Challenges

Sir,
    The more I think about the attacks of certain politicians on some of this country’s institutions, the more suspicious I become of their motives. Consider this: masons swear allegiance to the crown. Peers swear allegiance to the crown. Is it untrue to state that a large number, if not a majority of those who hunt, are loyal to the crown? Almost all the above probably believe in God.
    Is there perhaps a hidden agenda, that by curbing the influence of the above, and possibly banning them altogether, the eventual utopia of a socialist state becomes more rather than less likely? Or perhaps, as those who are doing the attacking are most unlikely to be considered fit and proper persons to be made masons, are they just out for revenge?
    W Bro Stephen Sayer, IPM, Redwood Lodge No. 3411.

Sir,
    I am prompted to write by the Grand Secretary’s statement in Grand Lodge on 8 September 1999, responding to proposed restrictions on masons in the MoD and in planning authorities, as well as the police and judiciary. May I congratulate him on addressing such pointed and probing questions to the relevant authorities, whilst hoping that his actions do not come under the category of ‘too little too late’.
    I have been a Master Mason for 32 years and a Master of Hounds for 21. The rural foxhunting community, who are likewise under attack, also adopted for years a ‘least said, soonest mended’ attitude, and are only now being forced to demonstrate publicly - 300,000 marched in London last year! There is a recognition in the world of field sports that they are in a PR fight and that they have kept their heads down for far too long. Do not think it impossible that we could at some future date see a private members bill to ban or restrict Freemasonry on a much wider scale than hitherto seen.
    We can claim that we are not a secret society, but there still exists a reticence in our ranks, certainly among the more conservative among us, to face up to the fact that while we pride ourselves on our integrity, we are not trusted by the public at large. We must be more open - almost evangelical in taking our brotherly love, our charity and truth to the world outside the lodge. In the not too distant past, foundation stones of public buildings were laid, attended by the local lodge in full regalia; everyone in the community knew who was and who was not in the Craft. It is a step very much in the right direction that this magazine exists - 20 years ago I suspect that ‘authority’ would not have allowed it.
    Keith S Gardner, Backwell, North Somerset.

Sir,
    On 25 September 1999, the Daily Telegraph printed a letter from a Brother in Derbyshire under the heading “MASON BARRED”.
    The writer of the letter has been considering applying to the Planning Inspectorate for a post as Planning Inspector. He was appalled to learn from the Chief Executive that even if he is eminently qualified, he would not be allowed to apply because he was a Freemason, on the grounds that the agency found membership of a secret society inappropriate for its ranks.
    Openness does not appear to be working. A number of homosexuals have recently won a case in the European Court of Human Rights that the government’s bar on their recruitment into the armed forces is illegal on the grounds that it violated rights of privacy. So many careers, professions and vocations are not now open to masons. Our lodges are haemorrhaging, some terminally, through lack of candidates.
    We have the resources; let us have the will to take whatever action is necessary to support brethren so disadvantaged in their livelihood.
    Harold Owen, Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden (E.Lancs), Bolton, Lancs.

Sir,
    October 12 1999 was a normal lodge evening for us: business reports, a lecture instead of a ceremony, and reports on the three risings - except that the Tyler failed to arrive and I volunteered to sit in his place.
    Half-way through the meeting, the outside door opened and a stranger walked in - the Labour MP for the Wrekin, Mr Peter Bradley. He saw me in my regalia and spluttered: “I think I’m in the wrong place. I’m looking for Wellington Evening Townswomen’s Guild in the Union Free Church.”
    “Yes,” says I, scarcely concealing my amusement, “I believe you are in the wrong place, but if you hang about for 15 minutes I’m sure we could fit you in for initiation.” Perhaps the poor man had not heard of masonic humour because he declined the invitation and mumbled something about not being interested. I then directed him to his proper venue with the message that he was always welcome to return whenever he was interested and, better still, he could bring Chris Mullin MP with him. “I can assure you, Mr Bradley, we have nothing to hide.”
    He did smile graciously and laughed when I told him that I could be dining out on the story for a few months. However, on a more serious note, I now know that there is at least one Labout MP in the government who knows himself that we’re not a secret society and that we know when not to take ourselves too seriously. I hope the message gets to Chris Mullin.
    Ian Easthope, Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon, St Milburga Lodge No 1120, Shropshire.

Sir,
    OPENNESS is not new! I was in the world famous library of Trinity College, Dublin, a short time ago where, under a glass case, there was an old poster advertising a group of players doing a season of Shakespeare, which read: “NEW THEATRE, ROSS, COUNTY WEXFORD. On Monday, May 9th 1789, at 7 of the clock - ‘MERCHANT OF VENICE’ - Between acts and at the end of the play, AN EULOGIUM UPON FREEMASONRY WHEREIN THE PRINCIPLES OF THE GRAND INSTITUTION WILL BE EXPLAINED, AND THE MORAL, POLITICAL AND LOYAL TENDENCY PROVED.” - written by Brother M’Cartney, and to be recited by him dressed in all the insignia of a Knight Templar.
    Randle Oliver, Past Junior Grand Deacon, Monkwearmouth Lodge No 6437, Province of Durham.

Prince Hall

Sir,
    In your Autumn 1999 edition on p.27 under a photograph of Prince Hall masons you note that the Rt W Dist GM is wearing a top hat, “a custom once followed in English Masonry and still in vogue in American lodges.”
    I am a proud member of Newstead Lodge No 47 whose warrant is dated 1763 and our Master still wears a top hat during ceremonies and has done so presumably for the last 236 years. We are the only lodge carrying on this tradition in Nottinghamshire and wonder if there are any others where the top hat is still worn.
    Michael Marwood, Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden, Woodthorpe, Nottingham.

Sir,
    I read with interest Bro John Wheatley’s article on Prince Hall lodges in the autumn issue. He is correct in believing that there have been contacts between an EC lodge in Bermuda and a Prince Hall lodge.
    Following the UGLE’s recognition of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in December 1994, Atlantic Phoenix Lodge No 224, EC, Bermuda, paid an official visit to the John J Smith Lodge No 14, Everett, Massachusetts on 13 November 1995. Fourteen brethren from Bermuda made the journey, including our Grand Inspector, V Wor Bro Charles Mann. We were accorded the warmest of welcomes in the true masonic tradition. The brethren of the John J Smith Lodge performed a “Rededication and Reobligation Ceremony” as part of the evening’s work under the skilled direction of PM Bro Thomas C Allen, and Bro Edgar Dacosta was in the Chair. Bro Edgar R McLean, the then Grand Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts hosted a very enjoyable reception in our honour. We believe that this was the first visit following the UGLE recognition.
    This has resulted in very close bonds between the two lodges. On 2 April 1996, ten brethren from John J Smith Lodge visited us in Bermuda, including Bro Nicholas B Locker, the new Grand Master. When Atlantic Phoenix Lodge celebrated its bicentenary in 1997, five brethren from John J Smith Lodge visited us. We were also honoured by a visit from the Deputy Grand Master, RW Bro Iain Ross Bryce, TD, DL, on that occasion. There have been numerous visitations on a regular basis since.
    Ian MacIntyre, PM, Secretary, Atlantic Phoenix Lodge, Freemasons’ Hall, Reid St, Hamilton, Bermuda.

Sir,
    I thought as Grand Lodge has recognised Prince Hall lodges and in the light of the article printed in the Autumn issue, readers might be interested in a feature which appeared in a 1969 copy of the US magazine, Classics Illustrated (25c. No 169) which was devoted to “NEGRO AMERICANS - The Early Years”, “to give accurate accounts of some of those black men and women who gave their talents and lives to their country during its formative years.” The caption reads: “Prince Hall of Boston met with General George Washington and the Committee on Safety to ask for permission to recruit black slaves for the Army. Prince Hall enlisted. He was also the first black man to join the Masonic Order of America. In 1787, Prince Hall asked the city of Boston to open a school for Negro children. The school was opened in 1796.”
    RL Barrett, Prometheus Lodge No 4977, Chelsea, London.

Rosslyn Chapel

Sir,
    Readers of FMT wishing to join the Rosslyn Chapel Discussion Group, an unofficial masons-only e mail discussion group should send an e mail to rosslyn@egroups.com with details of their lodge and rank.
    Gregory Taylor, Rosslyn Chapel Discussion Group.

Fly the Square

Sir,
    Firstly, a great magazine! As a fairly new Master Mason, I have found it very helpful in explaining many of the confusing areas of masonry. Secondly, a photograph taken from my office (I am an airline captain!) at 29,000 ft over France earlier this year. We often see contrails crossing, but this is the first time I have seen such a perfect square from the air. It means that four other aircraft must have passed by at similar levels within a few minutes of each other, safely of course, and we must have come along a couple of minutes later.
    PS: You can teach monkeys to fly, but can you teach First Officers to peel bananas?
    Guy Story - in the air tonight.

Israel

Sir,
    I found the article on Freemasonry in Israel (Summer 1999) of great interest, especially as I live in Ramsgate. The first person mentioned in the article is Sir Charles Warren who also lived in Ramsgate and in 1906 visited the Royal Navy Lodge and gave a lecture on his experiences and discoveries whilst in charge of the Palestine Exploration Expedition. Sir Charles Warren also founded the first Scout Troop in Ramsgate on 11 May 1908 (four months after Baden-Powell founded the Scout Movement). Its title was “1st Ramsgate Sir Charles Warren’s Own”. He provided bugles and drums to form a band.
    Later in the article, Sir Moses Montefiore is mentioned. He also lived and is buried in Ramsgate. The article calls him a great benefactor to the Jewish community; he was also a great benefactor to the people of Ramsgate. At the moment, there is great local concern about the ground surrounding his and his wife’s mausoleum and synagogue site. On 3 September 1999, the Thanet Gazette reported that a museum dedicated to the life of Sir Moses Montefiore has been approved by the council. The Gatehouse in Montefiore Ave will house documents and books about the life of Sir Moses Montefiore. The centre and museum will welcome visitors from the Jewish community, as well as local residents and school parties.
    Jason Outhewaite, Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works, Ramsgate, Kent.

Sir,
    I was very interested to read Issue Nine’s article on the Craft in Israel and thought that you might likewise be interested in a jewel I bought at an antiques fair two years ago.
    The picture does not reveal that the ribbon is dark blue, the metal a silver colour, but not, I think, silver. The English writing reads: “ERECTION GRAND LODGE STATE OF ISRAEL JERUSALEM 20th OCTOBER 1953.” I wonder if any readers know anything more about this jewel?
    P Toye, Dove Lodge No 8519, Hatton, Derby.

Passing of the Port

Sir,
    I was interested in the Autumn issue’s feature on port. The drinking of this particular wine has a very strong connection with Masonry in general and Wiltshire in particular. On the banner of the Methuen Lodge No 8692, Swindon, are two shields: England and Portugal. This is appropriate as the Methuen family were responsible for the introduction of the idea of drinking port at an Englishman’s table after dinner.
    Passing on, the 2nd and 4th Lords Methuen of Corsham Court (near Chippenham, Wiltshire), both served as PGMs of this Province (1853-1891 and 1938-1968 respectively). The latter succeeded HRH George, Duke of Kent (1934-1938), the father of our present Grand Master.
    Also, in 1948, a new lodge, Corsham No 6616, was actually consecrated at Corsham Court. The consecrating officer was the then PGM, Paul Ayshford, 4th Lord Methuen. Again in 1961, the installation meeting of the Wiltshire Master’s Lodge No 6731 was held at Corsham Court (an Elizabethan mansion of 1582). There is also a public house in Corsham called the Methuen Arms Hotel. The oldest lodge in the Province, the Lodge of Rectitude No 335, has met there since 1866 (warrant dated 12 February 1812).
    My own Holy Royal Arch Chapter, meeting at Marlborough, is called Methuen No 1533 (Charter dated 7 November 1883). So readers can see that port, Masonry and Corsham Court are all inter-connected. In the year 2000, this Province celebrates 225 years since the formation of a Provincial Grand Lodge. Cheers!
    Nigel JD Gallimore, Master-Elect, Wiltshire Summer Lodge No 9548, Swindon, Wiltshire.

Port Out

Sir,
    My wife and I had the pleasure of our third cruise aboard P&O Oriana in September. P&O are very supportive towards Freemasons, and a request to the cruise director’s office results in a notice appearing in the ship’s newspaper for an informal gathering of masons in one of the private lounges. On our cruise it was agreed to hold a cocktail party, to invite senior officers including the captain, and non-masonic friends we might have with us, and of course, not only our ladies but all masonic widows (although I did hear of one Secretary who placed the invitation in the ship’s paper inviting all widows without the masonic qualification - they were inundated!).
    An arrangement with the printer produced the splendid souvenir programmes, as well as invitation cards delivered to each cabin. Pianist, photographer and gifts for the ladies were all arranged. From the surplus monies we were delighted to present £200 to Captain Colin Campbell for a charity of his choice, and a further sum of £200 has been forwarded to Breast Cancer Research (a note of these donations appeared in Oriana Today, thus spreading the good word). Capt Campbell informed us that he would be passing our gift on to the Marine Society, one of the oldest marine charities (he is one of the governors), and mentioned that in the annual report under major benefactors is listed “P&O Oriana (Freemasons)” - so again, recognition of the charitable work undertaken.
    W Bro Geoffrey Aldridge, Grenadiers Lodge No 66, Wingrave, Buckinghamshire.

Adding interest to a ceremony

Sir,
    Recalling my Mastership of Radnor Lodge No 4451 in Salisbury, Wiltshire some 28 years ago, I raised the level of masonic learning and interest in a way that may give ‘up and coming masters’ something to think about so as to stimulate interest at meetings.
    Being interested in masonic history, I found that I could use areas of the meetings to speak of interesting history relating to the ceremony being worked. This was done by extending the section, “These are the usual questions, I will put others...”. At this point, a Brother would stand up and ask a question, and from the other side another Brother, also primed with written text, would ask a question. As Master, I declared that the candidate was not yet skilled, but I would answer the questions on his behalf.
    The effect of this was very marked, and a piece of history was explained, such as the use of white gloves, the cable tow, and why certain things are done in the ritual. This both aroused interest in those present and brought a wave of new life into the lodge with very little effort.
    Having consulted the Provincial Secretary before embarking on this, I was introduced to Bernard E Jones’ Compendium of Freemasonry (reviewed recently in your magazine), and from which one can easily obtain a question and answer. I also used the time when the candidate was restoring himself to his personal comforts - a period usually taken up by idle chatter - by covering parts of the ceremony worked in terms of masonic history. Our visitors increased in number and members attended to see and hear what further interesting points would be put over.
    I know that Mastership can be a stressful time, but with a very small amount of work, it can be very rewarding. By the use of history, I not only raised interest without changing the ceremony, but enhanced it! I wonder if others have tried this method; if not, why not give it a try?
    K de V Lorrain MBE, Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden, Salisbury, Wiltshire.

A definite ring about It

Sir,
    As Secretary of a lodge, I receive amendments to the Book of Constitutions at regular intervals. These are usually reasonably manageable and can be placed over the previous rule(s) by the good old ‘Blue Peter’ cut and paste method. Recently, however, the revisions have become longer, resulting in a Book of Constitutions that is both untidy and difficult to use.
    I would like to suggest that Grand Lodge publishes the Book of Constitutions in the form of an A5 ring binder (as is done in some constitutions) so that when revisions are necessary, the pages concerned could be easily reprinted, sent to Secretaries and inserted into the binder.
    In July 1999 I voiced my suggestion on the UK Mason List and the responses were all very supportive. There are some 8644 Secretaries out there. If any of them agree with me, perhaps they too could write to Grand Lodge to effect this practical innovation.
    GD Wardle, Legion Lodge No 8634, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Grand Rank

Sir,
    In London there is London Grand Rank and Senior London Grand Rank. There is no suggestion of ‘Past’ in either of these honours. Might I suggest, therefore, that instead of awarding Past Grand Rank, the appointment could be changed to show just Grand Rank with the name of the Province or District, so appearing as, say, ‘Hertfordshire Grand Rank’ or ‘Leicestershire Senior Grand Rank’. This honour could also be indicated by a dark blue collarette carrying a gold-plated Past Master’s jewel.
    This would then leave Past Grand Rank for those who actually held office and would also do away with the (almost) automatic promotion given when such a Brother leaves office. This could also allow the wearing of the present style of regalia for such Brethren.
    Let me assure readers that I am in no way trying to glorify myself by retaining my regalia because at the speed at which such things move, I shall be dead and gone long before any such change can take place. But think about it brethren, the first suggestion is seldom the best; try to improve on it. I was in Australia recently and the Grand Lodge of Victoria was also then discussing Past Grand Rank - so it is a world-wide discussion.
    Ian Harris,Past Junior Grand Warden, Keys of Münster Lodge No 881, Borken, Germany.

The Women’s Lodge

Sir,
    I have just finished reading the summer 1999 issue of FMT - an excellent and very interesting issue again. Congratulations! There is only one correction I would like to bring on a point of history on p.24 of Sanda Miller’s The Women’s Lodge, where it is said: “The official acceptance of women, however, consisted in the founding in France of the first Co-Masonic Order entitled La Grande Loge Symbolique Écossaise in 1879 which subsequently reached this country.”
    Not so. The Grande Loge Symbolique Écossaise, created in 1880 by a number of Craft lodges which left the Supreme Council of France of 1804 (SCDF) to set up a separate Craft-only Grand Lodge, never admitted women. Until 1880 the SCDF controlled all the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite (AASR) degrees - and lodges - from the 1st to the 33rd. None ever was Co-Masonic either.
    The HFAF, which is known to have originally been Co-Masonic, is probably descended from one of the many splits of the co-Masonic Droit Humain, also created in France in 1898 by Georges Martin, or from one of the branches of Adoption Masonry. Similar to the Order of the Eastern Star which was created in imitation of it, Adoption Masonry appeared in France in the second half of the 19th century and accepted as members male Master Masons and their wives, daughters, sisters &c. It can be traced back as far as 1866, the date of creation of what was probably its first lodge, La Félicité, in Dieppe. Women’s Masonry was even older than that. It is first mentioned in exposures in the 1740s and had certainly existed a decade or so earlier.
    After World War II, women’s Masonry in France became independent as a strictly women’s organisation, first as the Feminine Masonic Union of France (UMFF) in September 1945, still working the rite of Adoption but without men. In September 1952 the UMFF changed its name to the Feminine Grand Lodge of France. At the end of 1959, nine of its lodges took to working the ritual generally worked by male masons in France, the three Craft degrees of the ASSR. A few years later, only one lodge - Cosmos - still worked the rite of Adoption, which it still works to this very day.
    Michael L Segall, PM Lodge of Research John Scot Erigena No 1000, Grand Lodge of France, Paris.

Masons and Biographers

Sir,
    I was extremely interested to read Kenneth Langford’s excellent article on masons and biographers. However, I would like to make a small plea in defence of writers such as Victoria Glendinning, Noble Frankland, Owen Chadwick and Edward Carpenter in underlining what Mr Langford has pointed out, to wit that it is hardly the fault of biographers if the Freemasons have, until exceedingly recently, insisted on keeping secret both their own masonic membership and that of their fellow-masons. How are biographers, who are not ourselves members of the Craft, supposed to know when our subjects are, or were, masons?
    Like Victoria Glendinning, I had never heard or read of Trollope’s being a mason until I read the article. Even when we do know that our subject was a mason, your organisation does not seem willing or able to provide us (non-masons) with information about their brethren, even when the latter are long defunct.
    In my own case, I have for some years been trying to research and write a biography of General John Charles Beckwith, an outstanding individual (and great friend of both Wellington and the renowned Sir Harry and Lady Smith) who served both his country and the Waldensian cause with exceptional ability and devotion. Were it not for his astounding efforts and achievements, the Waldenses of Milton’s great sonnet would not exist today.
    There is a gap in his recorded life which the masonic records, I feel sure, could fill for me. Yet, in spite of a personal introduction to a Librarian at Grand Lodge, I have not been able to extract one single item of information from any masonic source during the four years that I have been carrying out this research. I simply wanted to know where he was and when, for how long and why, between 1815 and 1827.
    If Kenneth Langford, or any of your readers, can suggest how I can overcome this hurdle, or if any of you can supply me with any information on General John Charles Beckwith’s whereabouts between Waterloo and 1827, I shall be eternally grateful.
    The Hon Mrs Kevin Pakenham (Clare Harkness), London.