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Scottish masonic magazine with articles relating to the Craft around the world.
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Cross Keys Nov 2013
The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone
Walking the Road / Seeking the Light November 2013 Number 170
In this issue:
Power
Sir William Johnson
The All Seeing Eye
Scottish Connection in Florida
Who are the Freemasons?
Dunbartonshire Masonic Association
Death of Masonic Halls
Cross Keys Nov 2013
Power
Throughout history, kings killed to get power and kings killed to keep power. In a real sense, Bro.
George Washington had the power...and gave it up...twice. The first time was when he resigned
his commission as General of the Continental Army in 1783.
When the American-born painter Benjamin West was in England painting the portrait of King
George III, the King asked what General and Bro. Washington planned to do now that he had
won the war. West replied: "They say he will return to his farm." King George exclaimed: "If he
does that, he will be the greatest man in the world."
Later, after serving two terms as President, Bro. Washington decided to return to his Mt. Vernon
farm. This was similar to Roman leader Cincinnatus, who twice led the Roman Republic to victo-
ry in battle then returned to his farm, resisting the temptation to be dictator. The world watched
in unbelief as President and Bro. George Washington delivered his Farewell Address, September
19, 1796, stating: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion
and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism
who should labor to subvert these great Pillars..."
Bro. Washington continued: "Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be
maintained without religion< Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national mo-
rality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle< Morality is a necessary spring of popular
government...Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake
the foundation? . . . And of fatal tendency...to put, in the place of the delegated will of the Nation,
the will of a party; - often a small but artful and enterprising minority< They are likely, in the
course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprinci-
pled men will be enabled to subvert the Power of the People and to usurp for the themselves the
reins of Government; destroying afterwards the very engines
which have lifted them to unjust dominion. . . This leads at
length to a more formal and permanent despotism< Disor-
ders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds
of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of
an Individual< (who) turns this disposition to the purposes
of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty< The
spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all
the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form
of government, a real despotism... Let there be no change by
usurpation...It is the customary weapon by which free gov-
ernments are destroyed."
Wor. Bro. George Washington was initiated on November 4,
1752 in Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, Virginia. Brother Wash-
ington became Worshipful Master on December 20, 1788, and
was inaugurated President of the United States on April 30,
1789, thus becoming the first, and so far the only, Brother to be simultaneously President and
Master of his Lodge.
Cross Keys Nov 2013
Following on from last month’s article about Norman Macleod, is Sir
William Johnson his fellow freemason.
Sir William Johnson was an English Baronet who was a very colourful
and powerful figure in pre-revolutionary America. Born in Smith-
town, County Meath, Ireland, he came to America to manage the hold-
ings of his uncle, Admiral Sir Peter Warren, which were located about
24 miles west of Schenectady.
Johnson soon developed trade with the Indians, treating them justly
and fairly, cultivating their friendship and learning their language. He assumed many of
their mannerisms and even their dress. His influence earned him the title Wariaghejaghe,
which is interpreted to mean "he who has charge of affairs," and he was made a sachem
of the Mohawk Tribe.
He held the rank of Major General in the British Militia, distinguishing himself in the bor-
der warfare with the French. In February 1748 was placed in command of all New York
colonial forces. On April 14, 1755, he was appointed "Sole Superintendent of the Affairs
of the Six United Nations, their Allies and Dependents," He held that position until his
death on July 11, 1774, at which time his nephew, Guy Johnson, replaced him in that
office.
Sir William became interested in Joseph Brant, the Mohawk Indian Chief, when Brant
was about 17 years old. Brant served under Johnson at the Battle of Fort Niagara on July
25, 1759, and Johnson later took Brant's sister, Molly Brant, as his common-law wife. He
was subsequently knighted for his service in the French and Indian War and given
100,000 acres of land in the Mohawk Valley where he founded Johnstown (west of NY).
Sir William Johnson was raised a Master Mason on April 10, 1766 in Union Lodge No. 1,
located in Albany, NY, (which is now Mount Vernon
Lodge No. 3). On May 23, 1766 a Charter was issued to
St. Patrick's Lodge No. 8 (now St. Patrick's No. 4) to
constitute a regular lodge to be held at Johnson Hall in
the County of Albany, Province of New York, in Ameri-
ca. Its first meeting took place on August 23, 1766 with
Sir William as Charter Master, his nephew Guy Johnson
as Senior Warden, Daniel Claus as Junior Warden and
John Butler as Secretary.
Johnson's further Masonic offices include the titles of Provincial Grand Master of New
York, and Master of the "Ineffable Lodge" at Albany, NY, which was probably the precur-
sor to the present day Scottish Rite organisation. Sir William Johnson died on July 11,
1774.
Sir William Johnson founder of Johnstown
Cross Keys Nov 2013
All Seeing Eye (Cover Page)
Bro. Dr. Mackey interpreted the All-Seeing Eye as a symbol of God's omniscience, and in doing
so had at the time (about 1870) the support of the Masonic students of his generation. The
soundness of that interpretation need not be questioned in the sense that it represents the logical
goal toward which any other possible interpretation may be aimed; but it is doubtful if it can be
supported by Masonic history. Almost less is known about the symbol (and it is a symbol!) than
any other; it did not once come into the purview of the studies on which this Supplement is
based, and if any researcher has found anywhere solid data on the origin of the symbol it must
be hidden in a book of more than average obscurity. There are a number of considerations based
on other known data which throw some sidelights on the question :
1. During the long formative period of the Ritual from about 1717 to about 1770 Lodges were
small, convivial, worked while seated about their dining table; they were serious, reverent, and
the great majority of Masons were members of a church, but they were neither theological nor
mystical, and they instinctively shrank from anything which bordered too closely upon the
province of the Church. It is a sound rule in the interpretation of the symbols on the Tracing
Boards used by those Lodges not to begin by assuming a theological meaning, because as a rule
they shrank from theology. In Freemasonry before 1717 they shrank from it even more. They
were a Brotherhood, a Fraternity, carrying on the traditions of the building craft, and they never
had any consciousness of standing in the tradition of religion. Solemnity, seriousness, symbol-
ism, ritualism, these do not betoken theology because they belong to man by nature and are
found everywhere. Though the All-Seeing Eye is one of the religious symbols, it does not follow
that the early Speculative Masons used it as a religious symbol.
2. The All-Seeing Eye may have denoted the Divine omniscience. Also, it may have symbolized
any one or more of some five or six other truths or ideas. It may have denoted the sun originally,
as it came up at dawn - it had been thus used by Shakespeare and many other writers. It may
have meant the Grand Master or the worshipful Master, and been a reminder of the fact that
wherever a man is and in whatever he may be doing he continues to be a Mason, and the eye of
the Craft is on him. It may have stood for enlightenment, wisdom, intelligence ; and it may have
been the Tracing Board representation of the Blazing Star in the Tessellated Pavement, in which
case it was again the sun, or day-star, which shines on through day and night. (Note: Until mod-
ern astronomy made a number of its difficult facts familiar to everybody the majority of men did
not see any necessary connection between daylight and the sun, because the day begins before
the sun appears, and remains after it has sunk.) There are many omnisciences in addition to
those known to theology and metaphysics-the omniscience of the law, the omniscience of the
Government which keeps its eye on every citizen, etc.; if the first Freemasons had a symbol for
omniscience it does not follow that it was therefore the Divine Omniscience that was meant.
Cross Keys Nov 2013
3.
If their symbol signified the Divine Omniscience it does not follow that
it would have had for them a depressing meaning, as if that Omnisci-
ence were for no other purpose than a final Judgment Day. Omniscience
needs not search a man out in order to condemn him for sins he has
tried to hide ; it may search him out to honour him for virtues he has
tried to hide. The Sword Pointing at the Naked Heart is another emblem
which need not have a depressing meaning; it should have, rather, a
cheerful meaning, because when justice searches out every heart it
means that men have security, live in civil order, and therefore can be
happy. We could use the All-Seeing Eye as a symbol of the Divine Omniscience we could
use it at the same time as a symbol for what ought to be the Fraternity's own omniscience
(the word need not be defined so absolutely as many think it should) in the sense that it
never loses sight of a man once that man has become a member, not even if he does not
attend Lodge, or is confined at home by illness.
All Seeing Eye (ctd)
Cross Keys Nov 2013
A Scottish Connection in 18th Century Florida
The 31st Regiment of Foot was an English regiment (to become East Surrey Regiment), but
similar to many other regimental lodges had its charter from the Grand Lodge of Scot-
land (GLoS). Why? Perhaps because it was stationed in Scotland when a lodge was
formed or perhaps the Commanding Officer (who was often the master) was a member
of a Scottish lodge. In the case of the 31st, it is likely that the lodge received its charter
while stationed in Fort George in Inverness. This became Lodge Fort George No. 100 un-
der the Scottish Constitution. With the formation of a second battalion in Glasgow, Scot-
land (to become 70th Foot), a second lodge received its charter as Lodge St George No. 108
in 1761 (also from the GLoS). These lodges were officially declared dormant in 1852 and
1816 respectively.
In 1761 the Commanding Officer of the 31st was Bro. James Adolphus Oughton, a mem-
ber of Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No. 2 in Edinburgh. He became Grand Master Ma-
son of Scotland in 1769 and eventually Commander-in-Chief of the Army in Scotland
in1778. His affiliation with Scottish Masonry and the 31st may also have been influential
in seeking a Scottish charter. It was not unusual for Scottish Grand Masters to have
raised or be in charge of battalions.
In 1765, the 31st was sent to the Floridas and was garrisoned at St. Augustine and Pen-
sacola (capitols of East and West Florida), and then to the island of St. Vincent. From rec-
ords found in the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, it was found that St. Andrews Lodge
No. 1 of West Florida was chartered in 1771 by the “Provincial Grand Lodge over the
Lodges of the Southern District of North America, located at St. Augustine.” The charter
was signed by James Grant, G.M. then Governor of the Province of East Florida, together
with the other Grand Lodge Officers. Along with these two startling facts: a Florida
Lodge as early as 1771, and a hitherto unknown Grand Lodge; was a third one, that the
petitioners for the Lodge charter were to establish it in Pensacola, and that all the peti-
tioners were members of Lodge No. 108 of the Register of Scotland, attached to the 31st
Regiment of Foot stationed at Pensacola.
Cross Keys Nov 2013
A Scottish Connection in 18th Century Florida (ctd)
As nothing was known of the existence of a Provincial Grand Lodge at St. Augustine, and
as the St. Andrews Lodge, a letter from Bro. Murray Lyon, Grand Secretary of the GLoS
in 1898 clarified the whole matter, and which read as follows:
“In searching our Grand Lodge records, I find under date of 15th March,
1768—having read a petition from James Grant, Esq. Governor of the Province
of East Florida, Henry Cunningham, late Senior Warden of the Grand Lodge of
Scotland, and many other brethren residing in the Province aforesaid, craving a
charter for holding a Lodge there by the style and title of “Grants East Florida
Lodge” and also entreating the Grand Lodge to appoint the said James Grant
Provincial Grand Master over the Lodges in the Southern District of North
America, the Grand Lodge granted the desire of that petition, and authorized a
charter to be made out accordingly, and likewise a commission appointing
Governor James Grant Provincial Grand Master over the Lodges in the South-
ern District of North America.”
In 1781, the Spanish conquered Pensacola and drove out Freemasonry. The Master, the
Junior Warden and some of the members of old St. Andrews Lodge taking the Lodge's
31st Regimental lodge in a later campaign.
Cross Keys Nov 2013
charter and other records fled to Charleston, S.C., then occupied by the English. From
Charleston in 1782, they communicated with their Grand Lodge at St. Augustine and
asked for authority to continue their work at Charleston as a Florida Lodge. This action
was duly agreed although the following year the lodge moved under the GL of Pennsyl-
vania as Freemasonry was stopped by the Spaniards in St. Augustine.
Lodge 108 in the 31st continued practising masonry wherever it was stationed from Brit-
ain, Gibraltar, Minorca and Malta. While in Malta, the lodge was conferring the Royal
Arch degree and a superb certificate from 1810 is still in existence. The second battalion
and lodge serving in the Peninsular wars and due to being disbanded after the Napoleon-
ic war, the charter was returned in 1816.
The United States purchased Florida in 1819 and almost from the day on which the pur-
chase was completed, Freemasonry began to flow back into the villages to the happy and
successful Jurisdiction that exists in the 21st century.
Do you have any family in Massachusetts? Try the following:
MasonicGenealogy.com is a collection of biographical, Masonic Lodge, district and other
historical data for Freemasonry in the New England area, with a first emphasis on Massa-
chusetts. This site is, and will continue to be, a work in progress. A volunteer team of Ma-
sonic researchers and editors continue to add information as sources are identified and
examined. This information is displayed in a Wiki format, allowing collaborative update
by our team of editors. The MasonicGenealogy.com team would welcome participation
from other jurisdictions. Contact our webmaster, R.W. Walter Hunt Grand Historian in
the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts at [email protected]
A Scottish Connection in 18th Century Florida (ctd)
Family Connections
Cross Keys Nov 2013
Cross Keys Nov 2013
Published by The Grand Lodge of Florida
Cross Keys Nov 2013
Masters’ & PMs’ Association in PGL Dunbartonshire
In 1924 what became the Founding Members of the Association held meetings on
21st January and the 2nd February when it was apparent that there was a desire for
an Association by a goodly body of Qualified Brethren.
A small Committee was appointed to draw up proposed Bye-laws for presentation
to the first meeting which was on the 24th February 1924. Invitations were sent to all
qualified to attend. At the meeting it was unanimously agreed to form the Associa-
tion and adopt the proposed Bye-laws.
Brother George Miller a Past Master of Lodge St. John Dalmuir who had a keen in-
terest in all things Masonic was elected Chairman or President as the Brother in the
Chair was termed and addressed as “Brother President” The first Secretary was
Brother Thomas Montgomery a Past Master of Lodge Barns O’ Clyde Clydebank.
When the Association celebrated 50 years it had been served by twenty two Presi-
dents, nine Secretaries and four Treasurers all serving long terms. Each Lodge was
entitled to elect one of their Past Masters as a Director and they with the Secretary,
Treasurer, President and Past Presidents formed the Committee. during that time
they were addressed by 94 Speakers and the venue for the meetings varied, the ear-
liest being The Trades House Restaurant Glasgow in1924/25. The Royal Restaurant
1925/32, Central Halls 1932/3 and 1957/66, Cranston’s Bridge room Argyll Arcade
1945/49, Highlanders Institute 1949/57, then Freemasons Hall 100 West Regent
Street. These venues would be chosen as they are midway in the Province.
In 1940 it was decided that the Association should go into abeyance for the duration
of hostilities. Brother Malcolm Currie who was President at that time wrote person-
ally to all members at the end of the war and the association resumed on the 20th
October 1945. Apart from the regular meetings Summer Outings and Theatre
Nights were regularly held.
Over the years the format changed to that still in use today. The meetings are held
on a Saturday hosted by a Lodge with premises, generally the 3rd Saturday in Janu-
ary, the 3rd in February, the 3rd in March, the 3rd in April and the 2nd in Septem-
ber. The Lodges that normally host the meetings are, Lodge St. John Kilwinning No
28, Lodge Bonhill and Alexandria SARS No 321, Lodge Leven St John No 170,
Lodge Cadder Argyle No 147, Lodge Cumbernauld St. Andrew No 199, The Athole
Lodge No 384.
Any Master Mason can be an associate Member but to be President or Vice Presi-
dent you require to be a Past Master and a Member of a Lodge in the Province. The
aims of Association are the furthering of Masonic knowledge and in the discussion
of all things Masonic to the enlightenment of its members. It is desirable that the pa-
pers presented have a Masonic connection but the Association is flexible and has
Cross Keys Nov 2013
Mormons
In 1839 the Mormons left Missouri and settled in the area of Nauvoo, Illinois. On October
15, 1841, the Illinois Grand Master issued a dispensation to form a lodge at Nauvoo. On
March 15th, 1842, Joseph Smith received his first degree and the others shortly after. Cer-
tain irregularities were reported - in five months the lodge initiated 256 candidates and
243 were raised. After investigation, the Grand Master revoked the dispensation, but the
lodge continued to work. On April 5, 1844, the Mormon masons dedicated a Masonic
Temple. Illinois Masons got in trouble for taking part in the ceremony. Opposition to the
group and internal dissension led to the assassination of Joseph Smith and the removal of
the Mormons from Illinois.
papers presented have a Masonic connection but the Association is flexible and has had
speakers such as the Past Moderator of the Church of Scotland, so subjects can be wide if
appropriate.
After the talk the Brethren have the opportunity to ask Questions which helps to expand
and explain the subject presented.
All are welcome to be present and you will find full details in the Provincial Grand Lodge
of Dunbartonshire Year book or from an active member of the PROVINCE. We will be
celebrating 90 years in 2014 and are the only such Association to survive out of the many
from the past.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Angus N MacInnes
Past President
Masters’ & PMs’ Association in PGL Dunbartonshire (ctd)
Cross Keys Nov 2013
Sunday 15th December, 2013—pick up Christmas parcels from Lodge Inchinnan between
11 and 12. Don’t forget extra parcels now £8 each.
Monday 13th January, 2014—PGC in Lodge 307, Barrhead at 7pm.
Saturday 25th January, 2014—Tri-Annual Communication and Annual Meeting of the
PGL in Barrhead: seated by 2.15pm
PGL News
GL News
Sportsman's’ Dinner at 242
On Friday 4th October, 2013 Bro. Alex Stobo PM held the annual dinner in the lodge. The
speakers were John Gahagen and Kenny Clark. And the evening raised £1055 which
along with the very generous donation from the OES Chapter of £2000, goes someway to
covering the cost of the new boiler.
Advance Notice for your diary—Sportsman's’ Dinner 2014: Friday 3rd October speakers
Bro. Sandy Strang MM 772 (who came during the anniversary year) and Scott Glynn
(professional rugby player).
Once again the Grand Lodge of Scotland is delighted to host the Phoenix Choir for a
Christmas Concert on Sunday, 8 December 2013.
Doors open at 2.00 pm and the concert will commence at 2.30 pm. A complimentary
refreshment will be available. The concert is sponsored by W. T. Dunbar Funeral
Undertakers and the proceeds will go to the charities: The Princess Royal Trust and
Prostrate Scotland.
Tickets for the concert are available from Freemasons' Hall by telephone (call 0131
225 5577) or by calling in person. Credit and debit cards can be used for payment.
Tickets are priced at £10.00 each.
Cross Keys Nov 2013
Continuing the series, this article entitled Seek and Ye Shall Find:
Cross Keys Nov 2013
November Events in 242
Friday 15th: INSTALLATION at 7pm
Thursday 28th—EA by OBs
Sir William Wallace RAC -
21st November—EM at 7.30pm
The Church at Schonau
The construction of the church at
Schonau in Germany is very interest-
ing for a number of reasons. Look at
the picture closely.
In the top left hand corner, a number
of masons are working away in the
quarry
Cross Keys Nov 2013
Bro. Sgt William Traynor was so badly hurt during the rescue for which
he was awarded the honour that the War Office mistakenly told his wife
that he had died in battle.
It was after 3 o'clock in the morning on February 6, 1901, when 2,000 ene-
my Boer soldiers launched a a surprise attack on the British camp at Both-
well in South Africa. They set horses loose to run wild
through the camp and disorientate the British, fooling the
troops into thinking they were under attack from the cav-
alry.
Many were killed in their beds before they had even
dressed to respond to the attack. Twenty-four officers
were killed and 53 were badly wounded.
But not so Sergeant Traynor. The soldier, of the 2nd battalion West Yorkshire regiment, threw himself out
of his trench and into the battle. And when he saw a wounded comrade stranded on the battlefield, he
rushed to his aid under heavy enemy fire. He was shot in the leg and chest but carried on - and with the
help of a fellow soldier, he managed to drag the wounded man to safety. Officials prematurely sent his
wife a telegram informing her that her husband had been killed in action. For gallant action, he was
awarded the Victoria Cross.
Happily, they were wrong, and Sgt Traynor went on to recover and reunite with his wife. But his army
career was over - his injuries were such that they led to him being discharged from the army.
Bro. Traynor was initiated into Military Jubilee Lodge No 2195 in February 1919, Passed in March 1919,
and Raised in April 1919. He was Master in 1925 and remained a member until his death in 1954. He was
a founder of Snargate Lodge No 6770 in November 1948 and also remained a member there until his
death. Provincial honours came in 1935 with appointment to Provincial Grand Sword Bearer (Kent). He
was the first member of Military Jubilee Lodge to be honoured with Grand Rank as Past Assistant Grand
Sword Bearer in 1951.
He was exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in January 1920, at the Military Jubilee Chapter No 2195, where
he was First Principal in 1927 and 1928. He gained the rank of Provincial Grand Sword Bearer (Kent) in
1934.
WBro Traynor had six children in all, and his twin boys joined the army, both reaching the rank of Major
in the Royal Engineers. Both also became members of Military Jubilee Lodge. He died on 20th October
1954, at Buckland Hospital. The funeral was held at St Andrews,
Buckland, and was attended by a large congregation, including the
Mayor, many representatives of the Services and of Veterans and
masonic Lodges.
Another Masonic VC Winner
Cross Keys Nov 2013
Cross Keys Nov 2013
Death of Masonic Halls
The Wall Street Journal had an interesting article recently on Masonic Temples be-
ing turned into luxury Condos. This process, is sadly occurring because Freemason-
ry in the United States is dying a slow death. Lodges who have only 25% of the
members they had 50 years ago find it increasingly difficult to afford the beautiful,
magnificent and sometimes classical monstrosities they housed themselves in way
back then.
Some of the blame for loss of membership must be placed squarely on the hands of
Freemasons themselves who either refuse to treat race, religion and individuals
with respect and tolerance or who refuse to police their ranks of those who exhibit
such prejudicial behavior. The younger generations will not join organizations un-
less they are color blind, tolerant of all religions and respect the worth of the indi-
vidual including basic civil rights and being treated with due process.
One such building in Ohio, was sold by the lodge for $250,000 to a developer who is
selling individual apartments for $150,000 to $450,000. Who is losing out here?!!!!
Cross Keys Nov 2013
The top front of this beautiful jewel is inscribed James R.
Killian and on the back is a dedication that says: from M.W.
Grand Lodge A.F & A.M. of Colorado - Grand Master From
Sept. 1903 to Sept. 1904. It is cast in 12 kt gold and is attached
to a double purple ribbon. The front of medal case is in-
scribed Bohm Allen Jewelry Co. Arapahoe and 16th Sts. Den-
ver, Colo. The important symbolism on the front of this jewel
is the point within a circle between the two parallel pillars
and the Holy Bible at the top. This is a symbol of great inter-
est and importance, and brings us into close connection with
the early symbolism of the solar orb and the universe, which
was predominate in the ancient sun-worship. The lectures of
Freemasonry give what modern Monitors have made an exo-
teric explanation of the symbol, in telling us that the point
represents an individual Brother, the circle the boundary line
of his duty to God and man, and the two perpendicular par-
allel lines (in the above case the pillars), the Patron Saints of
the Order--Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist.
Neat PM Jewel s
Here is an absolutely pristine and very rare
Scottish Past Masters Masonic Jewel with
elaborate silver-gilt and enamel suspension
fob and a gold thistle dress pin. This magnifi-
cent jewel comprises: a large, stone-set
(probably cairngorm or dark topaz), en-
graved compass jewel of very heavy, 9K
gold, fully stamped for BIRMINGHAM 1918
with maker's hallmark TLB. The inscription
reads: BROTHER A.W.TRAILL, R.W.M. 1927
-1929.
a fantastic central silver-gilt and enamelled
suspension section fully stamped for BIR-
MINGHAM 1928 and maker's mark E & FB.
The front inscription reads: LODGE No: 77,
St Regulus, CUPAR (Scotland).
Also shown is a beautifully engraved gold 'thistle' dress stick pin. This pin was used to
attach the jewel to the Brothers lapel or coat. It has no gold stamp but is at least 9K gold.
Cross Keys Nov 2013
Thought of the Month
"You know that being an American is more than a matter of where your parents came
from. It is a belief that all men are created free and equal and that everyone deserves an
even break."
Harry S. Truman, US President, Past Grand Master
!!!!!
Court Ruling
In Hammer v. State, 173 Indiana, 199 (1909), the Supreme Court ruled that it was a crimi-
nal offense to wear the emblem of any society or organization of which one is not a mem-
ber. The court based its decision on the fact that the membership in such societies is the
result of fitness and selection and that the wearing of such emblems by non-members is a
deceit and false pretence.
Cross Keys Nov 2013
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