First day cover from Jamaica

Sir,
    I read with interest the article by G M Smith in FMT (Issue 13) entitled The Craft in Jamaica, and felt your readers might like sight of a copy of an Official Jamaican First Day cover.
    The cover was issued in 1992 to mark the 250th anniversary of the first Provincial Grand Master of English Freemasonry in Jamaica. I discovered the cover whilst working in Jamaica last year, and was able to purchase a number of copies that I have passed on to fellow masonic friends. I feel the stamps are very well designed and printed to the highest quality.
    John B. Long, Warwick

Friendly masonry In Jamaica

Sir,
    I enjoyed issue 13 of Freemasonry Today, particularly the article on Freemasonry in Jamaica, as I was initiated in Lodge St John No 623 SC in May 1948.
    Freemasonry in Jamaica was then, and obviously still is, friendly, hospitable and unpretentious, as is life on the island. I continued my Freemasonry in a Lodge under the English Constitution when I returned in 1971.
    There are, however, a number of masons I know who found Freemasonry in England lacking after their time in Jamaica. In my years, Moore-Keys Lodge No 2519 was a prominent lodge.
    On his return to England, one Past Master, Freddie Seal-Coon, later Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No 2076, formed the Moore-Keys Association, Through the Association, members and past members all over the world keep in touch.
    Just by the way, to celebrate 250 years of the District Grand Lodge in Jamaica, the Jamaican Post Office issued a set of stamps. I feel sure few Provinces or Districts can claim a similar distinction.
    J M Warrell, Plymouth

We must challenge our detractors

Sir,
    Further to the letter from Mark Gannaway (Summer 2000 issue) regarding the image of Freemasonry, I must admit that for many years I was under the impression that all Freemasons were secretive, devious and slightly sinister people.
    Numerous television programmes, comedies as well as serious dramas have helped to strengthen these opinions by representing Freemasons in a very negative light.
    The personalities portrayed are often figures of fun, foppish wimps or unsavoury looking characters who generate no sympathy from the viewer, which further reinforces this negative image.
    I spent 29 years in the Metropolitan Police Service, and during those years was of the opinion that Freemasonry was something to be derided and avoided at all costs.
    The internal police Discipline Code is quite clear when it states that officers must not indulge in activities or behaviour that could bring an individual officer, or the police service in general, into disrepute. Therefore, an officer who is also a Freemason could, in theory, fall foul of the Code, simply because a large percentage of the general public perceive Freemasonry and membership of the police service as being incompatible.
    The general public are constantly fed the inaccurate premise that most police officers are Freemasons, and as such will always look favourably on anyone who comes to their notice who is also “on the square”, no matter how serious the crime.
    This is total nonsense, but mud sticks, and it will take time, effort and much positive action by Grand Lodge – and the police service – before these misconceptions can be reversed.
    I was offered the chance to become a Freemason on numerous occasions during my police career, but always refused due to my (ill-considered) prejudices. I had been retired for some two years when I was approached by an ex-colleague and asked if I would like to become a member.
    This time I gave the subject some in depth consideration and re examined my old and unfounded prejudices. I also discussed the matter at length with my family, and an old colleague who, like me, was a vociferous critic of Freemasonry during his service, but had joined the Craft following his retirement.
    I realised that my old opinions were severely flawed and made the decision to join. What a revelation it was. Modern thinking Freemasons must take every opportunity to advertise their membership, and to promote the social and spiritual benefits such membership can bring.
    We must also ensure that the tremendous work carried out by Masons on behalf of charities and other good causes, is publicised as widely as possible.
    My advice to anyone who thinks that Freemasonry is a sinister and unworthy organisation should, at the very least, speak to a Freemason in person to find out at first hand what it is all about, rather than relying on the unfounded and adverse opinions of some of our critics.
    Those detractors in the media, especially the scriptwriters, should also be required to produce some hard evidence of malpractice, before they trot out the usual old clichés in their sometimes very mediocre storylines.
    Bruce Baker, Hillingdon, Middlesex

Lord Petre’s resting-place

Sir,
    Regarding the article on Lord Petre (Issue 13), he was not buried at Ingatestone Hall as reported but in the vaults of Ingatestone Church. His portrait in the Hall is by George Romney. The portrait in Freemasons’ Hall is a copy by Sydney Hodges.
    Ken Langford, Ingatestone

More facts on Lord Petrie

Sir,
    In his article in the Summer 2000 edition of FMT, Alec Stephen sketched out the career of Lord Petrie, an intriguing Grand Master of the Premier Grand Lodge.
    I was reminded of the contribution made by the late Bro Will Read, PM of Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076, in his paper Let a man’s religion...be what it may...”, delivered to the lodge in May 1985 and published in Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, Vol 98, pages 69-89.
    He discussed the careers of five Grand Masters who were, or were alleged to be or became, Roman Catholics. They included Thomas (Howard), 8th Duke of Norfolk (1729-30) and Robert Edward (Petre), 9th Baron Petre (1772-6), who was the fourth Grand Master, mentioned in his paper.
    Some additional facts came to light when delving into the background of the 9th Lord Petre and his two wives. When Robert James, 8th Lord Petre, died on 2 July 1742, his eldest son Robert Edward, having been born about February that year (not 1733 as given in Alec Stephen’s article), was only about five months old when he succeeded to the barony.
    According to Burke’s Extinct Peerage (1883), after James, 3rd Earl of Derwentwater, was attainted and beheaded in 1716, his brother Charles Radcliffe assumed the title of Earl of Derwentwater on the death of his nephew John, Viscount Radcliffe, in 1731.
    Charles Radcliffe had been charged with treason and imprisoned, but escaped from Newgate in December 1716 and lived abroad, first in Rome and then in Paris,
    I am not at all certain how, if at all, the 9th Lord Petre could have inherited the earldom of Derwentwater, in view of the claims of the other descendants of the 1st Earl and of Charles Radcliffe, whose son and grandson were, successively the 3rd and 4th Earls of Newburgh, the latter of whom outlived Lord Petre.
    Various generations of Petres married into branches of the widespread Howard family, although Brother Stephen does not make it clear on two occasions to which Duke of Norfolk he is referring.
    Philip Howard of Buckenham, father of the 9th Lord Petre’s first wife, Anne (whom he married when he was 20), was the younger brother of both the 8th and 9th Dukes of Norfolk, the former of whom, as mentioned above, was also a Roman Catholic and Grand Master 1729-30.
    Lord Petre’s second wife, Juliana Barbara (who died on 16 April 1833, aged 63), whom he married in January 1788, was the younger sister of Bernard Edward, 12th Duke of Norfolk (1765-1842).
    In February 1786 her elder sister, Mary Bridget Howard, married Juliana’s stepson, Robert Edward, who succeeded his father as 10th Lord Petre on 2 (not 3) July 1801 (not 1810 as stated), exactly 59 years to the day since his grandfather, the 8th baron, had died.
    Finally, the author of the biography The Ninth Lord Petre (1928) included in Will Read’s Bibliography on page 80 of his paper – her full name being Maude Domenica Mary Howard (1863-1942) – was Lord Petre’s great-great-granddaughter.
    She was the fourth daughter of Arthur Charles Augustus Petre (1827-1882), the fourth son of William Henry Francis, 11th Lord Petre (1793-1850), the elder son of Robert Edward, 10th Lord Petre (1763-1809) who, as mentioned above, was the eldest son of the 9th Lord Petre.
    Bruce Bardsley Hogg, Middlesbrough

Third degree reference is from scripture

Sir,
    I was interested to read Michael Baigent’s article entitled “The revolutionary Charge of the third degree” in the summer edition of FMT.
    Towards the end of his analysis of the first part of the third degree charge, Michael Baigent quotes Masonic ritual: “reason alone cannot penetrate that mysterious veil which shields all of us from the prospect of futurity unless assisted by that light which is from above.”
    He goes on to suggest that this light is an influx of true knowledge that is experienced as a blinding divine light, pure mysticism.
    I take a different view of this part of the charge, considering the phrase “that light which is from above” to be a reference to the Holy scriptures, conforming to other places in freemasonry where the Holy scriptures are referred to as “light”.
    Whilst it is clear that we cannot make sense of eternity by reason alone, are we to wai1 for a mystic experience, or does freemasonry teach that God has revealed truth to us and His revelation is contained in the scriptures?
    Views of other masons and further comment from the writer would be most welcome.
    Anthony J.Pigg, Royston

Stop these Lodge pests

Sir,
    A regular source of annoyance to me at Lodge meetings are the brethren, sitting on the back benches, who insist on mouthing, whispering or, still worse, speaking the words of the ceremonies aloud. Are they even aware that they do it?
    Most of us pride ourselves in knowing the ceremonies and (if still awake), follow the sequences mentally – it helps to keep them fresh in our memories. The offenders should do likewise so as not to spoil the enjoyment of the ceremonies for their neighbours.
    Worst of all is the one whom I can see mouthing the words whilst I am trying to do a piece myself, especially when he gets it wrong! The problem is how to point out the error of their ways. Any criticism, no matter how tactful, may be considered to be hurtful and unmasonic.
    Peter Lorton, Birmingham

[Editor’s note: They irritate me as well. If you have a pet hate at Lodge meetings, write to FMT or use the feedback page on our web site at www.freemasonrytoday.co.uk]

Welsh mystery

Sir,
    I was recently in south Wales and came across a collection of houses, a pub and a garage on the road from St Davids to Fishguard called the Square and Compass. I made inquiries as to how this place obtained its name but no one knew. I was wondering if any of your readers could tell me?
    B R Lowe, Chichester

Wesley connection ...

Sir,
    I write with reference to FMT Issue 13 and the article on Samuel Wesley, the first Grand Organist.
    His father, Charles Wesley, was married to Sarah Gwynne in 1749 at the village of Garth, near Builth Wells in Wales, in which John Wesley conducted the ceremony.
    Sarah Gwynne was a great granddaughter of the famous Judge Marmaduke Gwynne, who was initiated into the “Old Lodge” in Bath in 1742 (now the Royal Cumberland Lodge No 41).
    She was also a relative of David Jones Gwynne, who was appointed Provincial Grand Master of South Wales Province in 1754 at the age of 28.
    Charles Wesley wrote the hymn “Jesu love of my soul” at Garth to comfort his old nanny when she was dying.
    J E Law, Ammanford

... and Wesley’s son

Sir,
    Howard Stephens’ article regarding Samuel Wesley (Issue 13) was of particular interest. Samuel’s son, Samuel Sebastian, when organist at Exeter Cathedral, wrote the music “Holsworthy Church Bells” when staying in the north Devon market town of Holsworthy.
    He gave the first rendering of his composition at the dedication of the church organ in 1865. The organ is claimed to be the work of Renatus Harris and was built originally for the parish of All Saints, Chelsea in 1645.
    It was bought by Bideford Corporation in 1723 and presented to the parish church. In 1865 the citizens of Holsworthy bought it for £300. The pipe work of the great choir and organ is unique because it includes some spotted flue work.
    The words of the tune were written circa 1946 for a radio “Songs of Praise” by churchwarden W Bro Frank Sluman, a Grand Officer and member of Conciliation Lodge No 3483. The tune is still played on the church Carillon on special occasions.
    Charles Cornish, Holsworthy

Moldova connection

Sir,
    There were two articles of particular interest (FMT, Issue 12). Regarding the article on Moldova, the wife of the present Master of my Mother Lodge, Kaapstad No 81, Grand Lodge of South Africa, comes from Moldova. She is also a lady freemason.
    I was also interested to read that Dr Monica Boggia-Black is a lady freemason, as working for the South African equivalent of the Kennel Club, I recognise her name as a well-known international dog judge.
    Incidentally, De Goede Trouw No 2 celebrated its 200th anniversary in June at a ceremony in the Temple De Goede Hoop. It is the second oldest Lodge of any constitution in southern Africa, and the temple, completed in 1802, is the oldest temple.
    Michael Darwin, Cape Town

Welcome in Bombay

Sir,
    I am resident in Bombay, India and I receive copies of Freemasonry Today which travel around the Brethren here. The articles are informative and cause great discussion. Keep up the good work.
    Many visitors come to Bombay both for work and for business. Very few find themselves at the doors of Freemasons Hall. Amongst their numbers there must be many Masons. Most orders are represented here in Bombay under the three sister constitutions, English, Scottish and Irish and a warm welcome would be extended to any visitor.
    On behalf of the RW District Grand Master Mark Master Masons of Bombay I would invite you to visit the web site http://www.personal.vsnl.com/dglmmmb/ where contact details for the Brethren here in Bombay are given.
    Almost every night there are meetings held in each of our four temples and visitors are always welcome.
    S J Hindes, Bombay

French masons meet In former abattoir

Sir,
    A previous issue of FMT asked readers to write in about lodge buildings if there is a good story behind it.
    Although my French lodge meets in the mediaeval town of Sarlat, which (proportionately) has more listed buildings per square metre than any other town in France, we cannot claim any particular beauty or venerability for our premises.
    But an unusual character, perhaps even unique? That most certainly is the case, because our building was formerly the town’s abbatoir!
    The travelling rails and hooks still stretch across the ceilings of every room except the temple itself – a most salutary reminder for any Brother who might show signs of stepping out of line.
    Michael D. Jacobson, (PMI, La Paix et la Candeur No 952, GLNF, Province of Aquitaine

A welcome in Vienna

Sir,
    Your article on English-speaking Masonry in Spain (Issue 11) and the subsequent letter about a similar group in France (Issue 13) were of great interest to a group of Masons here in Vienna.
    Sarastro Lodge was consecrated in May 1969, partly as a “home” for English- speaking Masons temporarily in Vienna, whether as businessmen, diplomats or international civil servants.
    This is because several United Nations and similar organisations have their headquarters in the city -and partly as a Lodge demonstrating Emulation Ritual, as the more or less standard ritual of the United Grand Lodge of England.
    After a period of near extinction, the Lodge has been able to increase its membership, and at present is enjoying a mild boom with sufficient new candidates and potential affiliates coming forward, to say nothing of welcome visitors from all parts of the English-speaking world.
    Should any Brother be interested in further information, he should contact me by telephone: +431 58720209; fax: +431 5863283; or e-mail: Norton-Welsh@utanet .at. I am often away from the city for short periods, so there may be a delay in a reply.
    Christopher Norton-Welsh, Vienna

Machine machinations

Sir,
    After reading FMT’s review of Uriel’s Machine (Issue 12) I could not help but wonder if some sinister inner circle exists to denigrate anything that is written by Knight & Lomas!
    I have read the book, and thought it informative and well researched. But, unlike their previous more speculative works that specifically addressed Masonic history, I did not expect the less controversial subject matter in Uriel’s Machine to qualify for a whole page in FMT. How could such hostility and sarcasm possibly be merited? And in our magazine!
    One has to ask if the reviewer’s self-acknowledged “humble opinion” really qualified him to comment on any claimed relationships between megalithic constructions and astronomy.
    As an amateur student of such topics, I was initially misled by his treatment of a significant discovery, dismissed in the derisive terms of “Hey, presto!” The so-called “hasty” conclusions of the dynamic duo actually resulted from years of intensive on-site observation by Dr Lomas – a fact that I learned only after writing to the book’s publishers.
    When the names of Monty Python, the Goons and the writings of Von Daniken have no conceivable relevance to the book under review, why did he cite them - unless the intent was to ridicule by unwarranted association?
    Surely the reviewer’s wit should be secondary to a factual appraisal. In a rare moment of seriousness, he named but one writer, who, he felt, should have been consulted by the authors, but failed to mention the multitude who evidently were.
    Having unearthed FMT’s reviews of their earlier two books, a certain similarity of the critics’ attitude and even style seems to emerge. Could it be that hierarchical sensibilities have at some time been offended by their deviations from our protocols? If so, was not Galileo eventually pardoned?
    J A David, Cardiganshire

We are not amused

Sir,
    Thank you for publishing a review of Uriel’s Machine, the book co-authored by Robert Lomas and myself. Freemasonry Today’s reviews of our previous books have displayed a certain, shall we say, irritation towards our view of Masonic history.
    But this review was particularly off the mark in helping your readers understand the contents of our book. Doug Pickford displayed a lack of understanding as regards the testable science put forward in our book. There is no benefit in the reviewer casually suggesting that we might be wrong, when there is hard science to prove that we are right. When we find ourselves invited to present our findings to - and alongside - leading astronomers and archaeologists, it is somewhat irritating when a non-specialist reviewer implies that we came to complex conclusions on a mere whim.
    He suggested that we visited one megalithic site, sat inside it and made an immediate pronouncement on its purpose. This is as insulting as it is silly. This analysis took over six years of detail observation and measurement through night and day across all seasons.
    There is no point trying to deal with the range of misunderstandings contained in the article. I suggest that you allow Dr Lomas and myself the opportunity of writing a brief article for your magazine explaining the importance of what we have discovered for archaeology in general and Freemasonry in particular.
    Chris Knight

[Editor’s note: Rather than go over old ground, readers can buy the book at a special price (see page 51]

Canadian Lodge VC

Sir,
    Your article on Masonic VCs and GCs (Issue 13) prompts me to observe that St.Paul’s Lodge No. 374 can claim a second VC. As Commanding Officer of the 24th Battalion, Victoria Rifles, Lt.Col. William Clark-Kennedy was awarded the VC in August 1918.
    St.Paul’s Lodge, constituted in Montreal in 1770, has born many numbers. At the time of Edward Bell winning his VC the Lodge bore the number 514 on the rolls of the United Grand Lodge, assuming its present number in 1863.
    We currently have two members who were awarded the MC in World War Two. From my diary I note that a fellow member and I enjoyed the company of Phillip May [GC holder and late husband of Dee May, who wrote the article] on 10 July 1992.
    Alan Black, Hudson, Quebec

Memories of a VC

Sir,
    The feature “Beyond the Five Points” in the Summer issue of FMT which included the name of Major-General Edward William Derrington Bell VC reminded me that as a choirboy in the parish church of St Mary’s, Kempsey in Worcestershire in the late 1930s, I sat facing a wall
    This wall supported a marble plaque commemorating the death of Lt Montague Whigley Bell, who died in camp before Sebastopol on 7 January 1855.
    In the churchyard there is a tomb with a coverstone on which is recorded the following names:
    General Edward Welles Bell, aged 81 years, died in 1870.
    His wife Mary Anne, aged 75 years, who also died in 1870.
    His son Major-General Edward W D Bell VC, aged 54, died 1890.
    These details clearly refer to Maj-Gen E W D Bell VC, his parents his wife and his brother.
    The village name of “Kemsley” included in the article is incorrect, and should have read “Kempsey.”
    D.Peter Higgins, Aberystwyth

French exhibition

Sir,
    Regarding Bro Crockett’s letter (FMT No 13) on shaving bowls, I happened to be in Nevers in France recently. There I came across a most interesting exhibition of Freemasonry and Pottery in the Ducal Palace, where there were many examples of Faience similar to those in the photograph.
    There was a plate in a shop window, interestingly, the lettering around the rim is similar to the shaving bowl showed in FMT. The plate was approximately ten inches in diameter.
    Edward Hickmott, Wadhurst, East Sussex

Sufferer’s call

Sir,
    I suffer from an incurable, but fortunately controllable illness called Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus. It is very rare among men, with only about 4,000 estimated sufferers in the UK.
    The reason for my writing is, are there any other brethren who also suffer with this debilitating disease? It would give us an almost unique double bond. We could visit each other’s lodges and discuss our treatment etc.
    On a different, but also quite serious note, can I say how much I am enjoying this new openness? Obviously the appropriate caution is observed, but at least now I don’t have to make excuses such as a “black tie regimental dinner”. Now I just say, “I’ve got a masonic do.”
    Stephen C. Gower, Dagenham, Essex