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THE LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
HERE is a sense in which the application of the lesson of the liberal arts and sciences to the Craft needs
no strained interpretation, no heart-searching about why Freemasons do not, as a part of their Masonic
observances, study logic, rhetoric, the mathematics and the rest, no fumbling for an explanation to give to a
younger Brother the tongue-tied leading the blind. It is a very simple sense indeed, and it may well be the
correct one. The three degrees of Masonry illustrate birth, life and death. The second degree has lessons
about equipping oneself for life. The liberal arts and sciences, regarded as exhaustive, cover those things
which distinguish man from the beasts, the rough stone unquarried from the stone taken out and subjected to
the processes of trimming and polishing. The liberal arts and sciences, in short, may be taken to symbolise
education in general, and- have taken their place in our ritual for that reason. There must always be the rider
that education in this sense means a good deal more than the simple amassing and understanding of facts.
Education, we are often told, is a continuing process. It not only adds to the individual's armoury: it makes
him a better wielder of his arms. Its main impact is on character, and in this sense there is often a difference
between describing a man as well-informed and describing him as educated: the educated man has so
changed in the process of assimilation and training that his attitude towards circumstances has changed; he is
not only better equipped to deal with contingencies but may be relied upon to deal with them with some
appreciation of the probable consequences of his actions, and with an attempt to ensure that those
consequences will be good rather than evil.
It may not be too much to conjecture that the listing of the liberal arts and sciences was originally intended to
provide a fairly exhaustive description of the various disciplines which would help towards perfect mental
health. Although they are listed one by one they add up to a general statement. And the use the Craft makes
of this statement is to say: Now that you have entered upon this mortal coil, before it is time for you to
shuffle it off, you must equip yourself as well as possible to deal with it in as social and civilised a way as
possible. The education symbolised or summarised by the various arts and sciences is a means to that
equipment.
Like so much that the Craft requires and advises, the action the individual must take here is partly to be taken
within the lodge and partly outside. Whether we are clothed for the moment with the badges of the Order or
not, we are Freemasons all the time. Our education in purely Craft matters is looked after in the lodge, and
there, too, we are exhorted to take appropriate steps towards the fulfilment of all our obligations to the
Almighty Creator, as well as to the rest of society outside the Craft. Those exhortations, illustrated by our
traditional ritual, are a part of the course of training which should make us act, think and feel as Freemasons
wherever we are, whether inside or outside the lodge.
Masonry, after all, is a process of individual development according to a particular ethic: The Craft tries to
see that we are good men, suitable material, at the time of our admission; but we are not expected to remain
static at that point. The Freemason, if anyone, should be trying to get the best out of himself, to equip himself
for still further trials and tribulations should be called upon to meet them, to act honourably and worthily
from conviction, from desire and from habit.
T
No man is perfect, and no man lives up to his own standards. The discipline of being trained, and of being
trained in association with other people who have embraced the same objectives, is one of the great
strengthening and confirming gifts of the Craft.
———————
The Real Freemason
HE real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of mankind by the uniform unrestrained
rectitude of his conduct. Other men are honest in the fear of punishment which the law might inflict;
they are religious in expectation of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil in the next world. A true
Freemason would be just even if there were no laws, human or divine, except those which are written in his
heart by the finger of his Creator. In every climate under every system of religion, he is the same. He kneels
before the universal throne of God, in gratitude for the blessings he has received, and in humble solicitation
for his future protection. He venerates the good of all religions. He disturbs not the religion of others.
—Texas Grand Lodge Magazine.
———————
CHANGE OF ADDRESS — "CRAFTSMAN"
Journals bearing the following addresses have been
returned to this office marked "Gone no address".
Should any Lodge Secretary, or Brother know the
present address of any of these Brethren, we would
be pleased to receive their advices.
D. S. Adam, 124 Elizabeth St., Wellington.
L. Angel, Hot Springs Hotel, Te Aroha.
Philip A. Baker, 60 Marua Rd., Ellerslie.
P. L. L. Beavan, 26 College St., Te Awamutu.
R. Butterworth, Kawerau.
J. Clarkson, 39 Garden Rd., Wellington, W.2.
L. R. Cobb, P.O. Pokeno.
J. McGregor, Woodleigh Farm Ltd., Masterton.
W. Maitland Jones, c/o Hotel Savoy, 267
Remuera Rd., Remuera.
J. R. Reid, 16 Glasgow St., Wanganui.
A. W. Wilson, No. 6 R.D., Ashburton.
———————
Address by M. E. Comp F. F. Boustridge
First Grand Principal Zerubbabel at Convocation of Supreme Grand Royal Arch
Chapter of New Zealand, Auckland, on February 10, 1960
M.E., R.E., V.E., Excellent Companions, and Companions all, I esteem it a great pleasure to extend to you
all a very warm welcome to this 68th Convocation of Grand Chapter. In this Temple we have today gathered
together the great majority of representatives from all the Royal Arch Chapters of New Zealand, as well as a
very large number of Grand Chapter Officers, present and past. May I express the hope that your visit on this
memorable occasion will be both profitable to your respective Chapters and very pleasant to yourselves.
It has been a great honour to me to have been chosen as your first G.P.Z. to serve you during this year. An
honour that will always be cherished by me as the greatest gift that can be bestowed by Grand Chapter and I
wish to express my most sincere thanks and appreciation for the privilege of serving as your leader for the
period of my office:
In the exercise of my duty I have been enabled to visit every district in the territory (some of them on several
occasions), and I cannot speak too highly of the warmth of welcome which I received from the Companions
of each area visited. On all my visits I was accompanied by the Grand Superintendent of the district and to
these Right Excellent Brethren I extend my grateful thanks and appreciation of their courtesy and kindness.
T
The good that has been accomplished in Capitular Masonry this year is due in a large measure to the co-
operation and loyalty of your Grand Superintendent and has been further enhanced by the support of the
Grand Chapter Officers and companions of constituent chapters. This happy co-operation of all companions
has been of inestimable value to our order and an inspiration to all those who like myself have been enabled
to observe it, In support of the work of the Grand Superintendents let me recommend that more use should
be made of our Grand Lecturers in order that a fuller appreciation of the symbolism and the spiritual
guidance contained in the three degrees should be more widespread and better understood. There is a very
real demand among all companions for further instruction and the Principals of each chapter should be
vigilant to supply this want by arranging for short talks on Masonic subjects whenever opportunity offers.
Attendance at meetings is often adversely affected by a continual repetition of degree work without a
corresponding diversion in the chapter or the promotion of a bright refectory programme where the emphasis
is on fellowship rather than the presentation of a long list of formal or semi-formal toasts. Let us not be
content with the working of a degree but rather aim at a regular flow of information on interesting subjects
which will hold the attention and attendance of all companions. Encourage your junior members to take part
in chapter discussions and with a little assistance and guidance from your senior companions a very
profitable and happy evening will result.
To the Principals of each chapter may I stress this point. If you can, during your year of office, improve your
attendance figures by 10 per cent you will be rendering a greater service to Capitular Freemasonry than by
providing a record number of candidates. You must learn how to hold our present membership at its highest
level and impress upon each companion who fails to attend regularly that his absence has been noted and
regretted, As principals of the Chapter you have the care and control of a large family. Let your companions
be aware that you have a personal and abiding interest in them and their masonic welfare. It is too much to
expect that the summons of the Scribe Ezra will ensure attendance and the telephone should be freely used to
assist his efforts but there is nothing which brings better results than a personal call on those who are
becoming lax in their attendance.
The numerical condition of our order gives us cause for deep concern. Up to four years ago we were
improving our membership by approximately 200 per year. In 1957 our increase of membership dropped to
176. In 1958 the increase was 134. In 1959 it had declined to 91 and today you will be asked to consider a
report for this year showing a net increase of only 25 members. If we do not act quickly to find and correct
the cause of this decline then we may expect next year's report to show a net loss in membership of some
fifty members. Our average intake of new and joining members for the ten years prior to 1956 was 538 per
year which I consider to be an ample supply for steady progress but during the last four years resignations
have increased alarmingly and I therefore commend this report to your most serious consideration.
During October last I was privileged to pay a return visit to the Victorian and New South Wales Grand
Chapters. On this visit I was accompanied by seven Grand Chapter Officers (four of them being Grand
Supts. Mrs. Boustridge and three other ladies were also in the party. Our reception in Melbourne and Sydney
was a wonderful example of the fraternal spirit which
prevails wherever Royal Arch Companions meet and
the hospitality extended to our party will be long and
pleasantly remembered by all. My companions and I
were enabled to visit many Chapters during our stay
and all were very appreciative of the sincerity and
efficiency of our Australian Companions. Visits were
also made to the Masonic homes in Melbourne and
Sydney and we were delighted to see what lavish care
and attention has been extended to aged Freemasons
and Freemasons' widows, some of whom were New
Zealanders. If we can achieve a similar success (and I
am sure that we can) in the almost completed
Masonic Home here in Auckland then Freemasonry
will have demonstrated a tremendous advance in
Masonic benevolence and enterprise. Such a splendid
effort, conceived and almost wholly financed by our Auckland Brethren and Companions deserves the praise
and encouragement of all Freemasons. Further development over the years to come will require much
thoughtful attention and additional finance and I commend this scheme to you all as being most worthy of
your consideration and practical assistance.
Before I conclude I would like to pay tribute to our G.S.E. R. Ex. Comp. Cannons. His very extensive
knowledge of our Royal Arch Institution has been invaluable to me and I have heard many expressions of
appreciation of his courtesy and kindly thoughtfulness while conducting the business of Grand Chapter.
Our thanks and appreciation should also be extended to the Chairman and ,members of Supreme Committee.
Theirs is an onerous and exacting work and I can bear testimony to their assiduity and careful attention to
detail which I have observed at all times.
My year of service to you as 1st G.P.Z. is almost completed, a year during which I have received many
kindnesses and much thoughtful consideration. A period throughout which I have experienced much joy and
found many new friends and which I shall treasure hereafter as one of my happiest years in Freemasonry.
May I, in conclusion, exhort you to redouble your efforts to make Capitular Freemasonry a vital force for the
spiritual benefit of mankind. A companionship which will be reflected in our daily lives as strongly as in our
chapter meetings, helping men to think things through to a more satisfying and hopeful vision of the meaning
of life and the mystery of the world. When all is said, it is as a man thinks and feels in his heart whether life
be worth while or not and whether he is a help or a curse to his fellow man.
Here lies the tragedy of our race
Not that men are poor
All men know something of poverty
Not that men are wicked
Who can claim to be good
Not that men are ignorant
Who can boast that he is wise
But that men are strangers.
Masonry is friendship. Friendship first with the Great Companion whose inspiration and help is the greatest
fact in human experience. Friendship in every relation with our fellow man. Is there anything better than this
that the wisest and best of men can hope to do. Friendship is ever the builder and those who have done most
to establish the City of God on Earth have been the men who loved their fellow men.
Throughout the world no other organisation is better qualified to promote the concept of friendship, to help
man meet man on a common level and to encourage tolerance and goodwill than is Capitular Freemasonry. If
we, as members will be guided by the principles of the V.S.L., inspired by the teachings of our Masonic
Craft and supported by the efforts of all good men and true, we shall indeed make a contribution to World
Welfare which is best expressed in the ideal for the human race as the Fatherhood of God and the
Brotherhood of Man
———————
Your Philosophy
Life is a series of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, sunshine and shadows, good and bad that we must all
experience, in order that we grow into men of vision and have the tolerance of brotherly love which the
world so drastically needs. It is necessary that each of us set a standard of action, adopt a philosophy of
living that gives to us a worthwhile reason for living, The most pitiful man in the world today is the one who
has never worked out for himself such a philosophy. He is the drifter and the malcontent, in a world of
progress.
No man can be a good Mason without a philosophy of
life and without giving thought to his daily actions. We
acknowledge our beliefs in God, and in so doing, we
recognise the value of His teachings and of His
philosophy as given in the great light of Masonry. By
that guide we should work out a valuable personal
philosophy. —Selected.
———————
Operative Masonry Under the Norman-Angevin Kings
By W. H. Painter (P.M. Hungerford 4748)
An examination of the fabric-rolls of many of our great cathedrals and abbeys reveals the names of those
medieval Operative Masons who were responsible for those magnificent and inspiring buildings which have
always been the objects of admiration to succeeding generations.
It is remarkable that, in the erection of Chichester, Hereford, Lichfield, Ripon, Rochester, St. Albans,
Salisbury, Winchester and Worcester cathedrals, at one time or another there was always a Freemason whose
surname was Mason. Hence we find John, Hugh, Roger Roger Gilbert, Richard, Andrew, Arthur, Robert and
Alexander Mason were the architects and builders, among others, of the aisles, walls, choirs, transepts,
crypts, and windows of these stately edifices.
The period during which these names occur is between 1077 and 1385, covering the Norman and early
Angevin Kings of England.
Very seldom do we find the Church willing to do honour to those old workers in stone, yet their work, even
in those days of despotism, was of sufficient merit to be enscrolled in the parchments of the fabric-rolls of
those great cathedrals.
Owing to the scattered nature of their employment, the masons were more or less nomadic in their habits and
seemed to have had permission to travel from place to place. They spent considerable periods of time in the
building of a great abbey or cathedral, and at these semi-permanent establishments lodges were built where
they prepared their plans, stored their tools, ate their meals, and rested at night.
They were in constant communion with one another, and gradually formed the nucleus of a fraternal body.
Their intimate fellowship was closer than the contemporary Trade Guilds associated with the towns. They
kept their "Mystery" apart, and we are firmly led to believe that even then they had a secret mode of
recognition, and a brief ceremony under an oath of secrecy sworn on the bible.
The artistic brilliance in the noble art of cathedral building by our ancient brethren has never been equalled.
It precludes the idea that the Master Operative Masons of those days were a rude, unlettered community. On
the contrary, we know they were composed of highly-skilled architects of high principle and great intellect
who mixed thought and worship in their work.
No doubt they had a traditional pride of craftsmanship and a selfless desire to honour their Craft. Perhaps
they preferred to be known under the name of "Mason" to posterity rather than use their own surnames.
At those cathedrals where building, was continuously in progress, lodges became permanent. We find at
York Minster, in 1370, that a code of ordinances were drawn up to regulate the work and times of
refreshment by the Chapter of the Minster.
Freemasonry was not static in those early days but even then becoming more of a speculative character due
to its close contacts with the Great Religious Orders of the day. Those early Operative Masons had a strong
belief in the importance of their work in building "The House of God," and they were imbued with high
moral principles. There is little doubt that both the Cloister and the Guild played their respective parts, not
only in the building art, but in early Freemasonry.
The very close and intimate relationship of the Church and the Operative Masons ,of that age can be found in
the dedication portion of the Ancient Charges. AU the Invocations and Dedications in the M.S.S., from the
16th to the 18th century, refer to the "Three Persons in one Godhead," and no doubt represent much older
originals. This is not remarkable as it is now thought that several of the Ancient M.S.S. were the work of the
Ecclesiastics.
This is borne out by the recurrence in them of the "Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences," taught in all the cloister
schools, a legacy of Plato, combining ancient philosophy with Christian discipline.
Another factor which had considerable effect on Medieval Operative Masonry were the Crusades. It saw the
rise of the ancient Romanesque architecture into what is called in the stricter sense Gothic. Sir Christopher
Wren, in his Parentalia says, "What we now call the Gothic ought properly and truly be called Saracenic
architecture refined by the Christians." It was the expulsion of the Christians from the Holy Land with the
fall of Acre, at the end of the 13th century, which released skilled artisans to flock back to Europe and helped
to give the impulse to the outbreak of the magnificent architectural beauty of the cathedrals and churches of
that Age.
There were many great Operative Masons during this period, but unquestionably one of the greatest was
Henry Yevele.
Go to the cloisters of Canterbury Cathedral, and there outside the massive door of the Chapter House, set
amidst the vaunted heraldic devices of the great medieval families of England, covering the fretted ceiling of
the cloister, is the carved profile of the bearded, but melancholy, face of Henry Yevele. He was the Master
Mason to three successive Kings, Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV.
It was Henry Yevele who must be given the credit of the design of converting the Confessor's nave at
Westminster Abbey to its noble proportions of today. He was responsible for the building of the nave of
Canterbury Cathedral, quoted by some authorities as the most wonderful work of art in Britain. He designed
that fine ornate work of art, the tomb of Edward the Black Prince. These works remain a living memorial to
this great Operative Mason.
Yevele was not only one of the greatest mason's, but he lived during that period which followed the scourge
of the Black Death, which saw a distinct rise in the improvement of working conditions among the Guilds of
Operative Masons. He was succeeded by his Warden, Stephen Lote, another great mason. It seems to us
remarkable that these two great Operative Masons should live at a time contemporarily with our earliest
Masonic Manuscripts.
—The Masonic Record.
————————
Freemasonry Needs Masonic Press
Few organisations have withstood the test of time as has Freemasonry, steeped as it is in the hoary legends of
the operative Craft whose traditions and fundamentals we had the good fortune to inherit. Among its
members may be counted the great leaders in science, art, industry, church and State. All have contributed to
the sum total of Masonic culture and knowledge, but without the Masonic Press this would be futile. Its
pages are necessary to its faithful dissemination, that the Craft may be informed of the wealth of cultural
material at its disposal.
Time was when the principles of Freemasonry were spread by word of mouth, but the growth of the Craft
required something more than this, and believing with Dean Roscoe Pound, eminent Harvard educator, that
Masonry has more to offer the twentieth century than the twentieth century has to offer Masonry, it is felt
that its fundamental principles can best be spread by a modernly conducted journal sincerely published in the
interests of the Masonic Fraternity. —Exchange.
————————
It is our duty not only to make Masons, but to see that each candidate has a thorough and complete know-
ledge of every aspect of Masonry. Our Craft would then be composed of better-informed and more keenly
interested members."—R. R. McEwen, P.G.M., Sask.
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Every Initiate a Sacred Trust
Courtesy THE ASHLAR (Grand Lodge of Queensland)
A man may enter Freemasonry of his own free will, and may leave it of his own accord, but once he enters
and places his confidence in the Craft, he is a sacred trust, not only to his proposer and seconder, not only to
the lodge in which he is now a member, but to the whole of the Craft with whom he has now become a
brother.
The word initiate is taken from the Latin and to Freemasonry, means the birth, the beginning, the dawn of
Masonic life. Thus every initiate has his dawn, his birth into the Craft, and that dawn should be as beautiful
to the initiate, and as full of meaning as the great dawn of day, which, breaking through the darkness, catches
the eye, mind, and soul of all who witness its magnificence and splendour. Thus should the initiate be made
to see and understand during his initiation the beauty and splendour of Freemasonry, and the brethren by
their life and actions show sincerity in their work and behaviour, both in the ceremonial and away from it.
The initiate will thus feel and know that he has done right in trusting those of whom he has formed a
favourable opinion, and his faith in Freemasonry thus assured, that faith of his must never be allowed to
waver.
It does not take an initiate very long to detect the sincerity of those around him, their personality and
straightforwardness, and whether or not the work is from the heart or mere gabble. He is mentally taking
stock of those taking part in his initiation, and weighing them up to his satisfaction or otherwise.
Thus initiation is the period in every Masonic life when the foundation that is being laid will mean
everything to the building of the future Masonic human structure.
How the initiate will learn to know himself, realise his course of action and conduct, will depend upon the
action and conduct, not only of the brethren of the lodge in which he has become a member, but of
Freemasons as a whole, for as one faulty stone can upset a whole structure, so can one faulty member in the
Craft can ruin a brother and cause a blot on the good name of a lodge and Freemasonry.
Great care should be taken when the initiate pays a visit. He wears the apron of an initiate which at once
marks him as such, and every brother with whom he comes in contact should recognise this fact, and extend
to him the brotherly respect he is entitled to receive. He should be made to see and feel that Freemasonry is a
way of life, and that the spirit of the brethren should be such as to show that that way of life is carried out.
"Life is good," says Renan, "when good use is made of it." So is Freemasonry good when good use is made
of it.
In setting a high standard of life for the initiate, the responsibility rests upon every brother to be just and
upright. Freemasonry calls upon her craftsmen to be just, upright and free men, of sound judgment, and strict
morals, in other words, Freemasonry looks to the perfection of manhood, and the sooner Freemasons realise
that fact the better for us all, for we yet have a long way to go to reach that Masonic goal.
It is not the perfect working lodge that will win the initiate; it's the brother perfect in all his parts and
honourable to the builder.
The working tools have been placed in our hands, and as Freemasons we are the Craftsmen who must build
this great service of brotherhood that it shall live on. With these working tools and the old charges to inspire,
pleasure can be given to the initiate, with profit to him and the Craft.
In every initiation, the brethren must realise that their thoughts, words, and actions will put into life the
making of a new man, for that is what Freemasonry calls upon them to do.
A new man—and there is your Sacred Trust. It is your lot as a brother, it is your lot to turn your Masonic
work to good account.
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An Old Masonic Charge
From out of the past comes a charge which, according to the directive, was "proper to be delivered by the
Junior Warden, at meridian." We give the charge herewith:
"Brethren: The Lodge being about to suspend its labours for a short time, you may amuse yourselves with
rational gaiety, but you must be peculiarly watchful not to run to excess. Masonry commands us to force no
Brother to do anything contrary to his inclination, to offend him neither by actions nor by words; you will,
therefore, permit him to act as is agreeable to himself, and make him as happy as you can. Indecent or
immoral discourse is unbecoming a Mason, and you must always avoid it.
"At home and abroad show that you have improved by the lessons you have here been taught; show
yourselves fonder lovers of wisdom, and more strict observers of morality. It is needless to warn you to be so
cautious in your words and actions as not to give the most acute and prying stranger the least opportunity of
discovering what is not proper to be intimated; or against disclosing the private transactions of our different
assemblies; you are all Masons, and honour, and the reputation of the society at large, will guide your
actions.
"Irregularity and intemperance must be forever avoided; they will disgrace the society, destroy the peace of
your families, impair your constitutions, and make you incapable of pursuing your necessary business.
"Constantly observe, and enforce these rules, and always practise those duties which, in the Lodge, have
been so forcibly and pleasingly recommended to you. Industriously cultivate Brotherly Love, the foundation
and cope-stone, the glory, and firm cement of our Fraternity. Avoid disputes and quarrels; speak as well of a
Brother in his absence as in his presence, and let slander be unknown to you. Suffer no one unreproved to
calumniate your honest Brethren, but zealously defend their characters, and do them every friendly office.
Hence, the beneficial influence of your Order will be diffused far around, and the admitting world will be
witness of the happy effects it produces."
—Masonry in Manitoba.
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Priceless Treasure
There are deep things in Freemasonry, high ideals, clear-cut morals, spiritual truths, and they are clothed in a
beautifully designed garment of speech, for the language of our ritual can truly be ranked among the literary
gems of the world. How carefully, therefore, ought we to be in our handling of such a jewel. It is true that a
diamond is still a diamond whether it be lying in the dust or artistically mounted in an appropriate setting
but, placed in its correct perspective with suitable background and appropriate lighting, all the irridescent and
scintillating beauty of its many-coloured facets are then revealed. It is equally true that in any hands, no
matter how unskilled, the value and beauty of our ritual can never be completely concealed, but how much
better it is when such a gem is set before the brethren with skill and artistry, revealing more and more of its
hidden beauty and inspiration.
The Masonic orator and ritualist should be awakened to his important trust. Feats of memory are not enough;
he is handling a priceless treasure and should leave no stone unturned in order to present it to the very best of
his skill and ability.
———————
Lawless are they that make their will their law.—Shakespeare.
———————
Confucius (471 B.C.) said: "A master mason in teaching his apprentice makes use of .the compasses and
square; ye, who are engaged in the pursuit of wisdom, must also make use of the compasses and square."
—Sandusky Masonic Bulletin.
———————
ENGLISH FREEMASONRY IN
CANTERBURY
1859-1959
Early records of Freemasonry in New Zealand are
unfortunately most incomplete, and great credit is due
to W. Bro. J. L. Hewland, who compiled this history
of the District Grand Lodge of Canterbury under the
United Grand Lodge of England, for the great amount
of painstaking research he has undertaken and for the
careful manner in which he has pieced fragments
together to make a history which is both factual and
interesting. Historians will immediately perceive the
hand of scholarship in the systematic layout and will
be appreciative of the careful separation of verifiable
facts from uncertain oral tradition. This is particularly
apparent in the succinct account of early French
masonry (from 1838) on Banks Peninsula recorded
on pages 2-3 and 60, and in the valuable table of
lodges giving important dates and other information
about the E.C. lodges of Canterbury and Westland. Where conflicting information has been found (especially
dates), the authority for each statement is given.
The design of the book is revealed in the chapter headings — Freemasonry Comes to Canterbury; The
Inauguration of Provincial Grand Lodge; The Growth of the Craft; The Formation of the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand; Notes at Random; Benevolence and Charity; The Masonic. Halls; The District Grand Masters.
This historical and evolutionary approach enables the reader to trace the development of present-day lodges
in Canterbury from the inauguration of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717, Although written especially to
place on record the history of the E.C. lodges' of Canterbury, there is much in this book that is of particular
interest to masons of the New Zealand Constitution. It is worthy of a place in all lodge libraries. Those
brethren who open its pages will be reminded that masonic activity in New Zealand is older than organised
settlement and colonisation and that our masonic fathers that begat us are indeed worthy of praise, many of
them being famous men not only for their masonic labours but also for the part so many of them played in
civic and national affairs in the early days. —A.S.W.
WAIKATO
History was made at the meeting of the Tauranga Lodge No. 125, on Thursday, December 17, 1959.
During the meeting the W.M., W. Bro. R. D. McCully presented W. Bro. W. H. J. Poole with his Fifty Years'
Service Badge, and in the course of a very happy and appropriate speech, made reference to a number of
interesting points.
W. Bro. Poole, who is 81 years of age, was initiated in November 1909 in the Tauranga Lodge, and
immediately took office. His progress was interrupted by his service in the 1914-18 war, but he resumed
office on his return and was installed as Master in 1921.
He was largely instrumental in the formation of Lodge Te Puke in 1924, and later joined Lodge Kati Kati
and as its Master in 1938, guided it through a difficult period in its existence.
Another matter which enhanced the interest of the occasion was the presence of W. Bro. H. A. Sharp, who
initiated W. Bro. Poole. W. Bro. Sharp, who, at 93 is the oldest living P.M. and member of the Tauranga
Lodge, is wonderfully well and active in body and mind, although an athritic hip does curtail his activities.
Also present that evening were three other P.M.'s, all members of the Poole family.
W. Bro. A. M. Poole is W. Bro. W. H. J. Poole's youngest brother, and was Master of the Tauranga Lodge in
1938, when his senior was Master of Kati Kati, and journeyed to Kati Kati to raise W. H. J's elder son
Wynnton, who in turn was Master of Kati Kati in 1944. The younger son Russell was Master of the Tauranga
Lodge in 1953. The Brethren turned out in large numbers, and the Masters of the local and nearby Lodges Te
Puke, Kati Kati, Te Papa, Mount Maunganui and Gate Pa, all paid official visits in honour of the occasion.
——————
TARANAKI
The Christmas meeting of the De Burgh Adams Lodge No. 446 I.C., was held in the Masonic Temple,
Liardet Street, New Plymouth, on Wednesday, December 16, 1959, when a very large attendance of brethren
was present. W. Bro. E. E. Riddick, W.M. being in the Master's Chair.
The business of the evening was the initiation of Bro. Bannar. After the ceremonial proceedings the W.M.
called on R.M. Bro. A. L. Hammond, who had the pleasure of proposing W. Bro. E. Golding as a member of
De Burgh Adams Lodge, 53 years ago, to make a presentation to him of an Organist's Jewel. In doing so,
R.W. Bro. Hammond mentioned it was a unique event in the history of his lodge. Our brother was Organist
for about 15 years, and then went to Feilding, and was the Organist of a lodge in that province, and also
became a Worshipful Master. Having returned to New Plymouth, he was delighted to take his old position at
the Organ and the brethren, to mark the occasion, thought it would be fitting to present to him a Jewel. W.
Bro. Hammond mentioned that he was the Organist of St. Mary's Anglican Church for many years, and
though 80 years of age, he was still willing to help the Lodge with his musical ability in the ceremonial work
of the Lodge. He said: "May our esteemed brother be inspired by the touch of the Master's hand, to strike
such cords on one of the most beautiful of all instruments, in keeping with the spirit and the harmony with
the brethren who have come to worship in the house of God.
R.W. Bro. Jackson, P.P.G.M. of the New Zealand Constitution, also said a few words of praise in referring to
W. Bro. Golding's record of over 50 years as a member in the Craft. W. Bro. Golding suitably replied.
A very pleasing feature of the evening was the attendance of six other brethren who had celebrated their 50
years membership in Freemasonry.
FAREWELL EVENING
At the November meeting of Hawera Lodge No. 34, South and Central Taranaki Lodges farewelled R. W.
Bro. Herbert W. Jackson as Provincial Grand Master of the Taranaki District.
All Lodges in the area were represented in full force and the modern and extensive Masonic premises at
Hawera were stressed to the limit.
It was gratifying to see wave after wave of Master, Officers, and Brethren welcomed to show their
appreciation of the gracious and friendly manner in which R. W. Bro. Jackson, had led the Lodges of the
Province over the past three years. In a toast to R. W. Bro. Jackson. Most W. Bro. J. C. Barclay, P.G.M.,
supported by V.W. Bro. E. C. Hayton, P.G.D.C., suitably expressed the feelings of all the brethren present.
Both of these well known and distinguished brethren were contemporarires of R. W. Bro. Jackson and had
many years ago occupied with him the principal offices of Lodge Taranaki No. 240, a daughter lodge of
Hawera Lodge.
All will agree, however, that the highlight of the evening was the farewell oration delivered by that "silver
tongued and polished Orator" R. W. Bro. Jackson.
W. Bro. Graeme Laurenson, Master of Hawera Lodg( No. 34, in his welcome to the Provincial Grand Master
said that "he trusted that this evening would remain in the memories of all as a fitting finale to a fine term of
office as Provincial Grand Master" and so, is fact, it turned out to be.
v v v
The following is the reply to a toast proposed by M.W. Bro. Barclay to R.W.
Bro. H. W. Jackson on the occasion of his paying a farewell visit to Hawera
Lodge No. 34.
On an occasion such as this thoughts so crowd the mind that it is difficult to marshal words in any logical
order. However, I want to thank M. W. Bro. Barclay and the supporting speaker, V. W. Bro. Hayton for the
eloquent tributes they have paid to me, an unworthy Prov. G. M. at the close of my term of office, during
which I have received from all lodges the most cordial co-operation and support, and from all brethren a kind
ness and consideraton that I shall long treasure in my heart.
I followed in the footsteps of R.W. Bro Oakley brother with one of those robot minds where everything
is so tidily pigeonholed that a mistake is
unthinkable, who discharged the duties of his office
with a meticulous thoroughness which I could never
hope to emulate. He had, too, fostered a warm spirit
among the lodges so that I can truthfully say that I
had handed to me a most friendly institution
functioning with marvellous efficiency. With what
little ability I possess, I have tried to maintain the
standard that he set, have endeavoured to give help
and encouragement wherever it may have been
needed and by regional conferences with Masters
and Officers of the lodges, have tried to iron out all
those little difficulties which from time to time arise.
I should like to acknowledge the great debt of grati-
tude which I owe to M. W. Bro. Barclay. I have fre-
quently journeyed down to his home to discuss with
him some of my problems, when he has always most
generously placed at my disposal the benefit of his wide experience and his sound knowledge of Masonic
procedure.
My three years of office as Prov. G.M. have been a wonderful and unforgettable experience. During that time
I have formed fraternal associations with innumerable brethren not only in our own district, but also through-
out the whole Dominion. And how one touch of nature makes the whole world kin, for everywhere I have
found all differences of creed or colour, of race and rank dissolve in the magic solvent of fraternal affection.
If I had followed the inclinations of my own heart, I should have continued in office but:—
"Alas that Spring should vanish with the rose,
And youth's sweet manuscript should close;
The nightingale that in the branches sang,
Ah, whence and whither flown again, who knows?"
As the grim old timekeeper of the years points an accusing finger to 75, I feel that it is only by the mercy of
God that I enjoy my present health of mind and body, and it would be quite unfair to play a game of chance
with fate when the welfare of an organisation so dear to my heart depends in no small measure upon the
efficiency and dynamic leadership of its Prov. G.M.
It is with some sorrow that I lay aside the tinsel and trappings of office for I realise that at my stage of life
this marks a milestone. There can be no starting again and young ambition's ladder will no more help me
scale desired height. I go to join that band of Past Grand officers who through the years have given so much
of themselves in the service of the Craft. As I leave the footlights for the wings, I think I hear old Khayam
slyly say:—
Think, in this battered caravanserai,
Whose doorways are alternate night and day,
How Sultan after Sultan with his pomp,
Abode his hour or two, and went his way.
Most of those who have held this office in this District have long since gone to their reward. Down time's
pathway ring the names of Corkill, Fookes, Sargent, Ewing, Rogers, McAllister, Simmonds and Niblock —
great men, Brethren, whose glory is not dimmed even in death:—
"And when thyself with shining foot shall pass,
Among the guests star-scattered on the grass,
And in thy joyous errand reach the spot
Where they made one, turn down an empty glass."
Of those who survive, R. W. Bro. Richardson is bowed low beneath the weight of years and ill-health, I
spent an hour with him today. He is still cheerful and retains his interest in the Craft; he sends through me
the greetings he cannot convey in person. But M.W. Bro. Barclay, R.W. Bros. Woofindin and Oakley are
still keen and active brethen, rich in Masonic knowledge and ready to make many a useful contribution to the
welfare of the Craft.
I should like to take this opportunity of extending my warm thanks to the Brethren who have assembled here
tonight, for the friendly manner in which they have received me, and for the help which they have always
been so ready to give. With the passing years one's ability to remember names and faces sadly diminishes, I
have been embarrassed to know that I have passed without recognition, Brethren in the street. Such conduct
is apt to be misunderstood. Should I thus treat any of you who are present, I trust that you will slap me on the
back and say, "What cheer, Herb. Care for an acid drop?"
May I acknowledge too, my great indebtedness to all those G.L. officers, past and present, who have with
unfailing regularity, rallied to my support, and made my duties both easy and pleasant by their efficient
service. Among those I would specially remember
Bro. Alec Ramsay, who for so many years has acted
as Trumpeter at every installation in the District. He
has not always enjoyed good health and I know that
sometimes it has required a distinct effort on his part
to face a long journey. But he has travelled
thousands of miles with me and his trumpet's silver voice has given a touch of chiselled perfection to many a
glorious ceremony.
I have been fortunate too, in the G.D.C.s who have served with me. I remember the late V.W. Bro. Andrew
Macleod who literally diced with death as he carried out his duties, but ill health could not prevent his being
faithful to his sacred trust. He completed his last installation, and then, his duty done, sank to his last long
rest. I have been splendidly served by his two successors V. W. Bros. Cyril Rivers and Lance Storm whose
handling of what I consider the most difficult of all G.L. offices has left nothing to be desired."
I take this opportunity of congratulating R.W. Bro. David McCormick on his selection by the M.W. the G.M.
for the high and responsible office of Dep. G.M. I trust that his year of office may be a happy one for him but
of more importance still useful to the Craft.
My warmest thanks are due too to the W.M. of this Lodge, W. Bro. Laurenson for inviting me to pay this
farewell visit tonight, and for arranging for the presence of representatives from all the lodges in this part of
the district. We have a band of W.M.s of whom we are truly proud and I know that Hawera Lodge does not
lack of appreciation of W. Bro. Laurenson who brings to his Masonic duties the same concentrated thought
and attention that he gives to designing those splendid buildings which will stand as a monument to his
genius long after he has laid aside the instruments of his profession.
And finally, Br. I hand over with confidence to my successor, V. W. Bro. Vic. Howell, the privilege and
burdens of office, knowing full well that he will discharge those duties with distinguished ability, courtesy
and tact.
In the course of my reply, I have quoted from Omar Khayyam. May I fade out to the gentle music of James
Elroy Flecker:—
"Sweet to ride at evening from the wells,
When shadows pass gigantic on the sand,
And softly through the silence hear the bells
Along the golden road to Samarkand."
———————
SOUTHLAND
The first installation meetings of the year were held at Arrowtown on February 19, and Queenstown on
February 20. As usual both meetings were well attended, visiting brethren, including Rt. W. Bro. G. C. Sim,
Prov.G.M. and a good following of the G. L. Officers.
All craft Lodges have resumed after being in recess for the month of January.
On February 13, the Master, officers and a number of brethren of Lodge Southern Cross No. 9 paid an
official visit to Lodge Wairaki No. 145 and conducted the First Degree.
Master Masons of Lodge Gordon No. 320 were given the opportunity of giving the various charges in the
first degree at their regular meeting held on February 3.
———————
OTAGO
The February meeting of Lodge St. Clair, No. 246
opened on a sad note following the death of Most
Worshipful Brother William Lishner, Past Grand
Master, who was a foundation member of the Lodge.
Brethren stood in silence as a tribute to M.W. Bro.
Lishner's memory. The Treasurer (Bro. A. G. E.
Patterson) presented the Lodge's annual financial
statements which showed a satisfactory surplus, and
were adopted.
A candidate was Initiated into Freemasonry, and there
was a good attendance of Brethren and visitors
including fourteen Sitting Masters.
v v v
The Brethren of Achilles Lodge No. 10 presented V.W. Bro. S.F. Chalmers, Asst. Prov. G.M. with a D.C.'s
Jewel. V.W. Bro. Chalmers was invested as D.C. in 1951 and occupied that chair till the November meeting
in 1959 with commendable distinction.
v v v
We have lost two very popular Brethren, W. Bro. P. Clair, member of District G. L., E. C. and M.W. Bro. W.
Lishner, P.G.M. who was so actively associated with Almoners' duties.
v v v
R.E. Comp. Axel Newton, P.G.J., has been honoured by the receipt of the Certificate from the G.C. of R.A.
Masons of Saskatchewan Constituting and Appointing him their representative of G.C. in New Zealand.
TENNESSEE - 1959
Annual Proceedings of the M.W. Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Tennessee. March, 1959.
Grand Master, presiding: M.W. Bro. W. J. Sanders.
Grand Master, elected: M.W. Bro. E. G. Frizzell.
Grand Secretary: M.W. Bro. T. E. Doss.
Grand representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. R. B. Collier.
Grand representative in N.Z.: R.W. Bro. T. Richardson, P.Prov.G.M.
388 lodges, 87,980 members, net gain 900.
M.W. Bro. W. P. Douglas appears to make a hobby of the review of Foreign Correspondence. It is among the
most thorough and informative published, and provides almost at a glance an admirable conspectus of the
work of many Grand Lodges, including our own. It is quite an outstanding record.
The two Grand Lecturers "made 477 meetings, having a total attendance of 7,105". Their function is, of
course, that of ritual instruction, and not that of a Grand Lecturer in New Zealand.
M.W. Bro. Doss, the Grand Secretary has compiled a historical summary and table of extinct lodges which
are both included in the Proceedings.
———————
ALABAMA - 1957
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Alabama at the 137th Annual Communication held
November 19-20, 1957. Montgomery, Alabama.
Grand Master, presiding: M.W. Bro. C. C. Cooper.
Grand Master, elected: M.W. Bro. E. E. Jackson.
Grand Secretary: R.W. 'Bro. C. H. Stubinger.
Grand representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. H. E. Palmes.
Grand representative in N.Z.: R.W. Bro. F. F. Boustridge, P.Dep.G.M.
434 Lodges, 74,912 members, net gain 1,120.
The Grand Orator traced Freemasonry in Alabama from its beginnings in 1811, when there were only two
white settlements in the territory, with a wilderness between. The first Lodge was consecrated in Huntsville
in that year, and a Grand Lodge was erected ten years later with nine Lodges: the number had risen to
fourteen a year later.
The Grand Secretary made a request, which was approved, to have microfilmed four of the record books,
dated 1821-1900, giving lists of Master Masons and their Masonic records. The film was a gift.
———————
WISCONSIN - 1957
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin, held June 11 and 12, 1957,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Grand Master, presiding: M.W. Bro. E. W. Krauthoefer.
Grand Master, elected: M.W. Bro. A. E. Anderson.
Grand Secretary: R.W. Bro. P. W. Grossenbach.
Grand representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. E. C. Rusten.
Grand representative in N.Z.: R.W. Bro. W. J. Dawson, P.Prov.G.M.
309 Lodges. 64,799 members, net loss 90.
Grand Lodge officers each visit eight or ten Lodges, and at one of these visitations sets of coloured slides
have been shown of the Masonic Home at Dousman: these have succeeded in stimulating great interest in
that activity.
The Wisconsin Freemason has completed thirteen years of publication, and has a circulation of 22,600. It
appears ten times a year.
After a year's occupation the new Grand Lodge Office building continues to give great satisfaction.
The beginning of a programme of full-time hospital visitation in several places was reported on favourably:
the development is a great success.
A feature of Lodges of Instruction during the year has been the very valuable "Lodge Administration"
sessions.
A well-organised "Secretaries' Section" held a most interesting annual meeting, with several addresses and
discussions.
——————
UTAH - 1959
Proceedings of the M.W. Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. of Utah, in its 87th Annual Communication. Occasional
Communications.
Grand Master, presiding: M.W. Bro. W. E. Cushing.
Grand Master, elected: M.W. Bro. C. L. Prisk.
Grand Secretary: R.W. Bro. C. M. Groshell.
Grand representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. A. Cline.
Grand representative in N.Z.: R.W. Bro. J. H. Jerram, P.Dep.G.M.
31 lodges, 6,838 members, net gain 5.
Two new lodges were constituted during the year. Of the relatively small increase in membership the Grand
Master said he felt it was due entirely to business conditions throughout the state and country; present indica-
tions were that things would improve.
The Committee on Charity reported "It is with gratitude that we report that no Brother of this Grand
Jurisdiction required the ever available assistance of the Charity Committee of the Grand Lodge. If some
assistance was required it was attended to by the constituent lodges and did not come to our attention."
A proposal to amend the Code to make it impossible for members of the Mormon Church to visit the Grand
Lodge was not adopted, on the score of embarrassment to sister Grand Lodges which admitted such members
to membership of the Craft, that presence as visitors could not affect the conduct of the work nor give the
visitors anything not already within their knowledge, and that objection could at any time be made locally to
the W.M. at the time permission to visit was considered.
——————
VICTORIA - 1957
Proceedings of the United Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons. Victoria. 1957.
Grand Master, presiding: M.W. Bro. H. E. Sir Dallas Brooks.
Grand Master, elected: M.W. Bro. H. E. Sir Dallas Brooks.
Grand Secretary: R.W. Bro. C. W. Davis.
Grand representative of N.Z.: V.W. Bro. R. J. Mason.
Grand representative in N.Z.: R.W. Bro. T. Johnston, P.Prov.G.M.
781 Lodges, 114,601 members.
At the Freemasons' Hospital statistics for the last quarter show patients treated, 366 (Masonic patients 77%);
operations 330. The construction of the new wing comprising fifty-two beds was near completion; £A50,500
had already been given towards the cost; when completed the hospital would contain 115 beds.
Nearly £A219,000 had been subscribed towards the cost of the Memorial Temple. The total cost is to be
about £A1,000,000, and it is to be a memorial of the visit of Her Majesty the Queen. It will be in the heart of
Melbourne, and will represent almost £A1 per member for ten years.
——————
PENNSYLVANIA - 1957
Abstract of the Proceedings of the R.W. Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free
and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, A.D. 1957, A.L.5957, at Philadelphia.
R.W. Grand Master, presiding: Bro. C. H. Nitsch. R.W.
Grand Master, elected: Bro. S. M. Chilcote. R.W.
Grand Secretary: Bro. G. A. Avery.
Grand representative of N.Z.: System discontinued. Grand representative in N.Z.:
587 lodges, 255,269 members, net gain 2,863.
The R.W. Grand Secretary, Bro. Avery died three days before Christmas, 1957.
The volume contains a stimulating report from the Pennsylvania Masonic Juvenile Court Institute, of which
110 judges, Protestant, Catholic and Jewish—from all over the nation—have become Fellows. "The number
of judges applying for consideration for appointment as Fellows far exceeds the number who can be
accommodated". The material developed in the Institute by the Fellows for understanding and helping
delinquent children is made available by post to some 3,000 United States judges. It is a most imaginative
and fruitful benevolent service.
Two persons were made Freemasons at sight under the Grand Master's prerogative.
There are 56 boys in the Thomas Ranken Patton Masonic Institution, which provides senior high school
education to college entrance level. Each boy in addition is taught carpentry, machine shop practice or
electronics. The educational and other endowments of this Grand Lodge are very considerable. An
illustration shows handsome extensions to the Philadelphia Freemasons' Memorial Hospital, one of several
Homes maintained by the Grand Lodge. Another shows the handsome and unusual Masonic Temple of the
Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown.
The Report on the Library shows healthy development and use.