Cross Keys April 2012

Cross Keys April. 2012

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

Walking the Road / Seeking the Light

April 2012 Number 157

In this issue:

Irish Royal Arch Masonry

What is an Intendor?

Change in the Craft

Canadian Working Tools

Installation of PGM

Less Well Known Scottish Masons

No.XII Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Lost Temples

SAS and the Craft

Sierra Leone and the Gambia


Irish Royal Arch Masonry

Irish RA development can be viewed in three eras. The first period refers to a system

first described by Pennell in his 1730 Constitution where three grades or degrees were

worked thus:

1. Apprentice or Brother ,

2. Fellow Craft ,

3. Master's Part, not confined to the chair .

Numbers 1 and 2 seem to have embraced ceremonies up to and including the Hiramic

degree. That is Pennell's agreeing with our present Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft:

and his Fellow Craft with our current Master Mason Degree. Indeed if one thinks about

it, in to-days M.M. degree we are really a lodge of Fellow Craft. Number 3, Pennell's Mas-

ter's Part apparently comprised the essentials of a ceremony subsequently elaborated into

our present Installed Masters degree, the Royal Arch and the Red Cross Mason Degree

(Perhaps better known to Scottish and English Masons as the Red Cross of Babylon or the

Red Cross Knight or Babylonish Pass) .

As the royal arch grew in importance in Ireland, the above degrees were maintained, but

their names were changed. These changes are first noted in Dublin between 1750-1760,

slightly later in the more rural areas. The names of the degrees were as follows:

1. Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft (one degree)

2. Master Mason,

3. Royal Arch.

The purport of the degree which in Ireland, is called the Installed Master's Degree, must

have been a portion only of Pennell's 'Master's Part' and appears to have been merged in

the ceremony known by the general name Royal Arch.

The third period only came to an end in the late 1840s with four major groupings of Irish

Degrees. These developed as follows. I will deal only with the first three as they are ger-

mane to, to-day's paper:

1. Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Master Mason

2. Past Master Excellent Mason, Super Excellent Mason, Arch Mason RA Mason ,

3. Ark Mason, Mark Fellow Mason, Mark Mason, Link Mason or Wrestle, Babyl

nian Pass (or the Red Cross of Daniel ), Jordan Pass, Royal Order (or Prussian

Blue)

4. High Knight Templar etc.

Of the degrees named in the above table, the the Past Master, now known as the Installed

Master, is only conferred upon a Master Elect of a Lodge as he is installed. In the chair of

a Lodge. The degrees of Excellent and Super Excellent are now incorporated into the veil


ceremony of our Royal Arch Chapter Degree. Of the third series only the Degree of Mark

Master Mason is still worked, all other degrees have long ago fallen into disuse, however

some have found their way into the Black Institution which constitute the Higher De-

grees of the Orange Order. The above appears to bear out the conclusion of Brother Revd.

Neville Barker Cryer that, at one time the Royal Arch Degree may have formed part of a

more elaborate 'Chair' degree.

To-day the Mark Master Mason Degree is still the precursor to the Royal Arch Degree

The workings are similar to those used in the other two Home Constitutions. From 1991

the Supreme Grand Chapter of Ireland made a change in the ritual, whereby a separate

ceremony and night was introduced for the working of the Mark.

Let us now consider the Irish Royal Arch Chapter as worked today. The only qualifica-

tion is that the candidate has been a Master Mason of at least twelve months. The Irish

Royal Arch Chapter as worked to day, is set at the repair of the Temple under Josiah,

about 620BC, and is thus more true to the Biblical text of 2nd Chronicles Chpt. 34 Verses

1-14. The other two Supreme Bodies set the degree some 100 years later when the Jews

having received their freedom from Cyrus (King of Persia), return to Jerusalem to rebuild

the Temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel (this episode of Jewish history is worked

in Ireland under the Grand Council of Knight Masons).

It is common to hear the Chapter referred to as the red, as the regalia as worn in the

Chapter is all red (unlike Scottish with red/blue) and consists of an apron and sash worn

from right shoulder to left hip, and in certain Chapters white gloves. As in the two other

Home constitutions a member Jewel on a white ribbon may be worn but it

is more usual to see the Past Kings one on a red ribbon and since 1991 a

past V. W. Masters jewel is also permitted in Chapter but it is not permit-

ted to wear Chapter jewels in Craft Lodges although most people would

be too polite to pass comment on a visitor doing so.

Adapted from an article by Bro. James Penny (IC)

Conclusions regarding Scottish RA Masonry—many orders open and close in the degree to be

worked, but the Scottish RA has a peculiar system due to the Mark. Why does a candidate

have to affiliate to a mark lodge and why can a lodge of Excellent Masters not open immedi-

ately? All other orders assume membership of Craft or RA without affiliations. This detracts

from a very colourful and interesting ceremony. Perhaps now is the time to look at ceremonies

and eliminate the long winded approaches in some degrees or grades which clearly put breth-

ren off as can be seen with the numbers attending chapters.

Irish Royal Arch Masonry (ctd)


Congratulations

To Bro. Grant Macleod as the new Provincial Grand

Secretary of Renfrewshire East. Bro. Grant was

master of 242 in 1996—97 and then served as secre-

tary from 1997 until the 200th Anniversary last

year—a period of 14 years. He is also the author of

the lodge history. It was good to see that both the

Secretary and Treasurer of the lodge be recognised

for their hard work over the years.

What is an Intendor?

The term "Intender" comes to us direct from the old operative Lodge of Scotland. More

than 119 years before the first Grand Lodge was formed the Intender was an important

official in the Lodges in Scotland, entrusted with the instruction of new candidates. At

that time the word "intend" meant: to stretch out, extend, expand, increase, intensify.

Therefore, the Intender was a faithful companion and teacher whose duty it was to

stretch out, extend, expand, increase, and intensify the knowledge and understanding of

the younger craftsman in the Science of Masonry.

The Schaw Statutes, an elaborate code of organization first drawn up in 1598 by William

Schaw, Master of Work and General Warden of the Masons of Scotland, are found in the

minutes of the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel) No. 1. These Statutes provided that

an Intender be chosen by each new Fellowcraft, while the Lodge of Aitchison's Haven

provided Intenders for both new Entered Apprentices and new Fellowcrafts. In time the

office of Intender became so important that the youngest Master was chosen for this

exacting service.

Recently, the emphasis has been changing from merely producing Masons proficient in

the rituals to that of producing educated Masons – Masons who not only love their ritual

and know how to present it effectively, but who also have an ample knowledge of the

background, the aims, and the purposes of the Fraternity. It is here that the Intender

becomes an important factor in developing an intelligent membership and a capable

leadership to sustain and advance Freemasonry throughout the coming ages.

An intendor is more than a proposer and seconder. Should lodges utilise this to

encourage young masons to seek more knowledge and through a real interest in the

Craft, stay a member for longer? This is an area that PGLRE will review in its

Commission.


The Senior newspaper for retired people comes out monthly. The paper is widely circu-

lated in Queensland. Nambour, where this lodge is, is about 75 miles north of Brisbane.

Australian Lodge Retain Scottish Connections


Change in the Craft

Today you have in your pocket a device that has more computing power than the computer

system that put men on the moon. It combines a telephone, computer, camera and internet access

all in one small 5 ounce package. Communication is almost entirely by email, texting, Facebook,

Twitter and other social internet sites. Paying your bills by a cheque in the mail has almost

disappeared. Information, communication and news from around the world is instant. You, like

me, are living in the world of a 25 year old. The world has changed exponentially, and I, for one,

refuse to let it get ahead of me! You must not either!

Our Craft, like a lumbering giant, has been notoriously slow to adapt to this changing

environment. Our young people have grown up and are living comfortably in this fast paced

world. If we are to survive, we must quickly adapt and appeal to their interests. I charge both

our younger and our older members to embrace the change, both societal and fraternal, which we

see happening all around us.

We are blessed with a Grand Master Mason and some forward thinking members in our Grand

Lodge, who are dedicating their lives to the survival of this fraternity. I am proud to be associated

and working with these men and will support them until I am no longer able. I simply refuse to

sit on my laurels – oak or ivy, and let our beloved Craft fail! Adapt or die! What about you?

Common sense, and our leadership, tells us that our events and meetings must be Inspirational,

Convenient and Enjoyable. Yet, we have those in our fraternity who actively or passively resist

this important concept, stating the old canard: “We’ve always done it that way!” or “We never

did it that way before!” If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you

always got, and you’ll always feel what you always felt.

President Ronald Reagan once said. “I’m not a great man, I just believe in great ideas.” You should

believe in great ideas. Listen to what our younger members and society are telling us. In 1903,

Henry Ford set out to produce a car that everyone could afford - the Model T. Prior to this time,

cars were individually assembled, each one a custom made creation. In order to achieve his goal

of an affordable finished product, he needed to reduce his labour costs. In 1908, Brother Henry

Ford had a great labour saving idea – instead of having the unfinished car sit in one place while

workmen built the car piece by piece, why not move the car to the workers, where they could

perform their work specialty and then move the car to the next worker? Thus was born the

assembly line and revolutionized the way that automobiles were built. “It was never done that

way before!” The fact is Brethren – We haven’t always “Done it that way!”

Do you think for one minute that, William Schaw, James Boswell, Alexander Adam, Alexander

Drummond, Robert Burns, James Watt, Robert Adam, Sir Walter Scott and Adam Smith tolerated

this “We Always Did It That Way” attitude? They obviously were inspired by the wonderful

principles, fellowship and ideals of our fraternity in the development of Scotland that, despite the

recession, is still the greatest wee nation in the world. In spite of a humble beginning Masonry

thrived, and became a driving force in this great country of ours. Maybe they knew something

that we are just now rediscovering!

We are again at a crossroad in the history of our country, society and our fraternity. Freemasonry

must adapt or we will cease to exist. Fortunately, we are seeing signs that some in our younger

generation embrace our history and our principles, and are hungry for our rich heritage. They are

discovering for themselves what we take for granted. They are discovering Masonry on their own

terms, in their own way, using communication methods that we have yet to master. They are


Old Tradition Changed

A photo of the masters’ board of Royal

Cumberland Lodge (Time Immemorial)

which meets in Bath. Note the title, noth-

ing unusual to Scottish masons, but not the

usual English term of WM. While Scottish

lodges still use RWM, some time England

changed its rules.

Can anyone enlighten us as to why and

when this change took place?

good men. They may not dress the way we do. They may not care for formal attire, useless

speeches or boring meetings, but they believe in the same values and principles as we do. We

must embrace this generation of young men as our brothers and allow them to exercise their tal-

ents. Some might just have the spirit of our enlightened forefathers in their blood, and may have a

great idea.

When looking for employees, Henry Ford once made the statement– “I am looking for a lot of

men who have an infinite capacity to not know what can’t be done.” So are we Brethren! Our

new Brethren don’t know or care that “We never did it that way before!” and neither should you!

Brethren you have in your heart and hands, the power and the influence to bring this fraternity to

the greatness it always has been. We are without equal as an organisation, so go forth from this

auditorium today and use your influence to make a difference.

By Bro. Alex Galbraith Sub GMM - installation toast to the daughter lodges, November 2011

Brethren, many interesting points are raised by Bro. Galbraith in his toast. A Cambridge mathe-

matician (G. Hardy) once said that criticism is the work of second rate minds—indeed, it is easy

to pull ideas apart than to have the ideas in the first place. Some may work and some might not,

but they should be tried. If they do, tell other lodges, it might help them too. Let’s encourage our

brethren to think about new ways forward and not brow beat them every time so that they are

uninterested in looking forward.

Our beloved Craft has survived when most organisations of the 18th Century have not—why?

We changed, we adapted and we have brethren with ideas on how to succeed in a constantly

changing world.

Change in the Craft (ctd)


From the Columns

On 9th March, Bro. Richard Caldwell received his FCD at the hands of our

good friends from Lochwinnoch.

On 22nd March, the PGL Annual Visit took place and the new PGM Bro.

John S. Miller headed the deputation. Bro. John was delighted to give a

clear minute of inspection and thanked the brethren of the lodge for their

assistance with transporting lodge furniture to and from the Town Hall.

The Working Tools of a Canadian Mason are the snow brush, the com-mon shovel, and the hockey stick. The snow brush is the first implement put into the hands of the Canadian, in order to brush the snow off his vehicle and to scrape the ice off his windshield. The shovel is used to move snow off the driveway and sidewalk and throw it into heaping piles on the lawn so you can drive your vehicle in and out of the garage; and the hockey stick is to play hockey with friends and family on your nicely shaved driveway, or on the street in your neighbourhood in the cold snowy weather. Your choice, really.

But as we are not American, but rather freezing and freaking cold Cana-dian Masons, we apply these tools to our morals, eh? In this sense, from the snow brush we learn a daily lesson of accumulation and instruction, for as it is divided into two parts, it recalls our minds the division of the year into two seasons — construction and winter — and directs us to ap-portion them to their proper objects, namely golfing and skiing.

From the common shovel we learn that bad backs are more prominent than we thought; for the heart may stop and the head-cold throb with pain if the hand be not prompt to lift the snow.

From the hockey stick we learn that perspiration is necessary to establish hypothermia, that the icy material receives its slippery finish from re-peated melting and freezing alone, that nothing short of inflatable exer-tion can induce the habit of puck handling, enlighten your behind, and render the goals pure.

From the snow we deduce this moral; that igloos, grounded on accu-racy, aided by seal skin and prevented by collapse will finally overcome all wind chill factors, raise the body temperature from despair and estab-lish happiness in the paths of clear, sunny skies.

Working Tools of a Canadian Freemason


Sunday 1st April, 2012—Divine Service in Rutherglen West & Wardlawhill Church,

Rutherglen at 3pm

Saturday 21st, April, 2012—Re-Dedication Ceremony in 242 at 2pm

Saturday 28th April, 2012—Chairmanship Seminar in Nitshill at 10am until 12noon

Monday 30th April, 2011—Tri-Annual Communication in Rutherglen 116 at 7.30pm

PGL News

GL News

Would you want to be a Freemason?

The Craft makes it to the BBC. Dogged by conspiracy theories, Freemasons insist theirs is

a modern, open organisation. But can this male-dominated body cast off its secretive im-

age and win over a sceptical public?

Click on:

POLICE are investigating a brazen raid on a Masonic Lodge which saw "irreplaceable" ceremonial

jewellery worth thousands of pounds stolen from a display cabinet. The robbery took place at the

Roman Eagle Lodge on Johnston Terrace, with gold masonic chains dating back to 1920 being taken

from the case in the lodge committee room. The missing chains - similar to costume jewellery worn

by mayors - were presented to founding members of the St Giles' Chapter of Masons, now an exten-

sion of the Roman Eagle Lodge.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17272611


GRAND MASTER MASONS CONDUCTS CEREMONY IN JOHNSTONE

The leader of more than 29,000 Freemasons worldwide visited Johnstone, Renfrewshire,

on Saturday (17th March) to conduct a colourful ceremony.

Grand Master Mason Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont carried out the

installation of the new Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire East, John Miller, who

will head the Province for the next five years.

The ceremony - carried out at Johnstone Town Hall – was attended by 371 members of all

37 Masonic Lodges in the Province of Renfrewshire East which stretches from Lochwin-

noch to East Kilbride and includes Rutherglen and the South of Glasgow, along with

members of other Provinces throughout Scotland and visitors from England, Ireland,

Canada and India.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland – founded in

1736 - provides administration for lodges

that come under the Scottish Constitution

all over the world including many in Aus-

tralia and New Zealand, Africa, the Middle

East, South America, India and Canada.

During the ceremony, the Grand Master

Mason reminded those present that Free-

masonry is one of the world’s oldest, secu-

lar fraternal societies whose members are

taught to show tolerance and respect for

the opinions of others and to practise char-

ity and care for the community as a whole.

John Miller said that he and his office bear-

ers were looking forward to encouraging

members to continue with the charity work

that resulted in £43,000 being raised for non

-Masonic charities within the past year by

lodges within the Province.


Installation of the new PGM

The Installation of the new PGM, Bro. John Samuel Miller took place on Saturday

17th March, 2012 in Johnstone Town Hall. Being such a superb day all round, it

was decided to have the photograph taken outside in Ludovic Square. In the back-

ground is the old fountain which was laid with masonic honours over 130 years

ago and further in the background is the old Headmaster’s house when the high

school was situated to the right of it (on the site of the present doctor’s surgery).

Bro. John is seen in the centre with Charles Wolrige Gordon GMM to the left David

Reid IPPGM to the right. PPGMs Bro. Dixon Drye and Frank Johnstone can be seen

to the left and various dignitaries from the Grand Lodge of Scotland are scattered

about.


George Murdoch was Provost of Glasgow from 1754-1755 and again from 1766-1767. He

was a merchant primarily trading in wines from Madeira, but became involved in related

enterprises such as becoming a partner in a glass bottle works in 1742, and forming Mur-

doch & Warroch to build and operate the famous Anderston Brewery. He had children

only by the first of his three wives. One of his sons, James, went to work in Madeira at the

age of thirteen and another, George, ended up in Grenada. In 1767, while in his second

term as Provost, Murdoch laid the foundation stone for the new Jamaica Street Bridge. A

mason, in 1769 he became "Provincial Grand Master over the Counties of Lenrick, Ren-

frew, Air, Dumbarton and Argyle".

Murdoch is depicted here wearing a red coat and one of the wigs which were so fashion-able in 18th century Glasgow.

Less Weel Kent Scottish Masons


Diamond Jubilee Celebration

April Events in 242

Sir William Wallace RAC -

19th April—EM at 7.30pm

A special meeting of Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No. XII

RWM Bro Bob Bain cordially invites you to a (very) special meeting

on Thursday 7th June at 7.30pm in The Saloon of The Town Hall,

Greenock.

The purpose of the meeting is to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her

Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The main agenda item is a talk by Guy

Clark, Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire entitled 'My Role as the

Queen's Representative in Renfrewshire'. Guy is the grandson of the

late Bro Sir Walter Guy Shaw Stewart, former Provincial Grand Master

of Renfrewshire West and member of Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No

XII. He will be introduced by a short talk from Bro Iain White PM entitled 'The Shaw

Stewarts and No XII'.

There will be a light supper after the meeting during which patriotic songs will be sung

by Bro Alan Beck WSW. Brethren are encouraged to wear red, white and blue.

The evening will be in aid of Help for Heroes and will be the culmination of No. XII's 2011-

FRIDAY 13th April—FCD by 1443 (St. Andrew, Annan)

at 7.30pm

SPECIAL Saturday 21st April—Re-dedication Ceremony

by Provincial Grand Lodge at 2pm

Thursday 26th—FCD by Union & Crown 307 (Barrhead) at

7.30pm


Lost Temples

Ann Arbor masonic temple in Michigan was a magnificent structure over 5 floors built in

1925 at a cost of $324,000. The first floor even housed a circus at one point along with a

huge pipe organ. Unfortunately, in later years, the lowers floors were divided to accom-

modate renters and in 1977 it was pulled down to make way for a car park.

Such a tragedy and something that is common in large Scottish cities as well.


Lost Temples (ctd)

The replacement lodge built in

1978. Quite a difference.

Found Temples

Freemasons' Hall, Sunderland, circa 1935—see over about this hall.


Found Temples (ctd)

The Grade I-listed Masonic Hall in Queen Street opened its doors to the public last month – returning the

building to its former role at the heart of the community.

“The Lodge Room was used by local drama, operatic, music, debating and poetry groups when it first

opened in 1785,” said Colin Meddes, director of Queen Street Masonic Heritage Trust. “We believe the fu-

ture of the hall lies with being part of the community once again, which is why we are opening up on Sat-

urday for people interested in learning more about its history. Sunderland was a bustling sea-trading port,

George III was midway through his reign and William Pitt the Younger was Prime Minister when plans for

Queen Street Masonic Hall were drawn up.”

The location – a former bowling green owned by the Golden Lion Hotel, surrounded by 27 pubs, five brew-

eries and dozens of timber-framed houses – was not, however, the first choice. Members of Phoenix Lodge,

which was constituted in 1755, originally met in hotels and taverns until Captain George Thompson, Mas-

ter of the Lodge, built a hall in Vine Street in 1778. “This hall served the Lodge well until a disastrous fire in

November 1783, which destroyed the building, most of the furnishings and several valuable paintings and

books.”

Down, but not out, a group known as the Gentlemen of the Committee was formed – under the chairman-

ship of surgeon Dr William Tipping Brown – to help Phoenix Lodge rise from the ashes. And it was to

Golden Lion innkeeper William Irvine, a prominent Lodge member known locally as Willie the King, that

they turned to for help – after he offered to sell them some land. The £600 cost of the new hall was raised by

donations, subscriptions and £20 shares, with some of the original shareholders including Dr Brown, grocer

John Brown and painter Edward Smith.

Builder John Bonner, a member of the Lodge, was invited to lead the project, and it is believed second-hand

ship timbers may have been used – as a tax made new wood prohibitively expensive. “It is a testament to

Bonner’s skills that a structural survey in 1996 concluded the only problems after 211 years were that the

ends of a few of the floor joists were rotting,” said Colin.

Queen Street Masonic Hall opened on April 5, 1785, just 17 months after the fire. It was a day of pomp and

ceremony, with 176 Freemasons from across the North East gathering to celebrate. “The building consisted

of the Lodge Room or Temple when it first opened, with pents reminiscent of lean-to extensions on the east

and west ends,” said Colin. “The east one still stands and is used as the bar area. It was originally the main

entrance, with a portico doorway.

“The west pent is known to have comprised of two rooms in 1812. Records show these were let to the care-

taker rent-free. The pent was removed in 1923.” Original Masonic symbols still adorn the walls of the

Lodge Room, which were carved and gilded by Newcastle Freemason Mr Pears for the opening – a service

for which he charged £30.

The work of Phoenix Lodge still continues, however, although the freehold interest of the hall was trans-

ferred to Queen Street Masonic Heritage Centre in 1997, with the aim of restoring the building. “The Trust

is committed to ensuring it continues to play an important role in the regenerated and revitalised East End

for generations to come, expanding its newly rekindled community ties. We are grateful for the foresight of

Dr Brown and the Gentlemen of the Committee, who gave us the hall and passed on the responsibility to

preserve this Ancient Monument to Freemasonry.”


Visit to 5005(EC)

Last month, three brethren from the lodge attended the regular meeting of Selsdson Park

Lodge No.5005 (EC) in Croydon. The RWM Bro. Graham B. Scott, Peter Smolarek PM

DoC and Jim Taylor DM witnessed a MMD conferred by Bro. Fraser Lees of 242 as WM

of 5005 who then presented the brethren with cufflinks with the 242 crest. Following the

meeting, Bro. Peter then won a pink shirt at the festive board—will he wear it, however

or will it appear in one of our raffles?!!!

Lodge History makes Paisley Daily Express


SAS Legend

Robert Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne was born on 11 January 1915 in

Newtownards in County Down, Ireland, and showed an

early love and aptitude for sport. Excelling in many areas,

Mayne not only became the Irish Universities Heavy-

weight Champion in August 1936, but was also capped

playing rugby for Ireland six times, and in 1938 was se-

lected to play for the British Isles Touring Party of South

Africa.

Mayne was already a member of the Territorial Army

when the Second World War broke out in September 1939

and he soon received a commission in the Royal Artillery.

In April 1940 he transferred to the Royal Ulster Rifles before volunteering for the newly formed

No. 11 (Scottish) Commando, with whom he saw his first action, attacking Vichy French forces in

Lebanon. For his courageous and clear-minded leadership, Mayne was mentioned in despatches.

However, he soon lost interest in the Commando and in August 1941 joined a revolutionary new

outfit that was being formed in North Africa by former Scots Guards officer David Stirling.

Major R B (Paddy) Mayne commander of

the “Special Raiding Squadron”

During the anniversary year, 242 decided to donate £500 towards the new memorial for SAS Vets.

In September, 2011 the SAS Regimental Association once again ventured to Stirling en-mass to

celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the formation of the Regiment and to dedicate the new plaques

of the WW2 casualties. This will probably be the last the Association can take so many vets due

to their age of this group and the donation was appreciated greatly.

The weather held and a magnificent time was had by all with a flypast, by two RAF Hercules,

completing the service. A plaque and the David Stirling Memorial are seen below.

242 Assists SAS Vets


Sierra Leone & The Gambia

teps towards the construction of a masonic temple within the township of Makeni has

commenced with the laying of the foundation stone by the Right Worshipful District

Grand Master of the Scottish Constitution Bro. Johathan Admire Thomas past Sunday.

Before the foundation stone laying ceremony, the Leader of the Wusum Lodge Planning

Committee Bro. Samura M W Kamara, who is the Finance Minister declared to the

District Grand Secretary, Bro. Arthur B.C. Jones the intention of setting up a structure in

the headquarters of the Northern Province, Makeni Town, which would represent a

Temple of The Mind and also house the proposed Lodge to be named Lodge Wusum.

At hand to assist the District Grand Master were Paramount Chiefs P.C. Bai Sheborah

Kassanga and PC Masayalie Tham II accompanied by their subjects, who performed the

traditional rites, as well as the Resident Minister, Alex Kargbo.

Speaking at the site, PC Bai Seborah Kassanga expressed his delight at the inception of

freemasonry in his jurisdiction, while the District Grand Master, lauded the stance of Bro

Samura Kamara, for the erection of the masonic temple, as well as for the formation of

Lodge Wusum.

He gave the assurance that the District Grand Lodge of Sierra Leone and the Gambia

would render the necessary assistance towards the erection of the temple.

One significant aspect of the foundation stone ceremony is the fact that Freemasonry

worldwide is a universal brotherhood and in Sierra Leone therefore, it should not appear

to be restricted to Freetown alone as this conveys the incorrect picture that it is a society

for Freetonians only.

It had already started in the Provinces (Delco, Rokel, Blue Diamond Lodges) but

unfortunately, these had to relocate to Freetown for various reasons chief of which were

the closure of the companies/mines, and the rebel war, coupled with the declining

economy.

The establishment of the proposed Lodge Wusum in the Northern Province Headquarter

Town – Makeni will help to bring initiates from the area especially as the initiative for its

creation is from the indigenes of that area who are staunch Masons. The Wusum Temple

will house the meetings of Lodge Wusum when it is created but it could also serve to

host other Lodges if convenient, especially so for Lodges that originally were meeting in

the provinces.

Furthermore, it should be noted that this initiative is under the Scottish Constitution and

quite encouragingly, there is also another initiative under the English Constitution to set

up a Lodge in Bo, the Headquarter Town of the Southern Province.

These two initiatives are both timely and complementary for while the Scottish

Constitution is addressing the Northern Province, the English Constitution is also

addressing the Southern Province thereby spreading Freemasonry over at least three

provinces and regions.


PGLRE Education Dinner

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire East will hold another Education Dinner

which will take place on 18th May, 2012. Although slightly early, please note the date in

your diary. The first dinner a couple of years ago with the Grand Master Mason as the

only speaker was a great success and it is hoped to continue this format. The only speaker

is WBro. Dunlop, Grand Master of Ireland.

The event will take place in the premises of our lodge and we are honoured to host this

popular event.

The Freemasons’ Legacy

http://presstv.com/Program/227828.html

But what is freemasonry in today’s society? It now exists in various forms all over the

world, with a membership estimated at around six million, including over a quarter of a

million under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England and just under two

million in the USA. Members are obligated to abide by the rules of the fraternity, to keep

the "secrets of Freemasonry" and to act towards others in accordance with Masonic tradi-

tion and law. Why is it so secretive? What are they hiding?

Click above to hear some interesting views from the public as well.

Congratulations

To Bro. Frank Johnstone Past Provincial

Grand Master of Renfrewshire East who re-

ceived a certificate of Distinguished Mem-

bership from his Mother Lodge, The Royal

Stuart No.141 on Monday 26th, March, 2012.

Bro. Frank was caught completely by sur-

prise when he was given the certificate by

Bro. John Miller PGM.

See pglre.org for the group photo.

http://presstv.com/Program/227828.html


The Cross Keys is Edited and Researched by

Brothers - Grant Macleod & Brian Kerr

Lodge Websites www.lodge242.co.uk

www.lodge242.bravehost.com

E-Mail: [email protected]

Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo WJW 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.

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

http://www.lodge242.bravehost.com/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.circlepublications.com/

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

http://issuu.com/home

Cross Keys April 2012

Documents

red cross mason degree

royal arch degree

arch mason ra mason

degree of mark master

current master mason

mark mason

mark fellow mason

link mason