The Cross Keys

The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone

April 2013

Walking the Road / Seeking the Light

Number 166

In this issue: Education in Renfrewshire East Freemasonry in South Africa Masonic Villages Part 2 Prestons Illustrations Thee Freemasonan old magazine The ABF PGL RW Installation Masonic Notices

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Masonic Education in the PGL of Renfrewshire East

The main emphasis for the PGL Commission in Renfrewshire East is to identify Education & Training and Enlightenment needs across the Province and to supply the necessary Training & Development requirements as identified. We are seeking to Educate and Enlighten all who wish to be Educated and Enlightened in the basic teachings and meanings of the Degree System. Besides having better informed and more knowledgeable Masons, we believe this will have a positive impact on retention of membership. We also recognise that for those who aspire to higher office, some form of Training & Development will be beneficial to the individual and to his lodge. We have men who aspire to the Chair who have little or no experience in Leadership, Chairmanship, Public Speaking or in Managing People. PGL hopes to supply those requirements by offering every assistance open to us including the provision of Professional Standard Training & Development. Training & Development and the Enlightenment of our Brethren is a basic right to which every member is entitled. We are fortunate to have within the Commission, a Human Resources Manager, a University Doctor & Lecturer, a Private School Head of Department and from the Lodges, several Teachers and Management Development Professionals who are more than willing to be involved in our Education Programme. We have looked, initially, at three main areas: ( i ) New / Newer Members The introduction of a Mentoring Programme is a priority for the Province. We aim to identify Brethren who are best suited to this type of work and to provide the training they will require in order to properly fulfil this vital role. A Seminar to kick start our Mentoring Programme will take place in the premises of Lodge Nitshill 1478 on the morning of Saturday 20th April, 2013 when the concept of Mentoring will be fully explained along with what is required to be a successful Mentor. ( ii ) Experienced Masons Besides exposure to all that we aim to make available to the New/Newer Member, we plan to provide to the more experienced Mason an opportunity for Personal Development in the form of a range of Seminars including: Leadership Chairmanship Coaching

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Masonic Education in the PGL of RE ctd

Such Training & Development will, we trust, lead to better equipped RWMs and therefore better Lodges. In addition our more experienced members are entitled to a fuller exposure to the Craft, its History, the Aims & Relationships and the Challenges ahead. This can be achieved through a number of means. Papers Lectures Presentations Seminars Lodge Publications (magazines ) etc. (iii) Job Specific Training In addition to the Enlightenment , Education and Personal Development outlined above , there is a clear need for continuous Job Specific Training such as for, Secretaries , Treasurers , Almoners and of course masters. Whilst many are long serving and experienced in their respective roles, change is all around us and these key Office Bearers should not be overlooked. When there is a change in personnel in these offices, we require ensuring that the new incumbent has the necessary training in that role and not being dependant on him picking it up from his predecessor. Regular Seminars will be planned for these Office Bearers, where knowledge, experience and best practice can be shared.

Summary In Renfrewshire East we have a Commission committed to the ongoing provision of Masonic Education in its many forms. It is our aim, with the support of the Lodges, to achieve the following: better informed & more knowledgeable Brethren improved retention rate better qualified aspirants for the higher offices more fruitful engagement of Brethren / Lodges / PGL

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Freemasonry in South Africa

In South Africa, brethren have to travel huge distances to attend lodges, some lodges are a 6/7 hour drive from home and usually meet on a Saturday. The DGL actually do the workings at an installation, from all the offices to addressing the new RWM, so it takes quite a dedicate team of brothers to carry this out. It not done by the lodge itself. In South Africa there is a high rate of crime, therefore as the brethren get older, leaving their wife's at home alone is a worrying factor. Most meetings here start around 7.30 with the visitors coming into the lodge at 8. Then we have the Harmony afterwards, and because we have plenty of visitors who bring greetings from their own lodge, this can be lengthy time and sometimes you only get finished after 11 at night, we have a rule that the lodges close at midnight. 1. We hold meetings right throughout the year, most lodges closing down for Christmas or the New Year as the brethren are away on holiday, we like to get back into the swing of the New Year with a Burns Nicht starting around the 2nd week of January. 2. It is possible to attend an English, Irish and the Grand Lodge of South Africa workings here and one can actually attend lodge 5 times a week and if you're really keen and don't mind travelling even Saturdays. 3. The meetings here mostly have a Festive-board, (Harmony) after the meetings in a dining hall, this can take the form of a finger supper or even a cooked meal, during which the Master will ask the visitors to reply and bring greetings, (rather formal) but one gets to meet and greet other masons over a meal and drink in a very friendly atmosphere. 4. We very seldom do more than one candidate at a meeting, so the night belongs to that brother only and makes it very special for him. 5. It has been a custom of this district to ask the Reigning Masters from other lodges to partake in a working, this way it ensures that you will have more visitors at the meeting, plus the workings are of a very high standard. 6. Because of the times, at an Installation there are more Past Masters and District Grand Lodge officers present than MM, so all below Installed masters are asked to leave the Lodge for a short while as we carry out the Board of Installed Masters working, this is when the new Master receives his signs, token and words, a lovely working and well worth seeing over and over, this is generally carried out by our DGL Officers and not as you guys do, the past masters of the Lodge.
Bro John A. Grant Hon WSGD of the Grand Lodge Of Scotland, PSDGM of Central South Africa, PM of Lodge Braemar No.1469 Cross Keys April. 2013

Derelict Lodge, NY
The sad pictures show the state of decay in an old German masonic home in Tappan, NY. It comprised of a chapel, sitting rooms, meeting room, kitchen and three residential floors for the Masonic Home, where members were able to live free of charge. When you literally cant build them like this anymore, its sad when you cant find a purpose for the ones that remain. The photos show a selection of the building today. For fuller details, click on the first picture.
The land for the site, 20 acres in all, was purchased by the German Masons in 1872 for $14,500; construction on the Hall began in 1906 and finished in 1909. From then until 1983, the building was a residence hall for Masons and their kin in an attempt to shield the individual against the blasts of an adverse fate, according to a Masonic historian.

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Masonic Villages of Pennsylvania Part 2

Founded as The Masonic Home of Pennsylvania in 1871, this facility was originally a haven for poor and sick Pennsylvania Freemasons and their family members, relocating in 1976 from Philadelphia to Montgomery County. To fulfill the original vision of the Pennsylvania Masonic founders, which was to offer three Masonic Homes across the Commonwealth, plans began in 2002 for the Masonic Home of Pennsylvania and the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to become one Masonic Homes family. A task force was formed to review daily operations to enhance services currently provided at all locations. A survey was conducted of members in the five-county area nearest to the Masonic Home of Pennsylvania and the Masonic Eastern Star Home-East in Warminster to determine at which location prospective residents prefer to receive nursing, personal care and retirement living services. The results indicated that there was sufficient interest in both facilities to support the continuation of services at both locations. The decision was made to move forward with the union. The Lafayette Hill community became part of the Masonic Villages on Jan. 1, 2004. In 2006, renovations to the health care and personal care areas were completed, which included a new dining room for personal care residents and an updated one for health care residents. A new therapy suite and spa were also built. By summer 2007, 21 new retirement living apartments were converted from 13 previous personal care apartments and a retirement living dining room and bistro were constructed. The Kenneth Mills Auditorium, bowling alley, recreation room and administrative offices were refurbished during this phase. The second part of this phase includes upgrades to the remainder of the retirement living apartments. In 2007, pre-marketing began for 85 new retirement living apartments proposed to be built and connected to the front of the existing building. The new apartments would extend our services to up to 170 additional seniors.

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Our Namesake
JOHNSTOWN, New York - most residents of this area are familiar with the name Sir William Johnson and the historic landmarks associated with his settlement of the region. But part of Johnson's legacy lives on in relative obscurity in a stately brick building on North Perry Street. In 1766, Johnson founded St. Patrick's Lodge No. 4, a local branch of the fraternity of Freemasons, whose members included nearly every prominent landowner in upstate New York. The lodge - named after the patron saint of Johnson's native Ireland and the fourth established in New York - began as a small, exclusive organization made up of Johnson and his closest associates. Its first meetings took place in Johnson's home. The lodge survived its founder's death and the American Revolution and went on to thrive for generations.

The Cross Keys

What do 242 and Lodge St. James Tarbolton Kilwinning No.135 have in common? The Cross Keys was also a public house in which the lodges metone in the High Street in Johnstone the other in the main road of Tarbolton. It is where Lodge St. James Tarbolton No.135 reconstituted in 1782. Here the Lodge was meeting when the three sons of the poet were made Honorary Members of St. James, 9th August 1844. Now demolished but a hallowed spot.

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History of Warrant No.242

Abbey Lodge No.242 (IC) originated from Boyle in southern Ireland, in the County of Roscommon. The lodge is a very old building and entering the lodge room is similar to a time warp of the 18th Century. It contains furniture and floor clothes from that era with degrees relating to Royal Arch Excellence and High Knight Templar.

The original warrant was dated 20th March 1754, but returned to GLoI in 1763 and The Roscommon Militia was issued with the warrant in 1808 from Grand Master Seton probably in August 1806, confirmed by Grand Lodge 17th September 1807 and settled in Boyle in 1817. Duplicate warrants were issued over the period due to be lost in conflicts when the lodge chest may have been left or taken. The militia merged with the 88th Regiment of Foot, The Connaught Rangers (who had two lodges attached to it 1821 and 1907) and prepared for war with Napoleon. Its membership comprised of mainly NCOs and Roman Catholics. The lodge met in various homes of retired officers until their lodge building in Boyle was acquired. Following establishment of the independent Irish Free State in 1922, the five regiments, which included the Connaught Rangers, that had their traditional recruiting grounds in the counties of the new state were disbanded. On 12 June the Rangers Colours, along with those of five other Irish regiments, were laid up in a disbandment ceremony in Windsor Castle.

In January 2001 after its amalgamation with Concord Lodge No. 854 (IC) which also had a military warrant, it become know as Abbey Concord.

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The Excellency of Masonry Displayed

Whoever attentively observes the objects which surround him, will find abundant reason to admire the works of Nature, and to adore the Being who directs such astonishing operations: he will be convinced, that infinite wisdom could alone design, and infinite power finish, such amazing works. Were a man placed in a beautiful garden, would not his mind be affected with exquisite delight on a calm survey of its rich collection? Would not the groves, the grottoes, the artful wilds, the flowery parterres, the opening vistas, the lofty cascades, the winding streams, the whole variegated scene, awaken his sensibility; and inspire his soul with the most exalted ideas? When he observed the delicate order, the nice symmetry, and the beautiful disposition of every part, seemingly complete in itself, yet reflecting new beauties on the other, and all contributing to make one perfect whole, would not his mind be agitated with the most bewitching sensations; and would not the view of the delightful scene naturally lead him to admire and venerate the happy genius who contrived it? If the productions of art so forcibly impress the mind with admiration, with how much greater astonishment and reverence, with how much greater astonishment and reverence must we behold the operations of Nature, which presents to view unbounded scenes of utility and delight, in which divine wisdom is most strikingly conspicuous? These scenes are indeed too expanded for the narrow capacity of man to comprehend; yet whoever contemplates the general system, form the uniformity of the plan must naturally be directed to the original source, the supreme governor of the world, the one perfect and unsullied beauty! Beside all the pleasing prospects that everywhere surround us, and with which our senses are every moment gratified; beside the symmetry. good order, and proportion, which appear in all the works of creation, something further attracts the reflecting mind, and draws its attention nearer to the Divinity - the universal harmony and affection among the different species of beings of every rank and denomination. These are the cements of the rational world, and by these alone it subsists. When they cease, nature must be dissolved, and man, the image of his Maker and the chief of his works, be overwhelmed in the general chaos. In the whole order of beings, for the seraph which adores and burns, down to the meanest insect, all, according to their rank in the scale of existence, have, more or less, implanted in them, the principle of association with others of the same species. Even the most inconsiderable animals are formed into different ranks and societies, for mutual benefit and protection. Need we name the careful ant, or the industrious bee; insects which the wisest of men has recommended as patterns of unwearied industry and prudent foresight? When we extend our ideas, we shall find, that the innate principle of friendship increases in proportion to the extension of our intellectual faculties; and the only criterion by which a judgement can be formed respecting the superiority of one part of the animal creation above the other, is by observing the degrees of kindness and good-natured in which it excels. Such are the general principles which pervade the whole system of creation; who forcibly then must such lessons predominate in our assemblies, where civilisation and virtue are most zealously cherished, under the sanction of science and the arts?

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GL News
The 4th International Conference on the History of Freemasonry will be held in Freemasons' Hall, Edinburgh, 24 - 26 May 2013. SEE PAGE for DETAILS.

PGL News
Sunday 21st April, 2013PGL Divine service in Stowe Brae Kirk, 82 Causeyside Street, Paisley. PA1 1YP at 3pm. All brethren welcomeregalia to be worn. Monday 29th April, 2013Tri-Annual Communication of the PGL in Barrhead SPECIAL EVENT The Showcase Event for the PGLRE will take place in the Redhurst Hotel, 27 Eastwoodmains Road, Giffnock, Glasgow G46 6QE on Saturday 22nd June, 2013.

On 13th April, a new lodge called Quis Separabit Irish Guards Masonic Lodge No 960 will be Constituted at 2.30pm in the Freemasons Hall, Rosemary Street, Belfast by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Bro George Dunlop. Watch this space for further info.

Army Benevolent Fundthe Soldiers Charity

My 12 year old son, 8 year old daughter and I will walk 25 times round Ibrox Stadium on 28th April, 2013 to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund supported by the Rangers Charity Foundation. With more troops returning from Afghanistan, the fund is in requirement of much needed assistance. The sum raised will also be part of the PGLRE which has the ABF as their nominated charity for 2013. If you had it, would you give it? Just click below to go to the webpage alternatively see Grant. http://www.justgiving.com/user/40757377

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The heading has been taken from the newsletter of the GL, a new initiative in 1954. The GL has formed a committee on masonic culture to assist brethren to increase their knowledge and to provide members with an effective medium to present the 'state of the Craft' in Pennsylvania. This was at the same time the GLoS produced its first yearbook (1952) which has been a success ever since. However, the GL of Pennsylvania has a number of initiatives from various publications to online materials to help new candidates and brethren. We need to take a step back and look at what we require now. Is it education/ enlightenment, is it more functions at GL or is it special meetings where brethren can meet the Grand Master Master? It would be useful to ask brethren what they would like as we now appear to be in a world that seek information at an ever increasing rate. However, we don't need to jump on the bandwagon, but we should attempt to listen to our brethren - many have great ideas. The Grand Master of Pennsylvania, Bro. Ralph M. Lehr, concluded in the first edition that " we, the present membership, are the custodians of the moral, religious and philosophical doctrines of our institution, and upon us its future depends. We reflect its virtues in our daily lives and associations and thereby create the desire in the hearts of youth and adults to become Freemasons." Over the next couple of months, I will quote some excepts from the articles in the newsletter.

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India Opens its Doors

Freemasonry came to India in 1730 with officers of the East India Company holding their meetings in Fort William, Calcutta. In Hyderabad, it was started in 1810 and now has about 17 lodges (branches) in the twin cities with about 700 members. The secretive Freemasons, the stuff of lore, have opened up their doors for the public to know what the group is all about. After staying closed for more than two centuries in India, the group held its Divine ceremony last month and allowed media and public to be part of it. The ceremony was held at the threecentury-old Goshamahal Baradari Masonic Building here on Saturday. The city last played host to such an event 22 years ago. The service was conducted by Grand Master of Grand Lodge of India Vasudev J. Masurekar. Dressed in the customary dress, the Grand Master and his subordinates marched up to the stage in a procession holding different religious scriptures. After a brief welcome address, a few verses from the Bhagavad-Gita, Quran, Bible, Guru Granth Sahib and Zend Avesta were read and their meanings explained in English so as to emphasise oneness and commonality of all religions.

April Events in 242

Thursday 11thMMD by St. Barchan No.156 Thursday 25thEAD by OBs Sunday 28th - DIVINE SERVICE in 242 at 2.30 for 3pm Visit: Thursday 4th AprilFCD at Craigends 1042 (Linwood) at 7.30pm Sir William Wallace RAC 18th AprilEM at 7.30pm

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The Queen leaves Hospital in Safe Hands

The 86-year-old monarch spent just 24 hours at King Edward VII Hospital in central London after she developed symptoms of gastroenteritis. She said good bye to her nurse dressed with an interesting belt depicting craft and RA symbols. It was given to nurses who graduated from the Royal Masonic Hospital in London which closed in 1992. In whom else would you put your trust?

Freemasons Day, Canada

A cemetery service was held in Halifax at the end of last month as just one event to commemorate the beginning of Freemasonry in Canada. Masonic officials will lay a wreath at the burial site of Major Erasmus James Philipps who was the Provincial Grand Master of Nova Scotia. Members of the 40th Regiment, Philipps mother regiment, will fire a volley of muskets in honour of the occasion. The levee will be held at the Freemasons Hall in Halifax, 165 Coronation Ave., and is open to the public. Premier Darrell Dexter declared 30th March to be Freemasons Day in Nova Scotia and will sign a proclamation. The mayor of Halifax, will also sign the proclamation. Will the UK ever have a Freemasons Day?

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The ABF

On Sunday the 24th March, Bro. James Gregory attended the charity concert in the Glasgow Cathedral hosted by the Co-Op funeral care which was in aid of ABF The Soldiers Charity. The Glasgow Phoenix Choir were performing and it was a fantastic performance. Among the V.I.Ps. was the Lord Dean of Guild Douglas T Boyd OBE, Margo Clark Baillie of Glasgow Council and Staff, MP Ian Davidson Members of River City, And the members of the Parachute Regiment.

The 4th International Conference on the History of Freemasonry will be held in Freemasons' Hall, Edinburgh, 24 - 26 May 2013. There is no doubt that this International Conference has become an established event in Academic and Masonic calendars. The success of ICHF in Virginia, USA, in 2011 ensured its International credentials. This is reinforced by the fact that ICHF 2015 will be held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A download of the Preliminary Program with details of papers to be presented, social events and available accommodation is now available by clicking here or on the previous link.
To download a 'stand alone' booking form click here or on the previous link. ICHF has its own web site at: www.ichfonline.org which contains more information and also has images and other material from previous conferences.

This year we are fortunate to have three Scots speaking at the conferenceBros. Iain McPhee SPGM RE, Grant Macleod PG Sec RE and David McLean PM.
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PGL Renfrewshire West Installation

On Saturday 16th March, 2013, Bro. Jim Livingstone was installed as the PGM of RW, our sister Province in Greenock with approximately 220 brethren in attendance. The deputations being piped in with seven pipers was impressive and the ceremony was conducted with the GMMs usual dignity mixed with humour. A superb meal followed and despite our PGMs toast to PGLRW (just joking John!), the speeches were entertaining without being too long and all must be congratulated. Overall, a very good day was had by all the brethren. Below Bro. Jim is pictured with the GMM Bro. Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont and Depute GMM Bro. Alex Galbraith.

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A Fine Lodge
Charity Lodge No. 69 under the GL of Nova Scotia his a fine example of a masonic temple with all the furnishings and can only make a candidate impressed. The pictures need no explanationthey speak for themselves.

Thought of the Month

In Fascist Spain under Franco, it was a crime to be a freemason. Masons convicted had to serve prison terms equal in years to the number of Masonic degrees possessed. For example a MM served 3 yearsno doubt a murderer received community service!
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From the Columns

On Thursday 28th, the PGL RE visited the lodge and presented a clear minute. The PGM Bro. John S. Miller was made an Honorary Member of the lodgethe first since Bro. Alex Hutton PPGM who recently died. The master, Bro. George Barclay (seen below with Bro. John), pointed out that it was not a one out one in policy although white smoke was seen above the lodge! The master obligated Bro. John and welcomed him into the lodge. However, in order to fully merit the honour, he then had to deliver a lecture on The Symbolism of the EA as part of the James Donald Annual Lecture. This was very well received by a packed Social Club and helped produce a great atmosphere in the harmony.

Masonic Notices 1929

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To submit an article, contact the Editor: Grant Macleod

E-Mail: sec242pm@yahoo.co.uk

Lodge Website

www.lodge242.co.uk

Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo WSW for proof reading.

Dont forget to support The Ashlar magazine Scotlands only Masonic magazine. Just click on the magazine to find out more.

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