Cross Keys January. 2013

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

Walking the Road / Seeking the Light January 2013 Number 163

In this issue:

A Thought for the New Year

The Appeal of Masonry

1st Edinburgh Rifle Volunteer Corps

Sir Walter Scott

Thoughts from a US Past Grand Master

An Unusual Stance

Madness?

Chamber of Reflection

Moveable Lodges

Cross Keys January. 2013

A Thought for the New Year

Once there was a little lodge. It wasn't always little. It was little when it was started years

ago, and then it grew some and then it got little again.

The members - those who came to meetings - were all good fellows. There wasn't a bad

thing to be said about any of them. Some of them came regularly (they liked to think of

themselves as the "faithful few"). Coming to Lodge was a pleasant way to spend an even-

ing. The coffee was good, you sat in the same seat, and you always knew how things

were going to come out. You never had to worry about surprises, or strange ideas, or

strange people for that matter. Of course, a lot of the members had moved away, and

there were names on the roll that only those with the longest memories could remember.

But these folks paid their dues and that helped keep the Lodge going.

There wasn't much work any more because petitions were few and far between. There

had been some black-balling one time, some of the members had demitted because they

didn't like it, and after that the petitions fell off. Even when there was work, there wasn't

always a full crew of experienced men to fill the stations, but the old heads who didn't

work were full of comments about those who did.

When it came to the stated meetings, the main topic was how to avoid spending money.

A couple of times over the years the question of relief of a brother came up. Each time

the Lodge decided that what the brother needed the Lodge couldn't provide, and what

they could provide wasn't really enough to do any good, so they didn't do anything. An-

other time the Lodges in the district decided to have a picnic on a Sunday. But, the breth-

ren here decided that it wasn't right to have it on Sunday and they couldn't have a part in

it. Well, it was the fact that nobody was really interested. So they didn't make it.

There was one thing about this lodge though. The Worshipful Master never had to worry

too much about actually running the lodge. The secretary and some of the Past Masters

saw to that, and all the Master had to do was fill the station. That way, anybody who

could learn to make good coffee as a Junior Steward and was willing to persevere

through "the line", would get to sit in the East. If he was wrong, he could count on some

experienced brother to set him right - right in front of the lodge. Some real nice fellows

got to be Master this way.

Well, this is the way it went. The lodge used to conduct a good Masonic funeral, but it

got to the point that the brethren were too busy and they couldn't make it. They decided

that some of the retired brothers ought to look after this anyway since they had nothing

better to do. It wasn't too many years before there was nobody left to deliver the funeral

service, and then one day the lodge was asked to bury a brother and had to say that it

Cross Keys January. 2013

couldn't.

The years went by and nothing changed and nothing happened. The coffee was still

good, but there were more vacant seats at every meeting. The faithful few regularly rose

and deplored the fact that Masonry was no longer like it used to be in its golden age; the

young men aren't interested and the old men no longer care, but the lodge - thank God -

remains the same forever!

Then one day the members awoke to the fact that their once genteel neighbourhood had

become a slum, and there was much talk about selling the old property and re-locating.

But there were those who noted in quavering voices that the lodge had met in this place

for all these years past: to move would somehow violate tradition. So no decision was

made and the lodge didn't move because it couldn't. Finally, the dwindling membership,

the lack of petitioners, the lack of funds forced the lodge to the point of painful decision.

And there were among the few who came to decide the lodge's fate some who solemnly

wagged their heads and said, "We can't make it."

And sure enough, they couldn't.

By L.L. Walker, Jr; P.M.

Anson Jones Lodge; Fellow in Masonic Research, Texas Lodge of Research in 1972.

A Thought for the New Year (ctd)

1st Edinburgh Rifle Volunteer Corps

In the History of the Queen’s City of Edinburgh Rifle Volunteer Brigade (1881), William Ste-

phen mentions that Edinburgh freemasons started No.12 Company which would consist

of only freemasons. All members would provide their own uniform, arms and accoutre-

ments. The first captain was Alexander Lawrie who would become the Grand Secretary.

Unfortunately, support lagged and the company opened up to non-masons.

This is an example of a rather strange form of military

masonry—in most cases regiments were formed and

lodges opened within a battalion rather than the other

way round. However, all was not lost and the bri-

gade formed a lodge of its own which eventually be-

came The Rifle Lodge No.405 meets in Scotia Regia

Hall, St Clair Place, Edinburgh.

Cross Keys January. 2013

The Appeal of Masonry

After we have taken our first regular step we find in the Masonic Ritual many elements

that are pleasing, and fill us with a strange wonder and satisfaction, leading us never

to forget the bow which we drew at the venture.

The stately old-world phrases, the dignity and harmony of movement, of colour and of

euphony, gratify the senses and the minds of men wearied by the stress and distractions

of worldly affairs. The broad, homely philosophy of life, the simple declaration of

brotherhood, the ethic of fidelity and friendship, truth without dogma, religion without

sect, reverence without sacrifice of dignity, love without sentimentality; all these are im-

portant elements contributing each its quota to the appeal of Masonry in the heart of the

Mason.

The joy of relaxing to the congenial atmosphere of the fraternity, the opportunity to

put away the armour which must be worn on the battlefields of the world outside the

Lodge, the free exchange of brotherliness, without fear of misunderstanding or of rebuff,

these are valuable elements in the appeal of Masonry.

It is a fact which cannot be gainsaid that there is scarcely a man or woman, and cer-

tainly not a child, who does not harbour a secret love of ritual. Instances of this are to

be found in the way in which the general public clings to such institutions as the Life

Guards, with their quaint costumes and trappings, Lord Mayor’s processions, the wigs

of the law courts and so forth.

This then, is undoubtedly one of the principal appeals which Masonry makes to most

of its initiates. In the outer world of today there is so much turmoil, hurry, bustle and

unseemliness, so much pushing, self-assertion and personal advertisement, so little con-

sideration for the feelings of others, so little true dignity, restraint, or courtesy springing

spontaneously from the over - flowings of kindly hearts, that it is exceedingly pleasant

to enter the totally different atmosphere of a Lodge, where dignity and order are found

in place of the undignified turmoil to which we are so accustomed in the outer world.

It is a wonderful tonic for nerves strained by the tension of ordinary life to come into

the precincts of a Masonic Lodge, where all is quiet, orderly and peaceful.

Continued over.

Cross Keys January. 2013

The Appeal of Masonry (ctd)

Where every officer and every brother has his allotted place and his prescribed duty:

where none encroaches on another, where, once the cast of the drama is selected and

appointed, all co-operate in willingness and harmony to perform the ceremonies in

such a way as to create an atmosphere which shall, some day, characterise even the

outer world, when men shall cease their quarrels, shall learn the lesson of faithful

brotherhood, and shall co-operate with the Supreme Will in evolution to order all

things beautifully, strongly and wisely.

These are the words of Bro. Major Arthur E Powell in his book The Magic of

Freemasonry published in 1924 by The Baskerville Press.

Glasgow Herald 1925

Page 6 of the edition published on 27th

October, 1925 gives a history of Lodge

Queen’s Edinburgh Rifles No.1253A and then

the following snippet advertising a Bi-

Centenary, a PGL meeting and a PM

association meeting. Some lodges still

advertise in the Evening Times (no longer a

cheap option).

Although less than 100 years ago, the PM

Association of Glasgow no longer exists and

the West Regent Street premises have gone.

What has changed? Perhaps we didn’t? WW2 certainly produced a huge number of

candidates that altered the Craft for many years.

A: For a full history of the lodge click here to go to the GL website.

Cross Keys January. 2013

Sir Walter Scott

Sir Walter was the son of Walter Scott, Writer to the Signet, and member of Lodge St. Da-

vid No.36 in Edinburgh. In 1767, he affiliated to Canongate Kilwinning No.2 which was

also his uncle’s lodge. Sir Walter and his two brothers joined the Craft—Sir Walter in

1801 in his father’s lodge. Both Sir Walter’s son and son-in-law joined the Craft—one in

St David’s and the other in Canongate Kilwinning. As a result of ihs connection with the

Craft, it is not surpassing that Grand Lodge participated in the laying of the foundation

stone of the Scott Monument in Edinburgh. A letter was sent out inviting Freemasons

to attend the official ceremony of the Laying of the Foundation Stone of the ‘Metropolitan

Monument’ - the Scott Monument.

The text of the ticket reads:

Grand Lodge of Scotland Foundation Stone of the Metropolitan Monument in memory of

Sir Walter Scott to be laid on Saturday 15th August by The Right Honourable Sir James

Forrest Bart., MW Grand Master Mason of Scotland Admit Brother George Pearson of St

Johns Lodge Inverkeithing to join the Masonic Procession from the Quadrangle of the

University of Edinburgh

On 15th August 1840, the 69th anniversary of Scotts death, the official foundation stone

was laid. Edinburgh declared a public holiday and large crowds gathered. In the founda-

tions were deposited a glass jar 'time capsule' and two bronze plaques - one from the

Freemasons, the other celebrating the author.

This silver trowel with a mahogany handle was used during the ceremony for laying the

foundation stone of the monument. It has an engraved border of a rolling thistle flower

and leaf, and on it is written:

Cross Keys January. 2013

Some thoughts from 1859

Why are not Master’s more emphatic that the examination questions for the

degrees are not answered by candidates as they should be? In many

instances the examination is a farce, and the prompting of the deacon can be

heard all over the room. Masters should insist that these questions be properly

answered, and also inform the candidate that, on visiting a strange lodge,

many of these questions would be put to him. Today, many do not test inside

the lodge room, but prefer not to embarrass the candidate by testing in the

adjacent. Expect less and that is what you get!

The degree factory, says the "London Freemason," is the curse of Masonry today. It

makes the conferring of degrees the end and aim of Masonic existence. It afflicts the

Fraternity with the blighting spirit of commercialism. It puts a discount on Masonic

knowledge, and even makes more difficult of practice our great principles of brotherly

love, relief and truth. Its agent is degrading, dishonoring solicitation—a means of

advertisement which de-serves to be branded as a Masonic crime in every jurisdiction.

We are not without hope that the day will come when the lodge that has the temerity to

boast of a record in num-ber of degrees conferred will be looked upon as the most

unworthy amongst us. A Grand Master, who wishes to render his jurisdiction a notable

service, cannot do better than inaugurate a campaign which will end in the abolition of

these machines that grind out Masons by the cart-load.

Some things don’t change.

To Commemorate the Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Monument at

Edinburgh in honour of the Immortal Scott. This trowel to be used at the

ceremonial was presented to the Right Honourable Sir James Forrest of

Comiston Bart., Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Most Worshipful Grand Ma-

son all over Scotland.

Sir Walter Scott (ctd)

Cross Keys January. 2013

From the Columns

In December, Mr Scott William Graham was initiated by Lodge Thistle &

Crown No.1167 while after Christmas, Bro. Grant Macleod PM 242 present-

ed a lecture on Military Lodges.

Cross Keys January. 2013

I was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason 45 years ago. I have spent more

than 2/3 of my life trying to understand the essence of Freemasonry. At first I was

overwhelmed by the mystery of it all. Then I felt that the ritual was what separated us

from every other fraternal organization and that was why it has lasted so long. I then

went through a phase when I thought that our charities were what held us together. I

then came to the conclusion that the Craft's success comes from the fact that it has room

for every man with integrity. My opinion changed and changed.

I sought further input from other orders. I became more confused than ever. I studied our

history as well as our philosophies. I explored our place in society's network and

wondered what we, as a fraternity, want to achieve and how we could achieve it.

Along my journey I have been privileged to meet many Brethren who were in the same

pursuit. They too were seeking the essence of the Craft. They too had changed their

opinions throughout the years. I have now come to perhaps my final conclusions and I

feel that I have served my love for the fraternity long enough to be able to state my

opinion. Here are my conclusions...................

The real reason for us to prosper is brotherhood. The glue that binds us together consists

of two things. The first is the fact that we investigate each applicant as to integrity with

no other judgments. The second is our obligations in the 3rd degree and with those

obligations of the five points that obligate us to each other. These allow us to instantly

trust each other and bring us together. I believe that this trust makes us better men if only

through the concept of "group think".

I'm convinced that our ritual, our charities, our histories, and our philosophies help us

bind ourselves together, but they fall short of being the true answer. What really matters

is that we meet with other Brethren who we can truly trust because of every Brother's

promises.

True Masonry is at the individual blue lodge level. Here is where Masonic trust is not

only enjoyed, but also practiced. This I believe.

By MWBro Neil Neddermeyer is a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, Past President of

the Minnesota News Council, and Past Chair of the Masonic Renewal Committee of North America.

Thoughts

Cross Keys January. 2013

Tuesday 8th January, 2013—PGL will conduct the Ceremony of Re-Dedication for new

regalia at Lodge Prince of Wales No.426 in Renfrew.

Saturday 26th January, 2013—PGL Installation of Elected Office Bearers to be held in

Lodge Craigends No. 1042 at 2.30pm: installing will be Bro. Willie Fleming a good friend

to 242 and it a good attendance from 242 brethren would be greatly appreciated.

REMINDER—the PGL Charity for 2013 will be The Army Benevolent Fund.

The PGL would appreciate any donations or a note about donations

made directly to the ABF in order that a total can be compiled. This

will be updated on the front page of the website:

PGL News

GL News

The Museum and Library is closed for most of January for cleaning and maintenance and

there will therefore be no tours until week commencing 28th January 2013.

Cross Keys January. 2013

The Grand Lodge of Florida has issued a directive against ‘other religions’ although many

would classify them as a type of witchcraft. This appears to be the first GL to have issued

such instructions.

An Unusual Stance?

Cross Keys January. 2013

Connecticut Freemasons were surprised by the actions of their new

Grand Master, MW Gary William Robert Arseneau, a brother who had

previously been known for his temperate character and his prudent

decisions.

“While in the past it may have been up to the individual to choose how to wear their

Ma-sonic ring, it is the decision of the Grand Master that Freemasons under the

Grand Lodge of Connecticut should only wear their rings with the points turned

inward, i.e., pointing toward their wrist. This is no different than the rules and regu-

lations pertaining to the wearing of one’s aprons or jewels in public. Members with

the points described in any other fashion will now be considered as subversive, and

will be liable to be reprimanded, suspended, or expelled.”

Further communications were just as surprising, both for their content, and for their unusual

bluntness in language.

On Ritual Seminars:

“Due to the costs involved with hosting the various ritual seminars around the state, the Grand Lodge

Committee on Masonic Education will mail DVD copies of the various National Geographic and History

Channel specials to new lodge officers so that they can study on their own time.”

On Officer Training:

“The Grand Lodge can not be expected to fund the coffee and do-nuts for a few dozen half-awake officers

that show up a couple of times a year.”

On the Grand Lodge website:

“We have been wasting money on this website for years. It is my plan to scrap the entire thing, sell off the

servers, and move everything over to Facebook and Google Documents. They’re free, the uptime is better,

and if there are any problems, then the members can complain to Facebook or Google for support.”

It’s unlikely these decisions could have the backing of the brethren under the GL. Is big

brother really watching? Perhaps there’s more in a name after all?

Madness?

Cross Keys January. 2013

January Events in 242

Thursday 10th —FCD by 1042

Thursday 24th —FCD by OBs

Visit:

Tuesday 15th—FCD at Kilbarchan No.156 at 7.30pm

Sir William Wallace RAC -

17th January—RA & PGRAC Visit at 7.30pm

On an Indian Reservation there is a secret....A powerful Relic

Jews, Muslims and Christians have killed for...Brought to

America by the Freemasons in 1502..... Hernand Cortes searched

for it... Outlaw Porter Rockwell almost found it....he died with a

secret... A Masonic map passed down through his Masonic

bloodline...The CIA will kill for it.. hundreds of innocent people

have died because of it. Now, college students will recover one of

the most controversial relics of all time..... History will never be

the same.

The Freemasons have hidden the Ark of the Covenant on an

Indian Reservation in Utah. The CIA has murdered one of outlaw

Porter Rockwell's family bloodline with the hope that he would

give them the a historic map. A Masonic Map passed down through his Masonic

bloodline. Now a group of College students are forced into a world of conspiracies,

legends and one of the most powerful relics in in the world.

Click on the picture to go to a trailer.

Film: The Masonic Map

Cross Keys January. 2013

Loyalty—Australia 1883

We have heard a great deal in some quarters about loyalty and ‚cutting the paint-

er."

As Masons we are loyal only to Masonry and its best interests when we follow the

example of our parents and regulate our own actions by forming a Grand Lodge of

Victoria; and the term ‚cutting the painter" (ie. severing ties) is a phrase coined by

politicians for political purposes, with which, as Masons, we have nothing to do.

Take, for instance, other dependencies of Great Britain, and Great Britain itself.

The Masons of Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Nova Scotia, India, and other portions of

the British Empire who have formed Grand Lodges cannot be accused of disloyalty.

And, assuming that this term does not apply to Masonry, how can it apply to our position

towards the Crown?

It cannot. Instead of that, we know that Masons are bound by obligation to pay duo al-

legiance to their sovereign, and to obey and respect the civil powers and authorities.

Published by authority of the Masonic Union of Victoria, formed for promoting a Victorian Grand

Lodge (April, 1883).

Every October, the members of Amelia Lodge No. 47, perform a Master Mason

Outdoor degree at Fort Clinch State Park, in honour of George W. Call, First Master

of Amelia Lodge No. 47, F & AM 1859,1860, 1861, 1862

The degree is performed at Ft Clinch ,

Fernandina Beach, Florida with a 'Civil

War' atmosphere. All Master Masons are

welcome to attend this degree.

There will be a dinner prior to the degree

at Amelia Lodge, 1101 South 14th Street,

Fernandina Beach. The dinner will start

at 3 pm featuring our famous "Country

Style" dinner. This dinner is Fried Chicken,

BBQ Brisket and all the fixen's.

An Outdoor Degree

Cross Keys January. 2013

Moveable Lodges?

The Twin Lakes Lodge No. 141 in Texas is a lodge that has a most interesting history. When chartered in

1894 the Lodge was comprised of 14 charter members. As meetings were organized the charter members

came together in a two-story building, where they met the second floor.

The Lodge remained and active part of the Twin Lakes Community for the

next 8 years. It was decided by the end of 1901 that rather then build a new

Lodge they would move the old one, this was likely decided at the 1901 annual

meeting. Moving the large two-story building wasn't an easy task. With a team

of horses and mules the two-story building was chained up and pulled along

pine trees that had been striped, acting as rollers. The team of horses pulled the

two-story building for nearly 5 miles crossing the county lines, when finally

they reached the small town Trilby where the new building would be set back

on its foundation blocks. When built in 1894 the Lodge building sat in Hernan-

do County, after the move in 1902 the Lodge building was now located in Pas-

co County. To the right is a photo of how the Twin Lakes Lodge No. 141 looked

in 2007.

While the Lodge was renamed and relocated the members remained

loyal and continued to attend meetings now in Trilby. The Lodge con-

tinued to conduct their meetings on the second floor the large two-

story building, while the down stairs was occupied by a dry goods

store. The photo to the left shows the upstairs rooms where Lodge No.

141 meetings were conducted, it was in this room that the original

charters members met in January of 1984 at Twin Lakes.

Sometime in the mid-1960's the Trilby Lodge No. 141 constructed a new building, which was located just

down the road from the old two-story building. The new building was a single story building constructed

of block, see photo below. Today the Trilby Lodge No. 141 remains an active part of the Trilby community .

Cross Keys January. 2013

Thought of the Month

In 1860 in Limerick, Ireland, there as found a stone in a small chapel, dated 1517, with the

following inscription:

"I will serve to live with love & care, upon the level, and by the square."

There is a new Masonic graphic artist on the scene and he is

on fire! Brother Ryan Flynn, Senior Deacon of Ancient York

Lodge No 89, Nashua, New Hampshire has designed two

stained glass windows for his Lodge building. Bro. Flynn

has been an artist since childhood and has the credentials,

the education and the experience to spread his wings now

in this new found Brotherhood of Freemasonry. It’s one

thing to be an artist but it’s another to have the knowledge

of the Craft to actually create something that is relevant.

Flynn is not a one dimensional person. He combines a

knowledge of history, numerology, religion, ancient sym-

bols and sacred geometry with his art and design. And he

has the ability to manufacture art, a person of great creativi-

ty who also has the abilities of practical application. How

many artist’s do you know who can also make a stained

glass window?

Bro. Flynn is already looking ahead to the next project for his Lodge, multidimensional

and multi talented because he is also a student of hieroglyphics. And that expertise will

translate into 3 large clay tablets depicting the 3 Degrees in Freemasonry stylized to mim-

ic Egyptian hieroglyphics.

But first he must get the stained glass design made into actual stained glass windows.

And that is going to take money. If you would like to contribute to this endeavour, this

labour of love, please visit http://www.thedigitalmason.com/ and consider purchasing a

masonic stained glass print!

A Masonic Artist

Cross Keys January. 2013

In Memoriam

50th Year Certificate

Bro. Robert McGregor Past Depute Grand Master of the GL of Victoria (in Australia) is

one of the Cross Keys’ readers and it is a great start to 2013 to show his presentation of

his 50th Year Certificate and jewel for his dedication to the Craft. Bro. Robert is seen on

the left being present with the jewel by his master Bro. Keith Brown. Dress is an we

would expect, but this is only permissible in the ‘daylight lodge’ as most lodges which

meet at night must have brethren in dinner suits.

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

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

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

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

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

Bro. David Rankin

Bro. William McIntyre

Cross Keys January. 2013

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.

Don’t forget to support The Ashlar magazine—

Scotland’s only Masonic magazine.

Just click on the magazine to find out more.