Hiram Lodge Consecrated in Odessa

After having reintroduced the masonic light into the Republic of Moldova (ex-Soviet Union) with the consecration of the Alliance Lodge at Chisinou in June last year, Giuliano di Bernardo, Grand Master of the Regular Grand Lodge of Italy, consecrated the Hiram Lodge at Odessa in the Ukraine on 7 February 1998. Both of these lodges are entered in the register of the Regular Grand Lodge of Italy.
    On April 23 the Medical University of Odessa granted Giuliano di Bernardo the Degree of Doctor Honoris Causa, previously granted to heart-surgeon Christian Barnard, the President of Georgetown University, Washington, and to Poland’s President of the Academy of Science. While at Odessa, Giuliano di Bernardo gave a lecture on Ethics and Science to the University Senate and addressed over 1000 students on the subject of the philosophical foundation of Man.
    As Giuliano di Bernardo wished to pursue in the Ukraine the policy of transparency that is the hallmark of his masonic projects, he met Leonid Kuchma, President of the Republic, in Kiev, and told him of his intention to create masonic lodges throughout the Ukraine. The result of this was his consecration of the Hiram Lodge in Odessa, according to ancient usage, assisted by the Grand Officers of the Regular Grand Lodge of Italy and by the Moldovan Brethren. The event was reported in the most authoritative newspapers and was also covered by national and regional television networks, as well as by CNN.
    The Hiram Lodge counts among its members personages from the academic world, the arts, economics, politics, entertainment and the professions. The Master of the Lodge is Prof Valery Zaporozhan, Rector of Odessa Medical University, member of the Academy of Sciences and Honorary Fellow of many universities in the United States and Europe. Bro Zaporozhan, in a statement to the press, declared his intention of dedicating his life to establishing Freemasonry in all the countries of the former Soviet Union.
    The Chisinou and Odessa lodges work with the Emulation Ritual, which has already been translated into Moldovan and is now being translated into Russian. Like the Regular Grand Lodge of Italy on its creation, they have also received the Constitutions and Regulations of the United Grand Lodge of England. The first steps are already being taken to introduce the Royal Arch as well.
    The masonic light is now spreading from Odessa throughout the Ukraine. In the first week of June 1998, two more lodges will be consecrated : one in Kiev and the other in Odessa, and by the end of the year lodges will also be opened in Sevastopol and Dnepropetrovsk. Contacts have already been made for bringing the masonic light to Georgia, Armenia and Kazakhstan.

Happy Hertfordshire Heralds £5.9m RMBI Bonanza

A fanfare from the trumpeters of the Life Guards rang out over a sea of blue and gold to herald the grand total raised by the Province of Hertfordshire in its 1998 RMBI Festival : A Breathtaking £5.9 Million!!!
    Following a toast to the RMBI given by Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Michael Batham Jones, Jane Reynolds, Chief Executive of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, announced to the elegant audience in the Connaught Rooms on February 18 that the £5million target had been exceeded. Roland Wade, Deputy President of the RMBI responded to the results with an account of the RMBI’s work, especially Hertfordshire’s flagship facility, Prince Michael of Kent Court.
    MW Bro the Rt Hon Lord Farnham, Pro Grand Master toasted the Festival Chairman who in turn made special mention of the Chairman of the Festival Committee, W Bro Gerry Scott OBE, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, whose drive, tenacity and clarion calls the brethren had rallied to, with such effect that the average per lodge had exceeded 321,500 : a new RMBI record.
    James Young. Information Officer, Herts.

Bombay and North India District Grand Lodge

When RW Bro AEG Gilbert was in Pune to attend the Installation Convocation of Leslie Wilson Chapter 4880 on 4 April, he took time to visit the KEM Hospital where Leslie Wilson Lodge had been helping with the treatment of victims of “Wilson’s Disease”. This inherited disease affects the liver, brain and kidneys of children and young adults. Treatment requires life-long therapy with Penicillamine, an expensive imported drug. A year’s treatment costs up to Rs 15,000 per child. 87 children with the disease have been diagnosed by the KEM Hospital, 64 of whom are alive and under regular follow-up.
    During the visit RW Bro Arthur Gilbert, District Grand Master, presented a cheque for Rs 50,000 to Poornima Gadgil who has been undergoing treatment. Much of the donation derived from the sale of paintings by W Bro Ravi Mahbubani, PM of Lodge Leslie Wilson. He periodically holds exhibitions of his paintings to help the afflicted. Dr Keshav Rae, a Freemason who initiated the donation commented : “What we do is not a form of charity. It is a gesture of affection towards the society to help them in getting rid of this disease.” Dr Rae also said that the lodge also raises money through shows, plays, exhibitions and film premières. Donations since 1987 have exceeded Rs 2.5 lakh.
    SU Sitaram. District Grand Secretary, District Grand Lodge of Bombay and Northern India.

Ladies and Gentlemen - The Rosettes!

The ladies in the tartan skirts are The Rosettes : the unlikely public faces of a remarkable Hampshire Lodge initiative. No, they’re not brethren in drag or the result of a startling scientific breakthrough - Doreen Woodford, Rita Wickes, Linda Burns, Sally Innes, Midge Holmes, Babs Wray, Anneliese Pugh and Margaret Outridge are wives and friends of members of The Rose of Hampshire Lodge 8463.
    The spotlight first fell on the lodge in 1994 when it chose to increase contributions to masonic and non-masonic charities by holding gourmet BBQs, raffles, side-shows and live entertainment - the latter led by W Bro Michael Holmes, lodge organist, who began assembling The Rosettes, who soon took on a life of their own with the support of Elvis impersonator Bro Ian Burns, a very talented young lady of 13, Nicky Bay, and the choreographical expertise of Rosemary Harris.
    The ladies are all hard-working wives who offer their spare time to make costumes and perfect their superb routines, including ‘themed’ performances such as ‘war-time blitz’, Caribbean, Cockney, Christmas and Scottish Burns Night - that explains the tartan. As many as 280 people have seen the troupe in action at the Lakeside Country Club at Frimley Green in Surrey, famous for its star performers - and the scene of their most recent triumph. Over the years some £8000 has been raised for charities including the Red Cross, the New Masonic Samaritan Fund, the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, Make a Wish Foundation, Frimley Park Hospital Childrens Ward and Farnborough Masonic Centre Building Fund. The Rosettes have every intention of providing music, fun and laughter for many years to come - but don’t expect tartan skirts on every occasion!

Sally Army Boost from Sussex Masons

The Villa Adastra is a Salvation Army residential home, caring for the elderly and infirm at Hassocks, West Sussex. A new wing requires £1.3m for completion. In March 1998, Kymer Lodge 8521 donated £500 to the Villa Adastra Appeal from monies raised at the lodge’s Ladies Festival. Many of the lodge’s ex-servicemen had reasons to be grateful to the Salvation Army for help with food and accommodation in their service days and thought the Appeal an ideal opportunity to say ‘thank you’.
    Kymer’s sister lodge, Simon de Montfort 9024, also donated the magnificent sum of £1000 to the cause. Simon de Montfort Lodge’s Charter Master and Kymer Lodge’s Secretary W Bro Jack Slaughter brought the Appeal to the lodges’ attention and Kymer Master Harry Truswell nominated Villa Adastra to benefit.

North Wales Masonic Choir Ready for Action

Formed in 1986, thousands of pounds have already been raised for charity by the North Wales Masonic Choir - and they’re ready and willing to go where no Welsh Choir has gone before. According to Secretary Glyn Robinson JP : “Invitations are welcome for masonically organised fund-raising events in England and Wales. We only ask for the cost of a coach and a reasonable fee. All members pay their own hotel bills if an overnight stay is required.”
    Founded at the request of William Hughes of Baltimore, USA, and the late Dr Noel Roberts of Caernarfon to enable a cross-section of North Wales choirs to visit the States, they were first welcomed by Welsh Americans in 1987 in Baltimore, Scranton, Elisabethtown, Pennsylvania, Utica and New York. A return invitation in 1989 culminated in a great performance at the National North American Welsh Cymanfa Ganu at Pittsburgh’s Hilton Hotel, under Director T.Gwynn Jones’ baton. Concerts followed at large venues in Leicester, Croydon, Wallasey, Wrexham and Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall and then, on 10 June 1992, the Choir sang at Earls Court at the 275th Anniversary of the formation of the Grand Lodge of England. Concerts to come include Madryn Lodge, Pwllheli near Abersoch on 30 November and a concert for Cheshire Lodges later in the year. All interested in the Choir’s services should contact Glyn Robinson JP at Rhyd, Rhosbodrual, Caernarfon, Wales. Tel 01286 673369. Glyn also has soul-stirring cassettes of the Choir for those who only believe their ears!

Masonic Widows’ Association Helps Baby Care

Now in its third year, the Masonic Widows’ Association has successfully filled a gap in the lives of many ladies whose husbands belonged to one of the 41 Wallasey and Wirral lodges. They have good speakers, outings in the summer break and a lovely Christmas lunch. Assistant Secretary Mrs EW Potts (54, Langdale Rd, Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside L63 3AW. Tel 0151 334 2871) informs FMT that “We have 80 paid-up members who meet once a month on Fridays at Manor Rd, Wallasey from 1.30-4pm. Our Charity this year is the Special Baby Care Unit at Arrowe Park Hospital.” The photo shows Mrs Hind (Chairlady at the time) presenting a cheque to Sister Carolyn Thomason along with the Treasurer, Mrs Edith Williams.

New Zealand Celebrates 150th Anniversary

1998 marks southern New Zealand’s 150th anniversary of the European settlement which began in March 1848 when two small ships brought settlers from Scotland and England. Twelve years later, Lodge of Otago 844 (English Constitution) was formed and prospered. Today, New Zealand is unique in that its four constitutions work in harmony. English, Irish and Scots Grand Lodges all played a part in promoting the Craft. 1890 saw the formation of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and while many lodges joined, others continued their allegiance to their original Grand Lodges.
    As part of the sesquicentennial, more than 200 members of local lodges and their wives attended a special service in the historic Caversham Presbyterian Church in Dunedin, a church with a long masonic association : its foundation stone was laid in 1882 with full masonic honours and several of its members are active in the Craft.
    The Minister, the Rev David Coster, was preceded into the church by the Provincial Grand Master for the Otago Province, RW Bro Peter Robinson carrying the lectern Bible. The Minister and congregation then acknowledged the Masonic Bible carried by W Bro Gifford Brown, Deputy District Grand Master South Island (English Constitution), while square and compasses were borne by RW Bro David Kirkwood, Provincial Assistant Grand Master (Irish Constitution) and a white lambskin apron was carried by RW Bro Maxwell Finnie, District Grand Master New Zealand South (Scottish Constitution). In his address, the Minister referred to the ‘Holiness Tradition’ in the Church and noted that much of the energy of biblical holiness was directed against church leaders with whom they disagreed, and referred in particular to the movement against homosexuals in church leadership. He went on to say that the same people in the Church were also leading the charge against Freemasons. In his opinion, they were earnest but misguided. As a member of Rotary, Rev Coster wondered whether he could be amongst those who could be next on the list to be classified as the infidel.
    EWG Brown. Deputy District Grand Master, South Island, New Zealand.

Brothers in Law Luncheon Club gives Hope and Help

In December 1983 a dozen or so police officers serving at New Scotland Yard celebrated Christmas by taking luncheon at Croydon’s Masonic Hall. All were Freemasons and their spirits were raised considerably at a time when a great deal of unfair criticism was being levelled at members of the police service who also enjoyed their masonic pursuits. The luncheon became an annual affair and its popularity and support increased, resulting in the establishment on 20 June 1988 of The Brothers in Law Luncheon Club (Surrey). It now boasts a membership of 160 brethren.
    Since its inauguration, over £18,000 has been donated to dependants of police officers killed or seriously injured in the course of their duties, the 1997 Surrey Festival for the RMBI, to organisations caring for sick and terminally ill children, and to scientific bodies engaged in cancer, leukaemia and heart disease research.
    In 1991 two elderly spinster sisters were raped and savaged by a brute who broke into their London council flat. One of the sisters died and the survivor was devastated. Almost penniless and without the will to live she was moved into care by social services. The Luncheon Club heard about it and contributed a significant sum to enable her to open a bank account. Detective officers in charge of the investigation informed the club that the old lady was considerably cheered up.
    This year the Club is raising money for two charities : The St Nicholas School for Children, Reedham Drive, Purley, which caters for the needs of children with moderate to serious learning difficulties, and which recently suffered the catastrophe of asbestos contamination during redevelopment requiring the provision of new stationery, computers and toys. £1,500 has been raised by the club. Secondly, a further £1000 has been raised to support the serving police officers who each year drive lorries to Rumania laden with supplies to relieve children orphaned and maimed by the dreadful events taking place there. Many of these tots have been contaminated with the Aids virus following essential blood transfusions.
    The Luncheon Club will continue to generate funds for needy sections of the community, its members taking comfort from their understanding that Freemasonry and the Police Service are totally compatible institutions.
    Warren Payne. Secretary & Founder President.

Small is beautiful

Over 600 people attended the Herefordshire 1989-1998 ‘Girls and Boys’ Festival on Wednesday 13 May, which took place at the Three Counties Showground, Great Malvern. Having only 13 lodges, the total amount raised of £758,370 is a record per person in Masonry. In attendance were the Marquess and Marchioness of Northampton, the Earl and Countess Cadogan, the President of the Festival, RW Bro Brian Lambert, Provincial Grand Master, as well as 14 Provincial Grand Masters, Captain Paul Bootherstone RN of the New Masonic Samaritan Fund and Jane Reynolds, Chief Executive of the RMBI.
    The Band of the Prince of Wales Division played a march composed by local mason, Col. Roger Tomlinson : “A Man of Honour”to the delight of all. £20,000 was raised by the Ladies Support Group (formed by Mrs Brenda Lambert), while Coningsby Lodge 6383 raised the largest amount per head. Festival Secretary was Chris Burkett while the Treasurer was Kelvin Owen. The Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys assists with the education of children of masons and non-masons.

Internet Lodge 9659

There is a rumour that the members of Internet Lodge wear anoraks, jeans, trainers, have an earring in one ear and hair tied with a ribbon at the back. Sorry to disillusion sceptics, but I'm afraid we're all normal businessmen, Directors of Companies, Lawyers, Engineers, School Administrators, Corporate Surveyors, Senior University Lecturers and Consultants - and I don't think many of us have enough hair left to be tied in a ribbon. The one thing we all do have in common is an enthusiasm for the future of Freemasonry and a fervent desire to find the way forward into the next millennium.
    We have all been in positions necessitating the use of computers as a tool in our daily business life. As a result, we have found ourselves using email and the Internet as a fantastic world communication system. Just over three years ago, a number of British masons made contact through various American news groups on the Internet. As a result, we decided to start a British news group. Thus was the ukmason-list born - with a membership which has grown from 30 to 1000. Next came the question : 'Could a lodge be formed by brethren who had come together on the Internet?' A meeting with the Provincial Grand Secretary of East Lancashire prompted a letter confirming that the Provincial Grand Master would be happy to support such a venture.
    Deciding to limit the final number to 52, it took over seven months to collect all the necessary Clearance Certificates and obtain all the signatures on the Petition (including names from Canada, the USA, South Africa and Greece). The Petition was presented to the Sponsoring Lodge, Mellor Lodge No 1774, on 1 April 1997. Was the date an omen? The Warrant for "Internet Lodge No 9659" was granted in July. The date for the Consecration was set at January 29 1998 and by the Monday before that date, over 300 Greetings had been received from around the world, representing 69 of the world's Grand Lodges. Since the Consecration, some 250 viewers have accessed http://internet.lodge.org.uk every day.
    W Bro Gordon Charlton and Lodge Secretary W Bro Charles Arnold started to sell an 'emason' pin for charity, allowing £3000 to be donated to Grand Charity and the East Lancashire Masonic Benevolent Institution. £1000 was given to Aidis, a charity giving computers to the disabled : most fitting as the lodge is founded on computers and has a joining-member who is wheelchair bound.
    The Consecration Day was truly spectacular: tears in the eyes of participating brethren all over the world. The day had a buzz about it which I have never seen before at a masonic event : it was electric. A couple of weeks later, we all received a letter from the Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire, James D Hemsley :
    I write my very first email, appropriately to the Founders of the Internet Lodge No 9659, and wish to thank you all for the hospitality extended to the Provincial Team and to myself at the recent Consecration of your Lodge. The afternoon and evening were excellent and I must congratulate you all on the splendid work you have done in creating such a well known world-wide addition to Freemasonry.
    "The sun must always be at its meridian..." appears to come alive in respect of your current activities."
    W Bro Don Hyde, former Secretary to the Petitioners, Founding Junior Warden. email don.hyde@zetnet.co.uk, East Lancs Province eastlancs.masons@zetnet.co.uk