The Cornerstone – July 2018
Annual Charity Dinner, July 2018
Charity is the Cornerstone of Freemasonry and the District of South Africa North was proud to be able to assist various charities over the past year. Its charitable efforts culminated in the Annual Charity Dinner in July 2018.
During the past financial year, donations to both Non-Masonic and Masonic Charities reported by our Lodges, amounted to a total of R 1.8 million, an increase of some R700 000 from last year, indicating the generosity and hard work of the Brethren.
Of this amount, some R 1,14 million was made available to District for disbursement and the balance of some R 663 000 was disbursed directly from Lodges to various charities.
During his address, the District Grand Master, RW Bro. Prof. Guy Charlesworth made specific mention of the following Lodges for their outstanding charity contributions.
Corona (R 319 600), Norwood (R 200 060), Woodlands (R 120 000), Verona (R 110 000),
University (R 100 000), Gaborone (R 53 500) and Kosmos (R 52 500).
The District Samaritan Fund, increased by R 183,764 during the year and now stands at just over R 1.50 million. This fund is for the potential use of Brethren and their Families. Please remind your Lodge Almoners that the Fund is there in cases of need. Applications can be made to the Board of Benevolence.
In addition, 2017 / 2018 saw a contribution of R196 000 to the Transvaal Inter-Constitutional Ma- sonic Charity (TIMC), towards grants-in-aid and Educational Bursaries. Currently, in our District, there are some 24 recipients receiving grants-in-aid, and 3 receiving Bursaries.
The District have donated R 29 million to charities over the past 23 years. An outstanding achievement!
CHARITY RECIPIENTS
In addition to non-masonic charities there is a considerable sum of money spent on two further aspects which directly include Masons and their families. These include monthly benevolent grants and educational bursaries.
Currently, benevolent grants to the value of R 1 920 per grant per month, are disbursed to 27 recipients throughout our District. This money supplements the often-small amounts that the recipients have to live on.
In addition, educational bursaries to the maximum value of R 38 000 are awarded to suitably qualified masonic dependants. We currently have three such bursaries running in our District.
One such recipient is Ms Maria Magdalena Hattingh, who is studying education at the Potchefstroom campus of North West University. Ms Hattingh achieved outstanding results in her first year of study in 2017 which has led to her being invited to membership of the Golden Key Society. The Golden Key is a society that provides international recognition for high academic achievement.
With the assistance of Scania, a donation of R 58 000 was made to the Home of Home which looks after trafficked and abused women in Johannesburg . In addition Netcare donated furniture and linen to the same home.
It is important to note that all of the charity recipients listed hereunder were nominated by a brother in our District for consideration by the District Board of Benevolence.
- Epilepsy Mpumalanga received R 30 000 towards their sustainability in the light of diminishing funds from
- R 30 000 was donated to Meals on Wheels. An NGO which assists the poor and needy in the inner city of
- Kwakha Indvodza (Building a man) is a Swaziland based NGO which received a R 30 000 donation. Their aim is to teach young people skills that will equip them to get jobs and live a useful life with
- The SA Depression & Anxiety Group (SADAG) runs national programmes on Depression and Anxiety and Teenage Suicide awareness. In recognition of the work that they do, the District will sponsor and co-brand printing of their brochures for national distribution to the value of R 50 000.
- Read to Rise is a Children’s literacy project based in Johannesburg and Cape town. The facilitator was in dire need of transportation and was given a vehicle
- Cotlands run community based programmes focused on Children in 6 of the 9 provinces. The District has donated a vehicle to the value of R 250 000.00 to be used as a community based Toy Library in the North West
- A donation of R 40 000 will be made to the Doric Lodge Food Tunnel Initiative based in Polokwane and the District Children’s Teddy Bear Initiative will also benefit to the value of R 50
- R 15 000 will be given to the San Salvador home for intellectually handicapped adult women in Johannesburg to assist in their food garden and
- The primary donation for this financial year was allocated to Downs Association Tshwane, for use in a capital construction project to extend their premises in Pretoria. This will enable them to increase their outreach programme. The District has allocated R 300 000 to this project and construction will commence
The total sum donated to non-masonic charities was R 930 000.
FREEMASONRY SOUTH AFRICA INITIATIVES – W Bro. Simon Knutton
The UGLE Tercentenary celebrations during 2017 have given rise to an increased awareness both externally and internally to the positive influences of Freemasonry. Press and Social Media have been used extensively to educate and promote the Craft and have gone a long way to improving the public perception of Freemasonry in general. Such efforts cannot be allowed to fizzle out and we cannot afford to allow our fraternity to disappear back into the shadows again.
It is very clear that the enthusiasm which the celebrations generated within the South African lodges must be further developed on the basis of “300 Years and beyond”.
With this in mind, a number of short and long term initiatives are being implemented within the District of South Africa North adding to the efforts of the other districts of English Freemasonry in South Africa.
The Teddy Bear Initiative:
Back in October 1999, Freemason Ian Simpson took his wife, Angela, to Southend Hospital’s Accident & Emergency (A&E) unit after she had an allergic reaction causing her windpipe to swell and block. Anxious and frightened, the couple decided to do something to say thank you to the A&E staff and, with the help of Ian’s lodge, the Teddies For Loving Care appeal was born.
Teddies For Loving Care (TLC) is a simple idea. Freemasons donate money to their lodge’s TLC appeal, and the appeal (organised by each individual Province / District) donates teddy bears to the local A&E to be given to distressed children receiving treatment. To date in England 2 million Teddies have been donated.
The Teddy Bear Initiative – South Africa
Grand Lodge has made R 50 000 available for English Freemasonry in South Africa to implement a Teddy Bear project. It has been proposed that instead of making Teddy Bears available all year round in the Hospitals, that we distribute them to hospitals annually on Children’s day (Saturday 3rd November 2018).
South Africa North has sourced a supplier and has put aside R30 000 for this project. As a starting point, a circular will be sent to every lodge in our District, asking them to identify a government hospital or clinic in their area, and to find out how many bears would be required to ensure that every child undergoing treatment in that facility receives a bear. They could then place an order and distribute the teddy bears to the hospital on Children’s day.
English Freemasonry Website
An English Freemasonry Website www.freemasonrysa.org has been established. The website links all 6 English Districts and has an enquiry form that can be filled out. On completion, the form will automatically be directed to the district that the enquiry emanated. The website will also capture an amount of important information that can be used to help us with our marketing.
Consolidated Marketing Documents
In an attempt to reduce costs and maximize exposure, marketing documents such as A Freemasonry “Answers to Frequently Asked Questions” information sheet will be created. Another idea is to design a business card which has “Freemasonry 2B1 Ask 1” on it along with a bar code that can be scanned with a Smart phone. The scan will link to a simple form that can be fill out asking for more information. The card will also give the website address for those who do not have the bar code scanner available.
WIDOWS SONS VISIT TO THE MUGG AND TREE – W Bro. Lance Epstein
On the 24th June 2018, the Central and East Rand Chapters of the Widows Sons visited the Mugg and Tree (Community Centre / Soup Kitchen) in Krugersdorp. The Mugg and Tree feeds over 100 people a day and serves as an after care for children.
The Widows Sons raised over R16 500.00 in the form of food parcels, blankets, clothing and toys. 40 Kids were in attendance and each received a McDonalds happy Meal and a toy parcel.
OUTSTANDING SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS
The 11th Muzzle Loader Associations’ International Confederation world long range muzzle loading championships was held at Adelaide, South Australia 8-14 October 2017.
The Black Powder Shooting Union of South Africa made representation to South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) for Christopher van Gaalen to wear Protea Colours whilst representing the Republic of South Africa as a member of the South African Team.
In 2016 Chris represented South Africa at the World Short Range Championships in Hungary, receiving his first Protea Cap. This time round in Adelaide, South Australia, the distances ranged from 300 to 1000 metres. Contrary to hot, dry and windy conditions expected, wet, cold and windy was the order or the day. With tough conditions on hand no new world records were achieved. When the final scores were tallied, Grand Aggregate placed South Africa second behind the USA.
Not just a flash in the pan, Chris finished the competition ranked sixth ahead of his team mates, all making the illustrious “Top Ten”. He competed with a Replica Pedersoli Gibbs .45 calibre target rifle. First produced in 1865, this modest design is renowned for being extremely accurate. What’s next? Besides local, Provincial and National competitions he will compete in the 2018 World Short Range championships, Austria
GRAND LODGE AND SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER APPOINTMENTS 2017
– W Bro. Guss Southgate
The Right Worshipful District Grand Master, Prof. Guy Charlesworth wishes to inform all the Brethren of the District of South Africa, North and offer congratulations on their behalf to the following Brethren who have received Grand Rank Promotions and 1st Appointments this year.
Grand Lodge Appointments:
1st Appointments:
W Bro. G Williams PAGDC W Bro. P Knight PAGDC W Bro. S Hansen PGStB W Bro. J Ebdy PGStB
Promotions:
VW Bro. C van Gaalen PGSwdB
W Bro. BR Glanville PJGD
W Bro. P Moore PJGD
Supreme Grand Chapter Appointments:
1st Appointments:
E Comp. D Penrose PGStB
E Comp. C van Gaalen PGStB
E Comp. I Purdon PAGDC
E Comp. AR Ball PAGDC
Promotions:
E Comp. B McDermott PAGSoj
WITSWATERSRAND LODGE No.3745
ACTIVE OFFICERS 2018/2019
| DepDistGM | VW.Bro. Christopher van Gaalen | Ionic | 3235 |
| ADistGM | W.Bro. Brian F McDermott | United Services | 2967 |
| ADistGM | W.Bro. Charles N Burn | Universal Friendship | 9042 |
| ADistGM | W.Bro. Simon C Knutton | St Michael’s | 8643 |
| ADistGM | W.Bro. Tim Timothy J Smith | Park Lane | 8657 |
| DistSGW | W.Bro. Sean Heathcote | University | 7327 |
| DistJGW | W.Bro. Alan R Clothier | Boksburg | 2480 |
| DistGChap | W.Bro. Vernon H van Wyk | Universal Friendship | 9042 |
| DistGTreas | W.Bro. W Colin Richmond | Semper Vigilans | 7362 |
| DistGReg | W.Bro. Kevin J Hyde | Golden Harvest | 9234 |
| PresDistBoardGP | W.Bro. Mike Michael S Edy | Corona | 2731 |
| DistGSec | W.Bro. Guss Guthrie J Southgate | Transvaal Jubilee | 6143 |
| PresDistBoardBen | W.Bro. Chris Christopher Adams | Lyceum Lodge of Research | 8682 |
| DistGDC | W.Bro. Andre’ Ferreira | Johannesburg | 2313 |
| DistGSwdB | W.Bro. Dudley D Poulton | Arcadia | 7149 |
| DistGSuptWks | W.Bro. Christopher C Reynolds | Emrys | 3259 |
| DistGAlm | W.Bro. Woody Richard J Woodward | Norwood | 3149 |
| DistDepGDC | W.Bro. Charles W Fox | University | 7327 |
| DistDepGDC | W.Bro. Guy D Rae | Exsequi | 8994 |
| DistDepGDC | W.Bro. Leighton B Shaw | Transvaal | 1747 |
| DistGOrator | W.Bro. Dick Bernard R Glanville | Prosperity | 2607 |
| DistGMentor | W.Bro. Philip Heydenrych | Transvaal District Grand Stewards | 8192 |
| DistSGD | W.Bro. Daniel J S Macqueen | Bryanston | 7815 |
| DistSGD | W.Bro. Phil Phillip M Venn | Union | 7081 |
| DistSGD | W.Bro. Serge Srdjan Obradovich | Emulation Lodge of | 8717 |
| DistJGD | W.Bro. Ian T McKinley | Acacia | 3260 |
| DistJGD | W.Bro. John M M Mehliss | Flame Lily | 8540 |
| DistJGD | W.Bro. John T Beare | Witwatersrand | 3745 |
| DistAGSec | W.Bro. Donovan M Oschger | Emrys | 3259 |
| DistAGDC | W.Bro. Adam L Simcock | Clifton | 2748 |
| DistAGDC | W.Bro. | Eric P Hackett | Temperance | 3215 |
| DistAGDC | W.Bro. | Gordon W Harrison | Boksburg St John | 8642 |
| DistAGDC | W.Bro. | Lance M Joseph | Union | 7081 |
| DistGOrg | W.Bro. | Philip Gert L P Kruger | Prosperity | 2607 |
| DistGStB | W.Bro. | Keith L Bright | University | 7327 |
| DistGStB | W.Bro. | Reenen J Coetzer | Ionic | 3235 |
| DistGPurs | W.Bro. | Jose M P Q Coelho | Vernon | 2774 |
| DistGStwd | W.Bro. | Adriaan D Baker | Premier Diamond | 3172 |
| DistGStwd | W.Bro. | J Fernando Barradas | Kensington | 4893 |
| DistGStwd | W.Bro. | James M Veal | Baden Powell | 9370 |
| DistGStwd | W.Bro. | Mark R Mohring | Verona | 8187 |
| DistGStwd | W.Bro. | Pete Peter W Atteridge | Norwood | 3149 |
| DistGStwd | W.Bro. | Vlastimir Obradovich | Jack Folly | 8335 |
| DistGTyler | W.Bro. | (Jerry) John A E Davies | Doornfontein | 2585 |
ACTIVE OFFICERS 2018/2019
| DepGSupt | E. Comp. | Tim Timothy J Smith | Fairview | 3010 |
| 2ndDistGPrin | E. Comp. | Vaughn P Williams | Orphic | 5949 |
| 3rdDistGPrin | E. Comp. | Tom Thomas J Korff | Gold Fields | 2478 |
| Asst to DistGPrins | E. Comp. | Lance A Epstein | Transvaal Jubilee | 6143 |
| PresDistComGP | E. Comp. | Richard Moore | Apollo | 3437 |
| DistGSE | E. Comp. | Guss Guthrie J Southgate | Transvaal Jubilee | 6143 |
| DistGSN | E. Comp. | Paul S Knight | Clarendon | 7041 |
| DistGTreas | E. Comp. | Charles N Burn | Apollo | 3437 |
| DistGReg | E. Comp. | Kevin J Hyde | Golden Harvest | 9234 |
| DistGDC | E. Comp. | Ian Fraser | Johannesburg | 2313 |
| DistGSwdB | E. Comp. | Dieter K Dreyer | Hillbrow | 3046 |
| DistDepGDC | E. Comp. | Lawrence J Atrash | Prosperity | 2607 |
| DistDepGDC | E. Comp. | Rory J Jones | Orphic | 5949 |
| DistGSoj | E. Comp. | Mike Michael D Smith | Doornfontein | 2585 |
| Dist1stAGSoj | E. Comp. | Glenn C Rae | Apollo | 3437 |
| Dist2ndAGSoj | E. Comp. | Peter W Veal | Johannesburg | 2313 |
| DistAGSE | E. Comp. | Brandon G Eatwell | Prosperity | 2607 |
| DistGStB | E. Comp. | Bogdan J Milewski | Flame Lily | 8540 |
| DistGStB | E. Comp. | Patrick B Shortt | Hillbrow | 3046 |
| DistGOrg | E. Comp. | Philip Gert L P Kruger | Prosperity | 2607 |
| DistAGDC | E. Comp. | Bill William J Hynds | Fairview | 3010 |
| DistAGDC | E. Comp. | Carl P de Montille | Orphic | 5949 |
| DistGStwd | E. Comp. | JM Jean-Michel Girard | Vernon | 2774 |
| DistGStwd | E. Comp. | Mark G Smith | Pretoria United | 6017 |
| DistGStwd | E. Comp. | Roland Dunstan | Apollo | 3437 |
| DistGStwd | E. Comp. | Vojin Djordjevic | Vernon | 2774 |
| DistGJan | E. Comp. | (Jerry) John A E Davies | Doornfontein | 2585 |
- Published in The Cornerstone
The Cornerstone – December 2017
A MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT GRAND MASTER
As we approach the Festive Season, I would like to extend to you and your Family my very best wishes for a Blessed Christmas and to the Members of the Jewish Faith, a Happy Festival of Chanukah.
This year has been one of the most successful Masonic years in our District. Not only have we had an increase in Members, but we have been able to participate in celebrating 300 years of English Freemasonry.
Recently in London, several of us had the opportunity of attending the Tercentenary event at the Royal Albert Hall where we were able to enjoy with immense pride, an outstanding performance of the past 300year-old history of our Order.
Earlier in the year, our own District had an excellent celebratory event at the Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg, where we enjoyed a symphonic performance of music based on the work of prominent Masonic composers from the past 300 years, under the baton of Richard Cock. Also throughout the District, many of our Lodges have successfully held their own celebrations ranging from banquets and dinners to sporting events and potjiekos competitions.
Whilst we have been able to reflect on our past history with immense pride, we look to the future of this wonderful Order and our District with confidence and enthusiasm.
May the New Year bring Peace, Joy and Good Health to you and your loved ones.
DEPUTY DISTRICT GRAND MASTER – CHRIS VAN GAALEN
Christopher is the first born son of Hans and Yvonne van Gaalen and was born in Gauteng on the 9th of April 1968.
During his years at Primrose Primary School, Chris joined the swimming team and played the trumpet in the school’s brass band. He was appointed as Head Boy for his final year.
Following his successful primary school career, Chris attended the Bedfordview Technical High school where he was appointed as Cadet Band Major. Chris didn’t consider himself much of an
athlete nor an “A” student, but his leadership skills again came to the fore as he was selected as the Head Boy for the year 1986.
After completing his National Service as a Commissioned Officer, Chris was employed at
Haggie Rand where he served an apprenticeship as a pupil engineer and Superintendent of the wire drawing department. During this period, he completed a National Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering T4. Chris now runs the family business as a third generation Managing Director.
Chris and his wife, Ena, will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary next February. They have two children, Kerri-Anne who is in her first year studying Biological Science and Simon who is in grade 10.
As a Lewis, Chris was initiated into Freemasonry in 1995 in The Ionic Lodge No. 3235. He is a past master of The Ionic, Germiston and Royal Edward Lodge. He is also a Past Master in Lyceum Lodge of Research, Transvaal District Grand Stewards and President Lodge (University scheme Lodge). He holds membership in the following side orders: Mark, Royal Ark Mariners, Operatives, Knights Templar, Red Cross of Constantine and Rose Croix. Finally, he is a member of Loge Eendracht Maakt Macht nr 88, Onder het Grootoosten der Nederlanden Oosten.
Chris received his first District appointment in 2004 as DistGStwd. This was followed by DistAGDC in 2005, a three year stint as DistDepGDC (2006 – 2009) and DistGDC between 2009 and 2011. He was promoted to PJGD in 2012 and PSGD in 2017. 6 years as Assistant District Grand Master has culminated in his latest appointment as Deputy District Grand Master.
ASSISTANT DISTRICT GRAND MASTER – CHARLES BURN
Charles Burn was Initiated into Universal Friendship Lodge No. 9042 EC in November 1995. His proposer into Freemasonry, Adrian Durrant, is a long time friend from primary school and the son of the Charter Master of the Lodge.
Charles went through the Chair of the Lodge in 2002/2003 and again in 2008/2009. His first District appointment was as District Grand Steward in 2006 which was followed by a two year stint (from 2007 to 2009) as District Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
He was appointed as District Grand Treasurer in 2011, a position which he held for six years before being appointed Assistant District Grand Master.
Earlier this year, Charles was thrilled to have travelled to London to attend the Annual Investiture with the MW the Grand Master HRH the Duke of Kent appointing him Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Charles is also a member of the Transvaal District Grand Stewards Lodge No 8942 EC and the Woodlands Lodge No 3668 EC.
Charles was Exalted into Apollo Royal Arch Chapter in February 2002, served as Zerubbabel of the Chapter in 2008, was appointed as DistAGDC in 2013 and District Grand Treasurer in 2017.
He was Perfected into the Witwatersrand Chapter No. 297 Rose Croix in November 2002 and Enthroned as Sovereign of the Chapter in 2012. He was appointed as Treasurer of the South African Branch Council in November 2012 and continues to hold this position. The 33° was conferred on Charles in January 2015 and he was appointed as Inspector General of the District of South Africa North East in January 2016.
In term of side degrees, Charles is a member the Gemini Conclave No. 41 and District Grand Sword Bearer in the Order of the Secret Monitor. He is also a member of both Corona Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 557 and the Johannesburg Preceptory No. 160 of the Knights Templar. He continues as treasurer of the Transvaal Inter-Constitutional Masonic Charity.
ASSISTANT DISTRICT GRAND MASTER – SIMON KNUTTON
Simon Knutton was initiated into St Michaels Lodge no. 8643 in August 1997 when it was still meeting in the Anglican Church in Bryanston. Mentored by W Bro. Paul Stocken, he went through the Chair in 2005/2006
As a result of the close association with Boksburg St John, he became a joining member of that Lodge in 2006 and took the Chair in 2008 and 2009. Following on from this, Simon received his first active District appointment as District Grand Steward in 2009.
He continued his active duty as an ADC in 2010, Deputy DC from 2011 to 2015 and as the District Grand Director of Ceremonies from 2015 until his appointment to Assistant District Grand Master at the 2017 Annual Meeting.
In between his District commitments, Simon is also PZ of Denver RA Chapter, a PM of Corona Mark Lodge and Past Commander of both the Cinderella Royal Ark Mariner & Transvaal Installed RAM Commanders. He was promoted to Grand Rank in the Mark at the Annual Investitures of Mark Masonry in June 2017.
Not content with three Craft chairs behind him, he was Worshipful Master of St Michaels again in 2014 and was the WM of Pyramid Lodge no. 5003 in Naboomspruit from 2015 until 2017.
Happily married to Cindy for almost 25 years, his daughter and son are both undergraduates at Stellenbosch University – Keeley is going into her 4th year of an LLB Environmental Law and Chaz into his second year of Civil Engineering.
Outside of Masonic activity, Simon is very active on his Mountain Bike and has competed in nu- merous long distance and stage race events this year – he even took his bike to Mauritius during the Installation week in September where he “rode over the island and back for a decent Cappuccino” . . . 122km and over 1100m of climbing.
In his on words, “Masonry has done some great things in my personal development and my relationship with others”
WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE IN 2018
– W Bro. Chris Adams, President District Board of Benevolence
The Board of Benevolence (BOB) is a formal structure within the District which was formed to manage the physical and mental wellbeing of Brethren and their families, as well as, attend to various recommendations in respect of masonic grants, educational bursaries and charitable donations.
We are in place as a service entity to deliver relevant services to the Brethren and their families within our District. We cannot however work in isolation and rely heavily upon input from WMs, Lodge Almoners and Lodge Secretaries. To accomplish this, we intend to develop good communication throughout the entire District, involving all Brethren. We have started and will continue to circulate a regular newsletter “Benevolence matters” that will be distributed to all – we do of course ask that you share this with your families. As communication must always be bi-directional we have established a dedicated email address for communication to BOB
benevolence@freemason-jhb.org.za , We welcome any input or queries.
We are currently working on several projects for our term of office. These include building on and updating the list of both general and masonry specific benefits which should be available to each lodge in their Almoners manuals. If you don’t know what the Almoners manual is then I suggest to ask your Almoner and WM!
We are looking at organising a Wellness day at Park Lane and if successful using it as a model for similar ventures around all areas in the District.
We are gauging interest in implementing a “hospital visitor” program and have called for volunteers who would be willing to visit Brethren who have taken ill. So far response has been very slow and we urge you to contact us if you can assist.
In closing , if your lodge has no working scheduled you could always approach BOB to come and give a presentation on the work we do and why we think we are an important part of the District. The one thing to keep in mind is that we would need some notice to schedule the presentation
COMMEMORATING A 1925 FOUNDATION-STONE LAYING
On 18 November 2017, Unanimity Lodge no. 3372 and Pyramid Lodge no. 5003 held a combined regular meeting at the Chapel on the Klipspruit farm in the Entabeni Nature reserve in Potgietersrus. The meeting was to commemorate the laying of a Foundation stone which took place on 23 May 1925.
The Foundation-stone was to mark the building of a Church by Brother JB Goodrich, dedicated to the glory of T.G.A.O.T.U., in honour of Freemasonry and Sacred to the memory of his wife Evelyn Agatha Goodrich.
Following the opening of the Lodge and general business, the Lodge was adjourned so that Brethren, including the RW DG Master W Bro. GS Bent Andrews could proceeded to the farm “ENERGLYN” in the district of Waterberg.
The WM, W Bro. Gilbertson proceeded to the laying of the foundation stone in due and Ancient form.
Background to the foundation stone:
In the ceremony of depositing the corner-stone, the sacred elements of masonic consecration are produced and the stone is solemnly set apart by pouring corn, wine and oil upon its surface.
Each of these elements has a beautiful significance in our symbolism.
Collectively, they allude to the Corn of Nourishment, the Wine of Refreshment, and the Oil of Joy, which are the promised rewards of a faithful and diligent performance of duty and often specifically refer to the anticipated success of the Lodge they have consecrated.
They are, in fact, types and symbols of all those abundant gifts of Divine Providence for which we are daily called upon to make an offering of our thanks and which are enumerated by King David in his catalogue of blessings, as “wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.”
THE ROYAL ARCH AND THE CRAFT
In 2012 and again in 2014 the ME Pro First Grand Principal addressed the appointment of Royal Arch Representatives in Craft Lodges and the taking of wine with Royal Arch Members at Craft Festive Boards. This was in line with the recommendation of a strategic working party set up in 2012 to promote membership into the Holy Royal Arch Order.
The following address was given in 2014:
“The relationship between the Craft and the Royal Arch – specifically covering two issues, firstly, the selection of Royal Arch representatives in Craft Lodges and secondly, the taking of wine with Royal Arch members at Craft Festive Boards.
The appointments and monitoring of the Royal Arch Representative in a Craft Lodge needs careful consideration. There has been debate as to who is responsible for this important appointment. In Provinces and Districts, where the Provincial / District Grand Master and Grand Superintendent are the same, there should be no issue. However, where the heads of the two orders are different, I believe it essential that the Provincial / District Grand Master and Grand Superintendent liaise. The appointment should never be a “tick in the box” exercise.
As a member of the Royal Arch, the Representative will need to have sufficient knowledge about the merits of joining the Order and be able to work closely with the Lodge Mentor. In many instances, it could be best that a member should be approached at the same time that he receives his Grand Lodge Certificate. I know from experience that there is a balance between judging whether someone will enjoy the Royal Arch, with the right time for that individual to join.
This timing is also pressurized by the concern that an individual will be approached to join one of the side orders first if there is any delay in recruitment. I continue to believe that there is a good stage to brief Master Masons on the merit of the Royal Arch, but that the actual timing of joining should be linked to each individual’s appetite for Masonic advancement and personal circumstances.
For those of you who are very involved with the side orders, please do not think that I am in any way against Craft members joining them, far from it. However, I do firmly believe that the Royal Arch should be the first priority.
As for wine taking with Royal Arch members at Craft Festive Boards – I believe that this custom should be treated sensitively – in any event the decision should lie in the hands of each Provincial / District Grand Master. I can see a case for this WHERE A CHAPTER IS LINKED TO A CRAFT LODGE – but even so, it is recommended that the wine taking is conducted with everyone sitting down, so that those who are not members of the Order are not embarrassed or
– worse still – pounced on with a joining application.”
TEARS AND TEDDY BEARS
The Widows Sons continues to grow from strength to strength with approximately 200 members across five provinces. The organisation has a strong focus on charity and the Central Chapter recently held one of the most tear jerking charity drives of the year when they donated teddy bears to the Pretoria Masonic Haven. These teddies are used as an aid in Alzheimer treatments.
Following this moving visit, the Chapter donated approximately 800 DVD’s and equipment required for the special room used to care for these Alzheimer sufferers.
- Published in The Cornerstone
The Cornerstone – September 2017
TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
2017 sees the celebration of 300 years of English Freemasonry. The District has held various functions to commemorate this landmark event.
PHOTOWALK AND OPEN DAY AT FREENASONS HALL
“As the daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Freemasons, it was such an exciting opportunity for me to attend the recent photo walk and open day at Freemason’s Hall in Park Lane. The historic building, with all its intricacies, took my breath away and I was lucky enough to arrive early enough to capture the golden morning light filling the halls and casting the most perfect shadows across the entrance passage. It really is a photographer’s dream. It was so interesting learning more about Freemasonry in South Africa and I was so impressed by the charity work which is fulfilled by the organisation’s members – it made me proud to be connected to Freemasonry.” – Kelly Adams, a freelance photographer and content creator at Kelly Can Photography and daughter of Chris Adams.
300 YEARS OF MASONIC MUSIC
On Saturday 15 July, Masons, family and friends headed out to the Linder Auditorium, where well known conductor, Richard Cock treated guests to a magical evening of Masonic Music.
The evening included an array of music, all composed by Freemasons. The variety of music on offer was spell bounding with classical works of Mozart and Haydn, to the more recent marches of Sousa, some Jazz from Duke Ellington and Irving Berlin and even the Major General’s song of Sir Arthur Sullivan. it was certainly a memorable evening that was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.
LODGE OF EMULATION – POTJIE COMPETITION
GRAND LODGE AND SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER APPOINTMENTS 2017
– W Bro. David Pickard
The Right Worshipful District Grand Master, Prof. Guy Charlesworth wishes to inform all the Brethren of the District of South Africa, North and offer congratulations on their behalf to the following Brethren who have received Grand Rank Promotions and 1st Appointments this year.
Grand Lodge Appointments:
1st Appointments:
W Bro. CN Burn PAGDC Universal Friendship Lodge No. 9042
W Bro. RJ Lipnicki PAGDC Boksburg Lodge No. 2480
W.Bro. DI Pickard PAGDC King Edward Lodge No. 3004
Promotions:
W Bro. C van Gaalen PSGD Ionic Lodge No. 3235
W Bro. CM Wiehahn PJGD Benoni Lodge No. 3157
Supreme Grand Chapter Appointments:
1st Appointments:
E Comp. DI Pickard PGStB King Edward Chapter No. 3004
E Comp. GB Winter PGStB Acacia Chapter No. 3260
Promotions:
E Comp. DJ Gamble PAGSoj Royal George Chapter No. 2643
OUT AND ABOUT IN LONDON
Above: Companions at the festive board at the Connaught Rooms in April of this year
Right: Companions at The Prince of Wales pub in Great Queen Street next to Freemasons Hall in London.
BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE CHARITY ALLOCATION
DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF SOUTH AFRICA, North Active District Officers 2017-2018
DISTRICT SENIOR GRAND WARDEN – DAVID ARTHUR MCNALLY
David was born in London in the coldest Christmas of the Second World War in 1944. His father was a Master Builder of Irish descent who assisted in the rebuilding of London after the blitz damage of the Second Word War.
As Dave’s father and most of his maternal relatives were musicians, his mother playing the piano, it was not surprising that from the age of 8, Dave also studied the piano. He again furthered his musical skills on completion of his secondary education at Brockley County Grammar School, S.E. London.
He worked for several American companies based in the UK in the Petro Chemical industry, during which he completed his Tertiary Polytechnic studies and entered South Africa on 23rd August 1972. He then worked mainly in the mining industry eventually spending 20 years at JCI culminating as Project Manager for Steenberg Wine/Golf Estate in the Cape. This involved investigating the Cape Wine route and also obtaining French and Italian wine expertise.
In 1999, Dave returned briefly to the UK but Africa was in his blood. On his return to South Africa he secured employment at Murray and Roberts where he worked from 2002 until his retirement in 2014. Since retiring, he has been kept more than busy with Freemasonry as well as supporting Wendy in her business endeavours. His one regret is not having enough time for Music, Golf or exercise.
It was during his work for Saref Project at JCI that Dave ran his first Comrades Marathon in 1984 which was inevitable as he had previously lived in Hillcrest and often drove the Comrades route.
Dave was initiated into Freemasonry in First Pride Lodge, becoming Master in 1996. He has been the master of most lodges of which he is a member and is currently Provincial Grand Senior Warden in the Royal Order of Scotland and has held District or Provincial Ranks in all 13 orders operating in South Africa and holds Grand rank in 7 of them. He is a Past Deputy District Grand Master in the Cryptic, Assistant District Grand Master in the Mark and is District Grand Prefect of the Allied Masonic Degrees of South Africa.
He met Wendy, a catering Manager, on contract with Fedics and they were married in December 2005 by Father Peter Roberts. To celebrate his 70th Birthday in 2014, Dave says that he was quite proud in managing to host nearly 200 persons seated in No. 1 Dining Room at Park Lane, and at the same time, managed to keep the details of the occasion a secret from all, particularly Wendy and daughter, Tania – a most difficult task !
Dave and Wendy enjoy weekend breaks in the bush but their greatest pleasure is cooking together, and visiting Dave’s son, Karl, in Ireland and daughter Tania in France and now in the Nederlands. Sadly, his eldest son, Mark, succumbed to lung cancer in 2010. Strangely he was the only member of the family never to take up smoking which Dave continues to this day, purely for the relief of stress, you understand.
DISTRICT JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN – EUGENE BERNHARDT
Eugene was born on 15th July 1949 in Ermelo where his father was a PM of Concordia Lodge. He matriculated at Ermelo High school, after which he completed an apprenticeship in Refrigeration and Air-conditioning with the Transvaal Department of Works in Middelburg. He obtained a Higher National Diploma in the Mechanical and Electrical field and joined the Chief Engineer’s office in Pretoria, designing hospital equipment and installations ranging from Air-conditioning, Refrigeration, Coal fired Boilers, Autoclaves, Medical gasses and many more. This is where he met Joey in 1973 and they married in 1977 when he moved to Johannesburg, to control all refrigeration installations as well as the installation of the biggest air-conditioning system in the world at that time. In 2002 he was promoted to Deputy Director of Public Works and retired in 2009 after 40 years of service.
Joey and Eugene have two sons. The eldest, Trevor, and his wife are both medical practitioners living in Calgary, Canada. They have two daughters and a son. Their son, Raymond, who is a manager with Auto & General, has two sons and lives in Centurion.
He was initiated into The Ionic Lodge in1994. His proposer was Uncle Charley Bernhardt and his seconder was Norman Hood. Hans van Gaalen was Master of The Ionic Lodge at that time. Eugene was the Master of The Ionic Lodge in 1999 and MEZ of Hillbrow R A Chapter in 2002. He is a Past Sovereign of Germiston Rose Croix Chapter, a 30th Degree mason and a founder member of the St Vitus Rose Croix Chapter, a Chapter founded to demonstrate the Intermediate degrees (4th – 17th), where he performed active roles in several degree presentations. He is a member of the South Africa North First Principals Chapter in the Royal Arch, and a Past Master of Transvaal District Grand Stewards Lodge.
Eugene has a passion for working with wood and is known for making all sorts of items for Masonry, masons, friends and family. He has made wands for the District Office, personalised wands for DC`s, DDC`s and ADC`s as well as Senior and Junior Deacons wands for various lodges. Gavels galore, Alms collection plates, Sets of Platonic bodies have been made for the District Office, Mauritius and Boksburg R A. He designed a unique bracket and secured all the seats in Park Lane, thereby extending their use by decades. The display cabinets in the foyer and library at Park Lane were also made by him. He is grateful for the opportunity of making some input to an organisation that has helped him shape his life and that gives satisfaction to many. He often surprises the ladies by making them chopping boards, tea trays and walking sticks for older folk.
He enjoys wild life and is a keen hunter. His wife Joey loves to accompany him to many Masonic Meetings, especially in the country areas and together they spend much time with their grandchildren.
DISTRICT GRAND CHAPTER OFFICERS 2017-2018
SOME THOUGHTS ON THE ROYAL ARCH – E.Comp Tim Smith
“The brother who stops at the third degree is like a man who has erected an edifice without the coping stone. He is neither just to himself nor earnest in his search for truth.
The ceremonies and teachings of the other degrees are beautiful and full of significance. Yet they cannot be compared to the Royal Arch.
They speak of time, the Royal Arch speaks of what will be when time shall be no more. It carries us across the boundary into the presence of the infinite”.
The Royal Arch has been describe as “the root, heart and marrow of freemasonry”.
DISTRICT GRAND SCRIBE NEHEMIAH – RICHARD LIPNICKI
Richard Lipnicki was born at the end of the Second World War, in the UK in Northern Northumberland in the small village of Chatton. His father was an officer in the Polish Army who evacuated Europe via Dunkirk and was sent to Duns in Scotland for training with the First Polish Armoured Division. There he met his future wife, Mary, who was at college and they married in 1944.
The Lipnicki family emigrated to South Africa in 1950 and lived in Hillbrow. Richard attended local Primary Schools and then matriculated at King Edward VII School in Houghton.
By this time, the family had moved to a house in Berea which, as the crow flies, is about 500 me- tres from District Grand Lodge at Park Lane.
Richard became an apprentice Tool & Die maker which was obviously the correct choice, as twenty three years later he started a successful engineering business, Chatton Manufacturing, named after his place of birth.
One day, while showing the family Irish Wolfhounds at Gillooly’s farm, he was asked by the then Goldfields Dog Club Chairman, a member of Doornfontein Lodge, why he was not a Mason. The reply was, “I was never asked.” This answer proved unsatisfactory to the Chairman. He instructed his Vice Chairman, Percy Green, “Make this man a Mason”.
He was initiated into The Boksburg Lodge in July 1987 and became Worshipful Master in 1996, again in 2008 and once more in 2011. Richard was appointed MEZ in the Boksburg Royal Arch in 1999, in 2002, 2003 and in 2009.
Richard received Craft Grand Rank and was appointed by The Grand Master, The Duke of Kent, in April 2017 to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
In the Royal Arch, he has just been promoted to District GSN for the forthcoming year.
Richard is a member of Calvary Rose Croix and was Sovereign in 2004 and 2005. He was promoted to the 30th degree in 2006.
His wife, Karen, has been a stalwart supporter during his Masonic career. Her support and assistance at fundraising events and catering at the Boksburg Lodges and Boksburg Royal Arch festive boards, is appreciated.
KIT MARKOTTER RETIRES AFTER 38 YEARS – RON JACKSON (supersport.com)
Kit Markotter, one of the legends of South African amateur boxing, has retired as secretary of the Johannesburg Amateur Boxing Organisation after 38 years. He was also chairman for 35 years.
He is the only person to have received Springbok and Protea colours for managing SA amateur teams, and has also been awarded life membership of at least seven other boxing bodies, including Sanabo, the SA National Amateur Boxing Organisation.
This was not a bad record for someone who was not interested in boxing and rather disliked the sport when he was a youngster.
When he was at school, Markotter played football. He turned out for a number of teams before joining the Ramblers Football Club in Johannesburg.
After his first season at Ramblers he asked his brother Pat and another boxer, Johnny Watson, if he could work out at their Troyeville Boxing Club to keep fit for soccer.
Markotter was not over-eager to get involved in a new sport, but after a few months he agreed to take part in a tournament.
It was tougher than football. In his first fight he was knocked down three times in the first round and twice in the second. But thanks to his fitness he went on to win by a knockout.
Little did he know then that the bout would turn into a love affair with boxing; an affair that would go on for nearly 60 years, during which he would be involved as a boxer, trainer, manager, official and administrator. One should add ambassador, too.
He won a number of cups in 61 bouts from 1958 to 1967, and at featherweight, he won Johannesburg and District titles in 1960, 1961 and 1962, and also won the Border and Transvaal titles in 1962.
His surname may not provide a clue, but Markotter was born in Paddington, London. The date was 27 September 1933.
He was named Johannes Christopher, after his grandfathers. The nickname Kit apparently comes from Christopher.
His father, who was born in Uniondale in the Cape Province, had gone to London in 1931 to work for an insurance company. There he met Kit’s mother, who was also working at an insurance company.
In 1935 his father decided to return to South Africa and they settled in Johannesburg.
TRAINING AND MATCHMAKING
Kit gave up boxing in 1968 and began helping with the training and matchmaking at the Yeoville Amateur Boxing Club.
In 1971 he was appointed treasurer of the Malvern Amateur Boxing Club and at one time he served on 12 boxing committees, of which he chaired eight.
In 1986 he received Springbok colours when he managed the SA team that toured Paraguay in South America. He was also manager of the Springbok team at the 1989 Interstate Games and of the 1992 Protea team at the Mozambique Independence tournament.
It made him the only person to have been awarded Springbok and Protea colours as manager of a national boxing team.
HIS TRAVEL
Thanks to boxing, Markotter says, he had the privilege of travelling to 23 countries.
His services did not go unnoticed. He received merit awards and life membership of the Malvern Boxing Club, the Southern Transvaal Boxing Association, the Southern Transvaal Boxing Federation, the Transvaal Boxing Association and the Transvaal Boxing Federation, and the SA Amateur Boxing Association, as well as life membership of the SA National Amateur Boxing Organisation.
And in 2000 he was the first recipient of the King Korn Golden Vest Award for his services to amateur boxing.
Showing the same loyalty and diligence that made him such an outstanding sports administrator, Markotter worked for what was then known as the General Post Office.
After 41 years, he retired in December 1992 as a postmaster in Johannesburg.
Kit is a prominent Mason who is a major driving force in Corona Lodge’s “Box and Dine”, which raises vast amounts of money for charity each year.
CORONA LODGE 94.7 CYCLE CHALLENGE
Corona Lodge will be entering a Charity team in the 94.7 Cycle challenge. The race will be taking place on 19 November 2017. R300 per cyclist will be donated towards charity. Visit www.cyclechallenge.co.za for more information.
The Masonic Widows
A poem by Heinrich B. Uys, PDistJGW. WM Golden Harvest Lodge No. 9234 E.C.
The dear ladies married to a Mason, Are very special for their inspiration.
For supporting us in what we aim to do, Maintaining the principles we believe is true.
—oOo—oOo—
Allowing us our time away from home, Not developing a solitariness syndrome.
Even while at home the minds often are Masonically occupied, For word perfect addresses is our pride.
—oOo—oOo—
Not always so easy be assured, The minds often becomes obscured.
So, dear ladies, this poem is dedicated to you, We as Masons appreciate you through and through.
—oOo—oOo—
For all your Love, Care, Patience and Support, We wish you all the Blessings of our Lord.
Enjoy this feast, the least we can do to show our gratitude, For without your support, our Masonic careers are destitute.
As read by W.Bro. Frank Stock, PJGD (Eng).
at the Golden Harvest Ladies Lunch, 5th August 2017.
SIR DAVID HUGH WOOTTON , ASSTGM, VISITS PRESIDENT LODGE
Sir David Wootton is a British lawyer and politician. He was also the Lord Mayor of London between 2011 to 2012 and he is the Alderinan of Ward Langbourn.
In Masonic circles, Sir David oversees bursaries and the manner in which they are applied for Grand Lodge.
WORKING TOOLS OF THE FOURTH DEGREE
I, now present you with the working tools of the fourth degree. They are the fork – the knife and the
tumbler
The fork – is an implement which enables even the most inexperienced Freemason to secure, sometimes by reaching across the table, the most delicate and succulent morsels which adorn our festive board, to delight the eye and stimulate the jaded appetite. This important implement is used to covey the various morsels to that aperture which has specially been designed to receive them, and which reduces all nutriment to a common level. The fork should always be used when partaking of peas which if conveyed to the mouth with the assistance of the knife, often proves very elusive.
The knife – when properly ground and sharpened is used to reduce all crude matter to a common level and assists us to dissect the anatomy of even the most venerable rooster,and bring all crude matter into due form. The knife also teaches us not to cut off more than we can chew, but to limit our desires in every station of life, so that rising to eminence by merit we may live respected and die regretted.
The tumbler – enables us with accuracy and precision to ascertain and determine
The quantity of liquor which we find quite conducive to the preservation of general joviality, and as all tumblers have not that mark upon them , commonly known as the “ pretty “, the skilful craftsman may measure his tot with the aid of two or more fingers rule. But as the tumbler will only hold a certain quantity with detriment to its surroundings. It teaches us that we should ascertain and never exceed the limits of our own internal economy.
But, brethren as we are not met here this evening as speculative but rather as energetic and operative free masons, we apply these tools to our morals.
In this sense – the fork– teaches us that we should not always sit down and wait for what we most desire, but to reach out, secure and retain it profiting by our opportunities and assimilating the knowledge gained by our experiences, nor should we forget that the little things of life should be looked after, should we forget that the little things in life should be looked after lest they elude our grasp and are lost beyond recall.
As the prongs of the fork are all equal and mutually assist one another, being joined together in one compact structure, so we as free masons should stand shoulder to shoulder and practice those four qualifications which cannot be too strongly recommended to your notice :- straight forwardness in our dealings with another; sympathy with the feelings of a brother good temper in our differences of opinion, and fidelity to the sacred ties which binds us together.
The knife – teaches us the value of assiduity and patience to cope with many of the problems which confront it, so we are taught to take care of our mental and corporeal faculties.
The tumbler – teaches us the importance of moderation and temperance. As it is has no graduated scale by which to measure it’s varying contents the user must exercise his judgement as to the quantity of liquor he pours therein, for as the tumbler will hold a limited quantity without detriment to it’s surroundings so we should estimate our capacity and not confuse our mental or physical equilibrium.
The perfect tumbler rings true, no matter whether it is empty or it is filled with liquor, so the perfect convivial free mason should ring true after labour in the fourth degree. A cracked tumbler is despised and rejected.
Thus brethren the working tools of the convivial free mason teach us to practice and bear in mind cardinal virtues – of temperance and prudence – so that when we may be summoned to rise to drink the tyler’s toast after having partaken of the good things provided by a bounteous providence for our use, we may depart homeward with a gratifying testimony of a contented mind. A clean brain and an equal poise.
– Bro. Nicolaas Jacobus Trytsman (1952)
- Published in The Cornerstone
The Cornerstone – November 2016
MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT GRAND MASTER
– RW Bro. Prof. Guy Charlesworth
As we approach the Festive Season, I would like to extend to you and your family my very best wishes for a Blessed Christmas and to members of the Jewish faith, a Happy Festival of Chanukah.
We have had a most successful Masonic year in our District. Not only have we addressed the needs of our Brethren, but we have also made a conscious effort to assist those in Society less fortunate than ourselves.
We look forward to celebrating 300 years of English Freemasonry next year. Whilst we reflect on the past, we also look to the future of this wonderful Order and may the New Year bring Peace, Joy and Good Health to you and your loved ones.
THE DISTRICT OF S.A. NORTH – CHARITY BANQUET
– W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
On the evening of Friday the 4th of March 2016, the District of S.A. North held their annual charity banquet in Parktown. A chilly breeze followed the guests between the towering pillars of our lodge and into the reception room for a warming sherry. It was an opportunity for renewing acquaintances and enjoying friendships. The ladies looked resplendent in their evening wear.
Gentle music accompanied guests to our refurbished dining room which was splendidly decorated in District blue.
The District Director of Ceremonies, W Bro. Simon Knutton, opened proceedings with his usual aplomb, ensuring that proceedings flowed with ease.
He then introduced the District Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Professor Guy Charlesworth, who gave an enjoyable speech of welcome and proposed the toasts.
A delicious three course meal with wines was followed by coffee.
Then to the highlight of the evening – the charity donations to our honoured guests.
Hundreds of thousands of Rands are donated from lodges directly to charities of their choice, with a portion being presented to the DGM to donate to charities at his discretion, with guidance from his Boards.
This year our major donation was to HEADWAY – an organization dedicated to the physical rehabilitation of people with brain injuries.
The second major donation was to Amazing Grace; an orphanage where we built a laundry, as well as work and storage facilities which form a part of our capital project strategy.
Other recipients included:
The Hero Burns Unit – Pretoria (W Bro. George Watson).
Green Beings – solar lights for schools in Cosmo City (W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar). Helping S.A.’s Elderly Care Project (W Bro. Brian Kretzschhmar).
IMPILO – child protection and adoption services (W Bro. Richard Moore).
The Gordon Foudation – Swaziland school project (Swaziland and St George’s Lodges). Coach – a coalition of Anglican Childrens’ Homes (W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar).
These projects would not be possible without the magnificent charity efforts of all the brethren in our District. Well done!
GRAND LODGE AND SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER APPOINTMENTS 2016
– W Bro. David Pickard
The Right Worshipful District Grand Master, Prof. Guy Charlesworth wishes to inform all the Brethren of the District of South Africa, North and offer congratulations on their behalf to the following Brethren who have received Grand Rank Promotions and 1st Appointments this year.
Grand Lodge Appointments:
1st Appointments:
W Bro. DA Gurney PAGDC Boksburg St John Lodge No. 8642 W Bro. AC Krause PAGDC Verona Lodge No. 8187
Promotions:
W Bro. GN Mackenzie PJGD Kosmos Lodge No. 2768 W Bro. B Krone PJGD Corona Lodge No. 2731
Supreme Grand Chapter Appointments:
1st Appointments:
E Comp. CJ Robinson PGStB Denver Chapter No. 3167
E Comp. JA Stephens PGStB Doornfontein Chapter No. 7035 E Comp. VP Williams PGStB Orphic Chapter No. 5949
Promotions:
E Comp. Tim Smith PGSwB Fairview Chapter No. 3010
DISTRICT SENIOR GRAND WARDEN – GEOFF WILLIAMS
My Masonic career commenced on the 22nd March 1968 when I was initiated into Warrant Officers Lodge No. 2346 in London. It took 18 months to be made a Master Mason and I was informed that it could take more than 25 years to become the WM.
The Lodge had a Lodge of Instruction which met every Monday evening and was operational from September to May, I joined on the Monday after my Initiation and found this to be a good grounding.
In 1974 I was exalted into the RA, something new and exciting.
I was fortunate to be able to attend every one of my Craft meetings and was a willing participant. I slow- ly climbed the ladder through every office, finally becoming WM in 1980. After completing my year as IPM; my wife, Val, and our two sons and I moved to South Africa.
In 1983 I joined New Horizons Lodge in Roodepoort, becoming WM in 1987. I had previously also joined Doornfontein RA Chapter in 1984.
My first district appointment was PDAGDC in 1991. I will then promoted to Steward in 1996, DAGDC in 1997; DJGD in 1999; PDJGW in 2001 and PDSGW in 2006.
I became the caterer at Freemasons’ Hall in 2001, a job I continued until 2009. During this period I became interested in all the other Degree’s in Freemasonry and joined Mark, Royal Ark Mariners, Royal & Select Masters (Cryptic), Order of the Secret Monitor and Allied Masonic Degrees which added to those I had already joined United Orders of the Temple (KT), Knight Templar Priests, Rose Croix, Red Cross of Constantine, Royal Order of Scotland and lastly the Operatives.
In 2016, the DGM offered me the position of DSGW. To say that I was speechless could not describe the emotions that coursed through me. I realised that after 48 years as a mason, I had achieved the greatest honour. It goes to show, that you are never too old.
My wife, coming from a Masonic family, has been completely supportive of my Masonic career, and my goal driven need to do the best that I can in every field I tackle.
I do believe that there is more for me to achieve given the opportunity and I relish the challenge, which keeps me young at heart and strengthens the mind.
DISTRICT JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN – PAUL KNIGHT
I was born in Glasgow Scotland in 1949 and was educated in both England and Scotland. My tertiary education was in Scunthorpe Lincolnshire. I emigrated with my wife Anita and our two children to South Africa in October 1979, I worked for Union Corporation as a draughtsman on a three year contract…I’m still here !
I was initiated into Lodge Cornwall No. 3490 on 9th May 1991 and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on 11th May 1992. I Joined Fordsburg Lodge No. 2718 in April 1997 and went through the chair for the first time in 1999; again in 2002 / 2003 and 2010 / 2011.
My first District appointment was in 2004 as a District Grand Steward, then In 2005 I was appointed District Grand Pursuivant. All other promotions have been to Past rank until my promotion to District Junior Grand Warden.
At the present time I am also Master of Transvaal District Grand Steward’s Lodge.
In the Royal Arch, I was Exalted into Clarendon Royal Arch Chapter on 19th August 1993 and went through the First Principal’s chair for the first time in February 2002 and again in 2008,2009 and 2010. My first District appointment was as an Assistant District Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2006. In 2010, I was appointed District Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, a post I held for two years.
I thoroughly enjoy my Masonry and as a consequence I belong to all the Orders available in Johannesburg. That is the Mark (PAGDC), Royal Ark Mariner (Grand Rank), Rose Croix (30° ), Red Cross of Constantine (PGPref.), Royal Order of Scotland, Knights Templar (PG Aide-de-Camp), Knight Templar Priests, Allied Masonic Degrees (PGSD), Secret Monitor (PDStd Br), Operatives (7°), and Cryptic Council of which I am the District Grand Master.
I am looking forward to my year as District Junior Grand Warden being able to interact with all the Brethren that I have previously met and also meeting new brethren on my Masonic Journey.
THE HOLY ROYAL ARCH – ENJOYMENT, RECRUITMENT, RETENTION
– Speech by E Comp The Rev Elkan Levy to Supreme Grand Chapter
The Royal Arch is a most beautiful degree. It stands beyond Craft Masonry as the culmination of the candidate’s journey through pure Antient Masonry.
The beautiful lesson that this degree teaches, places man in the context of eternity. A brother becomes a complete Mason when he takes the Holy Royal Arch, and it is therefore our duty to ensure that this degree is as widely disseminated as possible.
However, because Chapter deals with a different set of relationships, it will appeal to brethren on a different level to the Craft, and partly for different reasons. To those who find it attractive, the Royal Arch is a never-ending source of interest, study reflection and self-awareness. In many ways, it is the serious Mason’s degree.
Recruitment is a problem, and this is for reasons that significantly go beyond Freemasonry. We live in a world where people tend not to join organisations, with the possible exception of the health club.
Religious bodies of all denominations, Rotary, Scouts, clubs of various types, all suffer from the effect that television and the Internet is having on human behaviour.
Isolation and loneliness can readily occur in the midst of crowds. All of us here know the warm sense of brotherhood and friendship that comes with membership of Freemasonry. The Holy Royal Arch is known as the friendly degree; we should stress this when recruiting, and welcome the candidates with genuine warmth.
Recruitment to the Royal Arch will increase in proportion to the publicity that we give to it within our own Lodges, and the image we project. Chapter should be seen as something special, and membership of the Degree as an exaltation, a higher sense of Freemasonry. Masters of Craft Lodges should be encouraged to take wine, at least once a year, with Companions of Chapters – any Chapter, not just the one moored to that particular Lodge.
If there is a Chapter closely involved with the Lodge, the names of the Principals could be publicised within the Lodge. The respect that junior brethren tend to feel towards senior members of their Lodges could then be channelled into joining those brethren in the Lodge’s Chapter.
The candidate would be able, should he so wish, to complete his journey through pure Antient Masonry in company with those brethren with whom he is already familiar. We need to stress the brotherhood of Masonry.
Retention will often be a question of involvement. The new ritual, more comprehensible and understandable, can easily be mastered in bite-sized chunks.
Not everyone will work the ritual to the same high standard. Inevitably there will be variations, but a sense of enjoyment and participation will carry the Chapter along, and raise its standards.
Those that need help, will be helped and encouraged. We need to explain the Royal Arch to its new exaltees, and we need to encourage them in a non-judgemental way.
Progress is not always easy – many Companions can only progress with difficulty, but we must help them to do so, even if only an inch at a time.
The more a Companion participates, the more he gets involved, the more will he feel a sense of belonging to his Chapter, and the loyalty that follows from ownership. Retention will become much easier, and those Companions who are happy in their Chapters will themselves bring in
their brethren from the Craft, Finally, enjoyment. There is no point in being a miserable Freemason. Freemasonry in its widest sense, and particularly this Degree, with its interesting and dramatic story, its strong sense of morality, its deep lesson and its happy atmosphere, is here to be enjoyed, not to be endured.
Freemasonry is important in today’s society. It encourages mutual respect and tolerance, qualities that are becoming increasingly necessary in a progressively fractured world. It adheres to standards of morality and behaviour in a society that seems increasingly unable to tell right from wrong.
But, most of all, it is fun. The grand design of being happy and communicating happiness affects and benefits us all. The Royal Arch is there to be enjoyed. If we can communicate our sense of enjoyment, all the rest – recruitment, retention, growth – will inevitably follow.
Mozart enjoyed being a Freemason – so should we!
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS: INSTALLATION BANQUET OF THE LODGE OF FRIENDSHIP, September 2016 – MAURITIUS
LODGE OF DISCOVERY IN PORT VILA, VANUATU – REBUILDS A SCHOOL LIBRARY
– W Bro. Russell Chilton
Those in Vanuatu who experienced Tropical Cyclone Pam will always remember the night of Friday the 13th March 2016. The category five cyclone swept across the Pacific and glanced across many of the islands in the archipelago bringing destruction to buildings, crops, trees and livelihoods with it’s 270kph winds gusting up to a reported 320kph.
Mere days after the cyclone passed, Grand Charity in London released £20,000 via Red Cross for immediate relief and soon Lodge of Discovery was receiving
pledges from Lodges and Masonic organisations around the world. A committee was quickly tasked with managing the incoming funds and finding a suitable project to assist the rebuild of critical infrastructure for the local community. The Lodge wanted a local recipient, as this would give them more control over the costs and a collateral benefit to the Lodge.
A local group who were already building new classrooms for a community school before the cyclone, approached the Lodge sub-committee for help. The school bore the brunt of the winds and most of its buildings had suffered damage including the library that was now beyond repair. Brethren looked at the plans, inspected the site and judged it to suit the criteria set out.
The Lodge suggested moving the site of the library to a more central base to the whole school and, with some cost savings, increased the original footprint to include a media centre so that the school would benefit from the building into the future. The Lodge insisted that the project engineer inspect the library every year and produce a report in order that regular maintenance could be scheduled. A local builder and workforce were employed solely for the library to keep consistency throughout the build.
After about three months the Suango School Library/Media Centre was completed. A handover ceremony was arranged to coincide with a regular meeting of the Lodge, which saw a delegation of Brethren present for the ceremony. They were brought on to the school grounds by local dancers and presented with traditional salou-salou garlands before both parties gave speeches. The WM spoke about the importance of education and continued learning, then asked Lodge Secretary and Grand Officer, W.Bro Alan Churchill to formally open the school and handover the keys.
W.Bro Russell Chilton is the DC at Lodge of Discovery, Vanuatu; Chairman of the Post-Cyclone Relief Fund; and Past Master of Corinthian Lodge, Pretoria.
WE CARE – W Bro. Dick Glanville
On Saturday 5th December 2015 a NPO (We Care) organised a Christmas function for guests from old age homes and retirement centres around Johannesburg. The residents of these retirement centres are not in a position to enjoy such festivities without assistance. Most have little or no in- come, other than a pension.
A few Masonic Lodges became involved in this worthwhile cause by raising funds, donating food and offering physical assistance. In 2015, the luncheon was held at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Malvern East and 400 deserving senior citizens were treated to a wonderful festive spread. The food was plentiful and guests were encouraged to take extra food home with them.
The Lodges which were involved in this cause included; Prosperity and Doornfontein Lodges, who between them raised in excess of R10 000. Members of both lodges and their families were also on hand, before and after the event to offer assistance.
It was heart-warming to see “the old folk” thoroughly enjoying the festivities. Various local com- munities laid on wonderful entertainment including Portuguese song-and-dance troupes in full costume, local singers, a disco and much more. The party was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Over-and-above the Christmas lunches, the We Care organisation arranges transport to take the elderly to hospital and for doctor’s appointments. They also organise fun days, tea parties and are involved in fund raising for blanket drives and feeding schemes. I hope that more lodges will become involved with We Care in the future.
WIDOWS SONS SOUTH AFRICA UPDATE – W Bro. Lance Epstein
Time flies when you are having fun, or so the saying goes. Since our last communique in the November 2015 issue of the Cornerstone, The Widows Sons South Africa has grown in leaps and bounds! Let me remind you of their mantra “Masons FIRST and Widows Sons thereafter”. I can report that the synergy between Freemasonry and Widows Sons has proved itself time and again over the last few months.
The Widows Sons is made up of members of all four constitutions (EC, SC, IC and GLSA), and the support between the lodges has been simply outstanding. This can be seen by the attendance at the Norwood Lodge initiation where 55 masons were present, almost half of whom were members of Widows Sons or guests.
During 2016, the Widows Sons had their first ever National Gathering in South Africa at which, the first Widows Sons Branding Ceremony was held in KZN. The weekend was arranged by the Widows Sons, KZN Chapter, where there were over 100 Widows Sons members, associates, family and friends in attendance.
The National President of the Widows Sons Bro. William Bowers, who visited the Widows Sons in the USA in 2015, rode up from the Cape with 5 Widows Sons from the USA and Canada. The meet and greet was followed by the AGM where the South African Chapter was handed its Alliance membership.
Widows Sons of the South African Chapter has now grown to over 220 members.
This confirms our official recognition of the patents and emblems associated with the Widows Sons. The next day, a convoy of more than 70 bikes rode from Amanzimtoti to Margate. It was a proud moment, Widows Sons riding in the name of Freemasonry.
In June, Widows Sons from the Cape and Gauteng travelled to Port Elizabeth where a new Chapter received their charter. The Eastern Cape Chapter, “Spirit of Hiram” received their charter on Saturday the 18th June, followed by one of the Widows Sons being installed to the chair of KS. The brethren then travelled back to Gauteng and the Cape stopping at various Masonic temples and an impressive museum in Steinsburg on their return.
The Widows Sons embraces the lesson of the NE corner charge and uses every opportunity to help those in need. In terms of charities, each Chapter has a cause that they contribute towards:
The East Coast Chapter, KZN , assisted Lake Haven in Sea Cow Lakes, a home of safety for children that burned down. 8 kids passed away and the rest left destitute. East Coast Radio put out an appeal for assistance and the Widows Sons answered the call, arranging donations, food hampers and clothing.
Central Chapter, Gauteng, has adopted the “Sunshine Home 4 Kids”, a place of safety for children removed by the court. The home currently has 13 children between 3 months and 15 years of age. The home is a registered NGO and the Chapter has been working with SAPS assisting with urgent matters. The Brethren, ladies and friends of the Widows Sons have been extremely generous with donations in various forms, be it sponsoring a day out, cleaning utensils or simply giving of their time. Charity is after all, not just about money.
East Rand (ER) Chapter, Gauteng, is in the process of identifying a needy charity to adopt and support. Originally under consideration was the Jubilee Home, a place of safety for children removed by the court. A recent recce to the home, which has 80 children between the ages of 2 months and 15 years old, was conducted by the Leadership and members of ER Chapter. This initial visit involved a small function consisting of gift packs and entertainment for the children, followed by a walk-through of the facility and a meeting with the management. It was revealed that this home is already well supported and the members of the ER Chapter have decided to consider other facilities which are not in this fortunate position.
The Widows Sons has added another dimension to Freemasonry, nothing new, just a band of merry men, ably assisted by their ladies in being part of a rider’s association where one continues the brotherly love, relief and truth, simply extended into what we do when we are not at lodge
– ride bikes!
Website – www.wssa-central.co.za
- Published in The Cornerstone
The Cornerstone – November 2015
Charity begins at Home
RW Bro. Prof. Guy Charlesworth, District Grand Master
The 300th Anniversary of Grand Lodge is fast approaching. Plans to celebrate this unique occasion in Freemasonry in 2017 are being set-up by all Provinces and Districts throughout the Constitution worldwide.
Within our District, the planning committee for the Tercentenary celebrations chaired by W Bro. Graeme MacKenzie is making excellent progress. They will be announcing our District’s plans in due course. Every Lodge, however, is encouraged to plan their own celebrations for 2017. Let W Bro. MacKenzie know what events you have planned in good time, so we can share in your celebrations.
At the District Annual Meeting held in October, I had the great pleasure of announcing the establishment of the Tercentenary District Samaritan Fund, which will run from February 2016 through to October 2017.
The aim is to raise a minimum amount of R1 Million by individual donations from our Members at a minimum of R1500 per Member. This donation will be marked by a breast jewel of a design to be approved by Grand Lodge. Double and Tertiary quotas will be recognised by adding a distinguishing bar to the ribbon of the jewel.
Importantly, this new Tercentenary District Samaritan Fund will be raised by Masons for Masons, their wives or partners and their families. It will allow the existing Samaritan Fund to be expanded to also include applications for grants-in-aid to a family where the wage-earner has been made redundant, to give support for hearing aids, dentistry and optician’s work and other minor medical procedures and to assist with funeral costs where necessary.
This Samaritan Fund will address a gap between those grants available from the Transvaal Inter- constitutional Masonic Charity (TIMC) on the one hand and assistance from the Grand Lodge Samaritan Fund in London, on the other hand. Our regular subscriptions to the TIMC from the District allow applications to be made to the TIMC for grants-in-aid for widows and pensioners and educational grants, where there is a demonstrable financial need. Applications can also be made through the Grand Lodge portal of “Freemasonry Cares” to the Grand Lodge Samaritan Fund for assistance to cover major medical operations, again where there is a demonstrable medical and financial need.
Within our District, 2015 has been called “The Year of The Almoner” and the Almoners’ Programme forms one of my strategic initiatives in the District.
The Almoner is one of the most important officers in the Lodge. A good Almoner can play a fundamental and important role in the Care and Welfare of the Brethren and their families.
It is absolutely essential that the Almoner is aware of his duties and performs them well. I have recently sent a memo to all Lodges to encourage Masters Elect to revert to the wording of the investiture of the Almoner as previously practised in our District. The DC team will be in contact with Masters Elect. The address is reproduced here as it clearly summa- rises the duties of the Almoner:
“Bro…………I appoint you Almoner of the Lodge and I now invest you with the jewel of your office which is a scrip-purse upon which is a heart.
The high importance of the office is seldom realised as it is not clearly defined in our rituals.
You must at all times be the link between the Lodge and sick Brethren and wherever there is a need for the relief of distress, you will endeavour to see that every deserving case is brought before the Lodge for sympathetic consideration.
A good Almoner is one who notices who is not in Lodge, finds out why and reports to the Worshipful Master.
It calls for the sacrifice of your time and the satisfaction that you will derive from knowing that no sick or absent Brother has been neglected or that no Brother’s widow has been forgotten will more than compensate for the zeal and effort which I know you will apply to your duties.
I also present to you the Almoner’s Manual which has been prepared by District to assist you with your duties.”
Our Members of the Board of Benevolence have successfully given PowerPoint presentations on the duties of the Almoner to most of the Lodges in the District. New Almoners’ Manuals have been prepared and distributed, together with information in an electronic format.
Importantly, the Board has also amassed a great deal of information in the Manual on those Service Providers offering discounted costs on dentistry, spectacles, hearing aids and undertakers etc., for pensioners and for those in need.
Grateful thanks are extended for the superb work carried out by W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar, President of the Board of Benevolence and the Members of the Board of Benevolence; W Bros Chris Adams, David Baker, Howard Freeman, Dirk Norton, Dr Ron Poole, Bryan Price, Guss Southgate and Jeff Spiller.
As this year draws to a close, let us all be aware of the important work that a good Almoner can do for the members of our Lodges and their families. The establishment of a new Samaritan Fund will certainly allow us to address the needs in our Masonic community.
DISTRICT SENIOR GRAND WARDEN – W BRO. RICHARD FAHRENHEIM
Richard was born in Johannesburg on 4 July 1959 and his Masonic heritage dates back to the late 19th century.
His great great-Grandfather was a Past Master of Natalia Lodge No. 1665EC (which still exists and continues to meet in Pietermaritzburg), while his Grandfather was a Past Master of Woodlands Lodge No. 3668EC.
Richard was introduced to the Masonic fraternity by friend and sailing col- league, W Bro. David Kitchen and after attending numerous functions, was approved and initiated into Kosmos Lodge No. 2768EC in April 1989.
His Masonic achievements include:
- Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies of the United Grand Lodge of England
- District Senior Grand Warden of the District of South Africa, North
- Past Master Kosmos Lodge
- Past Master Corona Lodge
- Past Master Woodlands Lodge
- Past Master Transvaal District Grand Stewards’ Lodge
- Past District Grand Sojourner of the District Grand Chapter of South Africa, North
- Past First Principal of Kosmos Chapter
Richard has two sons, Alexander and Nicholas, who are studying at the Universities of Johannesburg and Stellenbosch respectively.
DISTRICT JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN – W BRO. RICHARD LIPNICKI
Richard was initiated into Boksburg Lodge No.2480 on 15 July 1987. The ceremony was conducted by the Worship Master of Acacia Lodge as part of an exchange working.
He served as Master of Boksburg Lodge in 1996, 2008 and 2012. He was elected as Treasurer 1998, a position he continues to hold.
Richard’s District achievements include being appointed to Past Dist. Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2001, District Junior Grand Deacon in 2007, District Grand Sword Bearer in 2012 and District Junior Grand Warden in 2015.
Richard is also very active in the Holy Royal Arch. He joined the Boksburg Royal Arch Chapter in 1988 and served as First Principal in 1999, 2002, 2003 and 2009
Whilst Richard served as First Principal in the Chapter’s Centenary year, the ceremony was postponed until a future date. He was appoint- ed Treasurer in 2012, a position he still holds.
He was appointed District Grand Standard Bearer in 2003, District 2nd Assistant Grand Sojourner in 2008 and District Grand Sword Bearer in 2012.
In 1997 he joined the Calvary Rose Croix Chapter was MWS for two years, 2004 and 2005 and attained his 30th Degree in 2006.
Richard is the CEO of a manufacturing company, which he established in 1994. He lives with his wife Karen and has two children; a daughter who lives in England and a son who resides in South Africa.
His hobbies are tinkering with a veteran Cadillac, making amateur movies and actively participating as a member of the Conservancy in Ramsgate, KZN.
DISTRICT GRAND DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES – W BRO. SIMON KNUTTON
Richard was initiated into Boksburg Lodge No.2480 on 15 July 1987. The ceremony was conducted by the Worship Master of Acacia Lodge as part of an exchange working.
He served as Master of Boksburg Lodge in 1996, 2008 and 2012. He was elected as Treasurer 1998, a position he continues to hold.
Richard’s District achievements include being appointed to Past Dist. Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2001, District Junior Grand Deacon in 2007, District Grand Sword Bearer in 2012 and District Junior Grand Warden in 2015.
Richard is also very active in the Holy Royal Arch. He joined the Boksburg Royal Arch Chapter in 1988 and served as First Principal in 1999, 2002, 2003 and 2009.
Whilst Richard served as First Principal in the Chapter’s Centenary year, the ceremony was postponed until a future date. He was appointed Treasurer in 2012, a position he still holds.
He was appointed District Grand Standard Bearer in 2003, District 2nd Assistant Grand Sojourner in 2008 and District Grand Sword Bearer in 2012.
In 1997 he joined the Calvary Rose Croix Chapter was MWS for two years, 2004 and 2005 and attained his 30th Degree in 2006.
Richard is the CEO of a manufacturing company, which he established in 1994. He lives with his wife Karen and has two children; a daughter who lives in England and a son who resides in South Africa.
His hobbies are tinkering with a veteran Cadillac, making amateur movies and actively participating as a member of the Conservancy in Ramsgate, KZN.
DISTRICT GRAND DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES – W BRO. SIMON KNUTTON
Simon was initiated into St Michaels Lodge no. 8643 in August 1997 when it was still meeting in the Anglican Church in Bryanston.
Mentored by W Bro. Paul Stocken, he went through the Chair in 2005-2006.
As a result of the close association with Boksburg St John, he became a joining member of that Lodge in 2006 and took the Chair of King Solomon in 2008 and 2009.
Following on from this, Simon received his first active District appointment as District
Grand Steward in 2009. He continued his active duty as an ADC in 2010 and Deputy DC from 2011 to 2014.
In between his District commitments, Simon is also PZ of Denver RA Chapter, a PM of Corona Mark Lodge and Past Commander of the Cinderella Royal Ark Mariner.
Not content with three Craft chairs behind him, he was Worshipful Master of St Michaels again in 2014 and is currently the WM of Pyramid Lodge no. 5003 in Naboomspruit.
In his own words, “Masonry has done some great things in my personal development and my relationship with others.
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES
– W BRO. RICHARD HAWTHORNE
Richard was initiated into Transvaal Lodge No. 1747 in November 2001. He obtained the chair of King Solomon for the first time in 2007/8, again in 2009/10 and most recently in 2013/14. He is also currently an active member of Maritime Lodge.
In the Royal Arch, Richard was exalted into St. Michael’s Chapter No. 8643 in 2007. He served as First Principal in Norwood Royal Arch Chapter in 2011/12 and St. Michael’s in 2012/13. He is also a founder member of The First Principals Chapter.
Richard received his first active District Rank as District Grand Steward in 2011 and was promoted to District Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2012. A post he held for two years. An active rank in the Royal Arch, as District Grand Steward, followed in 2014.
He is also a member of The Secret Monitor, where he was Inducted into Arcadia Conclave No.145 in 2010 and held the Office of Supreme Ruler in 2014/15. He currently holds active rank as the Deputy District Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Richard joined the Rose Croix in 2007 and attained his 30th Degree in 2014, after having been Most Wise Sovereign of Pretoria Chapter No. 125 in 2013/14.
DISTRICT GRAND SCRIBE NEHEMIAH – E. COMP. BARRY WINTER
Barry’s exposure to Freemasonry started at a very young age when he used to attend the children’s Christmas parties held by the Acacia Lodge each year. His Grandfather and Uncle were both members of the Acacia Lodge and Chapter. After the death of his Grandfather, his uncle, W Bro. Hubert Wright, continued to encourage Barry to pursue Masonry.
Barry was initiated in to Acacia Lodge in 1983 and became Master in 1990 and again in 2003. Barry’s installation as Master was particularly sentimental as it was exactly 50 years after his Grandfather was installed in the chair.
He was exalted into the Acacia Royal Arch Chapter in 1986 and became the MEZ in 1995 and again in 2012. His investiture was again 50 years after his Grandfather was received the same honour (albeit in the Boksburg Chapter).
Barry later joined the Boksburg Chapter and was invested as the MEZ in 2012.
Barry was perfected into the Rose Croix in 1992 and was enthroned as the MWS in 1998. A position he held for 2 years. In June this year, he was promoted to the 31°.
He joined the Knights Templar in 1996 and was installed as the Eminent Preceptor in 2000. Again, exactly 50 years after his Grandfather and in the same Preceptory (Keystone). He received Great Priory honours in 2009.
The Royal Arch has always been Barry’s passion and after serving three years as the Deputy District Grand Director of Ceremonies in the past, he views being promoted to the office of District Grand Scribe Nehemiah as a huge honour and an opportunity to re-kindle the friendships he has made during his Masonic journey.
Barry is the National Vice President, as well as the President of the East Rand Chapter of the Windows Sons. An Association started in 2010 for Brethren who wanted to ride motorcycles together.
Barry’s wife, Colleen and children, Adell and Rocky have supported him in all his Masonic activities which have inevitably left him with many lifelong friends
WIDOWS SONS SOUTH AFRICA – W Bro. Lance Epstein
Widows Sons was founded in 1999 by a brother in North America who believed there was a need for a ‘Riders Association” made up of Masons with the purpose of looking after Widows of Masons – nothing different to what Masonry teaches us!
With this in mind the first Chapter was started in South Africa in 2010 with the inaugural ride being on the 18th July, 2010 and is simply called Widows Sons South Africa (WSSA). This Chapter is now the governing body, as such, and the original members have remained members and all Presidents and Vice Presidents sit on the committee.
As one can predict, no sooner was the WSSA founded when there was a need to have other Chapters to cover the various geographic areas. With this in mind the following Chapters were founded:
East Rand Chapter – Sons of Hiram
West Rand Chapter – Templars
Western Cape Chapter – Hirams Ashlars
Bloemfontein Chapter – Sons of Solomon
This year the Central Chapter or Knights of the Craft were founded and already has over 20 members. The KZN Chapter / East Coast “Tylers Swords” was also handed their charter this year and we are all meeting in Harrismith on Sunday 22 November for our year-end meet and greet. We are currently looking at opening a chapter in the Eastern Cape. The current membership is approx.120.
The brethren ride with colours / patches and abide by club rules as per the by-laws of each club. It is important to note that we are not a MC, but rather a Riders Association. We are governed by the BOC and require every Mason and therefore Widows Son (WS) to abide by the laws of South Africa.
The different clubs have planned official rides and attend what is called in the biker community “Day Jols” where the brethren and their “pillions” attend other bikers’ functions and support them with their various charities.
One always imagines bikers as rough and tough and a bunch of hooligans! From my involvement in the WS, I have only seen what Freemasonry has taught us; brotherly love, relief and truth. WS are engaged in supporting a number of charities and have donated funds to a Masonic Home (Roslyn Park) and attended PAWS for People, with various donations. One of the more heartwarming moments was when the brethren attended a children’s home (East Rand Children’s Haven) and arrived with presents – the function aptly named “Christmas in July”
Next year the WS are having their Grand gathering in KZN where a number of Brethren from the USA will attend and assist with the Branding Ceremony – a first in SA and a column for the next Cornerstone.
In conclusion, if you have a bike (400CC and over) and are interested, please look us up on
www.wssa-central.co.za or call us on 083 600 0006. Come and meet the brethren, even ride with us socially. We do encourage the partners to join and they have their own Lady Member patch.
The next time you see a biker in those leathers, consider he could be your doctor, lawyer, mechanic, financial advisor or just a brother, riding for a cause – a good cause.
THE HOLY ROYAL ARCH – E. Comp Tim Smith
WAYS TO IMPROVE THE PROFILE OF THE ORDER
The Royal Arch is the completion of Pure and Antient Masonry, but exaltation into the Order should be neither hurried or obligatory. Whilst not all Craft brethren will wish to take this final step immediately after being raised, it is hoped that the enjoyment and essence of the order be communicated to all Brethren.
We need to raise the profile of the Order and show it to be appealing, inspiring and relevant.
In order to achieve this, a strategic working party was set up in March 2012 by Grand Chapter. They made the following recommendations, many of which we now use as guidelines:
- The strap line “initiation to exaltation” should be adopted to promote the Order, which is the basis of pure and ancient freemasonry and the completion of the third degree. This is extremely important and should be clearly understood as the correct path to follow in the ma- sonic
- Mentoring should align with that of the Craft. Here it was suggested that a Master Mason’s Mentor should work with a Royal Arch Representative to actively guide the brother towards membership of the Royal Arch, where appropriate. Furthermore, that once exalted, the new companion is mentored toward a better understanding of both the ceremony and the
- The role of the Lodge Royal Arch Representative is fundamental to the promotion of the Order and it is recommended that District Grand Lodge continues to encourage Craft Lodges to make this appointment and to develop that
- In our District, our current practice is to present a letter to the newly raised Master Mason on the merits of the Royal Arch. This practice is highly recommended in order to improve the profile of the Order and help potential exaltees to have a better understanding of the Royal Arch.
- Further ways to promote the Order include; the taking of wine with Royal Arch members at selected Craft festive boards and wearing the official Royal Arch tie at Craft meetings. This has already been approved by the
- It is recommended that Chapters maintain relationships with the Lodges from which they usually derive their
- The introduction of ‘SETTING THE SCENE’ is the perfect opportunity to re-engage with previous members of the Order, who may have not understood the exaltation ceremony, as this puts the three location changes into perspective and adds clarity to the
In conclusion Companions, never regret what you have done in Freemasonry, only what you have not.
MAURITIUS 2015 – W Bro. Lance Epstein
Every year in September, a team of District Officers travels to Mauritius to assist and take part in the various Installations of Lodges under the UGLE and Additional Orders. It is also an opportunity to take our partners for a week of sun, fun and Masonic events.
This year, most folk arrived on Sunday the 4th September at the hotel of their choice, The Sands Resort & Spa in Flic ’n Flac. After a pleasant flight, our hosts and brethren of the Phoenix Lodge arranged for the SA delegation to attend the Master Elect’s function at the Gymkhana Club. This function was at- tended by Masons and their partners and marked the start of the week-long festivities.
This year, we were fortunate enough to have from the Craft, W Bro Chris van Gaalen, Asst DGM as the officiating officer who was accompanied by the District Grand Master, RW Bro Prof Guy Charlesworth. The District Grand Master of the Mark, RW Bro David Gurney and the District Grand Supreme Ruler of the OSM, Rt Worthy Bro Brian McDermott and his Deputy and Assistant were also present. The team also included other distinguished brethren.
The first installation was that of Phoenix Lodge which saw more than 90 brethren in attendance. This was followed by a dinner at the Lodge and presentation of gifts from the new WM to all the brethren.
During leisure time, the week was spent enjoying the delights of the island which for some, Mike Edy in particular, who wore a pair of Surfer / Board shorts with the SA flag design, chose to “lounge” around the pool taking in the view and the entertainment, and even joined in the water aerobics.
Others chose to visit the sights the island had to offer. For some it was their first visit and toured the island from Grand Baie in the North to Flic ’n Flac in the South. Some simply re- laxed at the hotel, while others chose to do some R&R scuba diving!
The installations took place in the evenings followed by a banquet. I say banquet, as this is what these do’s were! Feasts fit for a King!! The hospitality and generosity shown by the brethren of Mauritius is extremely special and their love for Masonry is unbelievable. Their ritual during the ceremonies was well-rehearsed and of a high standard.
We also attended Lodge of Friendship No.1686, Master Elect’s dinner. This was another prestigious event held at a Chinese restaurant with our partners. The evening was absolutely splendid and a good time was had by all.
The end of the week fast approached and the brethren and partners were yet again entertained by our Mauritian brethren. On Friday, we were treated to a trip on a brother’s Catamaran and others were taken on a speedboat to Ile Aux Cerf island (known as the Deer island) where one could take part in a host of activities from simply lounging on the beach to Paragliding for the more sports minded like Lancelot! The day culminated in a braai on the island with a little Mauritian rum! A special thank you to our host.
On Saturday, while the brethren attend- ed the RA and LOF Craft Installations, the ladies gathered at the hotel and ensured their last day together was well spent!
The Installation ended with a gala dinner at Le Pirogue Hotel with over 100 guests. This function was also used as an opportunity to thank the official representatives attending and all the ladies and brethren received generous gifts. Two brethren from Johannesburg walked away with two of the bigger raffle prizes, one being a 2 night all-inclusive stay at Le Pirogue.
Sadly, the Masonic Meetings and festivities came to an end as brethren needed to catch a flight early Sunday morning.
In closing, one could only wish for an extended stay or a return to the island. A visit to Mauritius is special in many ways. The hospitality, friendship, fellowship and sincerity shown by our brethren of the island is greatly appreciated.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KIT MARKOTTER, PDSGW, PM CORONA LODGE
– RW Bro. Prof. Guy Charlesworth
For his service to his lodge, to the District and to the Community, Kit Markotter has been present- ed with the District Grand Master’s Certificate of Service.
Kit continues to serve Corona Lodge well, he was initiated in 1989, served as Master in 1998 and has continued to serve as Lodge Almoner for over 14 years.
He has held several active offices in District including, DistGStB, DistSGD and notably, DistG Swd Bearer. You will still see Kit on the circuit, as he volunteers to fill-in as Sword Bearer or Standard Bearer, whenever necessary, which is much appreciated.
Not many of you will be aware, for the past 50 years, Kit Markotter has been involved as a boxer, trainer, manager, official and administrator in boxing. Kit has served for over 33 years as Chairman of the Johannesburg Amateur Boxing Organisation, a position he still holds today.
Since 1975, he has been the manager of 19 regional, provincial and national teams and he is the only person to have been awarded Springbok and Protea colours as manager of a national boxing team.
In recognition of his service to boxing, he has received several merit awards and life membership of at least seven other Boxing Federations and Associations. Notably, in 2000 he was the first recipient of the King Korn Golden Vest Award for his services to amateur boxing.
In 1980, 35 years ago, Kit was instrumental in combining his love of Masonry and his love of Boxing to establish the Corona Gentleman’s Boxing evening or the Corona Box and Dine.
Indeed, this event has been the major contributor to the District Grand Charities for the past 35 years. Long may it continue.
Witwatersrand Lodge Centenary – www.witslodge.org.za
Wits Lodge is 100 years old and celebrated their Centenary on Tuesday 15 September 2015 at Park Lane, Johannesburg.
Wits Lodge was consecrated in 1915 as Transvaal Masters Lodge and was changed to Witwatersrand Lodge in 1949. The longest serving member of the Lodge is the current Master,W Bro. Ron Webster. All the previous Past Masters took turns conducting meetings during the year.
73 visitors, including the District Grand Master, the Deputy District Grand Master, three Assistant District Grand Masters and numerous Grand Officers were in attendance at the centenary meeting. Eighteen members of the Lodge were present, out of a possible twenty non-country members. Seventy brethren sat down to a sumptuous dinner, following the meeting.
During the meeting, the Worshipful Master presented the DGM with a cheque for R100 0000, R70 000 for the District Charity and R 30 000 for the District Samaritan Fund.
At the same meeting a new banner was dedicated by W Bro. Dr. Deacon V van Wyk, the District Grand Chaplain, and can be seen in the photograph.
- Published in The Cornerstone
The Cornerstone – August 2015
DISTRICT GRAND BANQUET 2015 – W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
On Saturday the 30th May 2015, the District Grand Banquet was held in the Rainbow Room at the Johannesburg Country Club. It was a prestigious occasion. Welcome drinks, a superb three course dinner with wines followed by coffee.
It was a glittering occasion made more splendid by our ladies in their flowing formal dress. What a proud moment to be a Freemason. The highlights of the evening were the presentations of our Major Annual Donations to non-Masonic charities – on behalf of ALL the Freemasons of our District.
DISTRICT SENIOR GRAND WARDEN – W BRO. DAVE GURNEY
My Masonic journey thus far has many fond memories. Firstly my Initiation on Wednesday 26th June 1985 into Boksburg St John Lodge No. 8642 is still clear in my mind. I was privileged to serve this, my Mother Lodge, as Master in 1995 and again in 2002.
Once Passed and Raised, I joined the Cinderella Mark Lodge No. 621 on 11th April 1994, followed by the Boksburg Royal Arch Chapter No. 2480 on the 25th May 1987, and Boksburg Cinderella Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 621 on 16th May 1988. Since then I have joined numerous other orders, some only more recently.
As my Masonic journey expanded in the last 15 years I have often visited County Mark Lodges over weekends, an experience I soon started to enjoy as it provided the opportunity to really get to know other Brethren in the District.
My wife Janet has always been totally supportive and as my Masonic circle expanded, so did her understanding of the people with whom I was associating.
I was honoured to be appointed District Senior Grand Warden. This was not an Office I had ever anticipated achieving during my journey, dreamt of yes, but never expected to achieve.
The privilege of addressing the Brethren of those Lodges I visited is an experience never to be forgotten, as is the sense of camaraderie that I felt.
I now look forward to the opportunity of being called upon by the new district team in my capacity as PDSGW on occasions when my successors are unable to find that specific meeting to be within the length of their cable-tow.
DISTRICT JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN – W BRO. DRIES KRAUSE
Dries was initiated into Verona Lodge No.8187 in 1993 by James Anderson a PM of Verona Lodge, who now lives in Ramsgate. He served as the Millennium Master of Verona Lodge in 1999/2000. Dries was also Master of The Lodge of Goodwill No.711 in Port Elizabeth in 2009/10 and 2010/11 and is still a Country member.
Dries received his first Craft District appointment as District Grand Standard Bearer in 2003 and was again given the same Active Rank in 2005. In 2008, he was appointed as District Grand Standard Bearer and District Junior Grand Warden in 2010 in Port Elizabeth.
After his return to Johannesburg, he was promoted to District Senior Grand Deacon in 2012 and District Junior Grand Warden in 2014.
In Royal Arch, Dries is a PZ of Kosmos Chapter No.2768 and also a member of the Port Elizabeth Royal Arch Chapter No.711. He received his first District ap- pointment as District Grand Steward in 2009 and DG2nd Asst Soj in 2010 in the
Eastern Division, as well as DGSoj in 2013 in the District of South Africa North.
Dries, has attained the 30th degree and is a Past MWS of Corona Rose Croix Chapter. He is al- so a Past Preceptor of Johannesburg Knights Templar, Past High Priest of Kosmos KTP and a Past MPS in The Red Cross of Constantine.
Having been in the insurance industry for 44 years, he holds am Insurance Diploma and is an Honorary Member of the IISA. Having retired, Dries lives in Randpark with his wife, Jossie and
they have two daughters and a son. Dries, an ardent photographer, is also a member of the Roosevelt Park Bowls Club.
DISTRICT GRAND SCRIBE NEHEMIAH – E. COMP. JOHN STEPHENS
I was exalted into Doornfontein Royal Arch Chapter in January 1988 and joined Goldfield’s Chapter in 1999. I am presently Scribe Ezra of both these Chapters.
I have passed through the First Principal’s chair on more than one occasion and am a founder member of the First Principal’s Chapter.
I was initiated into Coronation Lodge in June 1983, which means I have been associated with Craft and Royal Arch for thirty two years and twenty seven years respectively. I have served as Master of Coronation Lodge on four different occasions, I joined Witwatersrand Lodge in 1986 and served as Master in 1997.
I hold the rank of PDSGW and a Grand Officer in both the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner. I hold the 31st Degree in the Rose Croix.
I have found this year to be very fulfilling and rewarding.
I believe it is very important that all Freemasons complete pure and Antient Freemasonry which consists of the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason including the Royal Arch.
I have benefited from what Freemasonry has taught me and made it part of my way of life, listening to the piece of ritual related to the square and compass, the way it reflects on your masonic progress and development in life. Likewise in your progress through the various orders you are instructed in and deem to have graduated in the whole Masonic system from the foundation stone of initiation to the keystone of the Holy Royal Arch and to have raised a super structure, perfect in its part and honourable to the builder.
GRAND LODGE AND SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER APPOINTMENTS 2015
-W Bro. David Pickard
The Right Worshipful District Grand Master Prof E Guy Charlesworth wishes to inform all the Brethren of the District of South Africa, North and offer congratulations on their behalf, to the following Brethren who have received Grand Rank Promotions and 1st Appointments this year.
Grand Lodge Appointments:
1st Appointments:
W Bro. Frank Bender PAGDC, Kensington Lodge No. 4893
W Bro. Richard Fahrenheim PAGDC, Kosmos Lodge No. 2768 W Bro. David Gamble PAGDC, Roodepoort Lodge No. 2539
Promotions:
W Bro. Gordon Martin PJGD, Prosperity Lodge No. 2607 W Bro. Ivor Sander PJGD, Corona Lodge No. 2731
Supreme Grand Chapter Appointments:
1st Appointments:
- Comp. Dennis Hammond PGStB, St Michael’s Chapter No. 8643
- Comp. Markus Zbinden PAGDC, Swaziland Chapter No. 7035 Promotions:
E Comp. Ernie’ Kleingeld PGStB, Liberty Chapter No. 2485
SETTING THE SCENE IN THE HOLY ROYAL ARCH – E. Comp Tim Smith
As the Deputy Grand Superintendent, I have the success of every Chapter in the District at heart. However, I am very concerned that many members leave the Royal Arch or don’t attend their Chapter meetings because they don’t understand the exaltation ceremony.
The ceremony undergoes various location changes; from a building site in Jerusalem, to a hidden subterranean vault, to the Grand Sanhedrim (the council which sat together to govern the temple and the religious life of the Jews), but these take place without any physical change to the equipment or layout of the Chapter room itself.
In an attempt to overcome this problem, our Grand Superintendent has given permission for the issuing of a script which I hope will be of assistance in “setting the scene” during the exaltation ceremony. This will form part of the ritual and will be read to the members, during the natural intervals when the sojourners and candidates have retired from the room.
We cannot afford to lose any of our members and must do all we can to help them appreciate what is happening during the ceremony, so that they can enjoy and participate in it. I believe the introduction of a Janitors card will be invaluable to the candidate in understanding where they are when the blindfold is removed. In this instance, the candidate is in fact no longer a “candidate”, but represents one of those exiles returning to Jerusalem as a sojourner or journeyman builder who discovers that the Temple and Holy City are in ruins. Together with his colleagues, he offers assistance in building a new temple which leads to the discovery of great importance.
My goal is to ensure that all of our candidates leave their exaltation ceremony satisfied that they have joined something rather special and are given as much information as possible about the order. I believe that “setting the scene” will achieve this.
FEEDBACK – THE CORNERSTONE IS READ INTERNATIONALLY
This is a letter received in response to W Bro. Dr Ron Poole’s article “A Masonic Journey” published in the 8th edition of the Cornerstone.
W Bro. Williams,
Having been rooting about the internet, I discovered the SA North’s website and read with interest Ron Poole’s account of his visit to London last April for the Grand Investiture and the subsequent Grand Festival.
He mentions that to be invested with Grand Rank “[he was] carefully collected by Grand Stewards who walked [us] with great decorum to the Grand Master himself.”
There are 19 Lodges in England who, each year, each have the right to put up a brother to be appointed a Grand Steward, the so-called “Red Apron Lodges”. (The reason for these lodges’ privilege is a very old story, dating back to 1728, and which is told here: http://grandstewards.org/History.aspx). Suffice to say that, last year during Ron’s visit, I was a Grand Steward, and so there’s a 5.2% chance that it was I who escorted Ron up to be invested by the MW the GM, HRH the Duke of Kent.
In the evening, the Grand Festival takes place. This is the responsibility of the Grand Stew- ards. Ron notes that “The Stewards cherish their positions and incur much expense for the privilege, including having to sojourn through France to seek out and buy suitable wines for the following banquet.” But I’m afraid that he’s not entirely correct.
The primary responsibility of the 19 Grand Stewards is to arrange the Grand Festival each year, at which some 500 brethren from around the world are fed and watered. This does take a lot of organising and, focussing on one of my core skills, I had the privilege of being chairman of the Wine Committee. As you may imagine, we, the Wine Committee, laboured hard – very hard – to discharge our duties: tasting, re-tasting, and tasting again and again! But where Ron is in- correct is his assertion that we had to sojourn through France to seek out the good stuff. If only! The truth is that we chose an excellent local wine merchant (Majestic Wine Warehouse) who did us proud, I very much hope.
Having grown up in Jo’burg, and gone to school in the KZN Midlands, I would have very much liked to have served Waterford Chardy 2008, followed perhaps by Rustenberg Peter Barlow 2000, with Vin de Constance 1998 to provide stuff with which to propose the toasts! But it was not to be: we kicked off with Heidsieck’s delicious Monopole Brut, then at the table had Nicolas Potel’s excellent Bourgogne Blanc 2011, followed by Chateau Peyrabon 2003, a fantastic, fully mature cru bourgeois that punched well above its weight (or cost, to be more accurate!).
It’s Grand Festival time again in a few weeks’ time, and I look forward to seeing how my successors have got on! I will try to locate any SA North brethren to say hello!
With all good wishes, Guy Leadbeater
Grand Master’s Lodge No.1
Past Grand Steward
Metropolitan Grand Sword Bearer
THE ORDER OF ST JOHN – W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
Most of us only know the Order of St John’s Ambulance, as first aid at sports matches. Not so. I was surprised to learn from W Bros. Glanmore and Spiller, that their work encompasses much more.
Over and above their sports connections, St John’s offers First Aid and Home Care training to commerce and industry, the military, schools and government departments. They also give courses to the general public so that they can assist in times of emergency at home and work. Their range of courses is designed to cater for the advanced first aider down to young school children. St John’s also has a programme for those individuals with limited reading and writing skills.
During the year ending March 2013, they had trained 23 326 South Africans.
In recognition of their admirable work, the District donated an 8.4m x 2.8m gazebo – their most urgent need.
WOODLANDS “ALL SAINTS” LODGE 3668 – W Bro. Richard Fahrenheim
The Brethren of the Woodlands Lodge No. 3668EC have decided to update the vision and nature of the Lodge and to align its membership on the basis of alumni, parents and teachers of “Johannesburg Saints’ Schools”. This means that they are looking to provide a Masonic home to past pupils, parents of past or current pupils and past or present teachers at any of the “Saints” schools in the greater Johannesburg area. This would include, amongst others, the likes of St. Benedicts, St. Davids, St. Johns, St. Peters and St. Stithians.
Woodlands Lodge is a relatively old Lodge in the District. It was founded in 1913 and named the Sachsenwald Lodge after the forest of the same name which covered the townships of Parktown North and Rosebank. In 1915, it changed its name to Woodlands Lodge, which today, appropriately represents Johannesburg’s urban forest.
As the only “Old Boys” Lodge in the District, we are keen to maintain contact with the Saints Schools and would, wherever possible, conduct one working a year at each school. Regular meetings will continue to take place at Freemasons’ Hall.
In terms of charity, we would like to focus on education and will be looking at offering bursaries to students in need of financial assistance.
For more information, please contact me at richard@fahrenheim.org.
| DepDistGM | VW.Bro. David B Whitfield |
| ADistGM | W.Bro. Bernie Bernard Krone |
| ADistGM | W.Bro. Brian F McDermott |
| ADistGM | W.Bro. Chris van Gaalen |
| ADistGM | W.Bro. Graeme N Mackenzie |
| DistSGW | W.Bro. Richard N Fahrenheim |
| DistJGW | W.Bro. Richard J Lipnicki |
| DistGChap | W.Bro. Vernon H van Wyk |
| DistGTreas | W.Bro. Charles N Burn |
| DistGReg | W.Bro. Gordon M Martin |
| PresDistBoardGP | W.Bro. Mike S Edy |
| DistGSec | W.Bro. David I Pickard |
| PresDistBoard-
Ben |
W.Bro. Brian J Kretzschmar |
| DistGDC | W.Bro. Simon C Knutton |
| DistGSwdB | W.Bro. Alan R Clothier |
| DistGSuptWks | W.Bro. Christopher C Reynolds |
| DistGAlm | W.Bro. Mike E Armour |
| DistDepGDC | W.Bro. Andre’ Ferreira |
| DistDepGDC | W.Bro. Richard W Hawthorne |
| DistDepGDC | W.Bro. Sean Heathcote |
| DistGOrator | W.Bro. Dick R Glanville |
| DistGMentor | W.Bro. Philip Heydenrych |
| DistSGD | W.Bro. Lance A Epstein |
| DistSGD | W.Bro. Rory J Jones |
| DistSGD | W.Bro. Woody J Woodward |
| DistJGD | W.Bro. Ajay S Nunkoo |
| DistJGD | W.Bro. Mike D Smith |
| DistJGD | W.Bro. Serge Obradovich |
| DistAGSec | W.Bro. Davey W Faul |
| DistAGDC | W.Bro. Bill J Hynds |
| DistAGDC | W.Bro. O Martin M Smit |
| DistAGDC | W.Bro. Paul A Spencer |
| DistAGDC | W.Bro. Peter W Veal |
| DistGOrg | W.Bro. Pieter J Wessels |
| DistGStB | W.Bro. Jean F de Coriolis |
| DistGStB | W.Bro. Thys J Snyman |
| DistGPurs | W.Bro. Gerrit H J du Plooy |
| DistGStwd | W.Bro. Andries D Butzbach |
| DistGStwd | W.Bro. Carl P de Montille |
| DistGStwd | W.Bro. John M M Mehliss |
| DistGStwd | W.Bro. Patrick B Shortt |
| DistGStwd | W.Bro. Roland Dunstan |
| DistGStwd | W.Bro. Steve A Stratford |
| DistGTyler | W.Bro. Frans J J Visagie |
| DepGSupt | E. Comp. Tim J Smith |
| 2ndDistGPrin | E. Comp. Dave J Gamble |
| 3rdDistGPrin | E. Comp. Howard Freeman |
| Asst to
DistGPrins |
E. Comp. Colin J Robinson |
| PresDist-
ComGP |
E. Comp. Brad B Gillies |
| DistGSE | E. Comp. David I Pickard |
| DistGSN | E. Comp. G Barry Winter |
| DistGTreas | E. Comp. Hilly Rosin |
| DistGReg | E. Comp. Gordon M Martin |
| DistGDC | E. Comp. Vaughn P Williams |
| DistGSwdB | E. Comp. Dave W Jones |
| DistDepGDC | E. Comp. Ian Fraser |
| DistDepGDC | E. Comp. Mike E Armour |
| DistGSoj | E. Comp. Bill William J Parish |
| Dist1stAGSoj | E. Comp. Clive R Fagan |
| Dist2ndAGSoj | E. Comp. Dieter K Dreyer |
| DistAGSE | E. Comp. Dick P Hammond |
| DistGStB | E. Comp. Bryan C Price |
| DistGStB | E. Comp. Neil Broughton-Johnson |
| DistAGDC | E. Comp. Leighton B Shaw |
| DistAGDC | E. Comp. Vic R Pugh |
| DistGStwd | E. Comp. Dale S M McLean |
| DistGStwd | E. Comp. Ross S V Cole |
| DistGStwd | E. Comp. Roy J Menyennett |
| DistGStwd | E. Comp. Tom J Korff |
| DistGJan | E. Comp. Frans J J Visagie |
SCHOOL REBUILD – VANUATU – W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
Charity certainly is the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason’s heart and this is being amply illustrated by W Bro. Russel Chilton and the members of Lodge of Discovery in Vanuatu, as they rebuild a school ripped apart by a tropical cyclone.
SO MOTE IT BE
At every meeting we say it, we chant it, if there is music in the lodge, we sing it, over and again
– and yet very surprisingly I’ve only ever been asked once, what is “So Mote it Be”, what does it mean and from whence does it originate? So here goes..…
The oldest Masonic expression is “So Mote it Be.” It is used in and outside the Lodge as a general response to Masonic prayer. It derives from the famous Regius Poem, sometimes called the Halliwell Manuscript and is said by experts to have been written circa 1390 by a monk who had access to Operative Masonic documents. This document was discovered by a citizen of London, a non-mason, Mr J.O. Halliwell Phillips, in about 1839 in the British Museum where it was catalogued under the title “a poem of moral duties.”
The poem, written in Chaucerian English, is the oldest Masonic document in existence, the unknown monk who composed it showed remarkable clarity of understanding about the fraternity of Freemasons of the times, who were of course operative workmen.
He lists the rules which govern the Craft, the relationships between Masters and workmen, the moral will, occupational and religious duties of the Craftsmen. Nearly all the articles in this ancient document, over 600 years old, are as applicable today (in substance) as they were when they were written so long ago.
The final words of the poem are –
“Amen and Amen! So mote it be! May we all live in charity.”
“Mote” is an Anglo-Saxon word originally derived from the Saxon word “motan” meaning “may”. The phrase “so mote it be” literally means “so be it” and was used in the middle ages in England as a pious finale to blessings. It should be noted that the medieval formula began with the Hebrew word “Amen” nowadays more often than not omitted from Masonic usage. The word “Amen” has a range of meanings and related to fidelity, constancy, sureness, trust, and when used at the end of prayers and blessings, it was a formula of acquiescence and confirmation as though to say “Truly, we believe that is [or will be] so.”
Thus, though the “Amen” and the “so mote it be” did not originally have the same meanings, they have acquired the same meaning in the course of time of centuries, and that possibly explains the modern Masonic omission of the word “Amen.”
So, “So Mote it Be” is the ancient “Amen” of the Freemason!
So Mote it Be !!
ULTRA DISTANCE RUNNING UNDER THE BANNER OF FREEMASONRY CARES
– W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
Phil Waudby started running 8 years ago when he raised R40 000 in aid of the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town. The event was the 250km Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM), which is run over 7 days with daily distances ranging from 28km to 80km (day/night sections).
Following on from his first success, Phil conquered the Comrades Marathon, raising R60 000 for the Starfish Foundation.
In 2011, Phil took on his greatest challenge by running to
the start of the KAEM Marathon from Benoni. He covering a distance of 933km in 12 days. After just one rest day, he
then completed the 250km race and raised R130 000 for the Sunflower Fund.
Phil was signed up to run for CHOC (Children’s Haematology Oncology Clinics) last year, but was unable to complete the race due to medical reasons. The District Grand Lodge of South Africa North still fully supported Phil’s effort and presented CHOC with a cheque for R30 000.
Phil’s next project will be running for OSCAP – Outraged SA Citizens Against Poaching – in 2016.
ENERGY SAVING & GREEN IDEAS PROJECT FOR SCHOOLS
– W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
Schools in Cosmo City, Diepkloof, Diepsloot and the East Rand have been challenged to write essays on: renewable energy, tidy homes, streets, cleaning rivers and any lateral thinking green earth ideas. Grades 5, 6 and 7 compete to win one of 10 soccer board games per school.
In association with Green Beings, 10 schools have already participated, with over 500 children entering the competition. A further sponsor supported this initiative by donating a stationary pack to each competing student.
ULTRA DISTANCE RUNNING UNDER THE BANNER OF FREEMASONRY CARES
BIENNIAL VIELERIAN LECTURE – W Bro. Dick Glanville
Lyceum Lodge of Research recently hosted W Bro. Michel Jaccard, 33 degree PhD member of the Grand Lodge Alpina of Switzerland, who presented a lecture entitled “The Biennial Vielerian Lecture”.
The event was a resounding success with approximately 130 brethren from both the English and Sister constitutions in attendance. It was an especially memorable occasion for the 17 Entered Apprentices who attended.
- Published in The Cornerstone
The Cornerstone – November 2014
HOWARD FREEMAN – THIRD DISTRICT GRAND PRINCIPAL
Howard was born in Johannesburg on 24 March 1956. His late father was Merton Freeman, PDGM and PGSupt of the Transvaal. From the age of 7, he started travelling with his family through the Transvaal District as his father and grandfather attended Masonic meetings.
Howard was initiated into Aviation Lodge in May 1977 and has been invested as the Third District Grand Principal. His Masonic achievements include:
- Initiated into Aviation Lodge in May 1977
- Past Grand Standard Bearer of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England
- Past District Grand Scribe Nehemiah of the District Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Africa, North
- Past First Principal of Transvaal Jubilee Chapter No. 6143 EC
- Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies of the United Grand Lodge of England
- Past District Junior Grand Warden of the District Grand Lodge of South Africa, North
- Past Master of Aviation Lodge No. 8471 EC
ANNUAL INVESTITURES IN LONDON – VW Bro. Iain Fraser
Our DGM attended the Annual Investitures of United Grand Lodge and of Supreme Grand Chapter on Wednesday 30 April and Thursday 01 May, in London. He was accompanied by VW Bro. David Whitfield as well as several of the Brethren and Companions who received Grand Honours.
In the Craft, first appointments to PAGDC were received by W Bros. Mike Edy, Bernie Krone and Dr Ron Poole. W Bro. David Whitfield was promoted to PGSwdB, W Bro. Richard Moore to PSGD and W Bro. Brian McDermott to PJGD.
In the Royal Arch, E Comps. Percy Green and David Johnston received first appointments to PGStB and E Comp. John Edby to PAGDC. E Comp. Brad Gillies was promoted to PGSoj and E Comp. Stan Elms to PAGSoj.
Congratulations to all these Brethren and Companions. We wish them many more years of service and enjoyment in our District.
DISTRICT GRAND BANQUET 2014 – W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
This year’s Charity Banquet was a truly splendid occasion. It was held for the first time, in the re-decorated main Park Lane Dining Room.
The President of the Board of General Purposes, W Bro. Mike Edy and his committee arranged a sumptuous menu and glittering table settings, all at two thirds of the cost of the previous banquet, making it more affordable for the Brethren and their wives. Well done!
With sherries away, the resplendent ladies and their penguins took their seats. After grace and starters, the RW District Grand Master welcomed guests and proceeded to the toasts, ending with a toast to our beautiful yet long suffering ladies.
I delivered a speech and PowerPoint presentation on behalf of the Manager of the MOTHWA Med-Step Clinic, who was unable to attend.
Mrs Yolandi McMaster (Accounts Manager) and Ms Reynecke (Duty Manager), then presented a certificate of appreciation from the MOTHWA Med-Step Rehabilitation Clinic to the RW District Grand Master.
After the delicious main course and just a few glasses of wine – an outline of the charity donations for the year was explained. The major recipient, Oliver’s House will utilise the donation for the building of classrooms in order to encourage promising students in maths and science – the essential building blocks of our country’s future.
The RW District Grand Master made the presentation to Mr Terence Ferreira (Chairman) and two of his Board Members, Mrs Helene Barker and Mr Charles Mahlangu.
In an impassioned response, Mr Ferreira gave an outline of work successfully undertaken by Oliver’s House and their enthusiasm for the new projects of the future.
Dessert and coffee were then served to end a thoroughly successful Charity Banquet.
A MASONIC JOURNEY APRIL 2014 – W Bro. Dr. Ron Poole
It was a privilege to find myself awarded Grand Rank and to be invested at Great Queen Street in London. With the weak South African currency it made sense to visit other places of interest while in the UK.
First, was to visit Mariner Lodge at the Queen Street Masonic Centre in Brighton (the centre of Masonry in Sussex) to attend an Initiation. They follow the Emulation ritual with some interesting differences known as the “Sussex way”. The meeting was preceded with a couple of toots and followed by a marvellous festive board. Most of us left by taxi which magically appeared after the function. This was the last opportunity for me to wear my District Regalia and also resulted in an open invitation to Brighthelmstone Lodge.
A visit to Batemans, Rudyard Kipling’s home in Sussex, run by the National Trust was worth a visit where his Masonic jewels were on display. Kipling enjoyed his masonry but did not aspire to rank, which I found surprising from the author of, “The Man Who Would be King”.
My next adventure was to take my sister to Picardy to pay homage to our great uncle who fell during battle in Pozieres in 1918. We drove across the Somme battlefields and trenches – what a grim experience! The cemeteries and memorials, of which there are many, are beautifully maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. We visited several facinating museums run by the French. Delville Wood has re-grown and is very beautiful with a magnificent carpet of blue bells in Spring. After the battle, there was one tree left standing, which can still be seen.
Surprisingly, we did not find any Masonic references or exhibits but we were on another mission. The grim conditions were probably not conducive to practising Masonry. Nevertheless, one cannot help but remember the great numbers of Masons who served and fell on both sides and to remember why we have, until recently, worn black ties. The journey was also a fitting preface to the Grand Festival at Freemasons’ Hall, which was built as a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives during the Great War.
Off to London to attend the Craft Investiture. It was a delight to attend a Supreme Council Short Discussion Meeting and tour of the Duke Street HQ. This was followed by a superb buffet lunch in the Solarium, which included Cumberland sausage and a fine selection of cheese. Afterwards we retired to the Great Queen Street Freemasons Hall where the King Edward VII Chapter of Improvement demonstrated the 4th and 5th degrees. It was interesting to compare their productions with those of our St Vitus Chapter.
The great day arrived – Wednesday 30th April. The Investiture was in the afternoon and, prior to the Meeting, it was quite an experience to see so many Masons in dark suits milling around be- forehand. This included several brethren from South Africa, North, as well as brethren from other South African Districts – we appreciated your support. We were guided to dressing rooms and then to the Grand Temple itself, quite a logistical exercise which was well managed by older masons directing us through a “rabbit warren”. If you think Park Lane is extensive, think again!
1700 Brethren packed into the Grand Temple. The meeting was opened by our Grand Master, the Duke of Kent. We, first appointments and promotions to Grand Rank, were carefully collect- ed by Grand Stewards who walked us with great decorum to the Grand Master himself. The shaking of hands, investiture as PAGDC and brief exchange of words passed all too quickly. In future, I will know who I’m toasting as Grand Master at our festive boards – it makes such a difference! We closed by singing the National Anthem “God save the Queen” – it was so moving.
The Stewards cherish their positions and incur much expense for the privilege, including having to sojourn through France to seek out and buy suitable wines for the following banquet.
The Grand Temple is aptly named. This is beautifully decorated and includes the magnificent Star Ceiling. No photos are allowed and all cell phones were ordered off but I can attest to the awe inspiring setting.
On to the Connaught Rooms next door where we were plied with champagne in the Champagne Bar and then to the Grand Connaught Room for a superb banquet. We were all served in unison by very pretty students recruited for the day.
The Grand Connaught room is bright with huge wall mirrors reflecting the crystal chandeliers. The speeches were well delivered, the food wonderful and the wine well chosen by the Stewards. Overwhelmed, I retired replete to my hotel for a cognac nightcap on the patio overlooking Lincolns Inn Fields.
The next day, a shopping trip was necessary to buy a new white shirt. Not easy as the London shops stock all designs and colours, but a simple white shirt! Having succeeded in my quest I made my way to meet our DGM and Deputy DGM in Leicester Square. On my way back, I took the opportunity to browse the regalia shops. Central Regalia and Toye, Kenning & Spencer all stocked Craft and RA items including books and ties of various orders. It was difficult to resist the temptation to acquire those items of regalia which are not so readily available here in SA. Unable to resist, I came away well laden.
The RA Investiture, also in the Grand Temple, was next on my agenda. Now being somewhat more familiar with the procedure we again enjoyed another professional ceremony, this time as an observer and finished by again singing “God Save the Queen”. Finally, another lunch in the Grand Connaught Room.
Finally, on to Heathrow to do battle on the Tube (crowded and recovering from a strike) and with a very full suitcase. A young lady seeing me struggling with my burden offered me her seat, which I graciously declined, reminding me that none of us are getting any younger.
In my early days as a Mason, I remember being in awe of the top brass at Installations. I never thought I would become one of them and never aspired to. My Masonic journey of some 27 years continues culminating in a marvellous journey to London to receive Grand Rank. My sincere thanks go to those brethren of our District who gave their support and particularly to VW Bro. David Whitfield for arranging such a memorable and fulfilling Masonic week in London.
| ACTIVE CRAFT OFFICERS 2014 – 2015 | ||
| DepDGM | David | Whitfield |
| AsstDGM | Chris | van Gaalen |
| AsstDGM | Graeme | MacKenzie |
| AsstDGM | Brian | McDermott |
| AsstDGM | Bernie | Krone |
| Dist SGW | David | Gurney |
| Dist JGW | Dries | Krause |
| Dist G Chap | Vernon | van Wyk |
| Dist G Treasurer | Charles | Burn |
| Dist G Registrar | Gordon | Martin |
| Pres DistBd GP | Mike | Edy |
| Dist G Sec | David | Pickard |
| Pres DistBd Benev | Brian | Kretzschmar |
| DistGDC | Richard | Fahrenheim |
| DistG SwdB | Guss | Sou thgate |
| DistG SuptWks | Dave | Griffiths |
| DistG Almoner | Mike | Armour |
| DistDepGDC | Simon | Knutton |
| DistDepGDC | Sean | Heathcote |
| DistDepGDC | André | Ferreira |
| DistG Mentor | Philip | Heydenrych |
| Dist G Orator | Dick | Glanville |
| DistSGD | John | Clüver |
| DistSGD | Charles | Fox |
| DistSGD | Ferdi | Freyer |
| DistJGD | Tom | Korff |
| DistJGD | Roy | Menyennett |
| DistJGD | Philip | Venn |
| DistAsstGSec | Glenn C | Rae |
| DistAGDC | John | Dixon |
| DistAGDC | Bill WJ | Hynds |
| DistAGDC | Mike | Smith |
| DistAGDC | Jean-Paul | Tredoux |
| DistG Org | Pieter | Wessels |
| DistGStB | J Francois | de Coriolis |
| DistGStB | Thys MJ | Snyman |
| DistG Pursuivant | Ross SV | Cole |
| DistGStwd | Jose (Joe) | de Mosquita |
| DistGStwd | Dawid | Faul |
| DistGStwd | Bogdan | Milewski |
| DistGStwd | Srdjan | Obradovitch |
| DistGStwd | Paul | Spencer |
| DistGStwd | Peter | Veal |
| DistGTyler | Frans | F Visagie |
ACTIVE ROYAL ARCH OFFICERS 2014 – 2015
| Dep G Supt | Tim | Smith |
| 2ndDistG Princ | David | Gamble |
| 3rd Dist G Princ | Howard | Freeman |
| Asst to Dist Grand Principals | Colin | Robinson |
| PresDCommGP | Brad | Gillies |
| DGSE | Dave | Pickard |
| DGSN | John | Stephens |
| DGTreas | Hilary | Rosin |
| DGReg | Gordon | Martin |
| DGDC | Vaughn | Williams |
| DGSwdB | Alan | Clothier |
| DDepGDC | Mike | Armour |
| DDepGDC | Ian | Fraser |
| DGSoj | Richard | Stuart |
| D1stAsstGSoj | Richard | Woodward |
| D2ndAsstGSoj | Dave W | Jones |
| DAsstGSE | Jimmy CA | Littlewood |
| DGStB | J Arthur | Bremner |
| DGStB | David | Hand |
| DGOrg | Dave | McNally |
| DAGDC | Philip | Cooper |
| DAGDC | Rory | Jones |
| DistGStwd | Lance | Epstein |
| DistGStwd | Richard | Hawthorne |
| DistGStwd | Leighton | Shaw |
| DistGStwd | Gijs | Spruijt |
| DistGJanitor | Frans | Visagie |
“STANDING ROOM ONLY!” – W Bro. Richard Glanville
On 29 July 2014, approximately 270 Brethren, their partners and guests attended a Masonic lecture hosted by Lodge Lyceum, No. 8682 EC. The well attended meeting took place in Temple 1 at FMH.
It was a very special Masonic lecture; as it was delivered by a lady who is not a Freemason.
Mrs Louise Schoeman presented a well researched paper entitled “Freemasonry, a Living Encyclopaedia of Ancient Insight and Wisdom”.
Louise, who holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters in Transpersonal Psychology, held the audience spellbound as she traced and discussed the history and origins of the esoteric knowledge that we accept as part of our Craft. It was amazing to learn that the same principles and beliefs were common in so many of the ancient cultures of the world, which were, ac- cording to contemporary history, isolated from each other.
Louise has been researching Freemasonry for 28 years. She started the investigation when con- fronted with criticism from the local Church in her home town of Vredefort, where her father was Master of his Lodge. What started as a project to defend her Father became a lifelong quest for knowledge when she realised the beauty of the principles and tenets of the Order.
The passion that Louise has for her subject came through in the relaxed and erudite manner in which she made her presentation and this enthralled her audience. Question time was lively but sadly had to be limited due to the lateness of the hour. Louise has also delivered lectures on the subject at Wits University and has taken part in radio broadcasts.
The lecture was followed by supper, which regrettably was available to only half of the attendees. Such was the demand.
The concept of exposing the principles of Freemasonry to our friends and connections through successful lecture evenings has once again proved the Lyceum slogan: “Moving ahead with Masonic knowledge”.
FREEMASONS TO THE RESCUE – W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
Tyrone is 6 years old and has quadriplegic cerebral palsy. As part of his condition, he has a dislocated left hip and curvature of the spine to the right. The orthopaedic surgeon treating him has indicated his need of a specialist wheelchair (called a Chunc 45) to balance him. Tyrone is pictured in his old wheelchair which he has now outgrown.
The cost of a new wheel chair is R52 000. The family’s medical aid was prepared to pay R20 000 to- wards the wheel chair and the family needed to raise another R32 000.
Tyrone’s mother, Mandy, is not able to work as she needs to look after him. Eslie, his father is the only source of income for the family.
Tyrone’s mother, Mandy, is not able to work as she needs to look after him. Eslie, his father is the only source of income for the family.
The family, needing assistance to acquire this chair, contacted everyone they knew in Rustenburg, including the Methodist Church where a number of our Freemasons are parishioners.
W Bro. Bill King, a senior member of our District in Rustenburg, contacted me on the Board of Benevolence with a plea to assist as after 6 months, the R32,000 was still outstanding. After all the checks and balances had been done, the District Board of General Purposes agreed to assist. The new adjustable chair which was made overseas has now been delivered, giving the little lad great relief from pain and putting a smile on his face.
Well done Bill, the driving force behind this project and all the Lodges that have made charitable donations during the course of the year.
CONSECRATION OF SOUTH AFRICA, NORTH 1ST PRINCIPALS CHAPTER No. 8192
This Oration was given by E. Comp. Richard Moore PGSwbB, Past Deputy Grand Superintendent at the Consecration.
“ME Grand Superintendent, E. Comps, Comps All
At the outset might I thank the Grand Superintendent for the privilege of presenting this Oration. Described in the Oxford Dictionary as “a formal speech, especially one given on a ceremonial occasion”. Comps. I think the occasion qualifies for an Oration.
Those of you who know me and the passion I have for this glorious Order, will know just how much I appreciate this honour. The consecration of another Chapter so soon after the recent opening of the Chapter of Friendship in Mauritius, speaks volumes for the ever-increasing enjoyment the District is deriving from this, the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.
I will not bore you with a dissertation on the inexorable link between the Craft and the Royal Arch as detailed in the Preliminary Declaration, but I do feel compelled to highlight to you, two subsequent pronouncements:
In 2007 Grand Lodge issued the following repositioning statement: “The Order of the Holy Royal Arch is an integral part of Pure Antient Masonry, being the completion of Craft Masonry, AND THE ESSENTIAL NEXT STEP IN FREEMASONRY FOR All MASTER MASONS.”
Our Grand Master, H.R.H. The Duke of Kent, saw fit to comment further on this subject: “A man can only become a complete Mason when he takes the very important step into the Royal Arch.”
There are times that I am vexed and perplexed by what might be described as the contrary behaviour of a few Brethren in our District. As the Petitioners and Founders of this new Chapter you have a primary deep responsibility to ensure the enthusiastic, non-negotiable adherence to the Aldersgate Ritual; such Exaltation and Installation Ceremonies are to be conducted with the utmost dignity and decorum that the Ceremonies demand.
I would like to share with you a few thoughts on the other primary objectives of this new Chapter:
- The first objective must surely be to provide a vehicle so as to encourage Past Principals to maintain their on-going enthusiasm for the Order, having completed their term of Office in
the First Principal’s Chair of their respective Chapters.
- This Chapter is to be considered to have similar well known objectives as that of the Transvaal District Grand Stewards Lodge, whose number it
- To give lectures as requested so that the Historical and Symbolical aspects of the Ritual, so that the Furniture and the Layout of the Chapter may be better understood, appreciated and thus
- To assist Chapters when an office needs to be filled; be it a regular Exaltation or Installation (reasonable notice Companions is not one hour!)
- Every two years or so to demonstrate the Ceremony of “The Passing of the Veils”.
- Let the Festive Boards be noted for their superb fare and resulting
May the enthusiasm and excitement at the founding of this the South Africa North 1st Principals Chapter No. 8192 EC prevailing today NEVER diminish. Companions, Thank you. “
Mission Statement
To demonstrate Royal Arch workings To act as a service to Chapters
To recruit new members
Suggested Activities:
Demonstration of Exaltation ceremony
- Correct way of opening and closing a Chapter
- Correct procedure for balloting
- Correct way of conducting a candidate
- The correct way of showing the signs and their explanation
Demonstration of the Installation Ceremony
Demonstration of procedures for installing Principals Lectures
Lectures on the ritual – to be given in chapters when requested General lectures to be given at the request of Chapters Lectures to be given in Craft Lodges regarding the Royal Arch.
Assist Chapters
Assist Chapters when an Officer is required for exaltation or installation
Walk Through
Explanation of various items and procedures.
Ritual split
Splitting the ritual between the Principals and Sojourners
Quiz
Conducting a quiz within a chapter or between Chapters
Ceremony of the Veils
To be demonstrated every two or three years.
- Published in The Cornerstone
The Cornerstone – March 2014
DAVID WHITFIELD – DEPUTY DISTRICT GRAND MASTER
David was born in Zeerust in 1947 to a farmer and his teacher wife. He attended Zeerust Primary School, which was dual medium up to standard two, after which he had to switch to Afrikaans for the final three years. He went to Potchefstroom High School for Boys where he matriculated in 1964.
In 1968 he graduated from Natal University with a B.Sc.Eng. (Chemical) and then worked at the Anglo American Research Labs for three years to pay back his bursary. He then joined Computer Sciences and spent the rest of his career in the computer industry. He was employed in the IT Department of Rand Merchant Bank before retiring five years ago, in 2008.
He became interested in skydiving while still at Natal University and actively pursued the sport for the next 10 years. He was awarded Springbok Colours in 1974 and again in 1978.
His introduction to Masonry occurred in 1983 when his regular snooker partner announced that he would no longer be able to play on the second Wednesday of the month. After some prodding he was proposed into First Pride Lodge. He subsequently met up with Henry du Toit whom he had known through skydiving circles and was pressed into joining Isando Lodge. He was installed into the chair of Isando Lodge in 1987 by which time he had not yet gained the first step of the ladder in his mother Lodge.
Under the guiding hand of W Bro. Brian Stredder, he was raised in First Pride Lodge in March 1984, Exalt- ed in Clarendon Royal Arch Chapter in May 1984, Installed as a Knight Templar in Park Lane Preceptory in June 1984, installed into the Red Cross of Constantine in March 1985 and St Aubyn’s Rose Croix Chapter in October 1985. Finally, he joined the Knight’s Templar Priests in November 1987. It was a great loss for both David and Masonry in the Transvaal when W Bro. Brian Stredder suddenly passed away in October 1991. David’s only regret regarding Masonry was that he had not discovered it earlier.
He became the Divisional Recorder of the Red Cross following W Bro. Brian Stredder’s death and holds
the unique distinction of being awarded Grand Rank in the Order while still in the Chair of his Conclave. He became the Intendant-General of the Red Cross of Constantine in 2006, the Sub-Prior in the Knights Templar the same year and the Grand Superintendent of the Knights Templar Priest in 2007. He was promoted to the 33rd Degree by Supreme Council in 2002 and became Secretary of the South African Branch Council.
In the Craft he was appointed as an Assistant DC in 1992, Deputy DC from 1999 to 2004, Senior Warden in 2004, Assistant DGM in 2010 and Deputy DGM in October 2013.
GRAEME MCKENZIE – ASSISTANT DISTRICT GRAND MASTER
Graeme was born in Redhill, Surrey in England in 1963 and following in his father’s footsteps, he joined Freemasonry in 1990 being initiated into Maybury Lodge No. 969 at Great Queen Street, in London, serving as Master for two consecutive years in 1997 and 1998.
Graeme initially came to South Africa in 1997 on secondment to establish two local insurance companies for banking group BNP Paribas and after returning to the UK in 1999, relocated on a permanent basis with the same company in 2001.
In 2003, Graeme founded his own financial services business providing insurance consultancy and risk services to many of South Africa’s large corporates, particularly in retail. He still runs the same company today from offices in Fourways, Johannesburg.
On returning to South Africa in 2001, Graeme looked to join a lodge on a permanent basis and after several visits and with the sponsorship of W Bro. Ray Holder and W Bro. John Wilson, he joined Kosmos Lodge No. 2768 in the November 2001, attaining the Chair in 2005.
His first District Appointment came in 2005 as a Past District Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. In 2006 he took an active appointment of the same rank. In 2007 he was appointed as District Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, a position he held until 2011 when he was appointed as the District Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Graeme is a Royal Arch mason, a member of several other Orders as well as a member of Arcadia Lodge in Pretoria.
Graeme is married to Debby and lives in Waterkloof Ridge in Pretoria. He has three children aged 21, 11 and 8. He is a keen sportsman and an avid football fan. He still plays and coaches football in the Pretoria area.
BRIAN MCDERMOTT – ASSISTANT DISTRICT GRAND MASTER
Originally from Scotland, Brian came to South Africa in 1971. At school he was a keen sportsman, playing rugby, hockey and athletics. Later football, squash and scuba diving became his sports of choice. Brian’s love of dogs has seen him involved with dog training for over 20 years and when the weather is fine on Sundays, you will more than likely find him riding his old Suzuki motorbike. As a Manufacturing Jeweller by trade, Brian has been making all types of jewellery since 1979. Masonic rings, jewels and swords are among the most popular. He is a true artificer of metals.
Initiated in United Services Lodge No. 2967 in 1989, Brian quickly rose through the ranks and was installed Worshipful Master in 1995. He has served as the Worshipful Master of this Lodge four times and was honoured when the Brethren elected him to be the Centenary Master in 2003. An active and dedicated mason, Brian belongs to five other Lodges, is a Past Master of three (the Transvaal District Grand Stewards Lodge, Corinthian and Hartbeestpoort) and a member of Arcadia and Premier Diamond Lodge of the Transvaal. He has held a number of District appointments; the first was in 1997 as District Grand Steward, then District Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, District Grand Pursuivant, District Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, District Grand Director of Ceremonies and District Senior Grand Warden. He received Grand Rank in 2006.
He was Exalted into Pretoria United Royal Arch Chapter and is also a member of Norwood Chapter. He is currently the 2nd District Grand Principal and holds the rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer.
In the Order of the Secret Monitor, he is the District Grand Supreme Ruler (the head of the order) and is a member of Arcadia Conclave.
In the Rose Croix, Brian is a member of Pretoria Chapter and is a 31st Degree Mason. He is also a member of Transvaal Preceptory where he is currently the Preceptor Elect.
DAVE GAMBLE – DISTRICT SENIOR GRAND WARDEN
Dave was born in Bulawayo, Rhodesia on 31st December 1948 and though finally educated in South Africa, immigrated to, and became a South Africa Citizen after completing his Rhodesian Military Service in the 1970’s.
His interest in Freemasonry was engendered by his Father who was an English Constitution Freemason. His fore- bearers were also Masons, but as they mostly lived in different countries and towns. It was only in 1986 that he was initiated into Freemasonry in this District. Roger Rudd and the late Barrington Goudge being his Proposer and Seconder for Initiation into Royal George Lodge No. 2643.
He is a Past Master of: Royal George Lodge 2643, New Horizons Lodge 8703, Transvaal District Grand Stewards Lodge 8192 and Roodepoort Lodge 2539.
His first District appointment was that of District Grand Steward in 1997. He progressed well, being promoted to DistAGDC, PDJGD, PDJGW and in 2013, District Senior Grand Warden.
Having been exalted as a Royal Arch Mason in Royal George Royal Arch Chapter in 1988, he progressed equally well in parallel with the Craft; viz DistAGDC, DistDepGDC, DistGDC, Assistant to the District Grand Principals and at- tained Grand Rank as PGStdB in 2007.
He is also active in the following orders:
- A 32nd Degree Mason in the Ancient and Accepted Rite, Past Most Wise Sovereign of St. Aubyn’s Chapter, also member of Klerksdorp and St.Vitus Chapters and also Past District Recorder in SANW
- Knights Templar: Johannesburg Chapter and Past Provincial Chaplain
- Knight Templar Priests: Kosmos Tabernacle and Past Grand II Pillar
- Red Cross of Constantine: Omega Conclave and Divisional Grand Std B (L)
- Royal Order of Scotland: Provincial Grand Lodge of the Transvaal and Provincial Grand Guarder of the Tower
Dave is Senior Tribologist with Anglo American, and has spent most of his working life involved in the Pe- troleum and Mining Industries. He is an Executive Committee Member of the SA Institute of Tribology, serves on the Petroleum Products Committee of the SABS/SANS and lives in Fairland, Johannesburg with his wife, Barbara. Whilst no longer active in sports, he lives and promotes Freemasonry at every opportunity.
FRANK BENDER – DISTRICT JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN
Frank was born in Athens, Greece in 1946. His father was a military serviceman serving in Athens. When he was six months old the family returned to London, his father’s birth place. On completion of his secondary education, his first job was in the Production Department of the Ingersol watch company. With their help Frank was able to attend one of the London Polytechnics to further his career prospects.
He then joined a subsidiary of General Electric, which had many interests in South Africa. After working for this company for a number of years, he transferred to a sister company in South Africa during 1983, bringing Jacky, his wife and their two daughters with him.
After a short stay with the company, an offer of employment from Zeiss (South Africa) as a Product Manager was too tempting to ignore. During 1993 an opportunity to become a partner in a plastics extrusion company encouraged Frank to leave Zeiss and become his own boss.
Through a work colleague at Zeiss, Frank joined Kensington Lodge in June 1987, becoming the W.M. in 1994. He is also a member and has been through the chair of Denver RA, Kensington Rose Croix, Cinderella Mark and Transvaal District Grand Stewards Lodge. He has recently joined Jeppestown Allied Council.
Frank is also responsible for the running of the Kensington Masonic Hall which does not leave him much time to pursue other hobbies. He always finds time to visit his daughters, one of whom resides in Windhoek and the other in England with two grandchildren and his mother.
Whenever he can, he likes to get away with Jacky to “the bush” where he can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of an unhurried life.
CENTENARY MEETING OF LION OF THE NORTH LODGE No. 3640.
– VW Bro. Iain Fraser
Lion of the North Lodge held their Centenary Meeting on Saturday 13 July 2013, at their Masonic Hall in Munnik Street, Louis Trichardt (now renamed Makhado).
The DGM, RW Bro. Prof. Guy Charlesworth, presented the Centenary Warrant to the Lodge and Centenary Jewels to the members. He was supported by the “Chains” and a large District Delegation.
W Bro. Malcolm Tucker, PDistJGW, prepared and presented a very interesting abridged history of the Lodge, with accounts of life in the old Transvaal in the early days.
Lion of the North, a strong Country Lodge, has been “paired” with Corona, a strong City Lodge, since the early 1980s and the two Lodges continue to visit one another and enjoy joint Workings as well as family weekends in the Kruger Park.
The Brethren have recently carried out extensive repairs to their hall and can be proud of the results.
The Meeting was followed by a very enjoyable Centenary Dinner at the Adams Apple Hotel, on the N1 motorway south of the town, which was well attended by the ladies and visitors.
FREEMASONS ASSIST MED-STEP TO TAKE A BIG STEP – W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
Two years ago, Elaine Pickard made an appeal for static and fold-up wheelchairs for the MOTHWA MED- STEP (REHABILITATION) CLINIC. Through the good offices of W Bros. John Blaine and Neville Hose, we were able to deliver 5 chairs. Elaine subsequently invited me to a walkthrough of the Clinic which was then housed within their frail care/dementia/old age home. Their dream was to separate the CLINIC from the home – into an allocated area next door, on the same property. Such a project would entail extensive renovations but would meet the criteria of the District’s CAPITAL EXPENDITURE with necessary selfsustaining aspects. After careful planning and financial scrutiny, the project was accepted for the 2013 – 2014 Masonic year. A plan was formulated under the direction of W Bros. Iain Fraser (Architect), Dave Griffiths (Supt. of Works) and Charles Burn (Treasurer).
The transformation was nothing short of spectacular: 28 wards (18 private), new admin offices, a new electricity back-up generator, reception, computer/patient systems and screens, gutter and facia boards renewed, as were the entrance, parking area, boom and security hut. Suction units, beds, curtains, cabinets and a small TV were allocated to each ward. Cams at the front door and main gate were fitted to improve security. The whole building has been repainted including the exterior walls. Outdoor gazebos with seating areas have been created for the well-being of patients and staff.
The entire Clinic has been re-floored, painted and two gyms (physical and neurological) have been built. Kitchens, sluice rooms, staff rest-rooms, etc. have also been upgraded. Every facility from cleaning dispensers in each ward to the garden have been transformed. This is truly a project for every Freemason in the District to be proud of.
As a token of respect to Elaine Pickard who has been seeing to our Masonic Regalia needs for many years
– plus the fact that she has held high office in the MOTHWA for many years – the main corridor of wards has been named after her in gratitude.
On October the 21st, the refurbished Rehabilitation Clinic was officially opened by our RW District Grand Master and a plaque unveiled.
The MOTHWA Trust Executive, Staff, including the Manager, Mrs Stephanie du Toit, have expressed their thanks and deepest gratitude to all the Freemasons in our District for making their dream a reality.
ROYAL ARCH ISLAND STYLE – E. Comp. Brian McDermott
Following the consecration of the Friendship Chapter in Mauritius in September, the Grand Superintendent was conscious of the fact that all the members of the Chapter were Scottish Royal Arch Masons and had never witnessed an English Royal Arch ceremony. E. Comp. Leighton Shaw and I were asked by the Grand Superintendent to go to Mauritius and assist the Chapter with their first meeting. This gave the new Chapter the best possible start and afforded the Companions the opportunity to see and become familiar with how the ritual is conducted the English way.
We arrived on the Friday evening and drove straight from the airport to the lodge at Phoenix where we had a quick walkthrough with the Companions before we opened the Chapter. E. Comp. Leighton took the First Principal’s Chair and I filled the office of Principal Sojourner. We then exalted W Bro. Robin Mardemootoo as the first Candidate of the Chapter. E. Comps Ramloll, Putten and Adamjee assisted with the lectures.
The next morning we exalted the Worshipful Master of Friendship Lodge, W Bro. Juddoo and we then called off for lunch; after lunch we exalted two senior Brethren, W. Bros. Gepaul and Dr. Veerafimy. By now the Companions were accustomed to the English ceremony. The Principal Sojourner of the Chapter, E. Comp. Jivanji was keen to be involved and assisted with the first part of the ceremony.
Subsequently, two candidates, W. Bros. Ho Fong and Bhageerutty were exalted and after a short break for refreshments, we exalted Bro. Ramlackhan and one of the youngest Master Masons on the island, Bro. Lallah.
All the Companions, especially the Candidates, enjoyed the ceremonies. Friendship Chapter in Mauritius is now well established and we wish them every success in their future endeavours.
CHAPTER OF FRIENDSHIP CONSECRATION – E. Comp. Tim Smith
The Chapter of Friendship no.1696 was consecrated on Saturday the 14th of September 2013 at the Phoenix Masonic Hall in Mauritus.
The consecrating principals were:
Z – E. Comp. Prof. Guy Charlesworth, M.E Grand Superintendent H – E. Comp. Cleve Wiehahn, Deputy Grand Superintendent
J – E. Comp. Brian McDermott, second District Grand Principal
With 10 other Grand and District Grand Chapter Officers in attendance.
The ceremony commenced with the Chapter being opened at 09h00. The consecrating officer addressed the Companions on the importance of the meeting, concluding with a request to the consecrating J to give the opening prayer. The consecrating DC announced the Charter of Constitution authorising the founders to form and open a regular Chapter of Royal Arch Masons to be known as the Chapter of Friendship.
Consecrating Scribe E read the Charter. The Oration was delivered by E. Comp. Cleve Wiehahn and the Invocation by E. Comp. Prof. Guy Charlesworth. The Chapter was then consecrated in due masonic form.
The dedication and prayer was given by E. Comp. McDermott who perambulated three times around the Chapter with a censer. The constitution of the Chapter was finalised by E. Comp. Charlesworth followed by the patriarchal benediction by the consecrating J (E. Comp. McDermott).
The induction of the Principals followed; Z – E. Comp. Randhir C. Ramloll, H – E. Comp. George J. R. Faustin and J – E. Comp. Ambedkar A. Putten.
E. Comp. Ramloll then appointed and invested the officers of the year, who were all founder members.
The by laws of the Chapter were approved and the election was taken for honorary membership. The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent gave his address, after which the Chapter was closed. The ceremony was followed by an informal lunch at the Masonic Hall.
CORONA LODGE’S CHARITY CONTRIBUTION – VW Bro. Iain Fraser
At their Installation Meeting on 06 November 2013, Corona Lodge donated a total of R 320 450.00 to Charity.
Part of this was made up by two cheques to District, one of R 80 000.00 and a second one of R60 000.00, to be paid to nominated Charities through the District.
The Lodge also made three direct payments to their own Charities, for a total of R 17 200.00, and paid a further R 163 250.00 to the Lodges which assist them with their annual Gentlemen’s Box and Dine. The Lodges which booked more than ten seats for the event where returned a substantial portion of their ticket money, for re-distribution to their own Charities.
Congratulations to Corona Lodge for another outstanding achievement, in spite of the fact that they did not host a Golf Day during the year. We are all very proud of the Lodge’s major Charity contributions to the District over many years.
NEW DISTRICT APPOINTMENTS
BI-CENTENARY OF THE SUPREME ORDER OF THE HOLY ROYAL ARCH
– E. Comp. Cleve Wiehahn
The Supreme Grand Chapter celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch at Great Queen Street, London on 16th October 2013. This date coincided with the Union of the two Grand Lodges in 1813, now known as the United Grand Lodge of England. Celebrations were held throughout the Provinces and Districts and our ME Grand Superintendent attended the celebration in London.
The occasion was celebrated in our District on Saturday 30th November 2013. Earlier in the year, E. Comp. Brad Gillies, President of the Committee of General Purposes, took on the role of planning co-ordinator. He meticulously set up a programme for wives and non Royal Arch Masons to be taken on a guided tour through the upper level of Park Lane.
At 10h30 guests assembled upstairs in the atrium where they were served sherry and soft drinks. The guests were taken into the dining and Lodge rooms where they were given an explanation of various items by a team of senior masons. There were many questions raised, testing the knowledge of the leaders. Explanations were given on some of the aprons adorning the walls of dining rooms of particular interest was shown in one of the dining rooms, where Rodney Grosskopff’s sketches were displayed.
Having completed a tour of the rooms, the guests gathered in a dining room, where E. Comp. Brad Gillies gave a short talk on Masonry. As this was a Royal Arch celebration, he directed his talk on the history of the Royal Arch, which the guests found most enlightening.
The second part of the celebration was a demonstration of The Passing of the Veils Ceremony. Today in England, the ceremony is solely authorised for use in Chapters in Bristol and no demonstration of a Veils Ceremony may be given without the authority of the Grand Superintendent.
E. Comp. Tim Smith was the co-ordinator of the demonstration of the ceremony. Rehearsals com- menced as early as June. The team consisted of MEZ; Haggai; Joshua; Scribe N; Prin Soj; 1st and 2nd Assist.Soj; Janitor and a candidate. Tim Smith was the Narrator. Much work had to done at rehearsals as none of the team had seen a Ceremony of the Veils.
On the day of the demonstration a total of 110 Companions gathered in No. 1 Lodge room to witness the demonstration and were enthralled with the performance.
E. Comp. Tim Smith and the team are to be congratulated and thanked for the tremendous amount of work they put into making this a memorable ceremony.
Following the demonstration, a finger lunch was enjoyed by the masons and guests.
Our District can be proud of the way in which we celebrated the Bi-Centenary of the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.
We thank our Grand Superintendent for the opportunity of demonstrating this unique .
SOUTH AFRICA LODGE ASSOCIATION
South Africa Lodge No. 6742 was founded shortly after World War II by a group of South African Freemasons who were living and working in London. For over sixty years, the Lodge has provided a South African Masonic experience for brethren living in England or visiting on holiday.
There are currently more than a million South Africans in the UK and many of them still have ties to South Africa. South Africa Lodge seeks to become the Lodge of choice for young South African men living in London and the Home Counties who wish to become Freemasons. The best way we can do that is to ensure that all South African Freemasons are aware of South Africa Lodge, so that they can recommend it to their friends and family members in the UK.
South Africa Lodge already has a membership of expats or brethren who are somehow strongly associated with Africa. Several are the sons or nephews of prominent local Freemasons. Since its consecration, South Africa Lodge has conducted its ceremonies according to the traditions of South African Lodges, where the workings are divided among the members rather than being conducted by the Master alone. The Lodge also prides itself on practicing typical South African friendliness and hospitality, all visitors are assured of a warm greeting, sociable company and conversation.
Many of our South African visitors wish to maintain a permanent link with South Africa Lodge, however our subscription, at the current exchange rates, makes membership very expensive for SA Masons who may only visit London infrequently. To circumvent this, South Africa Lodge has formed the South Africa Lodge Association. Membership of the Association is open to all Freemasons, of any recognised Constitution, resident in South Africa. Members will receive copies of the Lodge summons and minutes of every meeting and the quarterly Lodge newsletter. In addition, we will distribute copies of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge magazine. Association Members will be specially welcome at our meetings should they be able to visit. In addition, the Lodge will give whatever assistance it can to Association Members who encounter any difficulties while in London. Although Association Membership does not confer the same rights and privileges as normal subscribing membership and Association Members may not propose, second or vote on any proposition put before the Lodge, Association Members may recommend Candidates for Initiation or Joining and we will expedite the processing of such recommendations.
Lastly, Associate Members of the Lodge will receive a special South Africa Lodge lapel pin. The cost of As- sociate Membership is only R100 per annum.
For further details please contact our South Africa Lodge member nearest you:
| SA North | W Bro. Ludi de Klerk | ludi@deklerksa.com |
| KZN | W Bro. Tony Leeson | leeson@afrihost.co.za |
| SA: Western Division | W Bro. Lew Leppan | lewleppan@hotmail.com
|
DEMYSTIFYING THE CHERUBIM – W Bro. Richard Glanville
Freemasons are often accused of worshiping devils! So where on earth did this ridiculous and unfounded assertion originate? We can only speculate, but it may, in part, have stemmed from the depiction of the Coats of Arms of the United Grand Lodge of England and that of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. These are both very similar and to the eyes of the ill-informed seem to depict devilish figures supporting a central crest. The winged figures, have the bodies of men, with legs of cloven hooved animals.
These figures are NOT “devils”, they are Cherubims. The Cherubim had the face of a person, the wings of an eagle, the mane of a lion and the feet of a calf. They are described (in the book of Ezekiel) to represent a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. They represent the nature and ministry of angels. The lion’s form signifies strength, generosity and majesty; that of an ox, constancy and assiduity in executing the commands of God; by their human shape, humanity and kindness; and by an eagle, agility and speed. This will also in- terest members of the Order of the Holy Royal Arch … but that’s another story.
The Ark of the Covenant is depicted at the head of the two crests, supported by the cherubim.
One of the most interesting and least understood features of The Ark of The Covenant are the two cherubim which were designed as part of the covering lid of the Ark itself. While there has been much speculation, little is actually known about Cherubim.
In Hebrew Theology, they are intelligent beings created long before man and considered a unique order of the celestial beings known as angels.
In Scripture, they are most often associated with the awesome descriptions of The Glory of The Lord and His movement among man (Ezekiel 1:29 and Ezekiel 10:18 for example). “And He rode upon a cherub, and did fly; yea, He did fly upon the wings of the wind.” Psalm 18:10.
The Book of Ezekiel, chapters 1 and 10, give a vivid and detailed description of them as Ezekiel views The Glory of The Lord. They first appear in Scripture in Genesis 3:24; guarding the way to the ‘Tree of Life’ with flaming sword lest man “…put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.”
Cherubim are not mentioned again until the design of The Ark of The Covenant is given by God to Moses. We often see God referred to as “Thou that dwellest between the cherubim” (In the prayer of King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19:15, and in The Psalms of David in Psalm 80:1 and Psalm 99:1) – a direct reference is made to The Ark of The Covenant and God’s Presence among the children of Israel.
The writer himself has been accused of “devil worship” by individuals who were extremely ill-informed in making such incredulous assertions. The “accusers” relied upon, a publication originating in the USA, produced by some religious fanatics, who were sadly, poorly read and educated and wallowing in sensational- ism. The situation “devil worship” was resolved by imparting much of the above information.
Photographic Competition
Closing date 31st August 2014
Categories:
- Open Section
- Cell phone camera Section
- Masons at Work / Masons at Play
- Masonic Temples and buildings within the District
- Abstract Images that reflect the craft in its widest sense
- Further details available shortly from Lyceum Lodge
- Published in The Cornerstone
The Cornerstone – June 2013
DISTRICT ANNUAL CHARITY BANQUET – VW Bro. Iain Fraser
The Annual Charity Banquet of the District was held on Saturday 6 April 2013, at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg. As always, it was a Gala occasion with great ambiance, excellent food and enjoy- able company.
This year, the recipient of our Major Donation of R 850 000.00 was the Mothwa Med Step Clinic in Pretoria, with an additional amount of R 100 000.00 being allocated to the District Samaritan Fund, giving a total of R 950 000.00.
The Manager of this Clinic, Ms. Stephanie du Toit, was there to accept the District Donation from the DGM, Prof. Guy Charlesworth and gave a short address on their organisation and its plans for the future.
Mrs Chris Levings, the Honorary Treasurer and Secretary of G.E.M.Homes, was also there and presented a framed Certificate of Appreciation with photographs to the DGM, in acknowledgement of our donation to their organisation last year.
This year’s donation will fund phase 1 of the upgrade of the Mothwa (Moths Womens Auxiliary) Med Step Clinic, which will be rehoused in two refurbished wings of an adjacent retirement home complex, which are currently vacant.
The Clinic is a non-profit Step-Down or Sub-Acute facility, and is registered with the Gauteng Department of Health for a maximum of 17 beds. It will provide extended care for patients after hospital treatment and will be well supported by several medical aid funds, when complete.
W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar, the President of our District Board of Benevolence, investigated 10 other projects before recommending this one and he and W Bro. Charles Burn, the District Grand Treasurer, have met with their Management Committee, to advise them on financial and operational planning, to ensure the self- sustainability of the project. W Bro. David Griffiths, the District Grand Superintendent of Works, will monitor progress on site and advise on the staged transfer of funds.
FROM THE DISTRICT GRAND MASTER – RW Bro. Guy Charlesworth
2013 is a significant year for English Freemasonry. We will be celebrating the Union, two hundred years ago, of two Grand Lodges ‘The Antients’ and ‘The Modern’, to form the United Grand Lodge of England. Supreme Grand Chapter are using the date of Union, to recognize the Bi-Centenary of Supreme Grand Chapter. Whilst it’s true to say that we don’t really know the date of the origin of the Royal Arch, it was certainly in existence at a much earlier time, but at the date of Union it was formerly established as we know it. So on Wednesday, 16 October, Supreme Grand Chapter will be holding a celebratory event in London to mark the Bi-Centenary. Provinces and Districts are being encouraged to also hold local celebrations.
On Saturday, 30th November, our District will celebrate the Bi- Centenary at Park Lane. A demonstration of the ceremony of ‘Passing the Veils’ is being planned to be held in the late morning, followed by a finger-lunch to which wives/partners and friends will be invited to attend. Details of this celebration will follow.
To mark the occasion, a District Royal Arch tie, has been commissioned and is available to Companions from the District Office. A small profit will be donated to Charity.
The 300th Anniversary of Grand Lodge which is fast approaching, will be held in 2017. This is only four years away and will be a unique event in the history of World Freemasonry. Whilst large celebrations are being planned in London, Provinces and Districts are planning local celebrations. Our District and indeed I hope all Lodges in this District should start planning how they intend to celebrate this momentous occasion.
The President of the Board of General Purposes and I welcome ideas on how we can best demonstrate to our communities what Freemasonry has achieved and its role in Society.
Over the past three years my strategy for the District has mainly been directed towards:
The Mentorship programme, and the re-training and improvement of Lodge Almoners and the access to Freemasonry Cares, the portal of the Samaritan Fund of Grand Charity.
Both of these programmes are being rolled-out by W Bro Roger Webster, District Grand Mentor and W Bro Brian Kretzschmar, President of the Board of Benevolence and his Board, respectively. Essentially, both of these programmes address improved membership retention.
The Mentorship programme is designed to give the newly made Brother a greater understanding of Freemasonry. Each entrant into our Order is assigned a personal Mentor (usually the Candidate’s Proposer) to guide the young Mason through the three degrees and eventually to the Royal Arch, to show him how enjoyable Freemasonry can be, but above all to gain a better understanding of the degrees in Masonry. Brethren will gain greater confidence and be able to talk knowledgeably about Freemasonry. As the Grand Secretary has explained in his initiative ‘Ambassadors for Freemasonry’ it will enable us all to become proactive in openly talking about Freemasonry and what it means to us and to members of the general public. Why not try an after dinner conversation on Freemasonry with non-Masonic guests?
I consider the office of Lodge Almoner as one of the most important in a Lodge and as important as Mentorship for membership retention. Whilst it is true there are some Almoners who carry out their duties in an exemplary manner, there are unfortunately many who do not. The President and members of the Board of Benevolence are addressing the re-training of Lodge Almoner’s and have produced an updated Almoner’s manual. This is absolutely essential because we place an increasing reliance on Almoners to monitor and check the welfare of our Brethren and their families. They play an important role in assisting applicants to the Grand Samaritan Fund where there is a proven need, or to the TIMC for benevolent grants. In addition, there is much which we can do to assist our Brethren who are senior citizens.
I recall the original address that used to be given to the Almoner at his investiture and it’s worth repeating here:
“The high importance of this office is seldom realized as it is not clearly defined in our rituals. You must at all times be the link between the Lodge and the sick Brethren, and wherever there is a need for the relief of distress, you will endeavour to see that every deserving case is brought before the Lodge for sympathetic consideration.
A good Almoner is one who notices who is not in Lodge, finds out why and reports to the Worshipful Master. It calls for the sacrifice of your time, but the satisfaction that you will derive from knowing that no sick or absent Brother has been neglected or that no Brother’s widow has been forgotten, will more than compensate for the zeal and effort which I know you will apply to your duties.”
Welcome to this sixth issue of the Cornerstone!
THE LYCEUM LODGE OF RESEARCH 8682 W Bro. DICK GLANVILLE
The Lyceum Lodge of Research challenges all Entered Apprentices, Fellow Crafts and ‘newer’ Masons to submit their written thoughts, ideas and perceptions of Freemasonry to Dick Glanville dickg@telkomsa.net.
Brethren may then be invited to present their work at the next meeting of Lodge members and Masonic friends.
The selected Brethren will receive a memento in recognition of their endeavours.
ANNUAL INVESTITURES IN LONDON – VW Bro. Iain Fraser
Our DGM attended the Annual Investitures of Grand Lodge on Wednesday 24 April and Grand Chapter on Thursday 25 April in London, this year. He was accompanied by W Bro. David Whitfield and several of the Brethren and Companions who received Grand Honours.
In the Craft, first appointments to PAGDC were received by W Bros. Graeme MacKenzie, Tim Smith, Marc Burton and George Watson, and W Bro. Pieter Wessels was promoted to PJGD.
In the Royal Arch, first appointments to PGStB were received by E Comps. Joe Moore and Geoff Williams. Hilly Rosen was promoted to PGStB and E Comp. Gert Rupping was promoted to PAGSoj.
Many of those in London, including RW Bro. Neil Molver, DGM of Zambia, attended the Installation meeting of South Africa Lodge on Monday 22 April where W Bro. Louis van Zyl was installed as Master of South Africa Lodge. Our DGM had great pleasure in presenting the Master’s address to W Bro Louis, who is a long standing member of our District and a Past Master of Orphic Lodge.
Following the investitures in London, Our DGM and his wife, Helen, took a short break and travelled to Ed- inburgh where they hired a car and toured around the Trossachs, Cairngorms and Highlands of Scotland before returning to London to fly home.
Congratulations to all these Brethren and Companions. We wish them many more years of service and enjoyment in our District.
BREAKING NEWS : NEW DISTRICT “CHAIN” APPOINTMENTS – VW Bro. Iain Fraser
At the Exsequi Lodge Installation meeting on 13 May 2013, our DGM made the following announcement regarding the new “Chain” appointments to be made at the Annual Meeting on Saturday 05 October 2013.
In the Craft, VW Bro. Iain Fraser will stand down as DepDistGM after three and a half years and will be succeeded by W Bro. David Whitfield. W Bros. Graeme MacKenzie and Brian McDermott will be appointed as ADistGMs. W Bro. Colin Lewis stood down as an ADistGM in February 2013.
In the Royal Arch, E Comp. Hans van Gaalen will stand down as 3rd DistGPrin. after two years and will be succeeded by E Comp. Tim Smith.
The DGM will announce the balance of the active rank appointments for the year ahead in the Craft and Royal Arch at the Festive Board after the Universal Friendship Lodge Installation meeting on 15 July 2013.
Congratulations to the above Brethren and Companions, with best wishes for many years of future service in our District.
DAVID PICKARD – DISTRICT GRAND SECRETARY
David I Pickard was born on 16th May 1943 in Ripley Derbyshire England. He attended the local Grammar School and at 16 started to work as a lab assistant at a local iron works, whilst going to night school to finish his tertiary education at University of Aston in Birmingham with a degree in Metallurgy.
He expatriated to the Zambian Copper Mines and diversified into Lime production. During this time, David was married and had two sons
David immigrated to South Africa where he ex- plored his fascination with rotary kilns by joining Blue Circle Cement in Works Management and was later transferred to the local subsidiary of Armitage Shanks as Managing Director in 1983.
David’s interest in Freemasonry started whilst working as a plumber’s labourer at his Uncle’s Company where he saw his Uncle going off at 5 o’clock with his little brown suit case. It took another 14 years before he met his Mentor W Bro. Jack Salmons and joined Bramley Lodge in 1980 and St Michael’s Royal Arch Chapter in 1981. He chaired Bramley Lodge 4 times be- fore it closed.
In the intervening period and under the guidance of Jack Salmons, he joined the Rose Croix which put him onto a very different Ma- sonic path.
David attained the 30th degree in 1998 and after some encouragement from W Bro. D.B.Whitfield, joined the KT, KTP and RCC. David is also a member of the Allied and Cryptic Orders.
The fulfillment of David’s Masonic career has been his appointment as District Grand Secretary and he is thankful for the guidance that W Bro. Stan Elms continues to give.
FREEMASONRY- THE RENAISSANCE – W Bro. Roger Webster
The new era of Freemasonry, where the lights in the Lodges have been switched on to bright, old cobwebs have be dusted out of forgotten dark corners, and once again, we start interacting with the public at large, openly inviting them to put forward their many and varied questions, is having a quite remarkable affect in many areas where we did not expect it.
Liken it to inviting someone into your personal home. The first thing you do is to ensure that it is SPOT- LESS. You don’t want people to think that you are living in a dirty environment and slovenly by nature. The same in Masonry, “I had better clean up my act, for if these people come and ask all sorts of varied questions, I had better be prepared to answer them openly, truthfully and honestly from a solid knowledge base!”
This has led to many Masons scrambling for books and all sorts of varied sources, to be able to show “a clean house” and this in turn, is moving Masons to find out more about their Craft. They are asking questions, finding answers and starting to speak out from a base of better and deeper understanding of all the nuances one finds within the Craft. Gone are the days when you could hide your ignorance with “no, no, you will learn the answer to that at a later date!” He wants answers to the questions he is asking pertaining TO HIS RELEVANT DEGREE, NOW! He wants answers and he deserves them. Imagine playing tennis and the umpire calls the ball “out!” You then enquire as to what this means and he replies, “you will find out later!” That’s just dumb! This is having a twofold effect. The first being that those who, during the dark and ignorant period, could hide lack of knowledge and moral rectitude in the darkened corners, now no longer can. For, as more and more light is thrown on the subject, its boundaries become more clearly defined. You either are a Mason and you behave according to its set standards, or you are not. It is now becoming more black and white, no more fuzzy boundaries as in the past. Almost a “shape up or ship out” situation.
The nett effect that this will eventually achieve is greater public acceptance through a better understanding of what we really stand for in any given community. This will eventually return Freemasonry in- to its rightful position, as an organisation that a community can be proud of and look up to, thereby attracting the leading citizens, who can live up to our moral standards, back into our ranks and once more stand proud to be Masons.
NEW INITIATES – W Bro. David Pickard
The District would like to welcome the following Entered Apprentices into our fold:
| Baloyi | Daniel | 3172 | 17/01/2013 |
| Selepe | Pule | 9042 | 21/01/2013 |
| Liffmann | Henry | 7226 | 22/01/2013 |
| Loois | Wade | 2478 | 24/01/2013 |
| David | Melusi | 8781 | 25/01/2013 |
| Blom | Kyle | 7956 | 28/01/2013 |
| Zwarts | Dean | 6143 | 28/01/2013 |
| Fenwick | Edward | 8322 | 01/02/2013 |
| de Meyer | Theo | 3425 | 02/02/2013 |
| Huntley | Ian | 8824 | 04/02/2013 |
| Botha | Philip | 2900 | 05/02/2013 |
| Luchmun | Shomika | 1696 | 08/02/2013 |
| Cignoli | Pietro | 3149 | 13/02/2013 |
| Knight | David | 2607 | 13/02/2013 |
| Ferguson | Robert | 5003 | 15/02/2013 |
| Bishoon | Vikesh | 3745 | 18/02/2013 |
| Glickman | Ilon | 2774 | 20/02/2013 |
| Lunn | Stephen | 8471 | 26/02/2013 |
| Horn | Matthew | 8642 | 27/02/2013 |
| Mavhunga | George | 7035 | 27/02/2013 |
| Mbonzi | Matayoko | 7082 | 27/02/2013 |
| Kingma | Clinton | 2478 | 28/02/2013 |
| Ditshego | Tebogo | 8053 | 04/03/2013 |
| Sithole | Luthando | 8053 | 04/03/2013 |
| Perkins | Michael | 9519 | 11/03/2013 |
| Botha | Andre | 8335 | 13/03/2013 |
| van der Merwe | Jan | 6017 | 13/03/2013 |
| Young | Steven | 2607 | 13/03/2013 |
| Meyer | Martin | 5483 | 14/03/2013 |
| Thipe | Alben | 3745 | 18/03/2013 |
| Brummer | Warwick | 7956 | 25/03/2013 |
| Joubert | Gideon | 3640 | 27/03/2013 |
| Anum | Caesar | 3118 | 28/03/2013 |
| Pienaar | Schalk | 3150 | 28/03/2013 |
| Schminke | Uwe | 2478 | 28/03/2013 |
| Griffiths | Adam | 8053 | 02/04/2013 |
| Pitso | Kanelo | 8053 | 02/04/2013 |
| van der Bergh | Dawid | 3259 | 03/04/2013 |
| Russel | Alexander | 8187 | 08/04/2013 |
| Anderson | Grant | 3215 | 10/04/2013 |
| van Heerden | Pieter | 3150 | 10/04/2013 |
| North | Shaun | 2539 | 16/04/2013 |
| Manganyi | Gift | 7815 | 17/04/2013 |
| Ludick | Danie | 7750 | 18/04/2013 |
| Cook | Andrew | 8471 | 23/04/2013 |
| Breytenbach | Pieter | 5669 | 24/04/2013 |
| Gomes da-Silva | Fernando Acacio | 7035 | 24/04/2013 |
| Dow | Tumisang | 8781 | 26/04/2013 |
| Brazer | Louis | 8657 | 02/05/2013 |
| Hertz | Jacques | 6017 | 08/05/2013 |
| Tribuna | Nelson | 3215 | 08/05/2013 |
| Daneel | Chrysostomus | 6471 | 09/05/2013 |
| Naude | Willem | 8053 | 11/05/2013 |
| van Aswegen | Armand | 3073 | 11/05/2013 |
| Hickers | Allen | 3172 | 16/05/2013 |
| van Vrede | Leneordus | 7750 | 16/05/2013 |
| Day | Mark | 8540 | 18/05/2013 |
| Lennox | Tyrone | 3745 | 20/05/2013 |
| Billing | Alistair | 7362 | 28/05/2013 |
| Nyoni | Riccardo | 7035 | 29/05/2013 |
THE QUEEN AND THE NURSE’S BELT – W Bro. Dick Glanville
Every time a story involves the British Royal family, mass media are quick to document every single detail of it. When Queen Elizabeth left King Edward VII Hospital in London on March 3rd 2013, news sources covered the event extensively, even describing her outfit, her pearl necklace and her brooch. There is however one significant detail mass media completely ignored. Check out the nurse’s belt buckle!
This massive belt buckle features the Masonic square and compass alongside a pentagram or five-pointed star– another important Masonic symbol, used in the apron badge and jewel of Provincial and District Grand Masters. For the back- ground to the Nurses Masonic belt, read on for a fascinating history and story.
THE ROYAL MASONIC HOSPITAL AND ITS JEWELS
In 1911, members of Malmesbury Lodge No. 3156 became interested in the possibility of starting a Mason- ic hospital or nursing home and formed a committee with a civil engineer, Percy Still, as secretary. In 1913 Grand Lodge approved the idea and by 1916 fundraising had begun. The spiraling number of Great War casualties moved supporters of the hospital scheme to take out a short term lease of the former Chelsea Woman’s Hospital in Fulham Road, London and open it as the Freemasons’ War Hospital. Over 4,000 servicemen were treated at the hospital by the end of the war. Additional facilities were opened at Fulham Pal- ace and a convalescent home was opened in Caversham near Reading.
After World War I the Freemason’s Hospital and Nursing Home opened in the Fulham Road premises and accepted its first patient in 1920. Despite alterations this site proved too small and supporters continues their efforts to find a larger site. Once sufficient funds were secured a site was purchased at Ravenscourt Park, West London. In 1933, King George V and Queen Mary opened the hospital and the King granted permission for it to be known as the Royal Masonic Hospital. Money or the hospital was raised through donations, with donors being awarded a special jewel, known as the Permanent Steward’s Jewel.
By the late 1970s approximately 4,700 patients per year were being treated. Although patients were mostly freemasons, fee paying non-members were accepted from 1977. In 1976 the Grand Master, the Duke of Kent, opened the Percy Still wing, with four new operating theatres. However, fewer masons wanted to travel to London for treatment and running costs grew rapidly due to inflation. In 1992 Grand Lodge recommended that it’s closure to safeguard its assets. In 2002, the hospital buildings were acquired by the Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust as Ravenscourt Park Hospital, to relieve bed shortages.
Numerous jewels were produced in association with the Royal Masonic Hospital, the most commonly en- countered being the Permanent Steward’s Jewel and the Redevelopment Fund Jewel.
From left to right:
Permanent Steward’s Jewel – It was designed by C.L.J. Doman (who also produced the Armistice Anniversary medal in 1928). Its ribbon is in the dark and light blue of Craft masonry and the design shows humanity succouring the sick. The motto, ‘Aegros Sanat Humanitas” means ‘Kindness Heals the Sick’. The five pointed Masonic star and the interlaced letters ‘FH’ (Freemasons Hospital) complete the design. The Jewel was first issued in silver, engraved on the reverse with the donor’s name and lodge number, but later was plain and in base metal. Depending on the donation the jewel sometimes had a bar marked ‘VICEPATRON’, ‘PATRON’, ‘GRAND VICE-PATRON’ and ‘GRAND PATRON’.
Redevelopment Fund Jewel – This jewel was issued to those who subscribed £12 or more to the Assistant Grand Master’s Redevelopment Fund to build the 1956 extension to the hospital. Those who already had the hospital jewel were given a bar to wear with it rather than this jewel. The jewel was the concept of Leslie Durbin, M.V.O. LL.D., artist and silversmith. It shows a detail of a hand from a painting by the artist Botticelli. Earlier versions had wording on the reverse but this was later omitted.
Jewel for ladies who became Life Governors in 1932, at the hospital’s opening, incorporating the image from the Permanent Steward’s Jewel. The bar monogram is ‘FH’ for ‘Freemason’s Hospital’ as the building had not yet been granted its royal title. The jewel is made from multiple parts and is 9ct gold. Jewel for lady patrons after the opening of the hospital. Generally similar to the above, but this is a single casting in silver gilt and enamel, with the monogram changed to ‘RMH’, for ‘Royal Masonic Hospital’. Other versions of this jewel and the one described above exist with slight variations.
Nurses’ issue jewel with an enamelled bar rather than a ribbon to make it suitable for wear with a uniform, incorporating the image from the Permanent Steward’s jewel.
© The Library and Museum of Freemasonry (Registered Charity No 1058497) 2010 www.freemasonry.london.museum
December 2010
SUPREME ORDER OF THE HOLY ROYAL ARCH – E. Comp. Cleve Wiehahn
2013 is a significant and eventful year for the Royal Arch as Supreme Grand Chapter will be celebrating their Bi-Centenary on Wednesday 16th October at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London.
District’s celebration of the Bi-centenary of the Royal Arch will take place on the morning of the 30th November 2013 (being the fifth Saturday in November) at Park Lane. As this will be an auspicious occasion it is expected that Companions will have their ladies accompanying them. Excellent Companion Brad Gillies will conduct the ladies on a tour through the building and present a short talk to them while the Companions attend a demonstration in Chapter.
For the Companions, the highlight will be a demonstration of the ceremony of “passing of the veils”. This ceremony was discontinued in 1813 at the time the Articles of Union were signed, but many Chapters still continued to use it at Convocations for some years after 1813. In 1899 the ceremony was revived in the Province of Bristol. There, Bristol Chapters perform the veil ceremony, before the candidate is admitted into a Royal Arch ceremony, as part of their “Bristol Rite”.
Supreme Grand Chapter has now given permission to hold demonstrations of the ceremony on special occasions under the direction of Grand Superintendents and we urge all Companions to attend the demonstration planned for Saturday 30th November.
After the demonstration a finger-lunch will be held for Companions, wives / partners and friends. Companions will be circulated further details, nearer the time.
The consecration of the newly formed Chapter of Friendship No 1696 meeting in Phoenix, Mauritius will take place during the week of Monday 9th September 2013 (the exact date still to be confirmed) and will be followed immediately by the installation of the Principals and investiture of the Officers for the ensuing year.
The Brethren of Lodge of Friendship have for the past few years indicated their desire to have a Royal Arch Chapter attached to their Lodge. All relevant documentation was forwarded to Grand Chapter who granted permission for the formation of the new Chapter.
There are a number of Grand Officers who will be travelling to Mauritius to assist in the consecration ceremony and the Grand Superintendent is grateful for the support for this auspicious occasion. It will be the first consecration in our District for many a year.
On the advice of the Grand Scribe E’s office, there has been a name change for the new Chapter. It will now be known as “South Africa, North Chapter of First Principals”. All First Principals and Past First Principals will thus be entitled to apply for membership once the Chapter has been consecrated.
We look forward to your support at these mile-stone events and particularly the District’s celebration of the Bi-Centenary of the Order of the Holy Royal Arch.
DEATH NOTICES – Mrs Fern Rowles
| W Bro. J L Bing | PDistSGD | Golden Harvest | 10/02/2013 |
| W Bro. H W F Crooks | PDistJGD | Roodepoort | 26/12/2013 |
| W Bro. H J Davidson | PDistJGW | Southern Cross | 03/03/2013 |
| W Bro. J S Ferrans | PDistJGD | King Edward | 27/04/2013 |
| W Bro. R C Foxcroft | PDistSGW | Roodepoort | 24/02/2013 |
| W Bro. L M Galatis | PDistJGW | Golden West | 01/02/2013 |
| W Bro. P C Meintjes | PDistJGD | Apollo | 01/04/2013 |
| W Bro. P A Olver | PDistJGD | Vrede | 07/05/2013 |
| W Bro. D S Powell | PDistJGW | Melrose | 08/12/2012 |
| W Bro. A Puckey | PDistJGW | Victory | 18/12/2012 |
| W Bro. S W Rademan | PDistGStB | Acacia | 16/04/2013 |
| W Bro. D L Sim | PDistAGDC | Transvaal | 19/02/2013 |
| Bro. C P Bates | Witwatersrand | 12/01/2013 | |
| Bro. G U Jansen | Edenvale | 14/05/2013 | |
| Bro. L A Kay | Aviation | 24/04/2013 | |
| Bro. J E Mitchell | Vernon | 13/12/2012 | |
| Bro. F M de Fleuriot | Coronation | 18/02/2013 | |
| Bro. W S van der Merwe | Roodepoort | 05/05/2013 |
- Published in The Cornerstone
The Cornerstone – December 2012
DISTRICT GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE
At this time of Christmas I am mindful of the very old Angelic Hymn with
the words attributed to the Angels that sang when the birth of Christ was announced to the Shepherds:
Glory be to God on High
On Earth peace
Goodwill towards men
This year we have made tremendous strides with the rolling-out of Freemasonry Cares under the
auspices not only of our Grand Charity, but also that of our District Grand Charity.
We are not only addressing the needs of our Brethren, but are making a conscious effort to attempt
to address the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves in our general society.
My wife, Helen joins me in wishing you and your Family a Blessed Christmas and to our Families
of the Ancient Faith a Happy Festival of Chenukah.
May the New Year bring Peace, Joy and Good Health to you and your loved ones.
BERNIE KRONE – DISTRICT SENIOR GRAND WARDEN
Bernie was born in Halstead, England on 14th June 1953 and immigrated to South Africa with his parents in 1961. His interest in Freemasonry was instilled by his business partner, Hollings Norton, a PM of Corona Lodge, who now lives in Australia. Bernie was initiated into Corona Lodge in 1995 with the late Dr. Ross Parry-Davies being his proposer. He served as Master of Corona Lodge in 2002 / 2003.
His first District appointment was that of District Grand Steward in 2005. He progressed well, being promoted to Past District Senior Grand Deacon in 2008, before being appointed District Senior Grand Warden in 2012.
Bernie joined Universal Friendship Lodge in May 2009, was installed as WM at the next meeting and has been instrumental in rejuvenating this lodge. He has subsequently been through the chair again in 2011.
He is a Past Supreme Ruler of Gemini Conclave and a Past Most Wise Sovereign of Corona Rose Croix Chapter.
He joined President Lodge in 2011 to as- sist in getting this Universities Scheme Lodge off the ground.
He has enjoyed a long and enjoyable association with Corona Lodge’s annual Box and Dine over the years, graduating from an attendee 30 years ago to the current Chairman of the Organising Committee.
Bernie is CEO of EsorFranki Limited, a listed construction company, and lives in Bedfordview with his wife, Martie and their four children. He also has two sons living in the UK with five grandchildren. He is an active sportsman and still competes annually in the Dusi Canoe Marathon, the Argus Cycle Tour, as well as numerous long distance events in both disciplines. He actively promotes Freemasonry at every opportunity.
DR RON POOLE – DISTRICT JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN
Ron, who was born in England in 1945, grew up in London and studied in the UK and Canada, where he completed his doctorate in Chemistry. He left England in 1968, the day after marrying Christine and studied and worked in Canada and Scotland, then Smelted Aluminium in Bahrain, where he lived with his young family, finally arriving in South Africa in 1981 making a career in the Platinum Metals industry. Both his daughters are artists, which Ron feels is a wonderful balance to his technical background.
Ron was initiated into Jack Folly Lodge on 23rd March 1987 and was installed as WM in 1992. He continues to be active in his mother Lodge as Director of Ceremonies.
He was exalted into the Benoni RA Chapter in 1989, was installed as MEZ in 1996 and is currently PDistG Soj.
He has more recently joined Golden Harvest Lodge and occupied the chair in 2010.
Ron is a past MWS in Calvary Rose-Croix Chapter and holds the 30o Degree. He is also a founder and active member of St Vitus Chapter, where he has recently discovered the joy of acting out those rarely seen degrees.
He has also learnt to wield a sword (symbolically) in the KT and was Provincial Prelate last year. He recently assisted in founding the Seychelles Preceptory. He is active in several other “military” orders, having been through the respective chairs, and is SW in both Mark and RAM. Being semi-retired, the opportunity of some spare time has now been found to engage in the Cryptic Council and Allied Degrees.
Ron thoroughly enjoys the side degrees and is impressed by the interconnection of them all and how they underpin, illustrate and expand on the fine principles of Craft Masonry – the foundation of it all!
He continues to involve himself technically by consulting, in the field of Precious Metals, to industry and academia. He is an active member of the local model railway club. For relaxation he likes to travel, dabbles in oil painting and he has three grandchildren who keep him busy.
PERCY GREEN – DISTRICT GRAND SCRIBE NEHEMIAH
Percy was initiated into Boksburg Lodge No. 2480 in March 1980 and served as the Worshipful Master on two occasions, in the years 1988-1989 and 2010
-2011. He received the following promotions in the craft; PDistAGDC, DistJGD, PDistJGW and PDistSGW.
Percy was exalted into the Boksburg Royal Arch Chapter in May 1985 and served as First Principal in 1993. He received the following promotions in the Royal Arch; DistGStdB, DistPrinGSoj, DistGSwdB.
Percy is also a member of Calvary Rose Croix Chapter and has reached the 30th Degree in the order. He served as chairman of Central East Rand Temple for twenty six years, from 1982 – 2008 and has been a member of the Board of Benevolence for about fifteen years.
Outside of masonry, Percy’s other great interest is dogs, having bred and exhibited Keeshonds which are no longer bred in this country and Shih Tzu. He was involved in Goldfields Kennel Club for forty three years, serving as Vice Chairman for fourteen years and Chairman for twelve years. He also served on the main body of dogdom for a number years. Percy started judging dogs in the mid seventies and was fortunate enough to have judged in many countries on numerous occasions.
Percy has been married to Beulah for fifty one years and they are blessed with three daughters, two grand daughters and a grandson.
Percy was honoured with a District Grand Master’s Certificate of Service to Freemasonry in 2010 and is proud of his appointment to District Grand Scribe Nehemiah.
G.E.M. HOMES OPENING CEREMONY – W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
During late August, our District Grand Master ceremoniously started up the heat pump system for 84 cottages at the Roosevelt Park Home for Gunners, Engineers and MOTHS in the presence of the press, dignitaries and guests.
Heat pumps are used to warm the water in geysers using solar energy and thus create considerable savings in electricity bills. We also installed low flow showerheads and fittings to further reduce electricity and water usage.
To enhance self sustainability, a bookshop was built to assist with their fund raising efforts. The bookshop also serves as a book and TV tape library for the residents in the Complex.
Well done Brethren One and All!
CORONA LODGE’S CHARITY CONTRIBUTION – VW Bro. Iain Fraser
Corona Lodge arranges a Gentleman’s Box and Dine Evening in June each year, and has consistently made record breaking contributions to Charity for the past 33 years.
At their Installation Meeting on 03 November 2012, the Lodge donated a total of R371 300 to Charity.
This was made up of two cheques to District, one for R100 000 and a second for R130 000, to be paid to nominated Charities.
The Lodge also made three direct payments to Charities for a total of R19 500 and paid a further total of R121 800 to the 21 Lodges which assist them at the event each year.
W Bro. Bernie Krone (who chairs the Lodge’s Boxing Com- mittee), assisted by W Bros. Vernon Botha (who also arranges an Annual Golf Day) and Kit Markotter (who arranges the boxing), work hard each year to make the event a great success.
W Bro. Kit Markotter was involved right from the start. As Secretary of the Southern Transvaal Amateur Boxing Association, he was approached by the Charity Steward of Corona Lodge in 1980 to arrange the first Dinner Evening with Boxing, which was held in the Johannesburg City Hall in September that year. It was a great success and has remained an annual event since then, with Kit arranging the boxing bouts, referees and judges each year.
W Bro. Kit Markotter, PDistGSwdB., is a proud member of Corona Lodge and a keen supporter of our District.
Congratulations to Corona Lodge for another outstanding achievement this year.
NINTH WITS LODGE TWO PILLARS TROPHY CLAY SHOOT – W Bro. Chris Adams
As has been customary for the last nine years, a group of keen clay shot-tists gathered together to compete for the inter-lodge “Two Pillars” Clay Pigeon shooting trophy.
On Saturday 27th October all the planning came to fruition and Wits Lodge was blessed to have 90 participants. An impressive field considering the initiative started with just 16 competitors nine years ago.
With Semper Vigilens Lodge not fielding their normal team of experienced guns, there was a sense of anticipation around the range as it was likely that there would be a new trophy holder at the end of the day. Apart from the usual entries from Wits, Emrys and University Lodges, teams from Vernon, Exsequi, Lurgan (Irish Constitution) and Lodge Apollo were also in full force.
After a welcome by W Bro. Beare, the WM of Wits Lodge and a safety briefing by Jim (the owner of Hippo Creek Shooting Range) the competition got underway. Some three hours later results were collated, raffle tickets sold and a sumptuous lunch enjoyed. It was clear that we were in for a close result. The conditions were really tough and the Top Gun was awarded to Justin Northfield who has been a regular for every shoot and started as a novice some nine years ago. There were prizes in all categories, but the one that elicited the greatest applause was young Nina Patience who was awarded top Junior lady.
After some real negotiations, the Top Team (to the great delight of their 22 supporters) was Emrys Lodge, closely followed by the Wits Lodge first team and the Wits Lodge second team.
We look forward to next year’s bumper Tenth Edition and we really hope to see some more teams in the hunt!
BENONI CHAPTER NO 3157 E.C. – BRIEF HISTORY 1910 TO 2010 – E. Comp. Cleve Wiehahn
Benoni Chapter was consecrated on Wednesday 15th June 1910, by Excellent Companion Charles Abur- row, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of the Transvaal.
Excellent Companion T. Bertram was given special dispensation from Grand Lodge to take the office of Charter First Principal as he had already been installed as First Principal of Germiston Chapter No 2498 and was not allowed to hold the office of First Principal concurrently in two Chapters. The Consecrating convocation was held with: Excellent Companion T. Bertram as First Principal, Excellent Companion W.R. Gray as Second Principal, Excellent Companion J.A. Rawer as Third Principal and 14 Founder members.
In the latter half of 2007, the Chapter started planning for their centenary. Unfortunately, the meeting set to take place in 2010 had to be postponed when the minutes of the first meeting (a requirement of Grand Chapter) could not be found.
Excellent Companion Stan Elms, District Grand Scribe Ezra , Excellent Companion Cleve Wiehahn and Excellent Companion Keith Rayne spent many weeks searching for this document, unfortunately to no avail. The Brethren were ready to give up when, whilst moving some cupboards, Excellent Companion Graham Bradley found the elusive minute book stuck between the wall and the back of the cupboard. The Chapter were finally able to celebrate their centenary on Friday 13th July 2012.
The discovery of the minutes tells us that at the first meeting on Friday 12th August 1910, 11 shares were offered at 5 pounds a share. The shares were snapped up and the 55 pounds raised was used to purchase various items required in the Chapter. The shares were bought back by the Chapter in February 1917 at 6 pounds 12 shillings and sixpence a share. On the 18th August 1921 the Chapter agreed to purchase 10 shares Number 190 to 199 (cost unknown) in the new Benoni Temple. In response to an appeal by the District Grand Master in 1940 the Chapter donated 10 pounds to the District Grand Master’s War Fund.
On the 10th May 1981 it was decided to move the Chapter to the Central East Rand Temple in Boksburg as the old Temple in Ampthill Road Benoni was being sold. This was only temporary until the Masonic Centre in Rynfield, Benoni was completed. On the 4th February 1984 the Chapter moved to the new Masonic Centre in Rynfield. However, with the closing of the Masonic Centre in Rynfield a few years later, the Chapter moved to Boksburg North but as the Companions resided in Benoni and Springs it was decided on 6th November 2006 to move to Springs where it now meets.
The Chapter was always strong. Membership continuously varied between 90 and 40 due to Companions moving around the country, emigrating and moving between the mines because Benoni had a strong mining community. It was noticed that there was a downturn in membership from about 1990. In the period dating from 2000 Springs Chapter started playing a role in the future of the Benoni Chapter for it was at this time that Benoni had only seven regular members. Excellent Companion Bill Cooper-Williams was aware that Springs Chapter was in dire straits with a membership of five and was ready to hand in their Charter. He made contact with Excellent Companion John Padginton and they put it to the Companions of the two Chapters that they should consider amalgamating. On 4th February 2002 a ballot was taken and the Chapters agreed to amalgamate.
At the first installation a companion of each Chap- ter held an office thus physically merging the two Chapters. The amalgamated Chapter started with 12 members which has subsequently grown to 28.
This is surely a success story – from two Chapters about to hand in their Charters a strong Chapter has emerged.
THE ORDER OF THE HOLY ROYAL ARCH – RW Bro. Prof. Guy Charlesworth
What is the Order of the Holy Royal Arch?
The Royal Arch is the fourth step completing the journey through “Pure Antient Freemasonry”. The Preliminary Declaration of 1813 in the Book of Constitutions states that:
“Pure Antient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more, i.e. those of Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft and the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch”
Following a strategic review of the Holy Royal Arch during 2007, it was recommended that clearer emphasis was needed to establish beyond doubt the inseparable bond between the Craft and the Royal Arch. A re-positioning statement was approved to support the earlier Preliminary Declaration to read:
“The Order of the Holy Royal Arch is an integral part of Pure Antient Masonry, being the completion of Craft Masonry, and the essential next step in Freemasonry for all Master Masons.”
For many years the Royal Arch was described as the completion of the Third Degree which as the Grand Master stated in April 2004, implies that “neither the Third Degree nor the ceremony of Exaltation is complete, which is surely untrue.” However, he further made the point that “ a Man can only become a complete Mason when he takes the very important step into the Royal Arch”
So the Royal Arch provides the last part of the journey through which Pure Antient Masonry is completed. It should not be considered as an optional extra, but the means by which a Master Mason completes his basic Masonic knowledge and experience. You might compare your Masonic journey to a 4-Act play and with- out that fourth and final act i.e. the Royal Arch, the Master Mason is incomplete.
Why join the Holy Royal Arch?
The Royal Arch completes “Pure Antient Masonry”, a fascinating journey of self-knowledge and self- discovery beginning with the Entered Apprentice degree in the Craft and culminates in the Installation into the First Principal’s Chair of the Holy Royal Arch.
In Craft Masonry, a Candidate is taught in the three degrees, to improve his relationship with his fellow men and Society at large, to address the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves and to uphold a code of conduct throughout life, based on the five points of fellowship. The teachings are illustrated through the re- enactment of the building of King Solomon’s Temple. The Mason is taught the practical lessons of Birth, Life and Death and to practice the three great principles by which we live: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. In the Royal Arch, the Master Mason explores beyond the Third Degree, beyond ‘…that mysterious veil which the eye of human reason cannot penetrate unless assisted by that Light which is from above.’ We are invited to reflect and contemplate on our own spiritual well- being and on our individual relationship with the Supreme Being.
In our Constitution, the Royal Arch has four ceremonies, the exaltation ceremony where new members are admitted and an Installation Ceremony for each of the Principals of the Chapter. The exaltation ceremony is in two parts: First a dramatic presentation of the principles of the Order followed by three lectures in which the history, symbolism and principles of the Royal Arch are explained further.
The allegory of the exaltation ceremony is based on the Old Testament explanation of the return to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity to rebuild the city and Temple following the destruction of the Temple.
Built by King Solomon. In clearing the ground of the original temple for the foundations of the second, the Candidate makes a number of discoveries which emphasise the importance of God to man’s life and existence and, without stepping-over the bounds into religion, leads the Candidate to a consideration of the nature of God and his relationship with him, however one worships him, and of service to his fellow man. Thus the Royal Arch completes the practical lessons learnt in the Craft by a contemplation of man’s spiritual nature, not replacing but reinforcing and supporting what he has learned from his religion
When is the best time to join?
Many Brethren prefer to join a Royal Arch Chapter which is attached to their Craft Lodge or which has a close association with their Lodge. Whilst some Brethren, however, choose to join a Chapter unconnected with their Lodge, or that even meets in a different Masonic Hall, as this will allow them to develop and widen their relationship with other Masons. The final choice is yours. To assist you, a full list of the 39 Chapters in the District and the meeting dates and places of meeting can be found on the District website (www.dglsanorth.org.za)
For further information about join- ing your local Royal Arch Chapter or any other Chapter in the Dis- trict, please contact your Lodge Mentor and the Royal Arch Rep- resentative in your Lodge, or the District Grand Scribe E at:
District Grand Chapter, Freemasons’ Hall, Park Lane, Johannesburg, 2101
Tel: +27 (0)11 643 3311
e-mail: dgsec@dglsanorth.org.za website: www.dglsanorth.org.za
Meetings
Most Royal Arch Chapters meet four times a year. These meet- ings are called ‘Convocations’, one of which is the Installation of the Principals and investiture of Officers of a Chapter.
You will need to ensure that the meeting dates of the Chapter do not clash with those of your Craft Lodge. The Royal Arch Representative in your Lodge and the Lodge Mentor will be able to assist you in this matter.
Regalia and other costs
You will be required to purchase a Royal Arch Apron, Sash and Breast Jewel. These can either be purchased new from a regalia shop, or alternatively good second hand regalia is available from the District Grand Tyler (011 643 3311 during office hours), or from E. Comp. Norman Woolf (011 646 2800), who deals with second-hand regalia for Charity.
Subscriptions and costs of festive boards vary from Chapter to Chapter, but subscriptions are usually much lower than the Craft.
FREEMASONRY CARES – RW Bro. Prof. Guy Charlesworth and W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
At the beginning of the year, the District Grand Master approached me as President of the District Board of Benevolence to give a Power Point presentation to Senior Members of the Grand Charity at the District Grand Masters’ Conference held in April at Grand Lodge in London.
This Conference afforded us the opportunity of meeting and discussing all aspects of Charity with the decision makers in Grand Charity. It also gave us the opportunity to show what we are currently doing in the District and outlaying our future plans to a group of District Grand Masters from all over the World. The presentation was extremely well-received and their response was encouraging with requests for copies of the presentation from Districts ranging from the Caribbean to the Far East.
During ongoing contact, our District Grand Master was able to open a particular portal to the MASONIC CHARITY FUND to allow APPLICATIONS to the fund for members in DIRE FINANCIAL NEED for surgical/ medical intervention. This portal may only be accessed via the District Board of Benevolence. Freemasonry is not a Benevolent Society. Both the Grand Charity and our own District Grand Charity support are limited by the extent of our resources. As much as we would like to help everyone in need, it just isn’t possible.
Before all the application forms, stipulations and agreements were in place, we suddenly had our first crisis applicant. The wife of a longstanding and well respected Freemason in the District urgently required a triple heart bypass operation. The Johannesburg Hospital had a 12-14 month waiting list which was out of the question. As pensioners with no medical aid, private means, or family support, their only option was the cut rate sale of their home, have the operation and pick-up the pieces later. Government requires a cost means test if you have property and banks won’t make loans against property to those over 65.
A mountain of forms, proofs, medical records and quotes were couriered to London under the approval of our DGM. After many telephone calls and e-mails to London, we received the wonderful news from Mrs Pat Reed and her team at the Grand Masonic Charity Fund, that the application had been approved.
The applicant had her life-saving operation at the Milpark Clinic in Johannesburg. It was successful and she is recovering well.
PRESIDENT LODGE – W Bro. Chris Adams
One year later, President Lodge has a new WM – W Bro. Roland Dunstan and is set to further advance in the new calendar year. We had a busy first year with no less than nine new candidates initiated. The workings even included, under dispensation, a triple first which required much choreography and rehearsal. Our newly made brethren have embraced the Craft with gusto and enthusiasm visiting extensively in the District and even including some Inter-constitutional visits. One such visit was to the GLSA Lodge Eendracht Maak Macht in Roodepoort. The calibre of these young men in respect to the enthusiasm to the workings and ritual within the lodge has been exceptional and we invite any brethren to join us at our meetings and festive boards in the new year and experience what is fast becoming one of the most dynamic lodges in the District.
LODGE OF FRIENDSHIP – W Bro. Simon Knutton
SWAZI’S AT WORK AND PLAY – W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
After the long trip to Swaziland, we were warmly welcomed by the Brethren who opened their homes to us for the weekend.
On Friday 12th October, an Open evening was arranged by St George’s Lodge and supported by Swaziland Lodge, for wives, family and the public in general. With the Lodge at ease, the District Grand Mentor, W Bro. Roger Webster, took command of proceedings in his inimitable way – casting light and wonder on his interested audience. Many of the questions from Entered Apprentices, wives and families were later answered informally over refreshments.
We began our visit early on Saturday morning to the beautiful Nkonyeni Golf Club and Estate – over an hour’s travel from Mbabane. A bus was provided as the police are extremely strict on speeding and drinking and driving.
The golf course was magnificent. The Worshipful Master of St George’s Lodge, W Bro. Vikesh Tailor lost over 70 balls in one round of golf! Bro. Mathew Harmer was the “keyman” of the day! While visitors took first place, our Masonic Brethren took 2nd and 3rd places in a most enjoyable day of golf.
Following golf, we had a quick shower, collected the ladies and then made our way to a dinner-dance at the Portuguese Hall in Mbabane. The food was excellent and we danced while the electricity held out. Much fun was had by all. Bro. Kieran Thurgood conducted the raffle and an auction of 2 bottles of fine wine and special presents for the best judged MAN & WOMAN raised R3 000. The events of the day, together with a cheque from District, raised R12 300 for local charities.
The President of the Board of Benevolence then held a training session for the Worshipful Masters, Senior Wardens, Almoners and the Area Almoner for Swaziland.
Following tea and then lunch, which was generously provided by Sonia Angus, the District Grand Mentor continued the training of the invitees.
W Bro. Anthony Angus (St Georges Lodge) is the AREA ALMONER for Swaziland, whilst W Bro. Gaz Barlow (Swaziland Lodge ) is the REGIONAL MENTOR for Swaziland.
After a well-deserved late breakfast on Monday, we thanked our hosts, Anthony and Sonia Angus, Kieran and Shayla Thurgood and made our way back to Gauteng.
After a well-deserved late breakfast on Monday, we thanked our hosts, Anthony and Sonia Angus, Kieran and Shayla Thurgood and made our way back to Gauteng.
- Published in The Cornerstone
- 1
- 2