Cross Keys March 2017

The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone

March 2017 Number 199

In this issue:

Continental Masonry

John Paul Jones

The Masonic Hall, Jerusalem

More Certificates

Johnstone Street Directory

Terror Plot Stopped

The Cross Keys

Cross Keys March 2017

Many non-Masons, especially those living on the European Continent, are familiar with a type of Masonry that is radically different from that which is generally practiced in the United States. It a liberal, non-dogmatic, form of Masonry that accepts women as members and openly tries to influence government on issues of interest. Two grand orients in that group have even opened a Masonic liaison to the European Union to counter the influence of organized religion. During the 1700s several grand lodges or orients formed from previously independent speculative Masonic lodges. Charters of later regular lodges trace back to these early grand lodges. Lodges then formed new grand lodges in open territory so as to spread Freemasonry throughout the world. The difference in name between grand lodge and grand orient is not significant, but seems to have something to do with the relation-ship between the grand body and local lodges. The grand lodges and orients worked out a sys-tem of amity for recognition of other grand bodies to permit visits by members. Generally the grand lodges must be exclusively male, be religiously tolerant while insisting on a belief in a Supreme Being, and avoid discussions of religion and poli-tics in lodge. Each grand lodge decides on its own which other grand lodges it will accept based on how it interprets these and some other rules or landmarks. Other issues, such as the current feud between the grand lodges of West Virginia and Ohio over one individual, sometimes cause a break in recognition. The Grand Orient de France, the largest and old-est grand body for France, originally consisted of lodges that had been chartered by British grand lodges. This grand orient is the leading body for something that can be referred to as Continental Masonry. The Grand Orient de France and the other grand bodies in the Continental system, which follow its lead, such as the Grand Orient de Belgique, inter-pret some of these rules of operation a bit differ-ently than most Anglo-American grand lodges. The grand and individual lodges might take politi-cal stands and endorse candidates for office. Athe-ists who are otherwise good and honorable men can be initiated into membership. Some Continen-tal style lodges will even accept women into their membership as they do not want to deny the ben-

Continental Masonry

efits of masonry to about half of the population. They claim to be more liberal and democratic than traditional Masons. The differences in style and interpretation evolved over time and reflect to some extent the history and culture of France and the other coun-tries where they exist. Some writers claim that these Continental style Masonic bodies were the core of anti-clerical movements in many coun-tries as well as revolutions against established government. There have been claims that . the liberal lodges are more into the occult than are the traditional lodges For many years, the Grand Orient de France was recognized by most main-stream grand lodges. The language, content of meetings, and ritual may have been different, but that was not significant. In the 1860s, the Grand Orient de France had recognition problems with some grand lodges in the southern part of United States of America be-cause of its own recognition of a grand lodge with black members operating in Louisiana, which the mainstream grand lodge there considered to be its exclusive territory. Most American grand lodg-es still exchanged recognition with the Grand Ori-ent de France at that time. In 1877, the Grand Orient de France adopted a policy that a man’s faith or lack thereof is a mat-ter for his absolute freedom of conscience and is of no concern to the lodge considering him for membership. Quoting the web site of the Grand Orient de France: “To date, this decision main-tains the distinctiveness of the Grand Orient which according to some, places the Order at the forefront of Universal Freemasonry and accord-ing to others, an outlaw.” Most grand lodges in the Anglo-American tradi-tion followed the lead of the United Grand Lodge of England and severed fraternal relations with the Grand Orient de France. Some grand lodges and orients on the continent of Europe then fol-lowed the lead of the French body and severed relations with the Anglo-American grand lodges. There was a schism in Freemasonry from that time forward. Eventually a separate, generally recognized grand lodge was established in France through the efforts of the United Grand Lodge of England. In some countries where Continental or liberal Masonry has significant presence, a tradi-tional, recognized grand lodge may, in fact, be the

Cross Keys March 2017

Continental Masonry Ctd)

larger body. It is not clear just what is involved with the ac-ceptance of women in the lodges. The women may or may not be prepared for initiation in the same manner as men. While the Grand Orient de France had not initiated women until very recently, it did and does have fraternal relations with some other grand lodges that initiate women, such as federa-tions of Le Droit Humain. In the United States the issue of extending fraternal relations for women was resolved with the Eastern Star; although it is regarded by the United Grand Lodge of England as a prohibited mixed organization in which its mem-bers should not participate. During the twentieth century there was a period when the Grand Orient de France was recognized by some North American grand lodges. This seems to have been related to the re-establishment of Freemasonry in Europe after World War I and World War II. The differences eventually again be-came too much to continue mutual recognition. Even though we do not visit their lodges and their members cannot visit our lodges, we have some idea as to what the policies of these Continental style grand orients are. The Grand Orient de France and the Grand Orient de Belgique have web sites and there have been published presentations with their views. The web site is available in several lan-guages, including English. Some of the other grand orients and grand lodges in its camp may or may not have web sites, but they generally are relatively small and follow the Grand Orient de France. Conti-nental Masonry has spread to Latin America, prob-ably through the Portuguese and Spanish. The following is a quote from the website of the Grand Orient de France: “Somehow they consider themselves as guardians and avant-gardes of the republican regime, the sole champion of individual prosperity in Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.” They consider themselves to be a politically signifi-cant organization, even though they are but a small portion of the French population.

The total population of France is around ten times that of Illinois The Grand Orient de France, has about a third fewer members than the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois and has about twice the num-ber of lodges. Probably the other grand lodg-es affiliated with it together don’t amount to much more. There are about 50 to 60 grand lodges or orients in the liberal or Continental tradition. There are about 200 traditional grand lodges among those that more or less consider each other regular and might share recognition by following the traditions coming from the British grand lodges rather than the liberal French traditions. While some of the many members are into politics, their lodges do not get involved with political issues. The Prince Hall grand lodges are included in this group. It has been estimated that there are any-where about 5,000,000 to 6,000,000 mem-bers of mainstream, traditional Masonic lodges; although I have also heard somewhat lower numbers. In addition, there are also about another 400 organizations that call themselves Masonic grand lodges, but are not in either group and often may be totally bogus. Some have split from legitimate groups, perhaps because of political or personality differences. By Bro. Hilton Kaufman PM

Cross Keys March 2017

Bro. John Paul Jones

A museum is to be set up in memory of the

naval commander who founded the American

navy and went on to achieve a historic victory

for the Russian fleet under the Empress Cath-

erine the Great. Although he was seen as a

pirate in his own country, for mounting raids

on Scotland during the American War of Inde-

pendence, Jones was feted in Russia for de-

feating the Turks during the Black Sea cam-

paign.

The Scots naval officer served as a rear admi-

ral in the Russian navy between 1788 and

1789. The Admiral John Paul Jones Society

Charity Fund, based in St Petersburg, has con-

tacted Scottish museums and the Freema-

sons’ Grand Lodge in Scotland for information

and artefacts related to the fearless Scottish

seafarer. Jones, born near Kirkcudbright, Gal-

loway, in 1747, joined in 1770 when he joined

Lodge St Bernard’s, in Kirkcudbright, and lat-

er joined another Scottish Masonic Lodge

when he arrived in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Jones also visited the only Scottish Masonic

Lodge in Russia.

In addition to a book being published to keep

the memory alive, there will also be a statue

commissioned in the nearby naval fortress

in Kronstadt. Sadly he was detested in Scot-

land after he attacked Whitehaven and Kirk-

cudbright in 1778, and the following year

sailed up the Firth of Forth to within cannon

range of Leith, before a storm swept his ship

back to sea. In Russia, Jones served under

Prince Potemkin against the Turks in the

Black Sea campaign. He thwarted the Turk-

ish fleet at the Battle of Liman in 1788, kill-

ing about 3,000 Turks, destroying 15 vessels

at a cost to his squadron of one frigate and

18 killed.

Read more from the full article at The Scotman

Cross Keys March 2017

One of the most lamentable spectacles in Freemasonry is the Brother whose designa-

tion heads this article. He is to be found in almost every Lodge. Whilst a neophyte in the

Order, his Masonic devotion knew no limits. At every meeting, he was sure to be there

and when he received the honours of office his enthusiasm seemed to grow with his ad-

vancement. He it was who toiled at the Lodge of Instruction, at least when its programme was ritual only, who was always ready to fill

the place of an absentee and to rail at him because he was not on hand, and above all,

he was prime mover in every proposition to

run another higher degree.

But the time came when he was accorded the highest honor that the Lodge has in its power

to bestow, and then came the beginning of the end. At his Installation he made great

promises, and doubtless meant to fulfil them, but when he had passed through his year of office, with more or less eclat, and had en-

tered on the "otium cum dignitate" of the I.P.M.'s collar, he began to mysteriously talk

of "the burden and heat of the day" and of the necessity of "giving a chance to younger

hands" and his place at the left of the Master

Gong Collectors

was often vacant, especially at regular meet-ings when there was no degree on. And

when the I.P.M.'s collar had been transferred to other shoulders, the fall from grace came

on apace.

Regular as well as working meetings saw a

vacant chair on the dais, and the master was often at a loss when he looked for someone

to relieve him of a Charge or a Tracing Board, or help him in point of ruling. "Facilis

est descensus Arverni", and soon the Wor. Brother is only on hand when an Installation or Ball gives him the opportunity of showing

the crowd his dingy apron. He is for all prac-tical Masonic purposes dead as a door-nail,

and although he pays his dues with com-mendable regularity, at least when the

Treasurer looks him up, the Lodge forgets him as a factor in its existence.

Such is the story of many a Masonic fossil, literally "on the shelf' and more is the pity of

it all. If Masonry is worth anything at all it is worth cultivating to the end of one's active mental life, and he who drops out of it di-

rectly has nor acquired the potentiality of being truly useful, has never properly im-

bibed its sublime teachings. The P.M. on the

shelf is a sorry spectacle and a blot on the

Masonic escutcheon. Beware of falling into a similar state of dry rot - rather, be ready,

honours or no honours, to do your Masonic duty so long as the Great Architect of the Universe gives you strength to put on an

apron or frame a sentence of ritual.

By Bro. Ed Halpaus, Short Talk Bulletin

Cross Keys March 2017

The Masonic Hall, Jerusalem

Charles Warren was a keen Freemason, having already at the age of 23 been the Master of a

Lodge in Gibraltar. Before my visit to Jerusalem I had learned that Warren had been involved in a

Masonic ritual in a cavern, somewhere deep un-derneath the Old City. There were two possible

candidates for the site: one called ‘The Masonic Hall’, the other ‘King Solomon’s Quarry.’ A recent

book on Warren’s Freemasonry appears to claim that these two sites were one and the same – hence my need to clarify the issue. The site

known as the ‘Masonic Hall’ is a chamber that Warren tunneled his way into in February 1869.

It was half-filled with rubble and soil, but rising out of the centre of the earth floor was a

smooth pillar with a broken top. The scene re-minded Warren of a traditional Masonic myth

and so he named the chamber the ‘Masonic Hall’ (Figs 1 & 2). The famous war artist Wil-

liam Simpson, also a senior Freemason, was vis-iting Jerusalem a month later and he sketched

the scene. As can be seen from Simpson’s sketch, the column was originally the support for twin arches that lined the roof.

Warren ordered the clearing of the rubble, which, when he first

entered the chamber, reached up to the mark on the column. By the

time Simpson made his sketch, the hall had been partially cleared

of rubble.

The ‘Masonic Hall’ today, part of the ‘Western Walls’ archaeological complex. Warren broke

in through the hole in the roof – the dark patch against the back wall, right of centre. The earth

at that time was two-thirds of the way up the column.

Cross Keys March 2017

Certificates

Framed Master Mason Masonic Cer-

tificate on Vellum, New York,

1809, the certificate affirming the sta-

tus of Richard Hitchings as a Master

Mason, from the Morton Lodge No. 20,

New York City, dated August 12, 5809

(1809), with silk ribbon and impressed

wax seal.

There is a genealogy is affixed to the

reverse, it relates that Richard Hitchins

was born in Cornwall, England in 1777

and married the widow Mary Gates in

New York in 1804. Richard died in

Canada on February 18, 1845 and is

buried with a Masonic emblem on his

tombstone. Estimate $300-500 at

Skinner’s Auctioneers!!!

Master Mason certificate issued by

Loge St. Louis de la Martinique to

Chauron du Malo, dated January 28,

1766.

Cross Keys March 2017

Over the following months, there will be a series of excerpts of old minutes. It is im-

portant we know from whence we come.

In the 1830s, the lodge met in both the Black

Bull Inn (now the chemist at the corner of

the Higher Street and George Street) and the

Buck’s Head Inn at 14 High Street which is

where Lidl is situated. In 1832, Johnstone

had overcrowding and slums due to having

an increase in population of over 5000. Dur-

ing that year, the lodge refused to pay for the

diploma plate costing £7.15 and four breth-

ren were summoned to the Sheriff Small

Debt Court in Paisley. This was the plate

used to produce its own diplomas as Grand

Lodge did not issue certificates at that time.

As the lodge had not ordered it, the court

decided that the lodge pay £6 for the plate

while the printer paid for printing costs AND

court costs. An example of the certificate

still hangs on the foyer wall on the left hand

side and shows the original number of the

lodge—318.

This was also the year of the first minuted

mention of an obligation, two brethren re-

fusing office, missing office-bearers being

written to so they explain their absence and

one being fined for absence. The lodge was a

very different place altogether. Meetings

were quarterly and the average attendance

was approximately 15-20 although many

were below 10.

Changes in 242

The lodge is now looking at meeting

monthly rather than twice a month

which is more in line with most constitu-

tions. This is through necessity due to a

lack of suitable candidates and falling at-

tendances.

Many brethren will disagree, but doing

something is better than nothing. If the

brethren feel we need an extra meeting

then a special can be requested from

PGL. Is there a desire to see exemplifica-

tions, walk through degrees, lectures,

etc? Most brethren appear to enjoy these

in small doses, but get bored with too

many. Unfortunately, the days of the

mass produced degree factory have long

gone and brethren need to accept the

change or let their lodge go…….

Or are there enough brethren willing to

support the lodge whether it’s an exem-

plification, a walk through or a lecture?

The next few meetings will probably de-

cide where we want the lodge to go.

Now is the time the lodge needs you.

Cross Keys March 2017

Johnstone Street Directory

Freemasonry is a secret society?

Brethren often talk about it as a soci-

ety with secrets which is probably

more accurate. Today, masonic lodg-

es can be seen in most large towns

and are not disguised, but usually

there is a sign or name to indicate

that it is a lodge. So why all the secre-

cy discussions recently?

In Europe, the Craft did have to hide

from persecution of the Nazis and

often in communist countries or

Muslim countries issues have arisen

and a low key approach is the best

practice. Rituals and constitutions

have always been available and more

so today with Google.

However, even in the mid 19th Cen-

tury, it was not a secret society as

can be seen with the image from the

Fowler’s Directory for Johnstone.

The main office bearers of the lodge,

the Royal Arch Chapter and the Free

Gardeners’ Lodge are given including

the address of the secretary. All three used the Masonic Hall in the Cross Keys Hotel in the

High Street.

As no records of the Gardeners’ Lodge exist now, the directories have been useful to show

that many members of the Gardeners were also Freemasons. The Royal Arch continues to

meet on the third Thursday, but the lodge changed from one Friday to two Thursday nights.

This might change again in the near future depending on the views of the brethren,

The JW went on to become the founding master of Lodge Craigends No.1042.

Cross Keys March 2017

Special Jewel

In 1734 a charter was issued by the United Grand

Lodge of England authorizing the formation of Sol-

omon's Lodge No.1 in South Carolina. On October

28th 1735 the first meeting was held in Shepard's

Tavern and 66 years later, May 31st 1801, the Su-

preme Council 33 ° Mother Supreme Council of the

World Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite South-

ern Jurisdiction was formed in the

same "Shepard's Tavern" known

then at "City Tavern". Solomon's

Lodge No.1 of the Most Worshipful

Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons

of South Carolina is the second old-

est chartered lodge in the United

States.

During the American Revolution, the

charter was stored by the Grand

Lodge while brothers and Officers

were fighting in the resistance.

Hence why Solomon's Lodge No.1 in

Savannah Georgia is the second oldest

"Continually Operating" Lodge in the United

States. In 1843 Albert Gallatin Mackey, a well-

known masonic author, was elected and installed

as the Master of Solomon's Lodge No.1 in Charles-

ton. Hard to believe that was almost 175 years ago.

Pictured below is the crown "jewel" of Solo-

mon's Lodge No. 1 of Charleston, Ancient Free

Masons of South Carolina which belonged to

Bro. Albert Mackey in 1843. Every year when

the ensuing year's officers are installed, the

current Master receives his past master's

apron, and an exact replica of the

Mackey Jewel. The picture does

not show relative size but its ap-

proximately 3 1/2 inches across

the quadrant and 4 inches tall.

Thus when the Solomon's Past

Masters wear their jewels, it is

done with pride and distinction

coming from the Lodge of Broth-

er Mackey as well as many other

celebrated brothers famous in

the Charleston area.

Solomon's Lodge No.1 still owns

the original Mackey Jewel and today it is dis-

played on special occasions as well as use its

likeness on coins and certificates.

Lodges have had bowling, golf and fishing competitions for many years. However, one that

fell away was the Masonic Cycling Club around the early 1900s. When the club folded is not

known, but looking at the members, it must have been well run and popular club. Perhaps

today, in order to attract young members, we should have a Masonic PlayStation Club.

Masonic Cycling

Cross Keys March 2017

An historic evening took place at he me of last year where Bro. John Muir PM conclud-

ed visiting every Lodge in Scotland at Lodge Ruchill No. 1436, his final Lodge on the journey.

Bro. Muir was presented with a certificate to commemorate this special event and can be

seen seated centre. An excellent FC Degree was also carried out by Lodge Dalry Blair No. 290.

John was also humbled by

the distinguished Brethren that took

time to support him on the evening in-

cluding Depute Grand Master Ramsay

McGhee, Bro Robert Little PGM

of Ayrshire, Bro Bill Perry

PGM Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Bro

Moises Gomez PG Historian from the GL

of New Jersey as well as oth-

er distinguished Breth-

ren and friends. Bro. John has been a

long time reader and contributor to the

Cross Keys and on behalf of everyone

here, very many congratulations on a

landmark event that cannot be beaten!

Masonic Record?

Over the last few years, I have been asked by a number of brethren

regarding what they should use to sign the minutes, especially if they

are done electronically. First thing is that the paper should be good

quality—the obvious comparison is the thick paper of the Minute

Books bought from Grand Lodge.

However, a pen is very much a personal preference, but the one I tend

to opt for is the Parker IM Fountain pen (in photo). Not too expen-

sive, but gives good quality writing. They cost £18.99 and come in a huge variety of colours.

One of the best companies in terms of cost and service is: Executive Pens Direct

Cross Keys March 2017

March Events in 242

Thursday 9th—EA Walk Though (first showing)

Thursday 23rd—PGLRE Visitation & Open Forum

Visit to Craigends No.1042 on Thursday 2nd March—MMM

degree.

Visit to Lodge Garthland St. Winnoch No.205 on Monday 6th

March—FC degree.

Famous Freemasons

It is common to hear of famous freemasons, but rare to see many in actual regalia. Often

it might be due to the brother not being particularly active or it was not commonplace to

take photographs. However, the images below show two former Presidents of the USA,

one is only a sketch of Bro. Teddy Roosevelt while the other is the 330 collar of Bro Tru-

man who was also a Grand Master.

Cross Keys March 2017

In a very tight market, regalia makers are possibly struggling due to diminishing numbers.

However, one Scottish company from Livingston is expanding: VSL Regalia at https://

www.vslregalia.co.uk/ The brethren who run the shop provide the full range of regalia, jew-

ellery, gifts, etc. Their after sales service is superb which is not always the case when dealing

with some other non-Scottish companies.

If you are thinking of buying regalia, PM jewels or the like then give Bro Alan a call or email

and get a quote. You won’t be disappointed.

On September 15th 1861 a man named Samuel Adams and his wife

were the proprietors of General Store in the small town of Monticello

Minnesota. When Mrs. Adams went into labour with their first son, Mr.

Adams took her to the second floor of their building for her privacy and

to wait for the town doctor. The second floor was the meeting place of

Monticello Masonic Lodge No.16 and the doctor was the Junior Warden

of the Lodge. The boy was delivered in the Lodge Room and was

named Henry Rice Adams. Twenty three years Henry was made a Ma-

son in the room in which he was born. He later transferred his membership to Minnesota

Lodge No. 224 in Bloomington, Minnesota and eventually he became the Grand Master of the

Grand Lodge of Minnesota in 1903. In 1928, Bro. Adams died of an apparent heart attack

while attending a stated communication of his Lodge. Bro. Adams was born in a Masonic

Lodge and died in a Masonic Lodge. A freemason to the end!

Is this Unique?

Cross Keys March 2017

Terror Plot Stopped

Milwaukee’s terror suspect, Samy Hamzeh, was plot-

ting to kill at least 30 people at the Humphrey Scot-

tish Rite Masonic Center in downtown Milwaukee.

The door there is now locked 24 hours a day along

with other Masonic facilities around the

state. Hamzeh had taken a tour of the 1883-built

building earlier in the month to understand

its floorplan. He was arrested last Monday after buy-

ing two automatic weapons and a silencer from un-

dercover agents, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the

Eastern District of Wisconsin said in a statement

which was planned in defence of Islam.

Chillingly he said “One of us will stay a the door at

the entrance and lock the door down, he will be at

the main door down, two will get to the lift up, they

will enter the room, and spray everyone in the room.

The one who is standing downstairs will spray any-

one he finds. We will shoot them, kill them and get

out.” The Federal Grand Jury has indicted him and a

date has not yet been set for trial. He could face 20

years in prison due to the firearms charges alone.

Angel Millar notes that there is a long history of Ji-

hadist anti-Masonic attempts to attack Masonic

buildings. “The most successful attack so far came in

2004, when two Jihadist terrorists entered a Mason-

ic building in Istanbul, Turkey, and sprayed it with

bullets. They then exploded several devices that they

had strapped to their bodies […] Six people were in-

jured, and a waiter was killed, along with one of the

terrorists,” a CNN source details. According to Istan-

bul’s governor Muammer Guler, eighteen suspects

were questioned after the attack, ten of which had

been formally charged at the time of his announce-

ment. The bombers had been trained in Pakistan and

Afghanistan. “We don’t know if they are al Qaeda

camps,” Guler said, “but the influence of al Qaeda in

those camps is obvious.”

In 2009, Syed Haris Ahmed was found guilty of mak-

ing “casing videos” of potential terror targets in the

USA. One of the targets was a Masonic building in

northern Virginia. Masonic author, Angel Millar de-

tails how he “was met with nervous-looking security

guards at the entrance [of a Masonic building in

2002], and had to be escorted around inside.” When

he asked ‘why?’ He was told that “three ‘Muslim

gentlemen’ had been found wandering the building,

taking photos, and talking on a cellphone. The call

was later traced, by police […] to a shop selling Is-

lamist anti-Masonic propaganda videos.”

A Canadian intelligence service 2009 report noted

that between 2008 and 2009, al-Qaeda in Yemen

called for attacks against the embassies of Western

nations, claiming that they “facilitated the spread of

factions that run counter to Islam, including Free-

masonry.” The Fall 2010 edition of the online al-

Qaeda magazine Inspire carried an article listing

numerous attacks against Jews, Americans, Rus-

sians, and Freemasons that the author considered

praiseworthy. An excerpt from the article reads: “in

Jordan, an outstanding group consisting of four men

created a cell to assassinate Freemasons in Amman,

and succeeded in executing a number of them. They

were subsequently arrested after clashing with the

police, and some of them died as martyrs.”

Perhaps all lodges should be more aware of the

world we live in and the open policy used by many

is no longer safe.

Cross Keys March 2017

242 On Tour

This month has been busy for the

master and it might be worth start-

ing the old idea of “242 on Tour”

where a group of brethren visit vari-

ous lodges out with the normal rou-

tine. Recently, brethren have joined

with the brethren of St. Barchan

No.156 to visit the Good Compan-

ions Lodge No.6759 in Birkenhead,

England. To the right, rear row we

have Bros. Iain Rogers IPM, John

Flanagan PM, Graham Scott 242

Master and far right Leigh Gibney

156 Master with front row left the

new PGM of Renfrewshire East Bro.

Neil Fraser.

In the photo below, it’s good to see

Lodge 6759 proudly displayed on

their top table a framed stamp sheet

of 242’s 200th Anniversary present-

ed by Bro. John Flanagan a few years

before.

Another visit was to our good friends

of Wallace Masonic Lodge No.146 in

Hollywood, Northern Ireland. The

master Bro. Graeme can be seen

withy their new master W. Bro. Tony

Donan PM and one of our very good

friends W. Bro. Vic Welsh PM (far

left) looking in good form.

Thus both home constitutions have

been visited in the last few weeks—a

very good effort.

Cross Keys March 2017

242 On Tour

Congratulations once again to Bro. Dougie Dick MM 242 as master of Lodge St. Aethan’s No.

1227 in Burghead in the Province of Moray and Nairn. Dougie is shown above with the OBs

of the PGL and his installing masters Bros. Danny Burrell PM 242 and Allan Stobo PM 242.

Below is the group photo with the brethren of 242 who were able to attend: Front—Graham

Scott, Master, Danny, Dougie, Allan and Brian Smolarek JW. Rear: Dougie Ennis and John

Flanagan PM.

Cross Keys March 2017

Masonic Lodges Worldwide

Silver City Lodge in Idaho, US has an amazing

old building. The lodge used the Silver City

Hall which after many year became unsuitable

and moved into their own premises about 50

years ago. The lodge room upstairs has been

left to the ravages of time. However, the old

building has an air of tradition about it!

Cross Keys March 2017

In modern times, it has been the practice of many of the Royal Arch Chapters to give the

Mark Master's and Chair Master's Ceremonial as separate Degrees, classing them after the

Master's Degree; this is contrary to the practice of the Ancient Craft Lodges, who class the

former with the Fellow-craft, and the latter with the Master Mason Degree. Dr Oliver, in re-

ferring to the Mark Master in his Landmarks, remarks, "that this is usually classed after the

Master's Degree, but in strict propriety it ought to precede it, for the Mark Master is but the

Master of a Lodge of Fellow-crafts." This difference of opinion was decided by the Grand

Lodge of Scotland, in so far as it affected the Lodges under her jurisdiction, at the Quarterly

Communication held in November, 1858.

On that occasion a representation was made by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow, that

the Lodge of Glasgow St John was practising the Mark and Chair Master Degrees; which De-

grees, said the Memorialists, were neither recognised nor practised by the Grand Lodge of

Scotland. In defence, it was stated that the Lodge of Glasgow St John did not recognise them

as separate Degrees, but as portions of the Fellow-craft and Master's Degrees, sanctioned by

the Laws and Constitutions of the Grand Lodge. After mature deliberation, the Grand Lodge,

without a division, found that the Lodge of Glasgow St John was in perfect order, and dis-

missed the complaint.

From the lodge’s history by Bro. Cruikshank.

No.3 bis Complaint

The blog above has a huge number of articles

about currents events in the Craft as a whole. It

is well worth bookmarking and if you have some

information you would like made available, bro.

Stuart would be delighted to add this. The web-

site can be found by clicking on the image or

here:

http://www.thefraternity.info/

Cross Keys March 2017

A Warning to all!

The masonic centre in Charlotte, North Carolina

has been sold to developers and will be demol-

ished to make way for houses or shops. Sadly, this

is happening all over English speaking countries

which is a real cause for concern. Diminishing

numbers and apathy amongst the remaining mem-

bers means that many lodges are in the situation

where they can no longer afford their buildings.

242 has a lodge and social club that needs support

and now is the time for its members to do some-

thing otherwise the situation just mentioned might not be too far away, as pointed out by

Bro. Secretary. Unfortunately, it’s not an ideal threat—the figures show clearly what is going

on.

Masonic Week

Last month was Masonic Week for some of the other orders in Wash-

ington DC to advertise for members. This annual event consists of

elections, speeches, banquets within the York Rite bodies and some

other organisations such as the Grand Council of Engineers, The Ma-

sonic Society, etc. The plethora of orders is astounding and I am not

sure I know what they all are. In Scotland, we do not have enough

brethren to support this sheer volume of orders.

Cross Keys March 2017

Masonic Outing

UGLE Special Events

Two events in the calendar of the United Grand Lodge of England will take place next month.

These will become popular attractions in the future and should serve as a source of pride for

all freemasons.

On 18th April, the Masonic memorial Garden will be opened officially at the Na-

tional Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. This will commemorate the freema-

sons who gave their lives in the service of our country.

On 25th April, the Victoria Cross Memorial will be unveiled by the Grand Master.

This has been placed in the front of the Tower Entrance of Freemasons’ Hall in

London and will take the form of a number of paving stones. The memorial will

contain the names of 63 UGLE freemasons who won the VC during World War 1.

Hopefully, the Cross Keys will report on these, no doubt, successful events in the coming

months. If any brother is in attendance would like to send photos, it would be greatly appre-

ciated. Email address on the last page.

Every lodge has had an outing. This was more popular in the past, but this one is different.

This photo shows a group a masons from Kerry in the Republic of Ireland on a trip in regalia!

Perhaps they close tyled the hill?

Cross Keys March 2017

A Unique Rugby Shirt

Well? Would you wear this?..........

After two months, if any brother thinks the website should be amended, we would be

delighted to hear. The idea of General Committee was to have a website with the min-

imal information as past sites had too much. Hence the reason for a home page (with

next meeting), a contact page, the Cross Keys page, a short history page and most im-

portantly the syllabus which now changes on a regular basis depending on candidates.

This will be updated after each meeting so the website is current and brethren are en-

couraged to check regularly as well.

http://lodge242.bravesites.com/

New Lodge 242 website

BB Swimming Gala

The lodge has been ambassadors to the Boys’

Brigade Swimming Competition for a number of

years. Bro Peter Smolarek PM (on the left) once

again went along to the gala to present the priz-

es.

Perhaps it’s time to resurrect the old lodge tour-

nament of the various companies of local BB to

participate in this again. It would be interesting

to see if they can must sufficient interest.

Cross Keys March 2017

Don’t forget to support The Ashlar magazine—

Scotland’s only Masonic magazine.

Just click on the magazine to find out more.

Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo PM for proof reading.

To submit an article or want added to the mail list or

Facebook group, contact the Editor, Grant Macleod:

E-Mail: sec242pm@yahoo.co.uk

Website: http://lodge242.bravesites.com/