new initiative in 1954. The

GL has formed a committee on masonic culture to assist brethren to increase their knowl-

edge and to provide members with an effective medium to present the 'state of the Craft'

in Pennsylvania. This was at the same time the GLoS produced its first yearbook (1952)

which has been a success ever since. However, the GL of Pennsylvania has a number of

initiatives from various publications to online materials to help new candidates and

brethren. We need to take a step back and look at what we require now. Is it education/

enlightenment, is it more functions at GL or is it special meetings where brethren can

meet the Grand Master Master? It would be useful to ask brethren what they would like

as we now appear to be in a world that seek information at an ever increasing rate. How-

ever, we don't need to jump on the bandwagon, but we should attempt to listen to our

brethren - many have great ideas.

The Grand Master of Pennsylvania, Bro. Ralph M. Lehr, concluded in the first edition that

" we, the present membership, are the custodians of the moral, religious and philosophi-

cal doctrines of our institution, and upon us its future depends. We reflect its virtues in

our daily lives and associations and thereby create the desire in the hearts of youth and

adults to become Freemasons."

Over the next couple of months, I will quote some excepts from the articles in the news-

letter.


April Events in 242

Thursday 11th—MMD by St. Barchan No.156

Thursday 25th—EAD by OBs

Sunday 28th - DIVINE SERVICE in 242 at 2.30 for 3pm

Visit:

Thursday 4th April—FCD at Craigends 1042 (Linwood) at

7.30pm

Sir William Wallace RAC -

18th April—EM at 7.30pm

Freemasonry came to India in 1730 with officers of the East India Company holding their meet-

ings in Fort William, Calcutta. In Hyderabad, it was started in 1810 and now has about 17 lodges

(branches) in the twin cities with about 700 members.

The ‘secretive’ Freemasons, the stuff of lore, have opened up their doors for the public to know

what the group is all about. After staying closed for more than two centuries in India, the group

held its ‘Divine ceremony’ last month and

allowed media and public to be part of it.

The ceremony was held at the three-

century-old Goshamahal Baradari Masonic

Building here on Saturday. The city last

played host to such an event 22 years ago.

The service was conducted by Grand Mas-

ter of Grand Lodge of India Vasudev J. Ma-

surekar. Dressed in the customary dress,

the Grand Master and his subordinates

marched up to the stage in a procession

holding different religious scriptures.

After a brief welcome address, a few verses from the Bhagavad-Gita, Quran, Bible, Guru Granth

Sahib and Zend Avesta were read and their meanings explained in English so as to emphasise

oneness and commonality of all religions.

India Opens its Doors


Freemasons’ Day, Canada

The Queen leaves Hospital in Safe Hands

The 86-year-old monarch spent just 24

hours at King Edward VII Hospital in

central London after she developed

symptoms of gastroenteritis. She said

good bye to her nurse dressed with an

interesting belt depicting craft and RA

symbols. It was given to nurses who

graduated from the Royal Masonic Hos-

pital in London which closed in 1992.

In whom else would you put your trust?

A cemetery service was held in Halifax at the end of last month as just one event to

commemorate the beginning of Freemasonry in Canada. Masonic officials will lay a

wreath at the burial site of Major Erasmus James Philipps who was the Provincial

Grand Master of Nova Scotia.

Members of the 40th Regiment, Philipps mother regiment, will fire a volley of mus-

kets in honour of the occasion. The levee will be held at the Freemasons Hall in Hali-

fax, 165 Coronation Ave., and is open to the public.

Premier Darrell Dexter declared 30th March to be Freemasons’ Day in Nova Scotia

and will sign a proclamation. The mayor of Halifax, will also sign the proclamation.

Will the UK ever have a Freemasons’ Day?

http://www.skirret.com/papers/erasmus_james_phillips.html


The ABF

On Sunday the 24th March, Bro. James Gregory attended the charity concert in the Glas-

gow Cathedral hosted by the Co-Op funeral care which was in aid of ABF The Soldiers

Charity. The Glasgow Phoenix Choir were performing and it was a fantastic perform-

ance.

Among the V.I.Ps. was the Lord Dean of Guild Douglas T Boyd OBE, Margo Clark Bail-

lie of Glasgow Council and Staff, MP Ian Davidson Members of River City, And the

members of the Parachute Regiment.

The 4th International Conference on the History of Freemasonry will be held in Freemasons' Hall,

Edinburgh, 24 - 26 May 2013.

There is no doubt that this International Conference has become an established event in Aca-

demic and Masonic calendars. The success of ICHF in Virginia, USA, in 2011 ensured its Interna-

tional credentials. This is reinforced by the fact that ICHF 2015 will be held in Toronto, Ontario,

Canada.

A download of the Preliminary Program with details of papers to be presented, social events and

available accommodation is now available by clicking here or on the previous link.

To download a 'stand alone' booking form click here or on the previous link. ICHF has its own web site at:

www.ichfonline.org which contains more information and also has images and other material from previous confer-

ences.

This year we are fortunate to have three Scots speaking at the conference—Bros. Iain McPhee SPGM

RE, Grant Macleod PG Sec RE and David McLean PM.

http://www.grandlodgescotland.com/images/stories/ICHF2ndannouncement03_13.pdf

http://www.grandlodgescotland.com/images/stories/ICHF2ndannouncement03_13.pdf

http://www.grandlodgescotland.com/images/stories/ICHFBookingForm.pdf

http://www.grandlodgescotland.com/images/stories/ICHFBookingForm.pdf

http://www.ichfonline.org


PGL Renfrewshire West Installation

On Saturday 16th March, 2013, Bro. Jim Livingstone was installed as the PGM of RW, our

sister Province in Greenock with approximately 220 brethren in attendance. The deputa-

tions being piped in with seven pipers was impressive and the ceremony was conducted

with the GMM’s usual dignity mixed with humour. A superb meal followed and despite

our PGM’s toast to PGLRW (just joking John!), the speeches were entertaining without

being too long and all must be congratulated. Overall, a very good day was had by all the

brethren.

Below Bro. Jim is pictured with the GMM Bro. Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of

Esslemont and Depute GMM Bro. Alex Galbraith.


Thought of the Month

In Fascist Spain under Franco, it was a crime to be a freemason. Masons convicted had to

serve prison terms equal in years to the number of Masonic degrees possessed. For

example a MM served 3 years—no doubt a murderer received community service!

A Fine Lodge

Charity Lodge No. 69 under the GL of Nova Scotia his a fine example of a masonic tem-

ple with all the furnishings and can only make a candidate impressed. The pictures need

no explanation—they speak for themselves.


Masonic Notices 1929

From the Columns

On Thursday 28th, the PGL RE visited the lodge and presented a clear min-

ute. The PGM Bro. John S. Miller was made an Honorary Member of the

lodge—the first since Bro. Alex Hutton PPGM who recently died. The mas-

ter, Bro. George Barclay (seen below with Bro. John), pointed out that it was

not a one out one in policy although white smoke was seen above the

lodge! The master obligated Bro.

John and welcomed him into the

lodge.

However, in order to fully merit the

honour, he then had to deliver a lec-

ture on The Symbolism of the EA as

part of the James Donald Annual

Lecture. This was very well re-

ceived by a packed Social Club and

helped produce a great atmosphere

in the harmony.


Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo WSW 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.

To submit an article, contact the Editor: Grant Macleod

E-Mail: [email protected]

Lodge Website www.lodge242.co.uk

http://www.circlepublications.com/

http://www.facebook.com/groups/171263879572502?ap=1

http://issuu.com/home

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.lodge242.co.uk/

Documents

Cross Keys April 2013