UGLE Grand Secretary to Retire

The Grand Secretary of the United Grand Lodge of England, Commander Michael Higham, Royal Navy, is to retire on 31 July 1998.
    Appointed on 1 August 1980 he has served during a period of major changes in English Freemasonry, in particular, developing the Craft's policy of openness, including its relations with the public and the media.
    By request, with the agreement of the Board of General Purposes and the approval of the Grand Master, he will relinquish the post ahead of the millennium. This will allow the authorities in Freemasons' Hall to find a successor who can carry the Craft into the next century.

YWR Media Team Fast-Tracks PR

The Yorkshire West Riding media committee - believed to be the first in England and Wales - is achieving results much faster than expected.
    The latest move is a programme of bridge-building with the province's local churches of all denominations. "As an active Christian and Freemason, I am saddened by the uninformed criticisms and innuendoes levelled at our ancient and honourable organisation." says committee secretary Keith Madeley who is also the province's press officer. "I would not, in line with many of the clergy who are Freemasons, compromise my Christianity in any way whatsoever. I firmly believe my Freemasonry complements my Christianity."
    Bro Madeley has written to all local Bishops, both Anglican and Catholic with Dioceses, as well as Methodists, United Reformed Churchgoers, Salvationists, Baptists and others.
    As well as reacting quickly to anything wrongly reported in the local media, the committee has also been actively making itself known and encouraging the media to find out the facts about Freemasonry at first hand.
    As a result, there have been ground-breaking articles in the Yorkshire Post and Telegraph and Argus, both of which presented a much more favourable view of the Craft than before. There have also been full page articles in some papers and positive appearances on local radio. Talks have been given about Freemasonry to organisations such as Rotary and Probus and have had a very favourable response.
    The committee itself is chaired by the province's Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies James Harris and was set up by Provincial Grand Master Trevor Broadley specifically as a way of getting rapid results in public relations. Rather than just having an isolated press officer, the committee team meets regularly to brainstorm and then disperse good ideas throughout the province.
    "We have to get the message across that there is nothing secret in Freemasonry, that we have nothing to hide and we are prepared to talk on radio, television and elsewhere on the subject." says Bro Broadley. "For us, having a committee makes this happen as fast as possible."
    The committee has also greatly speeded up the co-ordination of news from lodges throughout the province to send on to the media.
    Bro Broadley says that we must all learn how to explain Freemasonry in the most straightforward way. "Because Freemasonry is such a personal experience, Freemasons often describe it in very different ways which can give a needlessly confused picture to non-masons. We must therefore all work together to sing from the same hymn-sheet, as well as get our message across in plain everyday language, not masonic jargon which the public won't understand."

Masonic farewell to Canberra

On Monday 22 September 1997, 46 masons from throughout the British Isles were joined by 33 masonic widows for a special masonic reception hosted by SS Canberra's Captain Rory Smith during that great ship's emotional final cruise. W. Bro Donald Weston (Anima. 3634) presented a cheque for £750 to Captain Smith, who received it on behalf of The King George's Fund for Sailors. Bro Don Weston told Freemasonry Today that "apart from raising money for charity, one of the main aims was to ensure that the masonic widows were given a warm welcome and looked after during the evening. It was a happy occasion in a most enjoyable farewell cruise."
    Canberra - the Aboriginal word for meeting place was built by Harland & Wolff Ltd. of Belfast, making her maiden voyage on 2 June 1961. Since then she has travelled millions of miles around the world, winning affection and fame, particularly during her critical role in the Falklands conflict of 1982.

New Police Lodge Consecrated

The ninth Bobbies' Lodge came into being on 21 October with the consecration, at Leyland, of the Red Cross of Lancashire Lodge, No. 9640, by RW Bro Colin Penty Wright, PGM for West Lancashire. Founded by serving and retired officers of the Lancashire Constabulary, the lodge will meet twice a year, its aim being to provide a masonic forum for those who could not otherwise share their interest under normal professional circumstances.
    Speaking at the Festival of St. John, following the consecration, (attended by over 200 masons, including senior representatives of the Province of East Lancashire), the PGM expressed his pleasure in seeing the lodge come to fruition, adding that it was a great privilege for him to be able to act as its consecrating officer. Furthermore, he was delighted that members of the two neighbouring provinces had worked so closely together, and that the new lodge would occasionally meet in East Lancashire. He also spoke of problems currently encountered by masons in the police service, and acknowledged that the high standards expected of police officers sat very comfortably with those of the Craft. The first master of the lodge, whose emblem incorporates a distinctive red rose with the motto In Fraternitate Servimus, is W. Bro Kenneth Atherley PAGDC.
    W. Bro Peter Hesketh P.Pr.G.Swd.B.

Topping Out Ceremony at Guernsey's New Masonic Centre

A Topping Out ceremony was performed at Guernsey's new purpose-built Masonic Centre on Friday 24 September 1997. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro Douglas Randell, representatives from various island lodges and members of Provincial Grand Lodge were present. Afterwards there was an informal reception, hosted by the builders, J.W.Rihoy Ltd.
    The new centre will have 9,500 feet of floor space over two levels. A basement level will consist of two large temples, one Chapter Room and various committee rooms, while at ground-floor level there will be a 15O-seat dining room, kitchen, bar, robing room, and a library. The building will be used for masonic social functions as well as lodge meetings. The exterior is designed as a large pyramid, roofed in slates, with a podium in dressed stone. Seven steps and side ramps lead up to an imposing entrance. It is thought that this is the only masonic building being constructed in the British Isles at the present time, and should be open in December 1998.

US masons give flag to Washington's ancestral home

On 5 November 1997, 21 American Freemasons and their guests visited Sulgrave Manor in Northamptonshire, the ancestral home of Freemason George Washington's family, and presented an officially registered national American flag. The flag, donated by Congressman Gary Ackerman, has flown on government buildings in Washington in honour of Sulgrave Manor. The visit was arranged by members of Sulgrave Lodge No 9462, in the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire. After presenting the flag, the American visitors went to the village of Great Brington near Althorp, the late Princess of Wales's family home. Two of Washington's ancestors are buried in the church, as well as many members of the Spencer family. The visitors also attended a meeting of Pomfret Lodge No 360, founded in 1819 and the oldest in the province, subsequently visiting Sulgrave Lodge itself where they gave another registered national American flag which has also flown on government buildings in honour of the lodge. The visit came soon after the installation, at Kettering on 7 October, of the new Provincial Grand Master, Nicolas Hart. More than 500 Freemasons were present, including visitors from France and Portugal. Bro Hart succeeds Brian Smith, who had been Provincial Grand Master since 1990. "I am greatly looking forward to my term in office and meeting the 3,500 masons who are members of the 83 lodges in my province." says Bro Hart. "There are exciting times ahead, for as well as the approaching millenium, we will be celebrating our bi-centenary in 1998." In 2002 the province will end its five-year campaign to raise £1.5m for the Grand Charity.

Russian Grand lodge Recognised

Six new Grand Lodges have been recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England. The Grand Lodges of Russia and Madagascar, as well as four Prince Hall Grand Lodges based in the United States, were recognised on 10 December in Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Russia was formed in 1995 from four lodges sponsored by the Grande Loge Nationale Française. It now has around 140 members, belonging to seven lodges based in Moscow, St Petersburg, Voronezh, Archangelsk and Zvenigorog. One recently formed lodge is English speaking. Although a decree was recently signed by President Yeltsin restricting the activities of certain religious groups, it is not directed at Freemasonry, and the Grand Lodge of Russia is registered with the Russian Government. There have also been several programmes about Freemasonry on Russian television which have attracted a lot of interest. The Grand Lodge of Russia has already been recognised by 35 other Grand Lodges, including the Grand Lodge of Ireland, which recognised on 4 October 1997, and is hoping to extend its jurisdiction throughout the Russian Federation, possibly by setting up Provincial Grand Lodges.
    The National Grand Lodge of Madagascar was formed in March last year from three lodges under the Grande Loge Nationale Française. Its regulations and constitutions are based on those of the GLNF and its formation had the authorisation of the Madagascar Head of State, Professor Albert Zafy. The United Grand Lodge of England has no lodges in Madagascar.
    The four newly-recognised Prince Hall Grand Lodges are Colorado (formed 1876), Washington State (formed 1903), Wisconsin (formed 1925) and Oregon (formed 1960). They are all descendants of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio which was recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England on 11 June. As a result, the list of recognised North American Grand Lodges which UGLE members should not now visit (because they allow at least reciprocal intervisiting with unrecognised Prince Hall Grand Lodges) has diminished. The list now consists only of Minnesota, Nebrasksa, New Mexico, North Dakota, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec. Up to date details about recognition and other Grand Lodges can be had by writing to the Grand Secretary's Office, 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ.

Christ's Hospital- 100 Years on

On Thursday 23 October 1997 the "Religious, Royal and Ancient Foundation of Christ's Hospital" celebrated the centenary of the laying of the Foundation Stone by HRH The Prince of Wales KG, Grand Master, at Horsham, with full masonic ceremonial. The celebration on 23 October 1997 also corresponded with Founder's Day, and it was a very special occasion for both the school and Old Blues. Former Head Masters, Head Mistresses, Chaplains, former teaching staff were invited, as well as Mr P Longley of Longleys, the original builders, and the Provincial Grand Master of Sussex, Rt W. Bro DW Llewellyn on his last day of office.
    Records and newspaper accounts in the school museum convey the sense of occasion which prevailed 100 years before, on 23 October 1897. Special trains had conveyed the boys from the school in London and the girls from Hertford. The ceremony took place in a marquee on a very bleak and windy day. Masonic notables were gathered on the dais in full dress regalia. The programme went as follows:
    HRH the Prince of Wales, accompanied by Grand Officers taking part in the ceremony, entered the Pavilion at 12.45pm. He was received by HRH the Duke of Cambridge, KG, President of Christ's Hospital.
    The President then requested the Grand Master to lay the Foundation Stone.
    The Prince took up his position for the ceremony; vessels of corn, wine and oil were placed on a pedestal. The Upper Stone was then raised and the Lower one adjusted.
    The Grand Master addressed the assembly, speaking of Queen Victoria's great interest in the Christian education of the young.
    Following a prayer, the Grand Secretary then read the inscription on the Stone. The Grand Treasurer deposited a phial containing the accustomed specimens of the coinage and the Grand Secretary placed the plate on the Lower Stone.
    Cement was then spread on the face of the Lower stone and the Grand Master adjusted it with a trowel which the Duke of York had used in the laying of the Great Hall of Christ's Hospital in 1825.
    The Grand Master then proved the just position and form of the Stone by the Plumb Rule, Level and Square which were delivered to him by the Junior Grand Warden, the Senior Grand Warden and the Deputy Grand Master. The Grand Master then gave three knocks with the mallet. The cornucopia containing the corn and the Ewers with the wine and oil were then handed to the Grand Master who strewed corn and poured wine and oil over the stone with appropriate benedictions.
    On Thursday 23 October 1997, Christ's Hospital commemorated a very special centenary with the dignity and ceremonial appropriate to the occasion. I was asked to speak to the school about the masonic ceremonial, the ritual for the laying of the Foundation Stone and, in particular, the significance of the corn, oil and phial for the coinage; the square, the plumb-line, the cornucopia, the ewers and the other significant features of the ceremony. For one who is personally identified clearly as proactive in the 'openness lobby', this was a great pleasure and privilege.

Brethren Brave Elements

Brethren gathered at High Wycombe cemetery to honour Bro William Henry Kirby, a century to the day after the dedication of the monument on 6 November 1897. Standing eight foot tall, the Aberdeen granite cube weighs nearly 10 tons and was recently refurbished by the Emulation Lodge of Improvement.
    Bro Kirby was tragically killed in a gas explosion at the age of 37, having been instrumental in founding the Clarence Lodge of Instruction with Sir Henry Wellcome (the Wellcome Medical Institute is named after him), later re-named in Bro Kirby's honour. Attending the ceremony amid a torrential downpour was the Prov. GM of Buckinghamshire, RW Eric Deung, the Provincial Grand Secretary Lt. Col. Brian Hilton, senior members of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, the Master and brethren of Kirby Lodge, representatives of Grand Lodge, The Bank of England Lodge, Kirby Lodge of Instruction and Bro Kirby's granddaughter.

72 Years a Mason!

On 8 December 1997 Fulham Lodge 2512 celebrated W. Bro Harry Waters' staggering 70th year as a lodge member, clocking up over 72 years as a mason (he was initiated in July 1925 into Commercial Lodge, 245 in Dublin). Becoming WM of Fulham Lodge in 1938, he was awarded London Grand Rank in 1950 and hasn't missed a summons for over 20 years. A pianist and clarinet player, Bro Harry continues as the lodge organist. He is also a member of the Magic Circle, a joker and raconteur and a doctor to the Amateur Boxing Association. Bro Harry served his country in South Africa, India and Burma during the war and is still a qualified doctor. Asked whether or not the craft had changed much in the last 72 years, the veteran mason was of the opinion that it hadn't really changed at all. W. Bro Dr Harry Waters PM, LGR was born on 16 August 1903.

Artist's Revelation

Following the announcement of the closure of the Great Eastern Hotel in February 1996 - a great loss to the 50 lodges and chapters who met in its Egyptian and Grecian temples - artist Stephen Wilson experienced a revelation. He would paint and produce a limited edition print of the magnificent Grecian Temple and give the proceeds to the New Masonic Samaritan Fund. So far his work has raised £3,100 for the charity. The signed and numbered print can be obtained from Stephen Paul Wilson at 6, Harland Ave. Sidcup, Kent DA15 7PG at the price of £12.50.

Calcutta Lodge Centenary in London

As the Yeatman-Biggs Lodge 2672 KC. enters its 101st year, there's just time for Freemasonry Today to congratulate it on its centenary, celebrations for which took place on 7 June last year (after 100 years, what's 6 months?). Named after Major General Sir Arthur Godolphin Yeatman Biggs, District Grand Master of Bengal (tragically killed in the Afghan wars in January 1898 only 6 months after the lodge's consecration), the lodge held its last meeting on Indian soil on 19 January 1971, whence it moved to London by a special dispensation of the District Lodge of Bengal. Eleven of its present members - the "grand originals", also known affectionately as the "Bengal Lancers" (after the great cavalry regiment which was shrouded in mystery and romanticism) still have addresses in Bengal. The lodge has provided a home for many interesting members, including Bro J.F.Madan CBE who pioneered the introduction and production of movies in India. Under the chain of "Madan Theatres" he had a chain of over 150 cinemas in India and Burma. His great grandson, W. Bro N.B. Surti, is an active member of the Yeatman Biggs Lodge today.

New Lodge in Helsinki

On Thursday 2 October 1997, Union Lodge No 134 under the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Finland, was granted a temporary charter by the Grand Master, Pentti Somerto to commence its operations using the Authorised Finnish Ritual in English. Prior to the ceremony, W. Bro M.G. Franklin OGR, PDGStB (Gib), PM of Prince Henry the Navigator Lodge No 9360 of the Group of Lodges in Portugal was presented with the Master's Secrets, under the Finnish Constitution, and duly installed as master of the new Finnish English speaking lodge, conducted by the Deputy District Grand Master, (District of West Helsinki), RW. Bro Kauko Karjalainen and other Grand Lodge officers - truly a unique event! The lodge will be consecrated on Wednesday 6 May 1998. The Grand Lodge of Finland is recognised by the UGLE, and brethren wishing to visit will be most welcome and should contact either the Master, Michael Franklin on Tele/Fax 358 9 682 1829 or the Secretary, W.B. Leo Pilz on Tele. 358 9 694 0997. Union Lodge has 39 founder members and 10 joining members, with several candidates in the 'pipe-line'.

Masonic Caravan and Camping Club

A blustery, sunny weekend in September 1997 saw the launch of the Masonic Caravan and Camping Club in the Peak District of Derbyshire: the aim being to further the fellowship and harmony of masonry. A Scottish event is planned for May 1998. For details, contact: w. Bro Granville Seabridge. Tel:01332 511559, or Bro Roger Silk on 01543 493443.

Masonic Philatelic Club

The MPC AGM was held at Freemasons' Hall, London, on 8 November 1997. Freemasons (of a UGLE affiliated constitution) who wish to join should contact the Secretary, Maurice Beazley, 216 West Dyke Rd. Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 4JS, Tel: 01642 472133. A stamped self-addressed envelope is requested (9"x 6.5") to receive a generous starter-pack and information. Subs are: UK - £7; Overseas: £8.50.

Curacao Lodge Fires Up PR

The Igualdad Lodge No 653, based in Willemstadt on the island of Curacao in the Netherlands Antilles, has formed a public relations committee in order to look into ways of improving the way Freemasonry is perceived.
    The lodge, which dates back to 1855, is one of only a handful of unattached lodges in the world under the English Constitution, and is believed to be the first of its kind to take a properly organised approach to openness.
    The committee will be guided by Arturo Jesurun, a lodge member with extensive PR experience, who regularly visits lodges throughout the Americas to learn how they deal with public relations.
    Lodge Secretary Frits van Romondt says that "Since there is so much misunderstanding these days about Freemasonry, we feel - as the only English Constitution lodge anywhere within 1,000 miles - that we have a duty to help put before the people of Curacao the true facts about the Craft, so that they can make up their own minds rather than just accept wildly misinformed and one-sided rumours."
    The lodge has already held a reception for people interested in becoming Freemasons and recently opened the building to the public, attracting some 200 visitors. Bro van Romondt says that the lodge has also acquired a powerful computer and is looking at ways of spreading information on the internet.
    In 1947, an attempt was made to change the lodge's unattached status and make it join the District of Jamaica. The lodge members, who took pride in being unattached, successfully explained to the then Grand Secretary, Sidney White, that the slightest change in its status would make the lodge face serious problems with the Curacao government, and that joining the District would bring decay to a flourishing lodge.
    "Our new approach to openness will help the lodge continue to flourish and play a vibrant and positive role in the local community." says Bro van Romondt.

Unusual Meeting Place

There is more to Freemasons' Hall, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, East Malaysia than at first sight meets the eye. To start with, it is probably the only building in the world where Freemasons have been both married and installed as masters of their lodges, as it was originally the Anglican church.
    Built after the Second World War, the building seems normal enough from the car park, but the two sides of the building not shown are impossible to photograph because they are on the edge of a very sharp drop and screened by thick jungle.

Victorian Lodge of Research

Bro Paul Butler has recently been appointed the Local Secretary of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria's Lodge of Research (No. 218) Correspondence Circle. Its members already include Freemasons' Hall's Grand Librarian John Hamill and masonic author the Rev. Neville Barker-Cryer. Although based in Australia, Bro Butler informs Freemasonry Today that it nonetheless offers a great deal to the serious European masonic student. For only £12.50 p.a. members receive the annual copy of the Lodge Transactions, summonses for lodge meetings (together with a fact sheet: "Thoughts for enquiring masons"), discounts on recommended publications, guaranteed replies to questions on any masonic subject, and masonic assistance wherever possible. Contact Bro Paul Butler at "Nimrod", 7 South Close, Bexleyheath, Kent. DA6 8HH.

YNER Takes Tough Stance On Openness

Yorkshire North and East Riding is finding that its eight-year old programme of openness is paying off.
    Donald Davinson, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, says that holding frequent public opendays and giving informed and straightforward explanations to local media greatly helps the public to get a balanced view of Freemasonry.
    He also says that interested younger people now know where to get accurate information and, as a result, are joining Freemasonry for the right reasons. At least one candidate had resulted from each open-day so far.
    Bro Davinson also finds that spending more time informally with junior members at meetings keeps up their interest and commitment. Younger members find it very helpful to have questions answered by knowledgeable and approachable senior members.
    "This really kindles their enthusiasm, helps to stop them feeling on the fringe, and cuts down the likelihood of them losing interest and perhaps dropping out after four or five years. Having provincial rulers and senior officers mix in with the lads helps abolish the 'top table' ethos making it terribly hard for anyone who is pompous and self-important to stay that way." he says.
    Another benefit of staging opendays is that Freemasons who used to belong to lodges in other provinces, who then move into the area, are able to find out about and join local lodges.
    "Staging open-days is a lot easier than people think." he says. "However, a lot of people still think an open day is just having wives and family along to see what lodge rooms look like. This is not enough. The only way to get real results is to get members of the public coming to your building and finding out the facts for themselves."
    As a result of being properly publicised, some 2,000 visitors attended an open-day last year in Hull as part of Hull Civic Weekend. "The best thing was that for everyone visitor, another half a dozen were aware that there was another side to the story." Bro Davinson says. The event was made more colourful by having properly briefed guides wearing masonic regalia from many masonic orders.
    Bro Davinson stresses that success should not be measured only in terms of the number of people attending. "For example, if civic leaders, church leaders and so on refuse to attend, you can turn this to your advantage by telling the media that perhaps they chose not to come along in order to keep their prejudices intact."
    The province is also gathering information on how buildings in the province are being used for non-masonic events. "Masonic halls can and should be fully part of local communities so that no one thinks Freemasonry is remote or in any way suspect. Already, many are being used by all sorts of groups - local operatic societies for rehearsal, blood transfusion centres, childrens' play groups, polling stations and so on. This information will help us encourage other masonic halls to do the same."
    The province also holds a great many social events for more dynamic members, so that they can meet and exchange good ideas and then spread them to others as quickly as possible.

Worcestershire Initiatives

Worcestershire is looking at plans to rehouse its museum - one of the largest collections of masonic artefacts outside of London - in order to make enough space to exhibit everything properly. "At the moment everything is crammed into a small space. We need to put everything in a proper home." says Provincial Grand Secretary Michael Bendall. "However, we need to wait until we have completed the province's Grand Charity Festival in 2000 before we can start to look at ways of raising the money to build the necessary extension."
    The move is just one part of a fresh approach to public relations in the Province started by the Provincial Grand Master, Barrie Cooper. Bro Cooper is looking at many ways to make the facts about Freemasonry more readily available to anyone in the area, including open days at masonic halls, letting out Worcester Masonic Hall to non-masonic groups, such as Probus and Rotary.
    The province recently hit the headlines when Worcester's Labour Mayor, Margaret Layland, was criticised by her colleagues for accepting an invitation to a masonic dinner, saying afterwards that she would become a freemason if she had the time. Councillor Layland said that it would have been wrong for her not to accept the invitation on the grounds of preconceived opinions or prejudices. "Nothing is to be gained by complaining that a society is secret and then declining to meet its members." she said. The Mayor later met the Provincial Grand Master and others at Worcester's Masonic Hall. It is understood that contact may have been subsequently made by the Grand Secretary of the British branch of International Co-Freemasonry, which admits both men and women.