Rosslyn

Sir,
    Re Matthew Scanlan’s article on Rosslyn (Summer issue). Why did Bro Scanlan not report that we (the authors of The Hiram Key) have proven that Rosslyn is not a church but a one third scale reproduction of the ruins of King Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem completed with the spires of the ‘Heavenly Jerusalem’ described by Ezekiel? The building’s one and only inscription, “Wine is strong, women are stronger, but truth conquers all” (from II Esdras, not the Book of Ezra, as written) is of huge importance in connecting the building to Freemasonry because this single line is central to the old degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. He also failed to mention that we have pointed out a carving in Rosslyn that unquestionably depicts a Knight Templar putting a candidate through a ritual that is identical to the Entered Apprentice degree of today.
    These are not fringe theories. There are many well informed people that uphold our interpretation of Rosslyn’s design, such as Dr Jack Miller, a Head of Studies at Cambridge University and Joseph Peeples, President of the Jerusalem Historical Society. Rosslyn and Freemasonry do have proven links! And Rosslyn has proven links with the Knights Templar. Of course we and all these experts might be wrong. But it would be helpful if Matthew Scanlan would tell us why. Bro Scanlan should remember that separating fact from fantasy requires more than assuming that facts will conform to one’s preferred views. He would do well to consider the words of Daniel Webster: “There is nothing so powerful as truth: and often nothing so strange.”
    Christopher Knight. Co-Author: The Hiram Key and The Second Messiah. Elland. W.Yorks.

Sir,
    Thankfully, I had made visits to Rosslyn before reading the article about it in the Summer issue. Perhaps in an attempt to mitigate current and promised speculation, Rosslyn, Fact not Fantasy, missed the core of the enigma. This is indicated by the phrase “...the eye being continually drawn to yet another biblical allegory...” May it be suggested that what is “fact” about this building is the almost total absence of biblical allegory. May it be further suggested that the greatest “fantasy” pertaining to Rosslyn is any claim that the building was originally dedicated to, or for, the greater glory of the Pauline, Constantinian, Roman, Christian God.
    Excavation would be justified if it could establish title, and we could enjoy the apotheosis of Holy Royal Arch exaltation ritual.
    Gerald Reilly. Kirby-le-Soken, Essex.

Sir,
    According to readily available literature, Roslin Chapel was damaged by rioters in 1688 and could have become as ruinous as Roslin Castle but for General St Clair, who started to repair it, and his successors who continued with the work of restoration which, by 1842, had produced the famous column known as the Prentice Pillar. This information suggests the Prentice Pillar and at least the lintels supported by it (one of which is incised with words from the first Book of Esdras) are of 18th or 19th century workmanship, undertaken during or after the period when the Freemasonic legend of Hiram Abif came into existence.
    Bro Frank Keirl. Worsley, Manchester.

Rank

Thank you Bro Rees for raising such a controversial subject (On Rank. Summer issue). I myself am a keen traditionalist but believe if Freemasonry is to prosper in this changing society then it must also evolve and we need to have open discussion on all aspects of the Craft.
    Some years ago, Grand Lodge decided that “in the interests of economy” it was no longer necessary for those who had been granted the privilege of wearing “dark blue” to wear cuffs. I would suggest the time has now come for the next step to be taken in the process of bringing our dress up to date: the abolition of either the “dress” or “undress” regalia. I would further suggest it might be the “dress” regalia since not only is it the more expensive, but, in the case of Grand Rank Regalia, I believe the simplicity of “undress” more closely reflects the current times. If this is felt to be worthy of consideration, then I would take the matter still further and suggest that, in the longer term, we should consider abolishing the dark blue regalia for all brethren, other than those in active positions. Non-active brethren should continue to wear the pale blue apron of either a Bro or W Bro with the addition of a collarette and jewel with a light blue ribbon for those with Provincial, District, London or Senior London Grand Rank and a dark blue ribbon for those with Grand Rank.
    W Bro David D Searle LGR. Imperial College Lodge 4536.

Sir,
    There is much truth in the comments made by Julian Rees. I was initiated in Scotland, and as many readers will know, within the Scottish system all Office Bearers, Provincial Lodge and Grand Lodge are elected by the membership. So there can be no general feeling that a Brother has not been given a “high enough” award. A Brother normally wears his lodge apron unless he is at a meeting representing the Provincial or Grand Lodge in an official capacity when he will normally wear the apron signifying Provincial or Grand Lodge office. This appears to be both good and bad. It prevents brethren from showing off their honours to members of their own lodge, but only wearing their Past Master’s apron when visiting their mother or other lodge, does not make them obvious to junior brethren who want to ask questions of seniors or those most skilled in the lore.
    The secret must be communication. More senior brethren must not allow themselves to be ushered into positions where they never talk to the rank and file. But no Brother must feel isolated whether he is a Grand Officer, always placed on the Master’s right, or the latest link. Freemasonry is always under attack from outsiders, therefore, the appropriateness of honours must be secondary to the feeling that everyone should work to the good of all without, of course, detriment to themselves. With patience, luck and good publicity it may be that “Man to man, the world o’er - shall brothers be” (Burns).
    Ken Pratt. York.

Sir,
    As an operative mason I was building new stone buttresses and walls to a church in the Isle of Axeholme, when I discovered a headstone, now laid flat on the ground. At the top of the stone, in a circle at the centre was carved the square and compasses; the right hand circle contained crossed bones and the left hand circle a sand timer. The inscription read: Sacred to the Memory of William Thompson who Departed this Life the 25th October 1805 Aged 26 Years. Unfortunate Youth who wrought in Brick & Lime and called away in Lifes Meridian prime. By sudden fall from Wife and Friends was Torn, Now left behind thy harder fate to Mourn. Reader be warned, thy Souls Concern Attend, Regard the Call, thy Life as soon may End.
    I wonder if this was a young Freemason, who fell of a roof and died whilst working.
    Bro John Ivory. St Hugh Lodge 1386, Lincoln.

Open Secrets

Sir,
    Re ‘Secrecy’. Perhaps we should all be encouraged to wear the discrete square and compass tie-pin/lapel badge at work as well as socially. This way those of us who are not under threat of discrimination can show that Freemasonry is not restricted to a few strange men. This small badge could be given to Master Masons after the ceremony with suitable wording. Once the usual jokes from non-masons have passed, an enquiring mind could receive explanation, thereby spreading the good knowledge.
    1984 was a long time ago. We now need specific recommendations, otherwise we could overstep while trying to assist.
    W Bro P G Cook LGR. Old Lancing Lodge 4660.

Sir,
    The subject of openness is one which we cannot win in the short term, as the more that we try to convince, the more it seems to enforce people’s scepticism: “Well they would say that, wouldn’t they?’, and ‘No doubt there are many worthy men in the Craft, but why are you so secretive?’ Some people find it very hard to believe that we have no undue influence over events, undoubtedly because they would seek such advantage if they were in a position to do so. We know we have nothing to hide, but I do not think that a concerted effort to raise our profile will assist in Freemasonry returning to the pre-war period of benign acceptance, however much I wish it to be so. I am inclined to answer our critics when asked, request proof of accusations when necessary, and return to the system whereby Lodge Secretaries submit annual membership returns to the local Justices of the Peace.
    W Bro Jeffrey Monnickendam LGR. Friars Lodge 1349, London.

Sir,
    I, the Editor of our District Grand Lodge newsletter, and many others here feel that, with respect, the United Grand Lodge of England has been rather too ready to concede to the misinformed zealots that plague us, and have been too passive altogether. We have so much of which to be proud and it’s time we TOLD THE WORLD AT LARGE and TOLD IT LIKE IT IS.
    W Bro Eddie Higginson. Birkenhead, Auckland, New Zealand.

Sir,
    I have attended many sessions at Lodges of Instruction, receiving excellent instruction in ceremonial performance, but I have never been given any instruction in the meaning of what we have done. I believe this to be totally inadequate. I have been fortunate in spending a great part of my life in academic discovery, in study and contemplation. Not every Brother has been so blessed. What are we doing to try and lead them into the deeper meanings and mysteries of our Order?
    When a Chaplain is invested he should be told, and when a Master Elect has been obligated, he is informed that the Volume of the Sacred Law will guide him to all truth, direct his steps in the paths of happiness, and point out to him the whole duty of man. Has it ever dawned on us that these words may be the way to understanding how God will help us to obtain the mysteries of the various degrees?
    Although so much of our ritual centres upon the work of Solomon, Hiram king of Tyre and Hiram Abif, if we only see the stone, timber and labour involved, we miss the meaning of it all. Please forgive me for daring to pick out a passage of Christian scripture, written by one raised a Jew. I Peter II.5 asks the Church in Asia Minor to consider that: “You also, as living stones, must be built into a spiritual temple and form a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices to God.” This is for me the core of the philosophy of Freemasonry. The Temple at Jerusalem was built, completed and dedicated to the service of God. So, too, should we be built.
    Revd. G Ernest Smart. Milton Keynes.

Burma

Sir,
    I am attempting to put together a history of The Rangoon & Ormond-Iles Lodge No 1268 (EC) which operated in Burma until 1969. I would be very interested to hear from anyone who has first or second hand information (including summonses) on this lodge or Masonry in general - as well as life in Burma from 1869 to today.
    We are, I believe, the only Craft Lodge to have returned to the UK. Since the early 1980s Masonry has been effectively banned in Burma. Royal Arch Chapter Pegu No 1268 and Leeson Chapter Rose Croix No 21 also returned and both are operating here.
    Peter Kipps, Lodge Secretary. Sutton, Surrey.

Sir,
    Forty years ago I was initiated into Freemasonry in Central Burma in Lodge Yenangyaung 4374. I would be very pleased to hear from any reader who has or has had connections with Freemasonry in Burma.
    KW Bond. Keswick, Cumbria.

Give us Youth

Sir,
    While watching the Trooping of the Colour on TV it struck me that the British Army and the Craft still have much in common. In the 1950s Freemasonry developed so fast that the Army and Freemasonry were almost synonymous, as the Craft contained so many young men from Her Majesty’s Forces. As the Guards displayed their parade-ground precision, it reminded me that we are as a nation extremely good at hiding our light under a bush, because every young man on the ‘toy soldier’ parade was actually a fearsome fighting man, highly respected by every nation on earth: the result of hundreds of years of adaption and honing to perfection. Like our own brethren, these young men go about their lives doing good wherever they can, so that throughout their histories both organisations have proved themselves the best ambassadors this country has in every corner of the world.
    So why are we not actively recruiting candidates in their twenties? In an age where electronic technology is largely confined to the younger generation we cannot afford to accept that so many of our new Masters are over fifty. This ostrich type attitude certainly did not exist 50 years ago and needs to be swiftly irradiated throughout Freemasonry. Since 1984 we have undertaken only a piecemeal reappraisal of our masonic objectives. Is it time we realised that it is disadvantageous to the Craft when Side Degrees actively recruit recently initiated brethren? Side Degrees are more suitable as an advanced form of study for a Brother who has been through the Chair and is edging towards retirement. Thus, our immediate task is to reduce the average age of our membership, or the Craft will decline in the early 21st Century when computer literacy becomes as vital to Freemasonry as reading literacy is today. If the Army can train a man to carry the colours at 24 and then command the Trooping of the Colour at 45 to the delight of 10,000 onlookers, why are we not training Brothers to command a Masonic Province at that age? When are going to catch up?
    By what right do I judge our standards of masonic training? Write to me on email at Baskran@email.infotrade.co.uk and I will tell you!
    The Silver Headed Surfer. Sheringham, Norfolk.

Sir,
    Re Henry M.Lynch-Shyllon’s letter about ‘Fun’ in the last issue. From his remarks, I suspect that he is one of those who sits on high in Lodge tut-tutting when mistakes are made in ritual and floorwork and believes that unless we are all brilliant ritualists we shouldn’t be there. This is 1998 and it is attitudes like this a) put people off joining and b) dissuades younger masons from progressing or even staying in Masonry.
    As a young 57 year old father and grandfather, I get on better with the youngsters than I do with a lot of older masons. I suspect, because of 26 years as a police officer, I am willing to help or advise them, and also because of their humour and attitude of not taking life too seriously. I commend this to any older mason who still thinks we are in the dark ages! In 27 years I have never heard Masonry described as ‘fun’, but I suspect that whoever said it probably meant a synonym of fun ie: relaxation, solace, pleasure, good humour, joy &c.
    John Emery. Meon Valley Lodge 8336 Hants.

Sir,
    I and a few friends have a mind to form a Craft Lodge for motorcyclists. To do this we must attract a number of other motorcycling masons to our cause. We are not fussy about their specific interest, be it sport, touring, vintage or café racing, as long as they own a motorcycle and ride it.
    Our group currently consists of 6 masons of varying degrees from MM to Provincial Active Chapter Grand Rank so we’re not Hell’s Angels and have no preconceived ideas about where we should meet, how often or what to call ourselves. Members currently hail from Chichester, Andover, Wokingham and Portsmouth - a wide area. If you’re interested, please contact me or Ray Thompson at Raytee@compuserve.com
    Arthur S Agate (Trials & Enduro rider). Portsmouth, Hants.

Healing

Sir,
    Re RW Wood’s letter in issue 4 on the possible use of moulds and fungi in Royston Cave as an antibiotic healing of injured Knights Templar in the Crusades. The Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem took over Malta in 1530 under the Grand Master, Philippe Villiers de l’Isle-Adam. On the Maltese island of Gozo at Dwerja Bay, there is a rock called ‘Fungal Rock’, which stands alone in the mouth of the Bay. The rock, named after the fungus which grows on it, was highly prized and protected by the Knights for its curative haemostatic powers. (The Hospitallers of course inherited Templar properties after the latter’s demise in the early 14th century).
    Stephen J Cooper. Dinorben Lodge 8580, Colwyn Bay, North Wales Province.
   

Sir,
    I have a copy of the extended ritual of the Installation of a Master written by the late W Bro JSM Ward shortly after the declaration by Grand Lodge in 1925 that, with a cautionary proviso, lodges may work this extended version. Would anyone with knowledge of lodges that work this version, or a close variation of it, contact me. (I am a Worcestershire Mason and already have details of Pellipar and Lowy of Tonbridge Lodge workings).
    Alan Wyer. Birmingham.

Depth

Sir,
    I was greatly encouraged to read the article by Giuliano di Bernardo in the Spring issue, and to note the resonant linking of Neoplatonism and Hermetic thought with Freemasonry. Of course it is true that they are linked but, especially in recent years, we need reminding of it. For many masons, it is the mystical depth of Freemasonry which is ultimately the attraction and I should like to see more contributions by Bro di Bernardo because I believe that Freemasonry finds its cornerstone in the Hermetic and Neoplatonic tradition. I hope the brethren who find the perspective conveyed by this approach at first forbidding take time to think that beyond what might at first appear to be an impenetrable veil, lies a vast landscape which reveals itself by inspiration, transformation and synthesis.
    Michael Baigent. Hampshire.