cross keys october 2012
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Scottish masonic magazineTRANSCRIPT
Cross Keys October. 2012
The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone
Walking the Road / Seeking the Light
Oct 2012 Number 160
In this issue:
The Art of Memory
George Washington Apron
Masonic Journal 1887
Who was Sir George Cathcart?
The 42nd Highlanders
Australian Freemasonry
Andrew Hosie DPGM
Erskine Homes Meeting
Social Media Code of Conduct
Cross Keys October. 2012
The Art of Memory
In the September 2011 edition, an article about the art of memory was discussed with
respect to William Schaw and the Scottish approach. This article takes this idea further
and shows that this concept was a well known method of learning. Indeed, today
some students could do with memorising more. Unfortunately, many exams allow dic-
tionaries and formulae sheets so many young masons find the art of memorising ritual
an alien concept. However, they can do it.
The article is only a summary of the main article from Pietre Stones website found here
and it is definitely worth a read. It looks into three inter connected areas:
practical "how to" use of memory
interpretation of our ritual which is divided into:
(1) what is in the ritual (and there are many versions);
(2) the level/type of Masonic activity (and memorization) the Mason is involved in
(3) the Mason himself (reflective of his personal and social background).
Plato's main themes: "learning is remembering"
So, what we have here are three possible uses of memory in Masonry - some obviously
better known and understood than others. I would suggest that these are nested inside
each other like the layers of an onion or those Russian toy dolls. We readily see the out-
side one - the practical method. We become gradually more aware of the interpretive ele-
ment through engaging in ritual practice. But the third, the esoteric or mystical method
of memory is most hidden, it is far inside – ‚in the centre‛. I suspect that each of these
three aspects of memory are utilized, to differing degrees by different Masons - it is just
that some are more aware of it than others.
Cross Keys October. 2012
Mount Sinai Lodge No. 121
Mount Sinai Lodge is situated in the heart of Penzance in Cornwall. In 2013, it will celebrate 200 years.
There is no need to comment on the lodge room—the photos say it all.
From the West Virginia State Journal, Masonic
Lodge to Display Apron Owned by Washington,
:
Mt. Nebo Lodge No. 91, a Masonic lodge in
Shepherdstown, will celebrate its bicentennial
with a public open house on Dec. 11 where peo-
ple can come view George Washington's Mason-
ic apron.
The apron it owns was given to Washington in
1784 by the Marquis de Lafayette, who was also
a Mason, and worn regularly by Washington un-
til his death in 1799.
After Martha Washington died in 1802, the apron was purchased from her estate for
$6 by Thomas Hammond, husband of George's niece, Mildred Washington. She was
the daughter of George's brother Charles, who founded Charles Town, WV.
Hammond was a member of the Mt. Nebo Lodge, and he gave the apron to the
lodge before he died in 1820. Since then, the apron has been displayed in public on-
ly on rare occasions.
George Washington Apron on Display
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Crests outwith the Province
Lodge Partick St. Mary’s No. 117 on Dumbarton Road.
Superb Stone
This superb keystone can be viewed in the
premises of Lodge Partick St. Mary’s No. 117 in
92 Dumbarton Road, Partick. The Lodge meets
on the First and Third Wednesday of each
month September to May—click on the image
to see their website.
This keystone, set in a marble wall, can be seen
at the top of the stairs.
Cross Keys October. 2012
A Leadership pep talk address to Masters
It is a well established fact that cannot be controverted, that, as the officers, so the Lodge;
but I will go a step further and say, as the Master, so the Lodge. A reading, thinking Mas-
ter and Officers, and you will find a reading, thinking Lodge, not a Lodge simply in a
name, but one in reality; not a lukewarm one, but a genuine Masonic one.
With by far too many, the responsibilities attached to the office of Master are underrated.
They fail to understand that a Master must be something besides a mere figure head, a
parrot, who simply is required to repeat certain set phrases at certain times and places. It
requires something more than that; it requires for successful Master a brother of ability
and brains. He must be a brother of good judgment, and possessed of good, sound, prac-
tical common sense. He must be a good ritualist, having the whole work at his tongue’s
end. He must be well versed in the laws of his own jurisdiction. He must render his deci-
sions in conformity to those laws. He must also be capable of throwing aside all personal
feelings, and work only for the best interests of Masonry.
He should have a fair knowledge of Masonic history, and I can assure him or anyone else,
that it will not hurt anyone in the least, to subscribe, pay for, and read any one or more of
the Masonic journals that are published. He must also be able to intelligibly explain to the
candidates the forms and ceremonies which he is passing through; not in that careless,
slipshod manner so characteristic of many Masters; he must let his light so shine that
there will be no darkness where there should be light.
The candidate has paid his money for the degree; therefore give him value received as far
as it lies in your power. Remember that you are moulding a new Mason; to him, for the
time being, you are the important factor of the Lodge. In time that delusion will be dis-
pelled; therefore while it lasts use your influence to make him a true Mason. Do not put
off your lessons to that more convenient season which never comes, but do it now. There
is no time like the present. When the iron is cold it cannot be welded; then strike while
the iron is hot; do your duty when you should, and while it may make an impression. If
your Lodge is lifeless, and on the downhill side, you have a double duty to perform.
It is for you to put your shoulder to the wheel, and bring it out of the rut to its former
standing. Do not get despondent and say that it cannot be done. That word can’t is no
part or parcel of the English language, I say that you can, if you only have, the will to do
it.
It may be hard, uphill work at first, but patience and perseverance accomplish all things;
although I must admit that it sometimes wants considerable lubricating. Persevere, and
you will surely bring system out of confusion; but in order to do so, you must put life and
energy into your work; you must infuse the spirit of go a headitiveness into the slow
blood of your brethren. Be up and doing, and you will be astonished at the results.
Extract from The Masonic Journal January 1887
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Who was Sir George Cathcart No.617
The lodge has anew article on their website (click on the crest ).
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The 42nd Highlanders
Freemasonry in Gibraltar has always been closely linked with Military or Travelling Lodges at-
tached to the numerous Military Regiments regularly posted on the Rock. Indeed the first purely
Military Lodge of which we know was established in Gibraltar in 1728
The first "Traveling" or "Ambulatory" Warrant was issued by the G.L. of Ireland in 1732 to the
first British Foot Regiment (Royal Scots). By 1734 four others had been issued, again by the G.L. of
Ireland. It was not until 1743 that the G.L. of Scotland adopted the practice and at the recommen-
dation of the 4th Earl of Kilmarnock issued a Warrant to some ‘sergeants and sentinels of the 55th
Foot Regiment’ (the Border Regiment). By 1813 there were 141 English Military Lodges (116 un-
der the Antients and 25 under the Moderns) no less than 190 were granted by the G.L. of Ireland
whilst only 21 such warrants were ever issued by the G.L. of Scotland. Scottish Military Lodges
were therefore rare even to a busy Garrison as that of Gibraltar. One such Scottish Lodge has
however indelibly left its mark in the history of Scottish Masonry in Gibraltar – St. Andrew’s
Lodge No. 310 held by members of the 42nd Regiment or Royal Highlanders.
The 42nd Regiment remains one of the Scottish Regiment’s with the longest and most illustrious
military history in the British Army. The first companies were raised in 1725 to watch the rebel-
lious Scottish highlands and keep the peace, and the Regiment itself was formed 1739-40. It be-
came known as the Black Watch because of the dark colours of the Regimental tartan.
In 1798 the Regiment took part in the capture of Menorca, remaining there
until August 1800 when they were shipped to Gibraltar. The stay was short-
lived for Regiment was one of the five British Army Regiments hastily des-
patched from Gibraltar to Egypt to thwart Napoleon’s plans in the region.
The defending French forces were overwhelmingly defeated at the battle of
Alexandria on 21st March, a hard fought action during which the regiment
distinguished itself despite losing 64 men with another 261 wounded. As a
result of this campaign the Regiment won the honour of bearing the Sphinx
with the word EGYPT as a badge on the Regimental Colours.
It was during the Peninsular Campaign that certain military brethren petitioned the Grand Lodge
of Scotland for a warrant to be attached to the 42nd Regiment of Foot or Royal Highlanders. The
Grand Lodge of Scotland as we already know had traditionally been extremely reluctant to issue
ambulatory warrants to army regiments but nevertheless consented to this particular request.
Why? Possibly, and we can only speculate, because on the one hand the 42nd was fighting in and
pushing back French forces in Spain and Grand Lodge felt obliged to boost the morale of Scottish
Freemasons in the filed with a warrant to hold ledges whilst on campaign. A second reason was
perhaps due to the fact that the 42nd was a Scottish Regiment with the great majority of its soldiers
being Scottish who were or expressed a desire to join a Scottish Lodge. That Freemasonry was
popular in the regiment is not in question for the 42nd already had two Irish Lodges attached to it,
Cross Keys October. 2012
No. 195 I.C. founded way back in 1749 and Hibernia Lodge No. 42 which had been recently con-
secrated in 1809. Note that the relatively low number corresponding to the more junior Irish
Lodge was due to an Irish tradition of recognising their Lodges ‘in many cases exclusively by
their numbers, which, whenever practicable, were made – by exchanging the ones previously
held – to correspond with those of the regiments whereunto such Lodges were attached.’ In this
case the 42nd Regiment of Foot. It was the consecration of a second Irish Lodge in the regiments
that most probably prompted Scottish brethren in the ranks to lobby Grand Lodge for a Scottish
warrant for their regiments. This request was finally granted in 1811. So popular was the consti-
tuting of this Scottish Lodge in the regiments that no less than 89 members were enrolled within
nine months of its constitution.
The New Lodge was named St. Andrew’s Lodge which not only represents the patron saint of
Scotland but is also depicted in the very centre of the regimental crest. The Lodge appears to have
gained immense popularity among the members of the Black Watch Regiment and it is recorded
that no less than fifty entrants were admitted in the four months immediately following the battle
of Waterloo. By the same token, Lodge No. 195 of the Irish Constitution which had been estab-
lished with the 42nd since 1849 returned its warrant that very same year.
In February 1828, the regiment returned to Gibralter. In that same year an epidemic of yellow fe-
ver prevailed in the garrison resulting in the death of 1667 civilians. The regiment which also suf-
fered severely was forced to encamp on the neutral ground. Its loss
from the fever was an Ensign , 6 sergeants, and 53 rank and file.
The Lodge of St. Andrew’s No. 310 was also severely affected by
the epidemic and 14 members of the Lodge succumbed to the fever.
The surviving brethren commemorated the loss of their brethren
by commissioning a Memorial Stone which was erected at the
North Front Cemetery.
In 1832, the regiment received orders to leave Gibraltar, when the governor expressed ‚that the
42nd Royal Highlanders had embarked in a manner fully supporting their high character for disci-
pline and good conduct, and he regretted their departure.‛ The much-admired character of the
regiment was equally mirrored in the conduct of the brethren of both its attached lodges. This
was evidenced by the proceedings at the centenary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, 1836 – when
the members of Lodges ‘Hibernia’ and ‘St. Andrew’s’, in the 42nd Foot (or Black watch), attracted
admiration, alike for their martial appearance and Masonic behaviour.
Unfortunately for the 42nd Regiment the days of their military Lodges were by now numbered.
Military Lodges throughout the British Army was by now well in decline and even discouraged
by the Commanding Officers. Hibernia Lodge No. 42 returned its warrant in 1840. Lodge St. An-
drew’s survived for a further eight years but eventually was also resigned to extinction. The 42nd
were stationed in Bermuda at the time.
The 42nd Highlanders (ctd)
Cross Keys October. 2012
42nd Royal Highlanders (The Black Watch)
The following has been taken from Retrospect of a Military Life published in 1841 by
their QMS, Bro. James Auton. It was uncertain whether he was a member of Hibernia
Lodge No.42 (IC) or Lodge St. Andrew No.310 (SC).
Special Night
Lodge Montefiore No.753 are hosting a charity poker night on October 28th at 8pm,
Tradeston Ex-Servicemen’s Club, 6 Beech Avenue, Glasgow G41 5BY.
The event open to brethren, family and friends.
Cross Keys October. 2012
From the Columns
On Thursday13th Sept., the OBs of the lodge exemplified the Step Up de-
gree. All OBs are to be commended and have obviously done their home-
work.
Don’t forget: Sportsmans Dinner is on Friday 12th October speakers are John
Gilligan and Andy Goram tickets priced at £20
Apartheid and the Craft
It is a little known fact that during Apartheid in South Africa there was only one organi-
zation permitted to fraternize or socialize with Colored people. This organization was
Freemasonry. Click on either of above to read the full article.
Cross Keys October. 2012
Monday 8th October PGC at 7.00pm in Lodge Union & Crown No. 307
Friday 26th October Tri-Annual Communication at 7.30pm in Lodge St. John Busby
No. 458
PGL News
GL News
Nothing to note.
Bro Sandy Graham MM 242 PM
Sec 156 receiving his 50 Year Jubi-
lee Certificate on Thursday 27th
September, 2012. The master of
242 Bro Graham Scott is on Sandy’s
right and the master of 156 Bro.
Jamie Barton, also a member of
242, on his left.
On the same night, Lodge St. Bar-
chan also exemplified the FCD on
Bro. Sandy.
Jubilee Certificate
Cross Keys October. 2012
Oakshaw Trinity Church in Paisley
was filled on Wednesday, 12
September, with relatives, friends
and Brethren wishing to celebrate the
life of Bro. Andrew Hosie, Depute
PGM of the Provincial Grand Lodge
of Renfrewshire East.
Bro. Hosie, who passed to Grand
Lodge Above on 6 September, had a
long and distinguished career in
Freemasonry since his initiation into
Lodge Gleniffer No.1219 in
September 1963. He became Master
of his Lodge in 1973-74.
He served PGLRE as Assistant
Provincial Grand Secretary 2000-
2004, Provincial Grand Secretary 2002-2007 and Substitute Provincial Grand Master 2007-
2012 before being appointed Depute Provincial Grand Master earlier this year.
The service of thanksgiving, which followed a private committal, was composed of
hymns, readings and poems chosen by Andrew himself. He is survived by his wife,
Anne.
In his Eulogy, the Rev Douglas Hamilton, who conducted the service, told of Andrew’s
involvement and enthusiasm for the Boys Brigade, outlined his Masonic career and spoke
of the dedicated work he carried out for the Church. He summed up Andrew as ‚a warm
and sociable man with a good sense of humour.‛
Bro. Andrew Hosie DPGM
Cross Keys October. 2012
Last night the annual meeting took place in Erskine Homes. The meeting started at 7 pm, and there were
approximately 115 brethren in full masonic regalia. The lodge was opened by Dumbarton Kilwinning No
18 Bro.Stuart Wallace RWM and senior Officer Bearers. He invited to the East the RWM of 1566 the lodge
of Erskine, Bro. Ronnie Armstrong. The RWM of DKL18 then welcomed the PGL Dumbarton into the
lodge room headed on this occasion by RWPGM Bro. John Reid McCormack who received the mallet, and
thanked all brethren for the support of the province of Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire East, and the Erskine
Homes. Bro John then welcomed the IPPGM Br. David Alexander Reid to the East. The lodge was then
closed after all the brethren were welcome by the RWM Stuart Wallace. After the lodge was closed the
evening was handed over to the MC for the evening Bro Dr Iain McPhee PM of the Lodge of Erskine.
Bro Mcphee then introduced the two speakers for this evening who gave of their time freely to benefit the
brethren from Erskine in attendance, and all of the residents of the recreation room in Erskine homes. The
RWPGM of Ayrshire Bro. Archie Chalmers had the audience enthralled by his excellent and informative
presentation on the Victoria Cross; he discussed the creation of the military award, and gave a discussion of
the brethren, and the local recipients in Renfrewshire who had received the Victoria Cross.
The IPGM of Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Bro James L. Jack gave and excellent, informative multimedia
presentation on the freemasons at the battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. He took several
questions, from extremely interested brethren in the audience.
Afterwards several large cheques were presented by the IPPGM Brother David A. Reid to the Chief
executive of Erskine Homes Steve Conway. The cheques totalled £1250, and in addition, £510 was raised in
a collection on the evening by the generous brethren from Dunbartonshire, Ayrshire and Renfrewshire
East.
All in attendance had a hearty buffet meal, and drinks were made available to all in attendance. A very
successful evening and one that Bro David Reid hopes can be held annually. This suggestion was met by
the approval of Steve Conway, Chief Executive of Erskine Homes.
Erskine Homes Meeting
Executive Director Steve
Convey receiving
cheque from IPPGM
Bro. David Reid.
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Bro. Bobby Watt PM 156
October Events in 242
Thursday 11th Oct—Business only - ballot, elections
Thursday 25th Oct—AGM
Sir William Wallace RAC -
19th Oct—Installation at 7.30pm
Robert McCallum Watt (centre), or Bobby as he was
known to most of us was initiated into Lodge St. Barchan
No. 156 on 4th October 1977. He served two terms as RWM
of the Lodge in 1988-89 and 1995-96.
Between 1990 and 2010 Bobby was Installing Master on
new fewer than eleven occasions, eight in his Mother
Lodge together with Lodges Inveraray St. John No. 50,
Darvel No. 971 and Fleur de Lys No. 722. He was granted
Honorary Membership of Lodges Prince of Wales No. 426,
Lodge Tarbolton (Kilwinning) St. James No. 135 and Lodge
The Good Companions No. 6759 (EC).
Bobby was a keen golfer and took part in our matches
against Lodges Union and Crown and Tarbolton as well as
competing and having some success in the annual PGL
events. Prior to his illness he was serving as the Golf Con-
venor for PGL.
Bobby passed to the Grand Lodge above on Sunday 17th June 2012. The Immemorial Ser-
vice on Sunday 24th June and the funeral on 25th June were well supported by brethren
from within and outwith the Province.
Thanks to Bro. Eddie Findlay PM 156 (fresh faced bro to the left!) for supplying the details.
Sportsman’s Dinner is on Friday 12th October
speakers are John Gilligan and Andy Goram
tickets priced at £20
Cross Keys October. 2012
The following was issued by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts:
By participating on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn (and others), we should
strive to make that attention as positive as possible. When we represent ourselves as-
members of the fraternity, we become someone’s impression of Freemasonry. As such, it
is important that we act accordingly and subscribe to the lessons we are all taught as Ma-
sons in terms of how we communicate and interact with Masons and non-Masons.
A Mason should conduct his Social Media activities in a way that reflects his
membership in the Craft.
He should act in a way that presents a positive image of his membership in
Freemasonry to the world.
As a Mason, he must be aware that his postings are a permanent record; there-
fore, his conduct may influence the world with a positive or a negative opinion
about him personally and also about any organisations to which he belongs.
His actions on the various Social Media outlets should reflect the highest stand-
ards of morality and integrity he would practice within the Lodge.
To ensure our fraternity represents itself to the high standards we believe in, we
must regulate our actions through Brother-to-Brother intervention. As a Mason,
you should advise a Brother if you feel that what he has posted is improper
within the framework of our Grand Constitutions, rules, regulations, and edicts.
Do not identify any Freemason as a member of the Craft unless he has provided
his consent, or has already identified himself as such.
Lodge notices, and information contained within Lodge notices beyond the time
and place of meeting, should not be discussed.
There should never be discussion related to the application, background or in-
vestigation of an applicant.
There should never be discussion regarding the ballot of an applicant.
There should never be discussion related to the business of a Lodge and what is
discussed within our tyled doors.
The posting of pictures or videos of Lodge events must comply with the Grand
Constitutions, rules, regulations, and edicts.
Information about Lodge or District social activities must comply with the regu-
lations already in place for Lodge Notices (for example, no reference to alcohol
or games of chance).
The posting of social activities of a Lodge or District should comply with the
regulation standards already in place for the distribution of Lodge Notices and
inserts.
No official communication with other Grand Lodges or their subordinate Lodg-
es may take place online. Contact must be conducted through the Office of the
Grand Secretary.
Social Media Code of Conduct
Cross Keys October. 2012
Taken from a booklet entitled What is Freemasonry? published by the Grand Lodge of
Victoria. This informative booklet outlines the differences made through our principles.
Masons in Victoria, Australia
Cross Keys October. 2012
This apron appeared many years ago in a law-
yer’s office in Glasgow. The origin is uncer-
tain, but if any brother can enlighten us then it
would be appreciated. It is believed to be late
19th Century.
Installation Cake
Outstanding cake was designed for the instal-
lation of Lodge 859 in Victoria, Australia. It
looks too good to cut up!
In Memoriam
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:
Richard S. Bain Past PGM Renfrewshire West
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.
A Glasgow Apron
Cross Keys October. 2012
Grand Lodge of Scotland Masonic Diary
Freedom of religion, of conscience, and of thought are Freemasonry’s highest goal. Free-
masonry accepts without religious, racial, national or political prejudice or without
regard to station in life, upright and moral men as Brothers.
Thought of the Month
Cross Keys October. 2012
Cross Keys October. 2012
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 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.