Cross Keys Masonic Magazine March 2015

Cross Keys March 2015

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

Walking the Road / Seeking the Light March 2015 Number 183

In this issue:

The Essence of Scottish Freemasonry

ISIS Testing Masonic Obligations

George Washington’s Letter

A Masonic Incident

Grand Lodge and Politics

Knight Templar Encampments


The Essence of Scottish Freemasonry

In order to make it clear that Scottish Freemasonry is so very different from that which

exists in other countries especially regarding the interpretation, understanding and pur-

pose of the various elements of the Scottish form of Freemasonry (for example; the An-

cient Landmarks, Ritual, the 'meaning' of Masonic Words, Masonic Symbols, Regalia and

Masonic history) a letter has now been sent to the Secretaries of every Scottish Lodge

which was read in open lodge. The letter refers to a paper entitled 'The Essence of

Scottish Freemasonry' which every Scottish Freemason is encouraged to read:

Recently there has been some discussion as the ‘meaning’ of Scottish Masonic Ritual, Re-

galia and Symbolism. On reading the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Lodge of Scot-

land (GLoS) one could be forgiven in thinking that there were no opinions on these sub-

jects. The silence on the meaning of all aspects of Scottish Freemasonry not only in the

Constitution and Laws but also in other official publications does not mean such opinions

do not exist, quite the contrary. Why then are there no official explanations of any of the

elements of Scottish Freemasonry? This question goes to the crux of what is Scottish Free-

masonry.

The GLoS believes that Scottish Freemasonry is a framework in and around which indi-

viduals undertake their Masonic journey. This view is created partly by the history and

origins of Scottish Freemasonry as well as the psyche of Scots in general. Without going

into too much detail it is sufficient to explain that before the GLoS came into being in

1736 there existed a national network of Lodges, from at least 1598 if not earlier, the

membership of which was comprised of stonemasons and non-stonemasons. There were

Lodges the membership of which was entirely made up of stonemasons (for example, the

Lodge of Journeymen Masons, No.8), Lodges which had no stonemasons as members

(e.g. the Haughfoot Lodge) and Lodges that had both stonemasons and non-stonemasons

as members (e.g. the Lodge of Aberdeen 1ter). These Lodges existed independently of

each other and without any ‘head-office’ to direct them from a central point. This system

was, and to some extent still is, well suited to the psyche of Scottish Freemasons (if not

the population at large). The independence of Lodges before 1736 also translated into a

significant degree of independence for Lodges founded after 1736.

Unlike other Grand Lodges, which have, and use, a great deal more power and authority

than the GLoS, it functions more as a facilitator and advisory body. This non-

authoritarian method of governance is not known to exist elsewhere in the Masonic

world and it has a direct impact on the nature of Scottish Freemasonry. First and fore-

most because participation in Freemasonry is a personal experience which differs from

person to person the meaning of different aspects of Freemasonry can also differ from

person to person. Although there may be a consensus among some Scottish Freemasons

as to what any particular word or symbol might mean there can be other alternative ex-

planations. The letter ‘G’ will suffice to illustrate this point. A Freemason who is a Chris-

tian by faith will usually interpret the letter ‘G’ as G_D but a Freemason who is a Muslim

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



The Essence of Scottish Freemasonry (ctd)

might well reject that idea because he cannot accept that G_D can be reduced to a mere

letter of a human alphabet.1 He will, quite often argue that the letter ‘G’ stands for geo-

metric or perhaps geometry. For similar reasons a Freemason who is Jewish might argue

that ‘G’ stands for goodness – the innate goodness within every human being. There are

several other possible interpretations. Once the GLoS expressed an opinion as to the

meaning of the letter ‘G’ it would become the de facto interpretation and therefore widely

accepted by most Scottish Freemasons. If GLoS provided such interpretations it would, in

effect, create a Scottish Masonic Dogma and which could be used to define Freemasonry

as a religion – something that Freemasons have always rejected.

Scottish Freemasonry is therefore considered to be an individual experience, or journey,

albeit one taken with the help, assistance and guidance of other Freemasons. The mean-

ing and interpretation of Scottish Masonic Ritual, Regalia and Symbolism, for good rea-

son, is not fixed and is left to the interpretation of the individual Freemason. This is one

reason why Scottish Freemasonry remains unique in the world and long may it remain

so.

Bro. Robert L D Cooper, Curator GLoS

Should you have any queries regarding the contents of this email or the ‘The Essence of

Scottish Freemasonry’ please do not hesitate to contact, in the first instance, Brother Rob-

ert L D Cooper, Curator, at: [email protected] Brother Cooper will also be

able to provide copies of the paper on request.



mailto:[email protected]


ISIS Testing the Masonic Obligations

As a Master Mason continues further down the line in the studies of Freemasonry, he

will soon become interested in the Scottish or York Rites. Both Rites continue on with the

Story learned in the Blue Lodge Degrees and emphasize on the lessons taught within the

Blue Lodge. Under the York Rite, the candidate will go from the Royal Arch degree, all

the way to the Knights of Malta and the Knights Templar. The Knights of Malta and

Templar are emblematic of the original military orders organized to protect Christians

traveling through pilgrimage into the Middle East. In the Knights Templar degree the Sir

Knight takes an obligation to defend the Christian faith against any opposed.

Further, under the Scottish rite degrees the candidate learns his responsibility to duty,

charity, toleration, impartial justice, protection of persons and striving to use the princi-

ples of charity, morality and kindness. It is therefore our obligation to tolerate those of

different religious beliefs, political views and protect their right to such beliefs and views.

This obligation is taught to us through out Blue Lodge degrees by learning of toleration

and emphasized further with each degree one progresses. Under the Scottish rite degrees

it is even more our obligation to stand against intolerance and persecution.

Brethren, that intolerance and persecution is occurring as we speak. Regardless, your re-

ligious or political beliefs it is our responsibility to stand up for those who cannot stand

up for themselves. The original military orders had a purpose to protect Christians trav-

eling into the Holy Land; Freemasonry, as a whole, has a purpose of protecting anyone

who is being persecuted.

In the Middle East, Iraq to be exact, an organization has a foothold and is growing sup-

port rather quickly. They are growing support through fear. They earn the fear by killing

innocent individuals and persecuting Christians who live in the country. ISIS, or Islamic

State of Iraq and Al Sham, is teaching intolerance of anyone who disagrees with them on

a religious and political scale by beheading innocent children, raping and killing women

and hanging men. Even if our nations around the world refuse to stop history from re-

peating itself, as seen in Germany, our obligation to do something about ruffians destroy-

ing the beauty and sanctity of the Human Race.

I encourage you, if you know of any brethren in the area to contact to them and remind

them of their obligation. If you are interested in helping we can start a fund to assist the

families in persecution. We can either help get them out of the country or help them go

into hiding. If you are interested in doing something to help, please contact me via email:

[email protected]

Together we can stop tyranny one ruffian at a time. We can show the world the revela-

tion of Love and destroy persecution. We can demonstrate the only thing we as Mankind

are intolerable of is ignorance, despotism, and fanaticism. Let’s be the Freemasons we

were meant to be and shine our light for the world to see.

From Celestial Brotherhood, a Blog about Freemasonry from the eyes of American Soldier Bro. Aaron R. Gardner.


http://www.celestialbrotherhood.com/?m=1


The Archives of the Supreme

Council in Washington contain two

letters signed by Gen. George

Washington. In the one pictured

here, Washington—himself a Free-

mason—expresses his appreciation

to the Grand Lodge of Georgia. He

closes saying, "My best wishes are

offered for the welfare of the frater-

nity, and for your particular happi-

ness."

Bro. Washington’s Letter

Clearly a mason getting married!!


A Masonic Incident

"The day after the battle of Antietam (18th Sept., 1863), the Fifth New Hampshire formed

the picket line along the edge of the [Miller’s] cornfield where Richardson's division

fought. The reserve was in one edge of the corn, and the pickets about middle way of the

field concealed in the corn, as the sharpshooters of the enemy fired on all who undertook

to walk around on the battlefield at that locality. Early in the morning one of the wound-

ed rebels, who lay just outside the pickets, called one of the New Hampshire men, and

handed him a little slip of paper, on which he had, evidently with great difficulty suc-

ceeded in making some mystic signs in a circle with a bit of stick wet in blood.

The soldier was begged to give it to some Freemason as soon as

possible, and he took it to Colonel Edward E. Cross (right), of his

regiment. The Colonel was a Master Mason, but could not read the

mystic token, it belonging to a higher degree. He therefore sent for

Captain J.B. Perry, of the Fifth, who was a also Freemason, and

showed him the letter. Captain Perry at once said there was a

brother Mason in great peril, and must be rescued. Colonel Cross

instantly sent for several brother Masons in the regiment, told the

story, and in a few moments four "brothers of the mystic tie" were

crawling stealthily through the corn to find the brother in distress. He was found, placed

on a blanket, and at great risk drawn out of range of rebel rifles, and then carried to the

Fifth New Hampshire field hospital. He proved to be First Lieutenant Edon of the Ala-

bama volunteers, badly wounded in the thigh and breast.

A few hours and he would have perished. Lieu-

tenant Edon informed his brethren of another

wounded Mason, who, when brought out, proved

to be a Lieutenant Colonel of a Georgia regiment.

These two wounded rebel officers received the

same attention as the wounded officers of the

Fifth, and a warm friendship was established be-

tween men who a few hours before were in mortal

combat. This is one of the thousand instances in

which the Masonic bond has proved a blessing to

mankind."

5th Monument at Gettysburg with inscription.


The following is a description of an admission ceremony into Lodge Royal Arch Maybole

No.198 in Ayrshire about 1800:

A pistol was fired and some person called out, ‘Put him to death.’ He was blindfolded first when

brought into the room, and the covering being afterwards taken from his eyes, he was shown a

stone jug in the corner of the room, and a candle burning in it. He was told by the panel that it

was the representation of God Almighty in the midst of the burning bush.

Andrew was Master of the Lodge, and was reading the third chapter of Exodus. The witness was

desired to put off his shoes, as it was holy ground he stood on; the covering was put down again

on the witness’s face, and he was led under an arch, and, passing under the arch, he was desired

to find the Book of the Law; it was taken up by some other person in the Lodge, who was called

High Priest, and who said he would explain it. The witness was desired to put money on the

book to pay for explaining it to him; the book, he was told, was the Bible. The witness put money

on the book as desired, and John Andrew made observations on the chapter as he read it, but the

witness does not positively remember any of them. Recollects that part of the chapter where the

children of Israel are said to be in bondage. The passport for a Royal Arch Mason was, ‘I Am that

I Am.’ After the above ceremonies, the witness, being taken out of the room, had his coat taken

off and tied on his shoulders in a bundle, and was then brought in; a carpet with a rent in it was

called the veil of the temple. He was led through it, and round the room. A sword was put into

his hand, and he was ordered to use it against all who opposed him as a Knight Templar.

John Andrew read the fourth chapter of Exodus; the witness was desired to throw down the

sword, and was told it was become a serpent; after which he was desired to take it up again, and

was told it was become a rod. Andrew poured ale and porter on the floor, and called it blood.

Witness was shown thirteen burning candles. One in the middle he was told represented Jesus

Christ; the others the Twelve Apostles. Andrew blew out one of the candles, which he called Ju-

das, who betrayed his Master; one of them was dim, and was called Peter, who denied his Mas-

ter. Something on the table under a white cloth being uncovered, was perceived to be a human

skull, which the witness was desired to take up, and view it, and was told it was a real skull of a

brother called Simon Magus. Porter was poured into the skull, which the witness was desired to

drink; he did so, and it was handed round the whole Knights. Andrew put the point of the sword

into it, and then touched witness’s head, saying, ‘I dub thee in the name of the Father, Son, and

Holy Ghost.’ He took an oath ‘to keep the secrets of then Knights Templars, murder and treason

not excepted’: the penalty for revealing was that ‘his body would be rooted up like a fir deal.’

John Andrew was Master at his admission, and at two others at which he was present. The wit-

ness’s impression was that the ceremonies used were a scoffing at religion, and, though he cannot

say positively, he thought they had a tendency to overturn the Government.

This was all in the days when lodges could confer the RA degrees, KT degrees, and vari-

ous others. Despite being against Grand Lodge’s wishes, some lodges carried out this

practice longer then other lodges into the 19th century especially if they felt they were

under Kilwinning’s authority.

18th Century KT Admission Ceremony


PGL Curry Night—Saturday 21st March in Busby 7 for 7pm start

PGL Divine Service— Sunday 26th April in Cathcart Congregational Church 2.30 for

3pm start

PGL Tri-Annual Communication—Monday 27th April in Lodge 347 Rutherglen at

7.30pm.

PGL News

Fellowship Without Frivolity & Education without Philosophy

3. Whenever Masons decide to hold a function for fellowship, a discussion typically

ensues about how to make the function have the smallest impact on the lodge’s

coffers and the wallets of the members. This results in paper plates, meager meals,

and boring events. To spend money wisely in order to make fellowship a grand

time is wise for the lodge that wants to be successful.

4. Many times, we think of Masonic education as being a lesson on the local lodge’s

history, a famous Mason, the history of the world wide fraternity, or how to do the

ritual properly. But if no philosophy is covered in Masonic education, then little self

improvement is accomplished. Discussing Masonic lessons in terms of philosophy,

ideas, and a man’s conduct is what truly transforms men into Masons. It is im-

portant to discuss topics that are foreign to a lodge’s membership and it is some-

times even necessary to challenge our preconceived ideologies through Masonic ed-

ucation.

From Seven Blunders o f the Masonic World (email) - continued from last month.


The Grand Lodge of Scotland has always distanced its self from becoming involved in

politics—or has it? In 1760, The Grand Lodge recorded that:

"It having been thereafter Represented to the Grand Lodge That as an Honourable Body of Gentle-

men in this Country had Entered into a determined Resolution against Giving Vails (drink vouch-

ers rather than money) to Servants which being a pernicious practice and Detrimental to

Society the Grand Lodge would Consider of the Same Whereupon the Grand Master and Grand

Lodge Recommended to the Committee to make up a Scroll of a Resolution against this Practice

and Report the same to the Grand Master."

Consequently, the following “Scroll of Advertisement” was prepared by the Grand Secre-

tary and approved by the Grand Master, and at “his desire published in all the Edin-

burgh News Papers for Notification to the General Lodges”:

A Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, lately held in Mary’s Chapel, hav-

ing taken into their consideration, the prevailing practice of giving vails, or drink money to serv-

ants, did unanimously resolve, to do everything in their power to remove the same. The zeal of

Free masons for the welfare of the publick, and their readiness to promote every laudable purpose,

will easily prevail on them to endeavour to discourage this practice, as by it the virtues of many

servants have been destroyed and their pride and licentiousness increased; and, besides, as it has a

tendency to obstruct that kind hospitality and disinterested friendship which the fraternity always

wish to diffuse. The Grand Lodge, reckon themselves obliged to declare to all under their jurisdic-

tion, their dislike of any custom prejudicial to the principles of Masons, and to require the officers

of every lodge in Scotland, to intimate and recommend the above resolution in the first meeting,

after it comes to their hands.

By command of the Right Honourable, and Most Worshipful DAVID Earl of Leven and Grand

Master Mason of Scotland.

Alexander McDougal, G. Secretary

This resolution was forwarded to all lodges, and by 1762 the practice of distributing vails

was abolished.

This was a hugely populist debate at the time, and very much in the public eye so should

the Grand Lodge today become involved in topical debates? Perhaps environmental is-

sues where they do not need to be affiliated to one political party. This would certainly be

one way to put the Craft into the public awareness in a positive way and maybe attract

more men who recognise its relevance to society.

Grand Lodge and Politics


March Events in 242

Thursday 12th—EA by OBs

Thursday 26th—Visitation by PGL & Talk by Bro. Gordon

Fleming Asst. PG Tres.

Visit:

Friday 20th—St. Andrew Annan No.1443 to confer the MMMD

A Common Problem?

Many lodges are now finding it difficult to maintain the numbers from before and mer-

gers are more and more common. For example, under the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania,

the following mergers were passed at the last communication:

Richmond Lodge No. 230 merged with Solomon’s Lodge No. 3, both of Philadel-

phia, to be known as Richmond-Solomon’s Lodge No. 3.

Harry A. Houseman Lodge No. 717, Bristol, merged with Widener- Apollo-

Kensington Lodge No. 211, Philadelphia, to be known as Houseman Lodge No. 211.

MacCalla Lodge No. 596 merged with Shiloh Lodge No. 558, both of Souderton, to

be known as Shiloh-MacCalla Lodge No. 558.

Dallas-Lafayette Lodge No. 396, Easton, merged into Easton Lodge No. 152, to be

known as Easton Lodge No. 152.

Lafayette Lodge No. 652 merged with Centennial Lodge No. 544, both of Carnegie,

to be known as Centennial-Lafayette Lodge No. 544.

Milnor Lodge No. 287 merged with Dallas Lodge No. 231, both of Pittsburgh, to be

known as Dallas Lodge No. 231.

Perhaps some Scottish lodges which meet in one premises should consider this option?


Yet another one bites the dust!

The Masonic lodge in St. Louis, Missouri has found the cost of maintaining the build-

ing to be too high. It was felt that money could be better spent on charity work, updat-

ing technology, and other services. The brethren, however, continue to meet at the

building, but most of the space is unused.

The temple itself has seen its brushes with

history and history-making persons. It

houses the former officer of then-Senator

and Free Mason Grand Master Harry Tru-

man, prior to his becoming President of the

United States. And before flying solo to Par-

is aboard the Spirit of St. Louis, Charles

Lindbergh was initiated as mason at the

temple. Actor Ernest Borgnine, a mason,

not only attended meetings there, but also

filmed a scene on the temple steps for the

1980 film Escape from New York.

Ground breaking for the temple took place

in 1923, with the dedication and opening

happening in 1926 so sadly it has not

reached 100 year old before its use will

change..


One Saved?

From the Alburquerque Journal.

On its Facebook page, Save the Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple has a posting on Feb. 6 say-

ing, “We are pretty excited that Paramount Pictures is filming at the Scottish Rite for most

of February.” When it asked if anyone knows the star of the film, most people who post-

ed an answer said “Tina Fey.”

We’ve said before we think the movie version of the book “The Taliban Shuffle” about a

journalist’s experiences in Afghanistan is being filmed here. And Paramount is the studio

behind that venture.

A little ad in the Green Fire Times showing activities at the Scottish Rite gives the name

of the film being shot as “Fun House.” Sounds like an appropriate working title for the

black comedy.

And the building’s architecture has a distinctly Moorish character, which might be able

to extend to a Kabul setting…


London Hotel

The Andaz Hotel in Liverpool Street in London has a hidden gem only discovered recent-

ly during some re-construction work—the building is notable also for its inclusion of two

Masonic Temples. An Egyptian temple in the basement and a Grecian temple on the first

floor. Caledonian Lodge No.134, a lodge of Scottish Masons, met at the Eastern (its for-

mer name) from 1920 to 1947.

Built in 1912, this forgotten chamber is a pure jewel of luxury, and probably one of the

most grandiose Masonic temples in London. Neoclassic in style, the windowless room is

known as the "Grecian Temple." The opulent room includes an organ, hand-carved ma-

hogany chairs, bronze candelabras on claw feet, and no less than 12 different types of

marble used in the floor, columns, and walls. The celling, a blue and gold dome, bears a

five-pointed “blazed star” and zodiac signs. The room conforms to the classic Masonic

temple setting with a checkerboard floor and discreet esoteric insignias.

A Masonic lodge in a hotel sounds a bit inappropriate nowadays, but in the 19th century

Great Britain it was unusual but not unheard of. At the time, being part of a fraternal or-

ganization was very popular among gentlemen, and railway hotels developed a large va-

riety of facilities to become more competitive. Having a Masonic lodge was a plus if you

wanted to attract a certain class of patronage. In the case of the Great Eastern Hotel, free-

masons helped to construct the hotel, and they were secretly given a room that enabled

them to gather for rites.


Committee of Correspondence

Need a Torch?

One of the most common sights in a town was the

local lodge procession—even Johnstone used to

process from the lodge to the master’s house on

St. John’s Day in December. And always at night

used torches—sadly no more. This was an advert

from a ritual book!

Bro. John Rowe Grand Master of Massachusetts in 1773, the owner of the ship Eleanor,

writes in his journal that he knew nothing about the raid of the Boston Tea Party led from

St. Andrew’s Lodge in Boston. It was such a momentous event that he felt it was neces-

sary to include his lack of knowledge in the Grand Lodge Proceedings! Smell a rat?

Never!


Thought of the Month

Francis Stephens, the Duke of Lorraine, received the first two Masonic degrees in 1731 in

a special lodge convened at The Hague, Holland, becoming the first known royal freema-

son. Later he received the third degree in England. In 1735 renounced his title.

The following excerpt is worthy of a mention as it contains the old names of the offices that al-

tered during the changes made under Great Priory rather than Royal Grand Conclaves, etc. The

Girvan Encampment (now preceptory) met in their hall in Struthers Street, Glasgow to confer the

grade of Knight of Malta. It was agreed to postpone the installation as this ceremony would be

conducted by Great Priory coming from Edinburgh. The list of officers is interesting - the follow-

ing shows the old name and current name today (although I probably haven't got this exactly

correct in terms if same or similar office):

Commander Prior Generalissimo 1st Lt

Deputy Commander Captain-General Central Captain 2nd Lt

Substitute Commander Lt-General Senior Captain The Hospitaller

There are other offices in which I'm not sure if they have the same such as captains of the Black,

Red and Blue, masters of Cavalry, Infantry and a Drill Master. Looking through the list of officer-

bearers, it would be confusing to a Knight of Malta OB today to recognise much.

Knight Templar Encampments


In Memoriam

The dead are like the stars by day … withdrawn from mortal eye… yet not extinct that hold their way

In glory through the sky… .Spirits of bondage thus set free… .Vanish amidst immensity… While hu-

man thought… .Like human sight… .Fail to pursue…. Their trackless flight.

It is with deep sadness and much regret that we have to inform you of a loss sustained to the

craft in Renfrewshire in the passing to the Grand Lodge above of the following Brother:

Bro. Alex McKay


Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo IPM 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://issuu.com/home


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

Documents

Cross Keys Masonic Magazine March 2015