Lord Millett

Sir,
    I have to say that I am relieved to learn that your readership level is relatively low for I was appalled at the centre page profile which you gave to the facetious and subversive views of the Lord Millett in your Spring issue.
    Frankly, his comments were flawed in virtually every paragraph and whilst I fully accept the principle of freedom of thought and speech, they had no sensible place in a magazine which purports to play a part in Freemasonry’s public-relations function.
    I am younger than the Lord Millett but have been in this Order longer and, probably, have travelled wider masonically than he has. As a Provincial Information Officer, I found many of his remarks quite offensive (his treatment of Initiation &c, Orange Order – “a similar thing”!) and others flawed (central register &c) and in fact contrary to the good practice encouraged by Grand Lodge (surely, membership of the same lodge was a declarable interest – see p.8 of booklet, Freemasonry: An Approach to Life).
    Publication in that form was irresponsible and what the interview merited was a Paxman-like approach rather than a mere soporific recording. At the least, in view of its nature, you should have published with a challenging view alongside (you could have found any number of experts on the subject).
    If my comments appear robust, you can take it that against the dismay and anger I feel, they are very measured indeed. The renewal of my subscription to Freemasonry Today is in doubt.
    Richard Gillett, Provincial Grand Secretary (Province of Glocs.), Thornbury, Bristol.

Sir,
    I write to congratulate FMT (Spring 2000) for the excellent feature on the interview with Bro the Rt Hon Lord Justice Millett. This common sense approach to Freemasonry should become the new mantra for the 21st century. It is good to see some rulers in the craft adopting this position.
    FMT has some 30,000 subscribers (and no doubt a ‘pass on’ readership) – but is still probably being read by about 10% of UGLE total membership. Interviews like this one do help to make positive progress from within.
    Elsewhere in the magazine, we also have more sensible world-wide views from the Sovereign Grand Commander 33°, Scottish Rite SJ (USA) and a Grand Inspector General from Belgium on their own vision of the future of Freemasonry and its need for future candidates.
    I now come to the letter (p.57) where the writer proposes advertising in the tabloid newspapers and national TV. My guess is that this form of publicity is not only very expensive (with no guarantee of results) but could be counter-productive. Sceptics (from within and without) would question the reason for needing to pay for advertising campaigns.
    However, marketing and communications/PR (which is free) should not be ignored. But first you must get news items printed or broadcast. A marketing communications programme could be the way forward though. Within Grand Lodge we have an excellent Director of Communications and the Grand Secretary has these vital skills; they are pivotal. Outside specialist advice may be required (it is far too late for gifted amateurs). It is to be hoped that Grand Lodge would commit the necessary resources.
    Organisations and people can be viwed from possibly three separate perspectives: I). how we perceive ourselves 2) how others perceive us 3) how we want to be perceived. These three views should correspond to the organisation’s internal culture, public position and the mission. Generally, if these views correspond, then the organisation is strong. Trust and loyalty are a two-way process and what follows is integrity. Everyone must take possession and believe in the mission and remember that communications is an on-going process (ie: proactive, not reactive).
    Communication can only be effective if we know who we are and what we want to say. Word of mouth is most effective but let us all be singing from the same hymn sheets please! If we want the craft to be truly successful and perceived differently we must make a start now. This is the challenge for us all. The door to Masonry can seem closed, but it is most certainly not locked.
    Nigel Gallimore, WM Wiltshire Summer Lodge No 9548 and MWS, Arthur Wilkins, Chapter No 1083.

London organisation

Sir,
    I refer to the letter written by George Vincent and published in the last issue of Freemasonry Today.
    First the comment made that all-charitable donations from London Lodges should be sent via the London Office is incorrect.
    London Management has formed its own Charitable Trust as a vehicle to support general fund raising events and to assist the smaller charities, that London Masons support, who administratively prefer to receive a small number of larger valued cheques. Many London Lodges use the facility by sending their contributions to our London Trust Account with a request as to where they wish donations to be made. The contribution is acknowledged, details entered into the computer and when cheques are sent to the various charities credit references to the donating Lodges and Chapters are given. This is a service provided by London Management that is in no way compulsory.
    The second suggestion that London honours are associated with the method of making charitable donations is not only untrue but also distasteful and unworthy of any mason.
    The third part of the letter deals with the general aspects of London Masonry that appears to read as a general moan rather than any constructive criticism. No credit is given to the positive improvements made to London Masonry over the past three years where through the inspirational leadership of the Asst. Grand Master over 2300 Lodges and Chapters have a Group Chairman and a VGO through which they can review both their problems and ideas. In addition meetings are held throughout each year to which Masters, Principals, Secretaries and other officers are invited, together with Group Chairman and VGO’s, where the Asst. Grand Master gives an address in regard to the progress being made to improve the quality of London Freemasonry. The average attendance at each of those meetings is 500 and the question and answer session, which lasts for between 30-40 minutes gives everyone attending the opportunity of expressing their concerns and comments – W.Bro. Vincent should attend.
    Whilst considerable progress has been made since the formation of London Management we are not complacent and are aware that many more improvements must be introduced to attract and retain Freemasons. We now have over 500 VGO’s who give a considerable amount of time and dedication to supporting the policy of improving the quality of our masonry and the Lodges and Chapters they serve appreciate the vast majority.
    Rex Thorne, OBE, Deputy Chairman London Management.

Sir,
    I refer to GH Vincent’s disparaging remarks about the new London organisation (Issue 12, Letters). I attended one of the recent briefings given to London Groups by the RW The Assistant Grand Master. His interesting and uplifting progress report was followed by an hour of mundane and self-serving questions, mainly along the lines of ‘why hasn’t my lodge/chapter got more honours?’
    It is my experience that the introduction of the London organisation has given new heart and renewed enthusiasm to the lodge of which I am a member. I look to the future with some optimism, in spite of a lack of candidates, and I feel part of something which is far more purposeful than before. Surely we must get our minds round what is happening in London and support the vision and the unstinting efforts of the Assistant Grand Master and his team. This must be our best, and possibly only, hope for a better future.
    If we were not to survive to celebrate our 300th anniversary, as GH Vincent suggests, I feel it will be the fault of people like himself and the non-visionaries encountered at the London briefings.
    I look forward to standing Bro Vincent a beer during our 300th anniversary celebrations in 2017.
    Mike Blythe, Lodge of Mercy No 6821, Finchampstead, Berkshire.

Sir,
    In issue 12, Bro Vincent of London makes several cogent points, including the one about Visiting Grand Officers. This took my particular attention because between 1991 and 1996 I was a VGO serving the Province of Middlesex. If Bro Vincent was made to feel upset or angry by a VGO, all I can say is that the visitor was not doing his job properly. It was impressed upon us that we were guests of private lodges and that it was better to be generous in praise and sparing in adverse comment, even when at times the opposite might be deserved. Althought not a natural hail-fellow-well-met type, I found it greatly enjoyable to speak to as many lodge senior and junior members as I could.
    At the time, Middlesex was engaged in its 1998 Festival, and obviously a major part of our task was to encourage lodge members to contribute to their potential and to explain other aspects of the Festival. Other matters of importance included research into anomalies, real or apparent in the award of Provincial honours. The groundwork for these visits was carefully laid. A friendly covering letter was sent to the lodge with the inevitable questionnaire worked wonders. I was never disappointed by my reception in Lodge, and was often greeted with appreciation that someone ‘on high’ had bothered to visit them.
    Regarding the point made at the beginning of Bro Vincent’s letter, I agree with him about the centralisation of non-masonic donations current in London. I think that this edict is misconceived, whether compulsory or not. It may well be desirable if the authorities know what is being done, if only for public relations, but I believe that the practice complained of is counter-productive; Lodges have their pride and they are private. Such donations should be seen to have come from them.
    Any VGO who does not enjoy the job should not be doing it. I made many friends during my five years, and I gave it up when travelling became too onerous.
    Graham L Pond, Past Grand Standard Bearer, Ferring, West Sussex.

Sphinx

Sir,
    Re Bro Baigent’s review of The Secret Chamber (issue 12), I think both he and the author of the book might be very interested in reading the works of W Marsham Adams – if they have not already done so – with especial reference to The House of the Hidden Places, published in 1895 by John Murray.
    If one should doubt the integrity and intentions of that faraway race that built the Sphinx (which predates the great pyramids by many centuries if not millennia) they only have to look at that great, wonderful head.
    I was fortunate enough to see it on my way home at the end of the Second World War, before I was a member of the Craft. It is the face of a member of a Master race of intelligent beings and, when studied, it should help one to realise that the precepts of Freemasonry were formalised and followed thousands of years ago. I think most members of the Ancient & Accepted Rite would not be interested in the matter, but as a very fortunate member of the 32°, I feel that I am right to say what I have set down above. The person on whom the face of the Sphinx is based would have been the right man to have been head of the Order I mention, at least in my opinion.
    LH Lockley, Past Assistant Grand Superintendent of Works (RA), Acomb. N.Yorks.

Shaving bowls

Sir,
    Whilst in Paris a couple of months ago and walking around a street antiques market, I found two old masonic shaving bowls or dishes (pictured below).
    I have tried to trace any information I could on these unusual items and have not had a great deal of success. Grand Lodge has nothing like them in the museum although they do have an old 18th century French apron with a design similar to the dish on the left. This dish also has what appears to be a message in the masonic alphabet around the rim, but I cannot make head or tail of it.
    I have been advised by an expert at the Victoria & Albert Museum that they were more than likely made in northern France, possibly in Quimper. I would be most pleased and grateful if any readers may throw light on this subject. My view is that they were probably presentation pieces to Masters of French lodges.
    Lionel Crockett, Past Assistant Grand Standard Bearer, Shenfield, Essex.

Forget-Me-Not

Sir,
    I am pleased to see the idea of a free Forget-Me-Not badge for introducing subscribers to your magazine. Your explanation of the origin of this historical badge is correct, but one small and important fact is missing in your story.
    The Nazis, in an effort to raise funds for the Party, used to hold so-called ‘flag days’. It so happened that for one of these they used a small Forget-Me-Not badge. The German brethren decided that it would be a good idea to adopt this safe method of recognition – after all, how could they be under suspicion for wearing something ‘supporting the Party’.
    I am surprised that no mention is ever made of another badge that was used at the time: a small link of a chain, also worn on the lapel – used, as far as I know, mainly in the southern part of Germany. I wear one myself, alternately with my Forget-Me-Not.
    Best wishes and congratulations on your ever better publication.
    Owen Smart, Lodge Secretary and Past Grand Historian, Britannia Lodge No 843, The Grand Lodge of British Freemasons in Germany within the United Grand Lodges of Germany.

Daylight Lodges

Sir,
    I concur wholeheartedly with the letter on Daylight Lodges in the Spring issue. I am a PM and one of the founders of the Three Spires Lodge No 9245 which meets in the morning at Truro, Cornwall. This lodge was consecrated in 1987 and some of the senior members of the Province were unconvinced that as a Daylight Lodge it would last for very long.
    However, it has become very successful and popular with 40-plus members, most of whom with Provincial rank. Many of them are elderly and find difficulty attending after dark. As Cornwall is a place of retirement, some have served the Craft in other Provinces. They have all endowed the lodge with a remarkable wealth of masonic knowledge and ability, much appreciated by the Director of Ceremonies. We have many visitors and a busy social programme.
    Brethren contemplating setting up a Daylight Lodge who would like to benefit from our experience, please feel free to contact me via e mail: rjohnhall@budock.demon.co.uk
    R John Hall, Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works, Falmouth, Cornwall.

Image

Sir,
    I would like to draw attention to four anecdotal references to Freemasonry, each arising through a different medium of popular culture, and each one showing Freemasonry in a negative light.
    Firstly: TV. In the recent re-run of Rising Damp, Rigsby had let one of his rooms to a newcomer to the area by the name of Seymour, apparently a well to do businessman. After learning that Seymour is to play a golf foursome with the Mayor, Rigsby exclaims: “You’ve only been here 5 minutes; you certainly move in exclusive circles. I suppose they all bared their left breast, rolled up the old trouser leg, and exchanged the magic word Boaz!” By the end of the episode, we learn that Seymour is nothing but a con man, a pickpocket and a cad who is unable to pay his rent.
    Secondly: pop music – the song Mr Robinson’s Quango from the 1995 Blur album, The Great Escape. With quangoes hitting the headlines under the last Conservative government and one of the other album tracks crediting “The Right On [sic] Ken Livingstone” for a contribution, we could expect that anyone associated with a quango may not be favourably painted, and so it proves. After listing a series of unpalatable characteristics we are informed he is “a self professed saviour of the dim right wing/he’s got respiratory problems and a mason’s ring”.
    Next: to the theatre and the play Filth by Irvine Welsh (who also penned Trainspotting). The accompanying blurb tells us about “Detective Sergeant Bruce Robinson: big in the Police Federation; big in the Masons; big in the canteen. Admits to a weakness for big fry-ups… and hard-core porn”. Again, a character not designed to appeal.
    Finally we come to literature, or more specifically, a series of adverts that ran in the men’s magazine FHM. The advert was for a low tar cigarette that used the play on words, ‘Tar, no Tar’ accompanied by a picture to which the reader was clearly meant to be repelled and think “Ta, but no Ta!”. One month this ad ran with a picture of a plate of sheep’s eyes. Another month it was a group of pasty faced, middle aged men in dark suits, and all sporting a tie depicting the triple tau.
    So what do these four vignettes tell us about how Masonry is perceived? That we are unscrupulous con-men, unsavoury men who may be found lurking within both the fields of politics and policing. We know that this is not the truth, but how do we persuade others? When TV, theatre, the music charts and magazines start portraying Freemasonry in a positive light, then we shall know that we have cracked the image problem.
    Mark Gannaway, Lentune Lodge No 8743, Lymington, Hants.

Religion

Sir,
    I was pleased that someone took the trouble to respond to my letter in issue 10. However, I was disappointed with the comments of W Bro Rev Cooke, PGC for Staffordshire, to whom I respond with the comment of Bro Jim Davidson (also issue 10): “…but it is a religion. It is for me, anyway.” If a Brother who is not a member of a revealed religion has his life guided, inspired and directed by Freemasonry as the substantial influence in his life, then surely the term ‘religion’ is most appropriately applied.
    But of course, mentioning revealed religion, one must comment on the most helpful summary of Robert Peter’s Freemasonry and Natural Religion (issue 12). His thesis is worthy of further consideration; his conclusion is stunning: “Freemasonry became the lowest common denominator of religions, a Religion behind religions…” If this is the case, then perhaps we should consider why there are side degrees limited to believers in any one particular revealed religion.
    Gerald Reilly, St Osyth’s Priory No 2063.

English-speaking

Sir,
    I noticed in issue 12 that you made mention in Masons at Work of various English-speaking lodges in Spain.
    I should like to mention that in France there are also lodges that work in English. I myself belong to the Dusquesne 48 Lodge in Dieppe which works the Scottish Rite in English; also Lodge St Jacques 1228 under the French Rite worked in English. Both of these lodges are based in Dieppe and the majority of the brethren live in England and travel four times each year to attend. Ladies Nights are held during the summer months. To my knowledge, there are at least six lodges from Calais to Deauville.
    Contact can be made through WM Stephen Burrough, Tel: 00 33 235 854 147. Fax: 00 33 235 04 55 55
    Ian Rainford, Richmond, Surrey.

Mundijong

Sir,
    Your article on Borneo in issue 11 prompts me to write to tell you that a short while ago I was about to visit Western Australia on holiday when a Brother in my lodge stated that he had been born in a village south of Perth called Mundijong. This did not appear on maps, being a lumber area and probably disused.
    On arrival I discovered it listed at Perth railway station, involving a commuter train to Armadale with a connecting bus ride. This I did and sent a postcard picture, created by a local artist. It arrived at his house within a week.
    Although a small village, it has a Masonic Hall, as shown on the photograph. Surely this must be one of the smallest halls in Freemasonry?
    The sequel is that he decided to make his own visit and returned to the place of his birth. Whereas my visa was free, he was required to pay for an Australian passport even though he had come to England as a baby over 70 years before. I am left wondering whether meetings are still held in Mundijong.
    John Pring, Cross in Hand of Bickley No 7060, Orpington, Kent.

Peninsular games

Sir,
    I have just finished reading a fascinating book entitled “On the Road with Wellington” by ALF Schaumann, a German officer who was comissary to both English and German regiments in Wellington’s Peninsular campaign.
    It is a sort of diary describing his experiences, and encamped at Quinta de Aguila in August 1811 he wrote:
    “In order to relieve the monotony of our life in the cantonments we devised all sorts of amusements. Among other things, those of our officers who were Freemasons had established Lodges and Freemasonry was carried on. When however everything was going swimmingly, Lord Wellington put an end to it by a general order, in which it was pointed out that the Spanish priesthood not only felt greatly affronted by it, but out of fear that we should infect Spain with this devilry (as they called it) had also raised a protest against it. As policy demanded it, Freemasonry was dropped and pony, mule and donkey races were instituted instead.”
    If the Iron Duke could give way to prejudice and ignorance, one can understand how second rate authority heeds the ravings of a few prejudiced politicians. Donkey racing seems to me to be an excellent occupation for our detractors!
    Jack Hewitt (Radiant No 4200), Chelmsford, Essex.

Book of Constitutions

Sir,
    May I express wholehearted support for the plea by fellow Secretary, Bro GD Wardle of Legion Lodge No 8634.
    I do not know how long the current Book of Constituions will remain in force – but it is likely to end up a right mess.
    Like Bro Wardle, I find it impossible to insert the latest batch of amendments in orderly fashion. Consequently, I wish to add my humble voice to his suggestion that the BoC be published in the form of an A5 ring binder. It will make it less embarrassing to hand the BoC over to my successor – when I can find one!
    Roy Swinscoe, Kenton, Middlesex.

Royal Arch

Sir,
    May I put a query before you? It is one that has been on my mind since I wrote up one of my ‘talks’ entitled: The Principal Characters of the Royal Arch Story, and one that I would like to ask of Supreme Grand Chapter.
    Why is it that in our ritual we refer to the exile of Jehoiachin (the son) who was only on the throne three months before which the Temple and the City of Jerusalem were left untouched whilst before the exile of Zedekiah (who followed Jehoiachin as puppet king of Judah, who was beseiged in Jerusalem for 18 months) the Temple and the City were destroyed, and what Jews were left were carried off to Babylon with their king Zedekiah; and it is the destruction before Zedekiah’s exile which brought about the return from exile first of Zerubabel and Joshua, then Haggai and then sometime later by Ezra, followed by Nehemiah? The answer to this I think will be interesting.
    Donald W Lee, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Masons Made at Sight

Sir,
    Re your article in issue 11 about ‘Making Masons at Sight’, it would appear that this practice is still carried on in America. I enclose a publication I picked up during a recent visit to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia reporting on such an event.
    As a retired police officer, it was interesting to note that that country does not have any problems with the police service and Masonry being compatible.
    Robert K Baird, West Derby Castle Lodge No 5821, Maghull, Merseyside.