Cross Keys October 2015
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Transcript of Cross Keys October 2015
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone
Walking the Road / Seeking the Light October 2015 Number 186
In this issue:
Mediocrity in Masonry
The Essence of Scottish Freemasonry
Personal Viewpoints
The Order of the Silver Trowel
150th Sir William Wallace RAC No.109
Idaho Lodge No.10
Is Freemasonry in Decline?
1904 Constitutions
United We Stand
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
Mediocrity in Masonry—Shame on US!
One of the questions that occasionally eats at me when I am driving home from a Mason-
ic event, degree, or function that has been woefully mediocre is how our members can sit
through such Masonic happenings month after month and still believe our fraternity is
relevant and meaningful to men’s lives? How honest are we in claiming we make good
men better while persistently repeating practices and behaviours which are so distinctive-
ly average, or worse? Self improvement involves some form of positive change. It re-
quires some level of progress; entails some elevated sense of being. Explain to me how a
lodge facilitates self improvement by offering its members a venue that doesn’t “feel” any
different when they are inside the lodge than outside of it.
Perhaps many of us come into Masonry looking for nothing more than fraternal associa-
tion. But, if that’s the case, it ought to be the best fraternal association we have ever had!
Once we encounter the preparation room, or make our progress through the degrees, it is
hard to dismiss the awareness that we are engaged in something wholly different from
our other community experiences. We quickly learn that Masonry has a higher calling
which requires that we make an ascent into the very centre of our being. An endeavor of
such high importance and due solemnity is not a run of the mill undertaking. It becomes
clear there is nothing mediocre about Masonry. So why do we make it that way?
Here’s the problem. Accepting mediocrity in our lodge practices is the same as living a
mediocre life. By making un-extraordinary acts and behaviours our ordinary practice, we
entrap ourselves from knowing how precious life really is. We don’t use opportunities
that come our way as a means of expressing how special we really are. Instead, we walk
the walk with the rest of the herd and soon find ourselves in such a deep rut of limita-
tions we lose sight of our own value. We become trapped in mediocrity. Regrettably, this
too often seems the condition in which lodges, Scottish Rite Valleys, York Rite Chapters,
Councils and Commanderies find themselves. When nothing extraordinary, educational,
insightful, compelling, intellectual, contemplative, spiritual, or fraternal occurs in our pri-
vate, sacred, fraternal spaces, then we become only another ordinary, average, run of the
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
The Essence of Scottish Freemasonry
mill, dime-a-dozen organization. It is hard to see how this kind of Masonry takes good
men and makes them better. It is not the kind of Masonry we should want to share with
our friends. I believe that if we truly want to move “from the square to the compasses,”
we have to dare to be different. And we can’t dare to be different by following someone
else’s expectations. When a lodge does the same thing year after year, it is accepting by
default someone else’s expectations. There is nothing creative, inspiring, or different
about parroting ritual, paying bills, and going home. That’s doing only what many others
have done before us.
To distinguish ourselves among men and organizations, we first have to perceive in our
own minds that we have something to do which will ultimately set us above the average.
We start by thinking about the choices before us. Do we choose what is safe rather than
what is right? Do we only do things right, or do we do the right things? Do we set out on
a new path, or take the same old, comfortable way? Do we bring credit to our teachings,
or debit them as ideals of the past? Do we become the examples that young men want to
emulate, or do we seem to them as just another group of ho hum guys? You see, the
choice always controls the chooser. To be exemplary men, or an exemplary organization,
we have to be exceptional in our awareness of who we are, what we are here to be doing,
what we know, and how we practice what we know. We have to have the courage to be
different from the rest of the crowd—nobler in our expectations and more refined in our
state of mind. Because that’s just the way Masonry is.
Written by Bro. ROBERT G. DAVIS, 33
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
Personal Viewpoints A building block of freemasonry is a highly functioning organizational structure that pro-
vides leadership that works to envision, enable, and engage its members. And it is here
where Freemasonry fails. Our organizational structure has become a dysfunctional
anachronism, and our leadership, tired. Officer lines at some grand lodges are self-
perpetuating, with the membership at large having little real choice in determining who
will govern the grand lodge or how it will be governed. Men in positions of authority in
an environment devoid of transparency and accountability have little motivation to risk
their high status to embrace change.
Such men claim that our membership woes are the result of changing demographics so
that they are not to blame. They point to diminished attendance at traditional churches to
support this weak excuse. If true, then the logical conclusion is that Freemasonry and reli-
gion are no longer relevant to young people today. But should we accept this feeble ex-
cuse at face value? Has religion truly lost its relevance for young people today? A more
accurate observation may be that their parent’s church’s practices have lost their rele-
vance for young people, but the underlying core value and attraction of faith is as strong
now as ever.
Breaking away from traditional mainline groups, many new churches have sprung up in
recent years, some attracting congregations that count their members in the thousands
and their annual budgets in the millions. These new mega-churches are flourishing in a
time when mainstream churches whither on the vine. They are able to raise millions of
dollars in capital campaigns from congregations filled with young people. Why? Because
their members believe in the church and more importantly they have faith in their lead-
ers. They are willing to make a personal sacrifice based on their belief and that faith. The
fact is Generations X and Y are actively seeking new ways to belong, connect, and give
back; Freemasonry simply is not meeting their needs. Just imagine what we could do if
we could fill our lodges with Master Masons who were passionate in their beliefs! Even
in this time of diminishment, Freemasonry has millions of members, millions of dollars in
wealth, real estate, magnificent buildings and worldwide recognition. An aspiring frater-
nity would look with envy at that which Freemasonry presently holds in its grasp. What
we so desperately lack is effective, charismatic, inspirational leadership capable of lever-
aging these extraordinary assets.
Further articles will be included in later editions.
From an article by Bro. Richard Graeter PM under GL of Ohio.
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
The Order of Royal and Select Masters, often known as the Cryptic Degrees, is open to
those who are both Royal Arch and Mark Master Masons and consists of four highly dra-
matic degrees. These outline the initial steps taken during the building of the Temple to
preserve copies of the holy vessels and sacred treasures in a secret vault, the burial of the
Word by the two surviving Grand Masters after Hiram’s death, the completion and dedi-
cation of the Temple and finally the fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar and his army. It
can be seen, therefore, that the Cryptic Degrees form a vital and interesting link between
the Craft and Royal Arch, making the connection much more logical and completing the
legend of King Solomon and his Temple. The Four Degrees are as follows:
Select Master: The preparations for the building of the Temple having commenced in
the Mark Degree, the three Grand Masters are anxious that the form of the sacred treas-
ures, including the Ark of the Covenant, could be lost forever in the event of the Temple
being sacked. They therefore arrange for a small number of Select Masons, sworn to se-
crecy, to construct a secret vault beneath the Holy of Holies and deposit replicas therein.
Royal Master: The Temple is nearing its completion and certain Overseers are anxious
to receive the Master Word and be honoured with the rank of Royal Master before their
employment ceases. Shortly before his death Hiram Abif explains to one of these Overse-
ers, Adoniram, that with patience and industry he will, in due time, receive it. This dis-
course is widely regarded as the most beautiful in any Masonic Degree. Most Excellent
Master Hiram Abif has been slain and after a period of mourning, the holy relics are
transferred into the completed temple. King Solomon prepares to dedicate it to the Most
High and, to celebrate this joyous occasion, confers the Degree of Most Excellent Master
on his most trusted and skillful workmen, amongst whom are those who built the secret
vault.
Super Excellent Master: The Temple had stood in all its glory for nearly 400 years but
had then fallen to Nebuchadnezzar and his army. The King and his principal citizens
were taken into captivity in Babylonia. Zedekiah, Nebuchadnezzar’s puppet King, has
rebelled against him and fled, leaving the remaining citi-
zens to defend the Temple and pledge their devotion to
God.
The Degree of Thrice Illusrious Master: This degree, col-
loquially know as the Order o f the Silver Trowel, has been
performed in America for a number years and was intro-
duced into this country in 2009. A select number of In-
stalled Masters from each District are approved each year
by the Most Illustrious Grand Master to receive it. In the
District of Surrey the degree is performed annually at the
meeting of Weald of Surrey Council No.309. Recipients of
the degree are entitled to have a hallmarked Silver Trowel
attached to the flap of their apron.
The Order of the Silver Trowel
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
The degree is both extremely interesting and colourful and takes place during the final
days of King David and recounts the abortive attempt of Adonijah, the half-brother of
Solomon, to assume the throne and then the latter’s anointment as King. It concludes
with a remarkable discourse between David and Solomon.
The Grand Lodge of North Carolina and the Supreme Grand RAC of Scotland have made
an historical link which was announced at Cryptic Council No. 1 (England)—more to fol-
low next month.
The Order of the Silver Trowel (ctd)
Sir William Wallace RAC No. 109
On Saturday, 19th September, the chapter celebrated 150 years of Royal Arch masonry in
Johnstone. The majority of founder members in 1865 being members of 242. The photo
blow shows ME 1st P. Comp. Bob Black PZ with ME 1st Grand P. Comp. Ian Fraser and
various members of the chapter and Supreme Grand Chapter.
90 companions signed the book with 75 dining. There was a great
harmony with the cake being cut (opposite).
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
Idaho Lodge No.10
Taken about 100 years ago, this ‘shack’ reveals a lively and
vibrant lodge and below as it is today.
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
This is the Grand Master’s Chair in the United Grand Lodge of England in London.
Who Recognises this Chair
Jubilee Presentation
Bro. Alex Wilson received his 50 Year Jubilee Certificate on Thursday 24th September,
2015 from the master Bro. David Black. On receiving his certificate, he addressed open
lodge and made comment about his family connection since the early 1920s. His father,
grandfather and uncle (Bro. David Smith PM) were all actively involved in the lodge—
even today there is still a family connection. Left to right in the photo: Mark Wilson
(nephew), Jim Wilson (brother), Alex, Robert McGill and David Wilson (brother).
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
No! Emphatically No! Here is why… As long as there are seven true Masons a
Lodge can convene. As long as there is one Lodge in world Freemasonry will exist.
However, we are being obtuse!! We think that the question: 'Is Freemasonry in de-
cline?' actually means: 'Is the number of Freemasons' declining?' The answer is yes,
and no.
Most older Freemasons (in terms of age not experience) can remember a time when
there were a lot more Freemasons, a lot more activity, packed meetings and every-
one, but everyone was a Freemason. There is no doubt that in this scenario the
number of Freemasons is falling and in some parts of the world, falling sharply.
The present day situation compared with those personal experiences of Freemason-
ry engenders a heart-felt belief that things are going into reverse, a decline, a termi-
nal decline. In Scotland we see things rather differently.
There have been two major peaks in the admission of new members - see the graph
associated with this post. It shows that in the years following WWW I and WWW II
there was an almost incredible influx of candidates in the years following both
wars. The reasons why men came to knock on our door in such vast numbers dur-
ing that period are numerous and may become the basis of another thread but need
not detain us in this discussion.
The present focus on the 'decline' of Freemasonry focuses on a comparison with the
intake of the 1950's and 1960's and today. The essential, crucial, thing to keep in
mind is that the huge jump in applications for membership was due to an almost
unimaginable social upheaval - the aftermath of a world war. There is no way to
expect that kind of intake ever again because there is no way (we ardently hope)
that those extreme social conditions will never recur.
The present baseline with which we judge the success, or failure, of Freemasonry is
centred around 1950/60 (or even into the 1980's). A comparison with the intake of
those decades with that today strongly suggests that the numbers joining the Craft
is falling, and falling sharply. Some say the decline is irreversible…
Measured against the intake of the 1950's and 1960's (an even later) today's intake is
most certainly much reduced. That fact has created a great deal of dismay among
Freemasons who hanker after a 'lost golden age', a high point many wish to return
to and numerous strategies, projects and programs have been devised to encourage
more non-Masons to take the first step.
PTO
Is Freemasonry in the Decline?
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
Is Freemasonry in the Decline? (Ctd)
It is important here to realise
that these various initiatives
are the responsibility of the
various Grand Lodges con-
cerned and this page is not
intended to comment on the
desirability, or otherwise, of
such initiatives. In short, this
page cannot become in-
volved in determining
matters of Grand Lodge poli-
cy. For that reason you will
have noticed that this page
tends to focus more on historical matters and things that are already well established
such as regalia etc. Following that important observation we now return to the subject in
hand.
If the baseline of the 1950's is ignored (the second huge spike both in yesterday's chart
and that of today - shown here) and 1850 is used instead then one can see that today we
are actually getting back to normal!
People always assess the present in terms of their past experience and many of those
who are of a certain age will be able to remember the 'high watermark' of their Masonic
experience of the 1950's, 60's, 70's and even into the 1980's. There is nothing wrong in
that but what is being attempted here is to suggest that sometimes history can be useful
in telling us what happened before, sometimes long before, our own Masonic lives be-
gan.
The question that arises from these intake charts is this: given that the two high points of
Freemasonry in term of membership numbers was a consequence of the social upheavals
of the two world wars how is it possible to replicate those intakes today?
A subsidiary question is: was/is Freemasonry ever intended to be a mass-membership
organisation? If we desire the same intake as the 1950's/1960's etc. the answer would
seem to be yes. If we look to the period before the first world war then the answer would
appear to be no.
Taken from the Grand Lodge of Scotland Facebook page. This is definitely worth reading (and liking) especially
some of the comments posted by brethren.
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
United we Stand, Divided we Fall
It seems that since the beginning of our history, mankind has felt the need to live in relationship
with others, to provide security, comfort and mutual support. If I asked you which tribe you be-
long to, you would probably think I was severely mistaken. Unless, of course, you happened to
be from a society that still operates with a tribal structure, such as Native Americans, or some
parts of the Middle East. But, since Michel Maffesoli coined the phrase in 1985, sociologists have
identified many urban tribes. We may think of Western culture as individualistic, but in reality
often we are seeking to fit in to a group of our peers.
A young person who wears exclusively black and highlights their hair blue may seem to be ex-
pressing their own personality, but in reality they are often just conforming to the rules of the
“Goth” group. Supporters of a particular football club, or political party … graduates from a par-
ticular high-school … all of these are obvious examples. Banks and businesses play on our need
to feel part of a distinct, often elite group, in their advertising. Credit cards offer privileges -- if
you have the right card you will gain access to all the right places, or to special treatment there. A
health and fitness club near where I live bills itself as “more than just a sports club.” The clear im-
plication is that if you are a member, you are part of a tribe that has a somewhat superior life-
style. And of course social media with its friend lists, followers and groups meets the same tribal
need.
We also join groups such as Successful Lawyers or Marathon Runners to flatter our own ego, and
to feel we are part of something that other less successful mortals are excluded from. Sadly this
group-forming tendency has caused us over the centuries to fight with those who are from a
different tribe. Just think of the mods and rockers clashing in British seaside resorts in the 1960s.
Or the struggles Turkey witnessed between left-wing and right-wing students on campuses in the
1970s. Or European football hooliganism in the 1980s.
Tribal groupings can lead to huge political fallout. Divisions between Protestants and Catholics in
Northern Ireland led to centuries of conflict. Tensions between Greeks and Turks in Cyprus have
led to an island divided to this day. Sectarian struggles in Syria and Iraq have led to an environ-
ment where the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has made military gains. It does appear
that united we stand, divided we fall. A new study on Freemasonry in the Ottoman Empire by
Dorothe Sommer takes an unusual approach to the linkage between Freemasonry and our human
tendency to form tribes. Sommer is a German academic who has studied Freemasonry extensive-
ly and in this new volume, published by IB Tauris, she focuses on the sociological aspects of Free-
masonry in the late 19th century and early 20th century in the Ottoman Empire in general and
Greater Syria (modern Lebanon and Syria) in particular. Now, Freemasonry often has a bad press
anywhere in the world. There is a general suspicion of anything that is secretive. In particular, a
club that is selective about its members and refuses to divulge what goes on behind closed doors
is bound to be suspected by those outside of being up to something shady. Add to that strange
rituals, and Freemasonry is often castigated as a threat to a free and democratic society. But in the
Middle East, where the psyche is suspicious of any attempt by Western powers to influence poli-
tics or economics, Freemasonry is often viewed as an out-and-out evil. With loyalty to grand
lodges in France or the United Kingdom, local lodges have long been viewed as an imperialist
device to control the Middle East. The age Sommer is writing about represents the height of colo-
nial interference in Middle Eastern affairs. Oil had just been found, and was becoming important
due to industrialization and the rise of the motor car. Britain, France and Germany vied with each
other for control of these resources. Russia joined in, too, until revolution and a disastrous loss of
life in World War I took it out of the game for a while. But Dr. Sommer bucks the usual trend. Her
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
October Events in 242
Thursday 8th—MM by PMs
Thursday 22nd—AGM
INSTALLATION FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER at 7pm.
main analysis concludes that rather than being a tool of European control, Freemasonry provided
an avenue for solidarity among locals, enabling them to unite in the lodge across sectarian and
ethnic divides, and thereby giving them the strength to resist the imperial powers. She paints a
background of strife in Greater Syria -- Bilad al-Sham to the Ottomans -- with Maronites fighting
the Druze and Christians at odds with Muslims. The Syrian population, she says, “needed a sense
of common identity and solidarity.” The Ottoman form of government, she argues, fostered these
sectarian divides as it allowed the different peoples -- or millet -- to form their own social struc-
tures and gave their religious or ethnic leaders some autonomy in rule. However, as the Freema-
son lodges used the motto “unity is strength,” they were able to provide a common framework
for people to find common ground, crossing all divides with their concept of “brotherhood.”
It is an interesting argument, but one that seems to have only limited validity. It is true that Karl
Marx taught that capitalist regimes use issues such as race and religion to “divide and rule” --
driving wedges between workers who otherwise would have everything in common and every
reason to ally and organize to fight for their rights, but instead are perpetually driven apart to the
benefit of the ruling class. Workers, therefore, need a structure to unite to thwart this insidious
tactic. But to suggest that Freemasonry, which opens its doors exclusively to the wealthy and in-
fluential to the exclusion of the working class, was in some way instrumental in bringing the end
to autocratic rule and protecting a nation from international interference does seem a bit of a big
claim. From the viewpoint of the average local, it would appear that Freemasonry offered the al-
ternative of political and economic control by powerful men of your own nation, rather than by
powerful men of a foreign nation. However, if we ignore the clear skew towards a rose-tinted
view of the sociological effects of Freemasonry in the region, the factual part of the book is a fasci-
nating explanation of the history of the lodges and their relations with each other and worldwide
Freemasons.
"Freemasonry in the Ottoman Empire: A History of the Fraternity and Its Influence in Syria and the Le-
vant" by Dorothe Sommer is published by IB Tauris (2015).
United we Stand, Divided we Fall
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
Minnesota’s New Building Contrary to many closures of lodges across the glob, Minnesota Masonic Charities, one of
the largest grant-making organizations in the North Star State, has announced the start of
construction on a brand-new Masonic Heritage Centre in Bloomington.
According to a news release, the organization has selected Adolfson & Peterson as con-
tractors for the projects, while Trossen Wright Plutowski Architects will handle planning
and design work. Construction is already underway on the 50,000-square-foot facility,
with completion scheduled for June 2016.
The new Masonic Heritage Center will replace two outdated buildings on the Blooming-
ton Masonic campus, and will integrate the concept and significance of Freemasonry in
its design.
“You don’t see this kind of building – which includes a brick façade with concrete-block
backup, tile roofing and high-level finishes – often being constructed anymore,” ex-
plained Mark Adamson, vice president of pre-construction for Adolfson & Peterson. “It
will be a beautiful place to meet, host events and display Masonic artifacts when it’s com-
pleted.”
The design of the new Heritage Center will be in tune with its surroundings, and will in-
clude detailed columns, masonry patterning, and arches and keyways. The facility will
incorporate a 425-seat auditorium, library, conference space, as well as a full catering
kitchen.
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
Masonic Flight?
Click on https://www.facebook.com/OTL.TV/videos/627966870673045/
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
Bro. Ephraim Chambers (1680-1740) was a Scottish publisher
and made a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1729. Apprenticed in
1713 becoming an author, publisher, editor, and translator of a
number of books and periodicals or magazines. He was the in-
stigator of the publication of his great Cyclopædia or Universal
Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, first published, 1728 in two volumes
and also Chamber’s Twentieth Century Dictionary is its lineal
descendant. The Old King’s Arms Lodge bought a copy of his
translation of S. Le Clerc’s Treatise o f Architecture , 1723. He was
described as ‘an avowed free thinker, irascible, kind to the poor
and extremely frugal’.
It would appear from records that he was the master in 1730 of Lodge No. 55, at Red Li-
on, Red Lion Street, Richmond, London, when he paid 10s.6d. to the Charity Fund.
Chamber’s Dictionary
Heathrow Lodge No.7999 had a very unique crest.
Looking at the centre of the badge, it looks like part
of Solomon’s Seal (more common in Royal Arch ma-
sonry), but is in actual fact is part of the runway
pattern at London’s Heathrow Airport. The pale
blue background is to represent the association of its
founders with the RAF. Unfortunately, the lodge
was erased in 2006.
Let’s hope conspiracy theorists don’t now think that
the airport is linked to a Zionist plot!!!
Heathrow Lodge
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
Grumpy PMs?
Surely such a phenomenon does not ex-
ist?!!
The Excellent Master’s Degree
Having attended the 150th Anniversary of the local chapter, I thought I
would write a few lines about my thoughts of one of the nicest degrees in
Freemasonry. Everyone will have one or two, but outside of the conclave
and the 18th, I think the EM (or the Veils’ degree as more commonly
known) is a cracker and it’s got a basis in Scotland. Without going into the
nuts and bolts, I wonder why Royal Arch Masonry in Scotland (or is it
elsewhere too?) is struggling. I spoke to a couple of companions at the
meeting and it was interesting that they thought along the same lines as
myself.
Due to various other commitments, I drifted from the RA a few years ago. One of the
things I didn't understand was why we have to do an affiliation to the Mark Degree even
when the candidate is already a Mark Master. Why is the lodge not opened and closed in
the EM degree? It would save time and avoid a meaningless introduction—I believe it is
related to the GL/SGRAC agreement in the 19th century about sharing the degree. Per-
haps time to re-think its structure.
The other point is the stand to order sign which many older companions struggle to
maintain for the length of time required. Why is this essential? Well, it’s not and could
be relaxed. There are simply too many instances where you have to stand to order, and
often don’t see what’s happening.
RA Masonry in Scotland needs a remedy—perhaps this might help?
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
5 Generations of Masters
Brazilian Lodge
This little lodge is situated only 800m from the mouth of the Amazon River in Santarem,
Brazil. Masonry Universal!!!
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
In Memoriam
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. Ian Caldwell Milne PM
Cross Keys Oct.. 2015
Thanks to Bro. Allan Stobo IPM 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.
To submit an article, contact the Editor: Grant Macleod
E-Mail: [email protected]
Lodge Website www.lodge242.co.uk