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.

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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

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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.

Cross Keys October. 2012

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: sec242pm@yahoo.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.