Speaking to Rees

Sir,
    To learn or not to learn, that is the question! As one of the dwindling band of peripatetic organists, attending some 80 Lodge/Chapter meetings a year, I'm perhaps in a good position to witness a wide spectrum of skills. Here are some tips. A Master's performance largely depends on his IPM's skills. The right word, given quickly and quietly is often all that is needed to help the Master along and keep his confidence high. The one thing that always shows up is whether or not a Master has really tried - but no Master should be bullied or 'shamed' into doing more than he feels capable of. Here are some basic mistakes I recall :
    Deacons who either don't know or have never been taught how to carry their wands; Deacons who are unfamiliar with the value of a quiet word with the initiate before he enters the lodge; Deacons who do not know the correct signs and salutes, with or without their wands, but who are expected to instruct candidates; Treasurers and Secretaries who remain seated and talking while the initiate takes his Obligation; initiates left unattended, both hoodwinked and not.
    The visual is more likely to be remembered than the spoken. What you say is not as important as how you say it and everyone needs a touch of TLC sometimes.
    P. Merritt, London SWS. (PM No. 7069).

Sir,
    I was interested in the article by Bro Julian Rees in the Autumn magazine. In Anderida Lodge No 2434 Eastbourne, we arrange a 10 minute talk on The History & Symbolism of Freemasonry at our weekly Lodge of Instruction. We find that both sides of an A4 sheet of paper with information gleaned from old and new books on Masonry, read out, gives the younger members interest beyond the ritual. Bro Rees' mention of the old Emulation Questions & Answers is interesting because we have already put these to use at LOI and are considering them for our regular meetings if there is no work to be done, instead of 'demonstrations' of a degree.
    W.J. Bourne PPrAGDC.

Sir,
    I read Bro Julian Rees' article in the Autumn issue with interest. Many lodges face the problem: What are we to do when we have no candidate? One good answer is : Have a masonic lecture. Next question: Who can we ask? It would be good if each PGL circulated a list of brethren who are able to do so. Without such a list, and without some training on the difference between a masonic lecture and a religious sermon, some experiments might fail.
    Good luck to you with your idea. It could do much for Freemasonry when developed.
    Sydney Linton. Sindlesham.

Sir,
    Re Bro Julian Rees' article in the Autumn issue. It was refreshing to encounter his very challenging questions. Most of us know recent Freemasons who have gone through the degree ceremonies and attend their lodges very little thereafter. This suggests something is wrong. The main responsibility must lie with their proposer and seconder, though the Master and Wardens should also bear a part. Regrettably there are quite a few lodges where the degree ceremonies, followed in due course by office, constitute the sum total and end of Freemasonry. Anyone who actually thinks about the meaning of the ceremonies and the words used will realise that they are only the beginning. We should all help newly made masons to grasp this essential truth.
    Ivan Nellist. PAGSupt.Wks. Gerrards Cross, Bucks.

Sir,
    I would like to take issue with ET Wheeler's letter regarding Bro Rees' article on 'Ritual Excellence', in which he states: "Do not expect young professionals to undertake the learning of the varying degrees", going on to support the view that reading, rather than learning of the ritual should be acceptable.
    I believe I am well qualified to comment. I am 38 years old and run the European Office for a US computer company, making about four business trips to America and ten to mainland Europe each year, and I have a young family, so am well aware of the 'stresses and strains of daily living'. I was Master of my lodge 1996-1997 during which I performed the three degree ceremonies and installed my successor. I learned those ceremonies, not read them, having attended a Lodge of Instruction in previous years. Neither my family or business suffered as a result of my commitment. I learned more about 'the meaning and historical background' of Freemasonry in the last year than I ever did from numerous readings of the ritual book in my previous eleven years as a mason.
    If we lower our expectations and allow reading of the ritual to become accepted practice, then future generations of masons will be deprived of the standard of ceremony which will both interest and keep them interested in Freemasonry from the start.
    Robin Kent IPM. Kennet Lodge, Province of Berkshire.

St. John Masonry

Sir,
    In his Freemasons' Guide & Compendium, the late Bernard E. Jones raised the question as to the origin of the connection of Craft Masonry throughout Scotland with the name of St. John. I offer the following as an answer for readers to consider:
    The Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (Hospitallers) whose patron saint was St. John the Baptist, was introduced to the British Isles circa 1095. The Hospitallers built fleets as well as innumerable properties, and held a vast number of estates across Scotland (including Kilwinning). During a period of about 400 years, many medieval masons would have been employed at these estates - reasons no doubt why the name of St. John became associated with the Scottish masons.
    Bro Frank Keirl.

Munster Lodge

Sir,
    I was very interested to read the letter from Gunther Plath in the Autumn issue. His lodge, Zu den drey Balken in Munster also had General Blucher (of Waterloo fame) as a member. I have heard it said that the lodge's Master's Chair was probably presented by Blucher when he was Master of the lodge in its earliest days, but am unable to vouch for this story's accuracy. Also interesting is the fact that the lodge premises are with kind permission also used by the Keys of Munster Lodge No. 881 (German Constitution) - affiliated to the Grand Lodge of the British Freemasons in Germany, itself part of the United Grand Lodges of Germany. This lodge, formed in 1962, drew members from the British forces serving in the Munster area. Over the years it has, due to the draw-down of British Forces in Germany, become more and more the home of British ex-patriates living in the area and also is proud of its membership of many German and Dutch Freemasons. Indeed, its members range from across the world as far as Canada, America, New Zealand, Turkey, and many other countries. The workings of the lodge are Emulation and carried out in English.
    Keys of Munster owes much to the German lodge for its support over many years and there is a fine feeling of true brotherhood between the two lodges. I am proud to be numbered among the Past Masters of the Keys of Munster Lodge.
    W.E. Smith. 34320 Fontes, France.

Rebuilding of the Wall

Sir,
    AW Lemon (Issue 2) is correct in saying that the reference in Nehemiah to carrying swords referred to the rebuilding of the Wall and not the Temple in Jerusalem. However, it is not quite correct to say that the actual Builders had a trowel in one hand and sword in the other (which technically would have been rather difficult!). It is true that that meaning could be taken from the King James Version of Nehemiah IV.17, where the Builders are lumped together with the Bearers. Yet V.18 of this version goes on to say: "For the builders, everyone had his sword girded by his side, and so builded." The New English Bible removes this ambiguity: "The porters carrying the loads had one hand on the load and a weapon in the other. The builders had their swords attached to their belts as they built, the trumpeter was beside me." (Nehemiah IV, 17-18).
    Dr. John S. Happel. Alresford, Hants.

Information Wanted

Dear Editor,
    I am trying to compile a list of "Banner Lodges", a custom which appears to have started about 150 years ago when a Master presented his banner to the lodge. Any information from any lodge, past or present, that participated in this custom would be welcome. (I have read W.Bro Harry Mendoza's book Serendipity, but should be grateful for more information).
    Granville Angell: 34 Manor Ave. Cannock. Staffordshire WS11 1AA. Td , 01543 503764

Women Masons

Sir,
    I have a colleague who is a Freemason but despite the fact that she is a wonderful person, I cannot associate with her masonically because she is a woman! The person to whom I refer is a member of International Co-Freemasonry and whilst that organisation accepts male members, the United Grand Lodge does not accept ladies.
    I have not read any rule which says a mason has to be male. In the Installation Ceremony of the Holy Royal Arch, the explanation of the 2nd Principals Robe, H is charged as follows: "you are, by all means in your power, to endeavour to establish a permanent union among all Orders and Degrees in Freemasonry." This seems to me to be a contradiction.
    I am not advocating that the lodges of the UGLE should suddenly start accepting lady visitors but I do feel that our masons should be allowed to visit Co-Masonic lodges and the men from Co-Masonic lodges should be permitted to visit those held under the UGLE.
    Perhaps a joint 'Working Party' could be set up to look into this situation and come up with a more rational viewpoint. What do other readers think?
    T.A. Kavanagh. PAGDC.

Web of GIN

Sir,
    May I draw your the attention of your readers to GIN, the Newsletter of the Lodge of Good Intention No 7087 which apart from being circulated to our own members and through the Camden Group of Lodges, of which we are one, is also available on the World Wide Web. Our first edition was published March 1996 and available on our own web site shortly after. I am pleased to report that the updated version can be located at : http://homepages.enterprise.net/lpbelson/ and I am reliably informed that this is the first official web site of any lodge in the UK [12 June 1997].
    Leonard P. Belson. Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.

Ancient Monuments Restored

Sir,
    It is not without a passing interest that I read your articles on Elias Ashmole and his relationship with the Mainwaring family of Over Peover, Cheshire. As a former vicar of St. Lawrence's Over Peover I became increasingly interested in Peover Hall's former occupiers. This interest became more direct when, due to damp, the alabaster monuments to Sir Randle and Lady Margery Mainwaring (pictured in Issue 2) became seriously eroded. English Heritage's assessment required the removal of the monuments from their niche for several years to dry out, and, since the church was a listed monument, they insisted on the elimination of the prime sources of damp. This involved the re-roofing of the church to match the original slate-work, new guttering, a proper drainage-system with soak-aways and the alabaster effigies expertly restored before replacement. A monumental task!
    Brethren visiting St. Lawrence's today will see the Mainwaring effigies restored to their former glory, and returned to their resting place. They may further note the skill of past freemasons in carving the intricate chain mail on Sir Randle's effigy, including the SS collar of gold around his neck: a knightly emblem of obscure origin.
    Congratulations on a great start to this new publication. May it continue in the same interesting way.
    Rev. Joseph F.Speakman. pp GRD.CHAP. Composite Lodge No.6310. Cheshire.

Dear Sirs,
    Having received the first two editions of Freemasonry Today, I write to congratulate all involved in the production for the excellence of its presentation and content. In particular, I want to say thank you to Bro Michael Baigent for his beautiful tribute to Diana Princess of Wales. I have been drawn back to it and have read it several times, but not once without a tear and a lump forming in the throat. There is no doubt that her life, cut short as it was, has much to link the Craft and its members by the many lessons that brethren can follow by her extraordinary example of Brotherly love, Relief and Truth.
    I look forward to the next edition with eager anticipation as this is one magazine I do read from cover to cover.
    David Morfoot TD LGR PPGD. Thetford, Norfolk.

A Worthy Mason

Sir,
    With reference to the recent appointment of The Order of Service to Freemasonry to W.Bro Yeo Tiam Siew, District Grand Secretary of the Eastern Archipelago. On a visit to the Masonic Centre, Coleman St. in Singapore some two years ago, I was informed that the Secretary was engaged, but if I returned at 3pm (it was 12 noon) I would be able to see him.
    Returning, I jokingly remarked that the Secretary's lunch-hour was rather extended. "Have you ever met the Secretary?" I was asked, and was then informed that he was 91 years old and took life rather leisurely!
    I was surprised at the spritely short gentleman who welcomed me to Singapore Freemasonry. A most interesting discussion followed, giving me his background from a poor family, and being taken into care of friends at an early age. He was helped through his education by learning English and teaching it to firms during evenings. Joining the bank at the lowest position he soon became useful, being posted to banks in Malaysia, becoming President by the time he retired. One of the outstanding events he told me about was the destruction of some three million pounds by him and other bank managers the day before the port fell into enemy hands!
    This most remarkable man has written his life story called Destined to Survive, a copy of which he presented to me (ISBN981-00-4468-2) and I left him feeling that it had been an honour to meet such an outstanding man who works away in the background helping untold numbers of human beings. Yes, a worthy mason indeed! - and now holder of the OSM.
    K.de V Lorrain MBE, Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Bad Press

Sir,
    During a recent visit to the USA I discussed Freemasonry with my cousin, mentioning the fact that we have a bad press from time to time. I also mentioned the charitable aspect of our work, including the extent of our non-masonic grants. Her response was "You do that and still get a bad press! There is something wrong with your public relations." In our spirit of openness, have we considered taking a full page advert in the dailies, possibly quoting our donations to masonic charity and certainly to non-masonic charities?
    RE Oakley. Camberley, Surrey.

A Selection of Extracts from Letters Relating to The Hiram Key

The authors of The Hiram Key may not themselves have got it right, in part or even in whole; but their wish to delve, to speculate, and to challenge classical thinking, is surely to be applauded rather than vilified?
    Let the spirit of 'openness' which is now being exhibited by the Craft to the outside world, be extended to all within the Craft who strive to seek, and disseminate, further enlightenment about ourselves.
    Hedley Russell. Morecambe. Lancs.

Re Chris Knight's published reply [to the review of the book in Issue One]. It was exactly as I feared, a pugilistic defence that relied more on attacking others than a considered apologia. That is to say, something of little help.
    Gerald Reilly. Frinton on Sea.

As Freemasons we ought to be able to explore "the hidden mysteries of nature and science", and not be afraid to embrace new ideas. If The Hiram Key were seditious or offensive to anyone, I would perhaps understand the way it has been attacked. But I have personally found nothing in it that offends me morally, spiritually or in any other way.
    Alex Lewis. Oswestry. Salop.

If these books [including The Second Messiah] had been written in the 18th or 19th century by brethren genuinely interested in exploring possible ancient connections of our Order with other institutions, they could be excused. At the end of the 20th century, the authors should be familiar with the factual research published in this country by the world's premier lodge of masonic investigation. The annual transactions of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076 are eagerly studied by masonic and non-masonic scholars throughout the world. Its standards of research have become a guideline for what they expect from authors belonging to the Mother Grand Lodge of Freemasonry.
    J.A.Bello. Joining member of Lodge No 4997 EC. Gibraltar.

It is certainly true to say that masonic ritual was 'invented' although probably by more than one individual and de facto cannot be an historical record. It is equally true to say that the old ritual compilers drew on religions, history, fables, legends and anything else to make a good story. To stake anything, let alone one's reputation as an historical writer, on something so vague as the life and times of Hiram Abif is tempting fate. There is no archaeological evidence whatsoever to support the biblical record that Solomon's Temple ever existed, let alone Hiram Abif.
    W. Bra Patrick Byrne MA. PPGReg. (Surrey), PPAGSoj. (Surrey).

There was no such person as Hiram Abif. There were two craftsmen, a father and his son, who were known by the name of Hiram. But there was also a man called Hiram who was the King of Tyre. I have found a remarkable midrash [a search for a text's deeper meaning] called Yalkut Shimoni, usually referred to as the anthology of Simeon of Frankfurt, covering the whole Bible and dated the 13th century. This midrash is based on Ezekiel XXVIII.1-10, and shows quite categorically that Hiram, King of Tyre was cruelly murdered and the manner of his horrific death is clearly described. (See my paper in QC Transactions, Vol. 107). The third degree's original themes (see Harry Carr's The Freemason at Work) of death, decay and resurrection are found in the midrash.
    Rev. Michael Plaskow. PAG Chaplain. Woodside Park Synagogue, London.

Enough is Enough!

Is it possible that we could have an end to this unseemly, semi-public bickering? Learned argument is one thing, and is usually conducted in a polite and discussive manner.
    Can the antagonists in some way be persuaded to come together in a spirit of positive mutual collaboration? Can they not pool their knowledge, sift it, throw away that which may be proven to be incorrect and give to the world the benefit of that which may be proven to be true whether it arises from 'orthodox' or from 'nouveau' research - thus enhancing our store of genuine masonic knowledge? After all, humility is supposed to be the name of the game. Isn't it?
    W. Bra L.P. Peterson, PPrAGDC, Mold, N. Wales.