Lodge Stirling Royal Arch No. 76. Website Mailing List

Volume 3 Issue 1

January 2007.

The Webmaster

thr

‘Scots and Freemasonry’ is a lecture by Bro. Carson C. Smith which traces the role Scotland has played in the development of Freemasonry

oughout the world. Bro., Smith explains

the connection between the Scottish rite, the Jacobites and its French connection, and why the Jacobite uprising in 1715 is directly responsible for the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717. This article touches the part the Knight Templars played in the formation of Freemasonry in Scotland but leaves us wanting to know more about the ‘Scots and Freemasonry.’ All in all this is a nice ‘wee’ article which would have benefited by being a bit longer! [Link] I’m alw

ays on the lookout for Masonic lectures/articles/poems; if any Brother knows one that I can use, get in touch.

and Freemasonry’ ng for the page. i.e.

In the article ‘Scots

ve designed a headiI’

Each letter in the heading is made up using a different tartan, making 19 separate tartans in all. The quiz is, canyou identify all 19 tartans in the banner? And yes there is a prize, a bottle of whisky to the first person with the most correct, but you might have to come to Lodge 76 to collect it! This disqualifies our long distance members of the mailing list! However, I will send you a copy of my CD, the History Of Lodge 76 if the person who wins can’t make it. The finishing date for the quiz is the 1

st of April, so send your answers to me using this: - Competition page CLUE! Each of the letters is also the beginning of the name of the tartan, for example the first ‘S’ is for Stewart, just 18 to go. ANOTHER CLUE The internet is great for tartans! If you know any other Brethren who might like to be included in the mailing list, get in

on the website. touch via the mailing list page

A wee quiz….. Scots and Freemasonry

Lodge Stirling Royal Arch No. 76. Website Mailing List

Volume 3 Issue 2

February 2007.

The Webmaster

Freemasonry in Stirlingshire and West Perthshire, by Bro., T.W.R. Johnston of Lodge 76 first published in 1936. This article was written for the Stirling Observer Centenary issue and Tom Johnson uses it to briefly describe how Masonry is set up in both these provinces. This is a fascinating insight into local Freemasonry during the first half of the last century, and Bro. Johnson also uses it to illustrate a chance encounter with ‘Don Roberto’, the death of Masonic Scholar William Harvey of Lodge 76 and some of the Brethren from that period. This is an enjoyable read. [Link] I’m always on the lookout for Masonic lectures/articles/poems; if any Brother knows one that I can use, get in touch.

Interesting facts….. Stirlingshire Freemasonry.

Did you know? Strange as it may seem, there’s a connection between Crabbie’s Green Ginger of ‘Whisky Mac’ fame and the Craft. In 1893, George Crabbie of Blairhoyle (a non-mason) built a Masonic hall for the

Brethren of Thornhill in West Perthshire in order that a Masonic Lodge could be formed. This building is the smallest purpose built Masonic temple in Scotland, and houses Lodge Blairhoyle No.792. This listed building sits at the corner of the crossroads in the village and at the laying of the foundation stone Lodge 76 was present. Although George Crabbie never became a Mason, his son John E. Crabbie who played rugby for Scotland did, and was master of 792. Stop Press I have just completed an article entitled Crabbie’s Green Ginger and Freemasonry which I will put on the website in April.

Lodge Stirling Royal Arch No. 76. Website Mailing List

Volume 3 Issue 3

March 2007.

The Webmaster

‘Paul Jones, Scottish Mason, American Patriot.’ By Bro. W.M. Stuart is an article which gives a fascinating insight in the life of John Paul Jones, Scottish Freemason and American hero. The father of the American navy who grew up in Kirkcudbright and joined Lodge St. Bernard’s there. Read in this article how Freemasonry played a large part in his life and would influence him in his adopted country. Did you know that he was the first to raise the stars and stripes on a ship? [link] I’m always on the lookout for Masonic lectures/articles/poems; if any Brother knows one that I can use, get in touch.

Meet a brother…… John Paul Jones

Meet Brother Nookie Bear, a member of Lodge Chelsea No.3098. E.C. ably supported here by Bro., Roger De Courcey past master. Did you know? The first authentic reference to an Operative Lodge in Stirling was in 1599. The second Schaw Statute of that year states, Edinburgh shall be … the first and principal lodge in Scotland; Kilwinning, the second … and Stirling shall be the third lodge …

Interesting facts…..

If you know any other Brethren who might like to be included in the mailing list, get in touch via the mailing list page on the website.

Lodge Stirling Royal Arch No. 76. Website Mailing List

Volume 3 Issue 4

April 2007.

The Webmaster

In the February edition of this news sheet, the connection between Crabbie’s Green Ginger Wine and Freemasonry was mentioned. This has been turned into a full blown article taken from the history of Lodge Blairhoyle No.792. Written by the

Webmaster of Lodge 76 this is a fascinating insight how a non-mason built a Masonic Lodge in the small village of Thornhill in West Perthshire in Scotland. The building is the smallest purpose built Masonic Temple in Scotland and this article follows its conception through to the erection and its consecration, a story about one man’s generosity to the Masons of Thornhill which deserves a much wider audience, and one which I’m sure you will enjoy reading. [Link] I’m always on the lookout for Masonic lectures/articles/poems; if any Brother knows one that I can use, get in touch.

Interesting facts….. Crabbie’s Ginger Wine.

Did you know? That a Masonic Token was once used as legal tender. In 1794 a Masonic token was minted in honor of the Prince of Wales in England. A son of George III, he later became George the IV. From 1790 to 1813 he served the Grand Lodge of England (Moderns) as Grand Master. The ordinator of the ½ penny coin was Brother James Sketchley of Birmingham who created the coin to commemorate the election of the Prince as Grand Master. These coins were so superior in their copper content that they readily became legal tender. In 1817 they they were withdrawn from circulation by government order. If you know any other Brethren who might like to be included in the mailing list, get in touch via the mailing list page on the website.

Lodge Stirling Royal Arch No. 76. Website Mailing List

Volume 3 Issue 5

September 2007.

The Webmaster

The Third Degree, It’s Ornaments and Emblems is another lecture in the series by William Harvey JP. This is a little known lecture that William Harvey prepared after the success of his book, “The Complete Manual of Freemasonry.” The lecture is normally given in some Lodges immediately after the raising and if fact the Brethren of Lodge 76 will recognise this as being a longer version of the Lecture on Emblems used in that Lodge. William Harvey’s mother Lodge was Lodge 76 and is seems likely probable that he used some of his Mother Lodge’s ritual to adapt this lecture on the third degree ornaments and emblems. [link] I’m always on the lookout for Masonic lectures/articles/poems; if any Brother knows one that I can use, get in touch.

The Free Gardeners…. The Third Degree….

I’m willing to bet not many people have seen one of these aprons! This is the apron of the Stirling Castle Lodge No.77 of the St. Andrew’s Order of Ancient Free Gardeners. Not much is presently known about this Lodge, although we do know that there was another Lodge in Stirling called Sir William Wallace. Free Gardeners had nothing to do with Freemasonry although much of the symbolism introduced in the late 19th century was adopted from the Craft, such as the above apron. If you know any other Brethren who might like to be included in the mailing list, get in touch via the mailing list page on the website.

Lodge Stirling Royal Arch No. 76. Website Mailing List

Special Issue

Autumn 2007.

The Webmaster

The news sheet has been sent out each month to those of you who are on the Lodge 76 mailing list since January 2005. The format of a Microsoft word document is a bit dated now, and so to try and improve the news sheet, I have decided to make it available in a PDF format as from next month. Most of you should have an adobe reader installed on your computer to enable you to read it, but if you haven’t, no worries, clicking on to the adobe logo above will take you to the adobe website where you can download the free version of their Adobe Reader. All this means that I will be able to make the news sheet a wee bit

Important news …. bigger and include articles that I wouldn’t normally put on the website. However, the news sheet will still be available as a MS word document to those that prefer it that way, just send me an e-mail and I’ll sort it out. By using a PDF file, I have also managed to create all the past issues of the news sheet for the year 2005, (all nine of them) onto one PDF file, I’m working on 2006 at the moment! So if anyone would like to see how it all began, and read some of the curious facts I’ve picked up along the way, drop me an e-mail and I will send you the past issues by return. I’ve started to get next year’s articles ready and I have got some great ones, January’s article is a first, it’s about Burns and has never, ever, been published on the World Wide Web before. It might just be one of the best articles to appear on the Lodge 76 website, but until then and next month, keep the faith Brethren. If you know any other Brethren who might like to be included in the mailing list, get in touch via the mailing list page on the website.

Volume 3 Issue 6

October 2007.

The Webmaster

connectionconnection

Jack the Ripper, does he or does he not have a Masonic

? Was there a Masonic cover-up? Some people think so. In this month’s article written by Bro., Paul Bessell he examines the ‘real’

facts behind the murders and presents the arguments for both the defence and the prosecution, showing the reader that there is more fiction than fact! This is a well researched and written piece which debunks the notion that the Jack the Ripper murders were a Masonic conspiracy. Bro. Bessell states, “Armed with the facts, Masons should have no difficulty responding to alleged Masonic connections in the Jack the Ripper crimes.” I have no doubt that the members of Lodge 76 mailing list will enjoy this article.[link

does he or does he not have a Masonic

? Was there a Masonic cover-up? Some people think so. In this month’s article written by Bro., Paul Bessell he examines the ‘real’

facts behind the murders and presents the arguments for both the defence and the prosecution, showing the reader that there is more fiction than fact! This is a well researched and written piece which debunks the notion that the Jack the Ripper murders were a Masonic conspiracy. Bro. Bessell states, “Armed with the facts, Masons should have no difficulty responding to alleged Masonic connections in the Jack the Ripper crimes.” I have no doubt that the members of Lodge 76 mailing list will enjoy this article.[link] I’m always on the lookout for Masonic lectures/articles/poems; if an

y Brother knows one that I can use, get in touch.

eet, e showed a picture of an Ancient ardeners apron, this brought a

one

n

he

In last months issue of the news shwGresponse from Bro. Paul Miller pm, of Lodge 76, who sent me a photo of his late father’s ancient gardener’s sash.

These sashes are extremely rare and aremuch sought after, so if you have Brethren, look after it. In my owcollection I have an identical sash with a matching apron from 1899, along with a photograph of the brother wearing it. If you know any other Brethren who might like to be included in the mailing list, get in touch via the mailing list page on twebsite.

The Ancient Gardeners…. Jack the Ripper….

The Webmaster

rethren who regular

subscribers to the

books on Freemasonrweb site there are 8

in

re.

re.

rfarshire 1934.

t Order of Forresters.

the

the subject were well known

a Freemason’ he Ancient Craft and the Third

rch’

nry’

the promotion of Harvey worked

renuously on behalf of the

The Bare

Lodge 76 newsletter should recognise the name William Harvey JP. He was a prolific oduced numerous

y. In the Lodge 76 articles written by

him one another to come in the New Year. Most of these articles come from the Webmaster’s own collection of Harvey books, which includes an original copy of Robert Burns as a Freemason. This is a shortened version of the life and works of William Harvey William Harvey joined Lodge Stirling Royal Arch on 8

Masonic writer and pr

th February 1899. His ccupation as a Journalist took him to o

Dundee to work for Leng-Thomson where he would become the editor-in-charge of the story department of the papers and magazines published by that company. An enthusiastic mason, what was to become the masons of Stirling 76 loss, would become the gain of the brethren in Dundee. Founder Member of Lodge 967 in 1904. RWM of Lodge in 1914 to 1916. Founder member of Lodge 1149 in 1915.

1. PZ of Royal Arch Chapter No. 42Provincial Grand Bard of Forfarshire 1915. Founder member of Lodge 11921919.

Sub Provincial Grand Master of ForfarshiProvincial Grand Master Depute of ForfarshiRight Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of FoInitiated Winston Churchill as Hon. Bro. of the AncienFellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. William Harvey was a prolific author of Masonic books and a student ofAncient Craft, his researches and writings onto Freemasons throughout Scotland, and among his many works are the following titles; ‘The Complete Manual of Freemasonry’ – The Harvey Ritual ‘Robert Burns as ‘TDegree’ ‘The Story of the Royal A‘Emblems of Freemasonry’ ‘The History and Characteristics of Freemaso and much much more! A life long abstainer and keenly interested intemperance, William stIndependent Order of Rechabites. His reputation as a public speaker was well known, and as an antiquarian he had the gift of communicating his knowledge to those assembled. His knowledge of Robert Burns in his writing, his lectures and as a proposer of “The Immortal Memory” deservedly earned him the gratitude of the poet’s admirers. This article is from the booklet Members of Lodge 76 in the 19th Century by the Lodge Historian.

William Harvey….

Volume 3 Issue 7

November 2007.

The Webmaster 1

If anyone has been to a Masonic meeting in

America, one of the first things

you will have noticed is that the Master wears a hat. This article explains “Why does the Master wear a Hat?” and traces this custom from ancient times up to the present day. In American lodges, the type of hat the master wears can vary from the formal silk top hat shown here, to cowboy hats right through to baseball caps with the square and compasses embroidered on the front! Somehow I can’t see this catching on in Scotland, however saying that, a picture of the lodge office-bearers all in kilts wearing a Glengarry or a Balmoral in the lodge colours might be nice! I have no doubt that the members of Lodge 76 mailing list will enjoy this article.[link] I’m always on the lookout for Masonic lectures/articles/poems; if any Brother knows one that I can use, get in touch.

When Father Rode the Goat The house is full of arcana, and mystery profound; we do not dare to run about or make the slightest sound. We leave the big piano shut and do not strike a note; the doctor's been here seven times since father rode the goat. He joined the lodge a week ago; got in at 4:00 a.m. ---- And sixteen brethren brought him home, though he says that he brought them. His wrist was sprained and one big rip had rent his Sunday coat. There must have been a lively time when father rode the goat. He's resting on the couch today! And practising his signs ---- The hailing signal, the working grip, and other monkeyshines; He mutters passwords 'neath his breath, and other things he'll quote ---- They surely had an evening's work when father rode the goat. He has a gorgeous uniform, all gold and red and blue ---- A hat with plumes and yellow braid, and golden badges too. But, somehow, when we mention it, he wears a look so grim; We wonder if he rode the goat ---- or if the goat rode him!

A Poem…. The Master’s Hat….

The Webmaster 2

c me in any different shapes and sizes, here’s

S ottish Masonic Mark tokens comsome that are made from paper! Lodge 424 in Hawick issued a Mark penny paper note! They also produce a metal penny as well though.

This paper mark token is from Lodge

hettleston St. John No.128 in Glasgow.

S

The mark token in this picture is from

odge Caledonian St. John Royal Arch No.195. L

This mark token hails from Lodge Thistle No. 270, in West Calder, issued

r their 175th anniversary. fo

Lodge Pitgaveny No. 681 issued this paper mark token.

And finally this one is from Lodge No.1, The Lodge of Edinburgh.

ight st, get in

If you know any other Brethren who mlike to be included in the mailing li

uch via the mailing list page on the website to

Paper Mark Penny’s….

The Webmaster 3

n the plant world, Acacia is also known , a tree referred to many times

eive, was from "to," and capere, meaning

ora; from this they built the

n he lambskin, or white leather apron, is

e of a Mason, and is the first

n assis was a board or plank; in utive form, assula, it meant a

Acacia Ias Shittimin the Judeo-Christian Volume of Sacred Law. In Freemasonry Acacia is a symbol of Eternal Life. Accepted The Latin accipere, recad, meaning"take," therefore to take, to receive. The passive apprenticeship and initiation, but after the participle of this was acceptus. In Operative Masonry members were admitted through course of time, and when the Craft had begun to decay, gentlemen who had no intention of doing builders' work but were interested in the Craft for social, or perhaps for antiquarian reasons, were accepted" into membership; to distinguish these gentlemen Masons from the Operatives in the membership they were called the "Accepted." After 1717, when the whole Craft was revolutionized into a Fraternity, all members became non-Operatives, hence our use of the word in such phrases as "Free and Accepted Masons." Allegory

he Greeks called a place of public Tassembly agword agoreuein, meaning speak, in the sense of ad-dressing a public. When to this is added alias, meaning another, the compound gives us our "allegory," which is the speaking about one thing in the terms of something else. In Masonry we have the allegory of Solomon's Temple, of a journey, of the legend of a

martyr builder, etc., in each case the acting and describing of one thing being intended to refer to some other thing. For example, the building of Solomon's Temple is described, not for the purpose of telling how that structure was erected, but to suggest boxy men may work together in brotherliness at a common task. AproTthe badggift of Master to the Apprentice. The apron is worn by operators to preserve their garments from spot or stain; but we as speculative Masons use it for a more noble purpose. By the whiteness of the colour and the innocence of the animal from which it is obtained we are admonished to preserve that blameless purity of life and conduct, which will enable us to present ourselves before The Great Architect of the Universe, unstained by sin and unsullied by vice. Ashlar The Latithe diminsmall board, like a shingle, or a chip. In this con-nection it is interesting to note that our "axle" and' "axis" were derived from it. In early English this became asheler and was used to denote a stone in the rough as it came from the quarries. The Operative Masons called such a stone a "rough ashlar," and when it had been shaped and finished for its place in the wall they called it a "perfect ashlar." An Apprentice is a rough ashlar, because unfinished, whereas a Master Mason is a perfect ashlar, because he has been shaped for his place in the organization of the Craft.

Masonic Encyclopaedia….

Stop Press…….

November 2007.

The Webmaster

BBC RADIO BROADCAST ON FREEMASONRY BBC Radio Scotland will broadcast a four part series about Scottish Freemasonry BBC Radio Scotland beginning Monday, November 19 @ 11.33 repeated @ 2432 (that is 12 hours after the lunch time broadcast or half-past midnight) for 4 weeks. The programmes are also available for one week following the original broadcast via the Listen Again facility on the BBC Radio Scotland website. The Mason Word Billy Kay presents a major new four part series on the history of Scottish Freemasonry which has a

rong claim to be the spiritual home of

. The Mother Lodge

e visit the Mother Lodge of Scotland,

st

Radio Broadcast…. a world wide brotherhood numbering close to 6 million people. Along with Freemasons and academic historians from Scotland and the United States, Billy will explore the Craft's early history among the country's medieval stonemasons, revealing and dramatising their rituals. He will also examine why from the 17th century onward non stonemasons and gentlemen were sufficiently intrigued by the Mason's lore, that they transformed the Craft into the speculative Freemasonry that took off round the world in the 18th and 19th centuries. 1 WKilwinning in Ayrshire and hear its claim to be the home of Freemasonry with its history going back to the building of Kilwinning Abbey in the 12th century. Masons like Lord Elgin will recall the emotion experienced by him and his father when he was first initiated into the craft, while others remember their fear and awe. All of them are glad however that they experienced its mystery.

The Webmaster

ording to Robert urns is the bond shared by brother

ottish Rite.

Fredericksburg irginia home of the Lodge of Scottish

r

m nd conspiracy theories regarding

cotland The BBC Radio Scotland web

2. 'The Mystic Tie' The mystic tie, accBMasons. As Freemasonry took off in the 18th and 19th centuries, many of the great men of European culture were drawn to the craft - Mozart, Sibelius, and Goethe for example, as well as Scottish icons like Burns, Sir Walter Scott and James Boswell. We shall celebrate the cultural legacy of Freemasonry and hear of the conviviality in music and song that arose out of the harmonies enjoyed when the formal part of the evening was over. 3. The Sc We will travel toVtobacco me chants who initiated George Washington into the Craft, and to Washington DC where the White House and the Capitol Building were built by Edinburgh stonemasons and Freemasons who were among the founder members of the prestigious Federal Lodge No 1 there. We will hear of the spread of Scottish Lodges from Appi Appi in Borneo to Jamaica in the West Indies. 4. 'We Met Upon the Level' We confront issues like sectarianisaFreemasonry and look for possible origins, and we hear of persecution against Freemasons from Nazi Germany to Stalin's Russia. We also learn from Freemasons about the inclusive nature of the brotherhood, its work for charity and the morality it teaches....all of which means that for many of them,

after their families, it plays the most important role in their lives. An Odyssey Production for Radio Ssite <http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/radioscotla d/> can be accessed by clicking here <http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/radioscotla d/> or on the previous link. There

is also a listen again facility that can belinked to from this page to hear the broadcast again for one week only after each broadcast.

Volume 3 Issue 8

December 2007.

The Webmaster 1

Many, many famous Scotsmen have joined Freemasonry, and many famous men have joined Scottish Lodges. This article, compiled by the Historian of Lodge 76 gives an insight to some of these men, their achievements and the Lodges they belonged to. Please contact the Webmaster if you know any names we can use. By the way, did you know that the first Canadian Prime Minister was Scottish and a Mason! And that many Scottish footballers have and are Freemasons including the current Manager and Assistant Manager of the mighty Glasgow Rangers! This article gives only a small cross-section of Brethren that have a connection with Scottish Freemasonry, and it is hoped that it will grow and grow; also did you know that a black heavyweight boxing champion of the World was a member of a Lodge in Dundee! [link] I’m always on the lookout for Masonic lectures/articles/poems; if any Brother knows one that I can use, get in touch.

Superman in the craft?…. Famous Scottish Masons

The caption above says, ‘Go now, and may the Great Architect of the Universe protect you on your Journey.’ Now I don’t know about you Brethren, but I for one can sleep a lot easier now that I know that Brother Superman is watching over us. I wonder if he was a member of Lodge No.1 Krypton. This illustration was used in a Superman Comic called, ‘Fighting Fate’ in 1999. But did you know, that Batman was a freemason and that he visited Rosslyn Chapel? Watch this space! If you know any other Brethren who might like to be included in the mailing list, get in touch via the mailing list page on the website.

The Webmaster 2

In the December 2005 issue of the 76’ news sheet, mention was made of a Masonic stamp issued in Great Britain in 1946. This is the full article about it.

The 1946 Victory Stamp

Since Britain first issued postage stamps—the famous "Penny Blacks"—in 1840, only five special issues have ever been printed. It is singularly gratifying to the Fraternity that the "Victory Issue" put on sale last June in Gt. Britain contains much of Masonic interest. The 3 penny denomination of the Special Issue, illustrated herewith, displays several Masonic symbols with unmistakable prominence. H.M. the King chose the design himself from several submitted to him for the commemorative Victory Issue. The dominating feature of the three penny stamp is the face of King George VI surmounted by a crown. Significantly, if the stamp is properly oriented, as a map with north to the top, the King is in the east. In the centre flies a dove carrying the olive branch, from time immemorial the symbol of peace. It is a familiar emblem, being found on the wands and collars of the Deacons.

Brotherly love amongst men is symbolized by the juxtaposition of the square and compasses. The former reminding us "to act on the square," and the latter "to keep in due bounds with ail mankind. The compasses are at an angle of 45°, one point above and the other below the square, the position of Fellow craft. It should be noted that the older form of square is portrayed, this type is seen particularly in connection with the Master’s jewel, also that of the Past Master. The two arms are of unequal length and represent the Greek letter "G" or "Gamma," denoting "God, the Grand Geometrician of the Universe."

The Masonic Stamp….

The presence of a trowel and portion of a brick wall are not without significance, both in the operative and the speculative sense. While the trowel is not now recognized under the English or Canadian constitution, it is an important symbol in the Scottish and the American Craft, emblematically spreading the cement of brotherly love among mankind. Also cleverly depicted in the curlicue engraving are five Ys denoting the 15 Fellow crafts associated with the legend in the English work. The other symbols are surrounded or nestled and protected by this emblematical group. The Freemason’s Chronicle of London, states: "It is singularly appropriate that the message thus conveyed by these emblems should be found, one may be almost permitted to surmise with purpose aforethought on the part of our M.W. Brother, the King, Past Grand Master, on the 3d issue of the new stamps, used only for postage to foreign lands where the full significance of these emblems may not be lost, and the

The Webmaster 3

need for their reminder have greater force." Reynold Stone, a descendant of Sir Joshua Reynolds, the celebrated portrait painter, is the designer. Although a relatively young man he achieved a degree of fame for his engravings of the Royal Coat of Arms for the Coronation Service. Of interest to stamp collectors, the photogravure process was used for the Victory Issue. They are printed on special paper supplied by the firm making paper for the Bank of England notes. Only 24,000,000 of the 3d have been issued. Post Office officials expect the issue to last about two months, after which no fresh supplies will be printed. After World War I, several "Peace" or "Reconstruction" issues were printed. The 25 mark German Republic stamp of 1919 depicts a trowel and bricks similar to the English 3d. King Solomon’s Throne was featured some years ago on an Abyssinian stamp—their "King of Kings" claims direct descent from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Many other issues of more obscure symbolism can be found by keen philatelists. The appearance of Masonic symbols on a postage stamp in such a distinctive manner must surely be without precedent, and from this point of view the 3d. English "Victory Issue" is perhaps the most interesting stamp ever printed. This article first appeared in the Masonic Bulletin, Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. vol x, no. 1, September 1946. p. 8

Burns and Lodge 76 ….

In the Minute Book of Lodge 76 for the date 23rd December 1799 there appears this curious minute. ‘Thereafter the Lodge unanimously matriculated Brother John Lauchlan from Ayrshire St. Paul’s No.271.’ In itself this is like most of the minutes written at this time and pretty much inconspicuous, but it’s who John Lauchlan is, that is important. Brother John Lauchlan was a contemporary of Robert Burns in fact; his father was none other than Soutar Johnnie of Tam o’ Shanter fame! An old man, travelling a lone highway, Came at the evening, cold and grey, To a chasm vast and deep and wide. The old man crossed in the twilight dim, The sullen stream had no fear for him; But he turned when safe on the other side, And built a bridge to span the tide. "Old man", cried a fellow pilgrim near, "You are wasting your strength when building here your journey will end with the ending day; you never again will pass this way. You've crossed the chasm, deep and wide, why build you this bridge at eventide? "The builder lifted his old, grey head; "Good friend, in the path I have come," he said, "There follows after me to-day, A youth whose feet must pass this way. This chasm, that has been as nought to me, To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be; He, too, must cross in the twilight dim – Good friend, I have built this bridge for him.”

A Masonic Poem….

The Webmaster 4

Ballot In the election of candidates, lodges use white and black balls, and no person can be "admitted a member of a private lodge, or made a Mason therein if two black balls appear against him." In many lodges, one black ball, under their by-laws, is sufficient to exclude, but in any case should two be found the applicant must be refused. This rule is sometimes thought by young Masons to be severe, but it is one of our Antient rules, handed down for a long period, for, as the Antient constitutions say, "the members of a particular lodge are the best judges of it, and if a turbulent member were imposed on them, it might spoil the harmony or hinder the freedom of their communications, and even break and disperse the lodge, which ought to be avoided by all the true and faithful." "Before declaring the result of the ballot, the ballot box shall be placed on the altar for examination by any member of the lodge, and the result having once been declared by the Master, no further ballot on the subject shall be allowed." A candidate against whom two or more black balls have been cast cannot be balloted for in the same or any other lodge within twelve months from the time of such rejection. Blue This is the proper colour of the Antient degrees of Freemasonry, and is generally explained as being emblematic of friendship and charity, teaching us that in the mind of a Mason these virtues shall be co-extensive with the blue vault of heaven.

Brother Masonic Encyclopaedia…. This word is one of the oldest, as it is one of the most beautiful, in any language. No-body knows where or when it originated, but it is certain that it existed in the Sanskrit, in a form strikingly similar to that used by us. In Greek it was phrater, in the Latin frater, whence our "fraternal" and "fraternalism." It has always meant men from the same parents, or men knit by very close blood ties. When associated with "initiation, which has the general meaning of "being born into," one can see how appropriate is its use in Freemasonry. All of us have, through initiation in our "mother" Lodges, been born into a Masonry and therefore we are "brothers," and that which holds us together in one great family is the "Mystic Tie," the Masonic analogue of the blood tie among kinsmen. Burns Burns was born in 1759 and died at the early age of just 37 in 1796, but few outside the Craft are aware that many of his poems were based on, or revolved around Freemasonry. On July 4, 1781, at the age of 23, Robert Burns was initiated as an Entered Apprentice into Lodge St. David Tarbolton 174 just over a week after the amalgamation of Lodge St. David Tarbolton 174 and Lodge St. James Tarbolton 178. On October 1, 1781 Brother Robert Burns was passed as a Fellow of the Craft and then raised as a Master Mason. Lodge St David Tarbolton eventually closed and was replaced by Lodge St. James (Kilwinning) Tarbolton 135. On July 27, 1784, Brother Robert Burns was elected as Depute Master of St James (Kilwinning) Tarbolton.

Merry Christmas to all our readers around the World. – SRA76.

The Webmaster