2012 DISTRICT CHARITY BANQUET
(W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar)
The Annual Charity Banquet held on Friday 23rd March at the Wanderers Club was a splendid black tie occasion set in a glittering ballroom.
The ladies looked resplendent and the sumptuous dinner added to the ambiance of the event. Between courses, the DGM, RW Bro. Prof. Guy Charlesworth, addressed the guests on a number of topics including his new strategy for charity donations.
In line with this strategy of capital intensive projects and self sustainability, Mrs Chris Levings, the Honorary Treasurer and Secretary of G.E.M. Homes, proudly received the major donation of R800 000. This project will couple electricity savings via heat ex- change pumps to 84 cottages and water conservation via showerhead installations. A further aspect will be to create extra buildings to be used for generating income.
Supporting our Brethren is another change of direction in our charity donations. The Masonic Haven in Pretoria desperately needed a smaller people carrier to ferry their residents to doctors, shops etc. The keys to a seven seater Toyota Verso were presented to a clearly delighted Trudi Smithard, Nursing Manager of The Haven.
The DGM then announced that R100 000 was to be set aside as seed capital for a new District Samaritan Fund to be launched later in the year under the banner of Freemasonry Cares.
This year also saw the first comprehensive feedback given by one of our previous major charity recipients. Hamlet CEO, Segri Subramony, reported back on the successful Education, Stimulation and Medical Centre project. She reiterated the Foundation’s heartfelt thanks to the District for their generosity which will bear fruit for many years to come. Segri then presented RW Bro. Prof. Charlesworth with a Certificate of Appreciation for the District.
Special thanks to W Bros. Stan Elms and David Penrose as well as Bro. Pedro Silva for ensuring that the occasion proceeded flawlessly.
THE HAMLET FOUNDATION PROJECT OPENING CEREMONY (W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar)
The Hamlet Foundation was the recipient of the District’s major charity grant of R1 million in 2011. This do- nation has been put to good use and on the 5th of March 2012, members of the District were invited to the grand opening of Hamlet’s new EDUCATION, STIMULATION and MEDICAL CENTRE.
The refurbishment and extensions to this building for their intellectually disabled residents, was the first stage of the District’s new charity strategy toward capital intensive projects and recipient self sustainability.
The evening began with a tour of the facilities which include protective workshops, assembly and packaging factories and three large agricultural tunnels. Following the welcome announcements, W Bro. Rev. Vernon Van Wyk (DG Chap) blessed the building and Helen Charlesworth planted an Acacia tree which was donated by Emrys Lodge. RW Bro. Prof. Guy Charlesworth cut the ribbon and declared the Centre open.
Hamlet CEO, Segri Subrumony, made special mention of the following Brethren who had done so much to ensure the success of the project: Charles Burn, Norman Hood, John Blane, Chris Reynolds, Ray Botha, Percy Jackson and Brian Kretzschmar.
Thank you to all the Brethren of the District for bringing this project to fruition.
WELLNESS DAY 2012 (W Bro. Chris Adams)
Wits Lodge, in conjunction with Alchemy, Orphic and Vernon Lodges presented the second Wellness Day at Free- mason’s Hall, Park Lane on 10th March. This function carried the approval of the District and was under the auspices of the Freemasonry In Action committee.
Once again the attendance was not as good as expected
– this in spite of extensive marketing and an increased number of services rendered on the day.
Our collaborators and service providers offered a wide range
of tests ranging from a comprehensive Lipid and risk profile offered by a qualified General Practitioner (Alere Healthcare), a BMI and blood pressure test (Netcare). The South African National Blood Services were pleased with the 20 units of blood they collected, as was the Organ Donor foundation who signed up 16 new donors, an increase to 50 in two years.
June and Tracey were in attendance to provide colour readings. As per last year we were able to provide Podiatric and Ophthalmic services through two qualified Professionals.
A new innovation this year was the provision of various CPR demonstrations, including the use of a Auto Defibrillator machine.
Once again a significant amount of clothing and food was collected – which was taken to GEM Homes.
Our thanks to Paul McKinley and his team for keeping us fed and to the District for their support of this event.
ANNUAL INVESTITURES IN LONDON (VW Bro. Iain Fraser and W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar)
Our DGM, Professor Guy Charlesworth, flew to London at the end of April to attend the Annual Investitures of Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter. He also attended the District Grand Masters’ meeting with the Pro Grand Master and the Grand Secretary and the DGM’s Freemasonry Cares Conference organised by the Grand Charity.
He was accompanied to the Annual Investitures by several Brethren from the District who received Grand Honours. In the Craft, first appointments to PAGDC were received by W Bros. David Johnston, Brian Kretzschmar and Tony Townsend. W Bros. Graham Bendell, Ed Jordan and Chris van Gaalen received promotions to PJGD.
In the Royal Arch, E. Comps. Richard Harris and David Whitfield received first appointments to PGStB, whilst E. Comp. George Boyd received a first appointment to PAGDC. The following received promotions:
E.Comps. Cleve Wiehahn to PGSwdB, Graham Bendell to PAGSoj and John Fleming to PGStB.
Sincere congratulations are extended to all of these Brethren and Companions.
Let us give you an idea of a Brother’s programme. On Monday 23rd April several Brethren and wives undertook a tour of the splendours of Freemasons’ Hall in Great Queen Street, London. On Monday evening most of the Brethren visited South Africa Lodge to witness a First Degree working and the Investiture of Officers at the Installation Ceremony. The Festive Board was a well-attended occasion in rooms above the Freemasons Arms where our hosts gave us a ‘home from home’ welcome.
On Tuesday, our President of the District Board of Benevolence, Brian Kretzschmar, addressed the DGM’s Freemasonry Cares Conference presenting an overview of the current work being done in our District in setting-up regional Almoners and the role-out of the Samaritan Fund. The presentation was well-received with many delegates from Districts all over the World requesting copies of the power-point presentation. This presentation really put our District on the map. Well done Brian!
On Wednesday, the Grand Master, HRH the Duke of Kent presided over the Craft Annual Investiture which was followed by the Grand Festival Banquet in the Connaught Rooms. The Annual Investiture of the Royal Arch was held on Thursday morning followed by a lunch also in the Connaught Rooms. Despite the fact that this April was the wettest on record, together with 4 seasons in a day, the whole experience was unforgettable – as London yielded up yet a few more of her secrets.
MASONIC OLYMPICS (W Bro. Vaughn Williams)
The Olympic Games are upon us and for a change London isn’t on our minds due to Grand Lodge communications or appointments. We are spending time in front of the television watching talented athletes strive purposefully towards their life’s ambitions.
Apart from the medals the Games are a bonding of cultures, nations and like-minded sporting enthusiasts and with this in mind, the idea of the Masonic Olympics was borne. All lodges in our District are invited to field teams of their current members and challenge their counterparts in a friendly and sporting manner.
Sports that will be considered will be non-contact (boxing and cage fighting are a no-no) sports in which brethren of all ages can compete equally. Ideally these would include bowls, tenpin bowling, golf, clay pigeon shooting, indoor cricket/soccer and anything else that you may deem worthy of inclusion.
Please give this some thought and send me ideas of sports that we could include (vaughnw@iafrica.com). Once I have a selection of disciplines I will send out the list to all lodges and endeavour to get the ball rolling (pardon the pun) before mid-August.
This sports event is intended to unite brethren not only in their respective lodges but in the district. It will be an excellent opportunity for brethren to get to know one another in a cordial and less formal environment whilst having some good old-fashioned fun.
DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF SOUTH AFRICA, NORTH – ACTIVE DISTRICT OFFICERS 2012/2013
DistGM RW Bro. E Guy Charleworth
DepDistGM VW Bro. Iain C Fraser
ADistGM W Bro. David B Whitfield
ADistGM W Bro. Colin R Lewis
ADistGM W Bro. Colin J Robinson
ADistGM W Bro. Chris van Gaalen
DistSGW W Bro. Bernie Krone
DistJGW W Bro. Ron T Poole
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 PresDistBoardBen W Bro. Brian J Kretzschmar
DistGDC W Bro. Graeme N Mackenzie
DistGSwdB W Bro. Eugene C Bernhardt DistGSuptWks W Bro. David W Griffiths DistDepGDC W Bro. Sean Heathcote DistDepGDC W Bro. Simon C Knutton DistDepGDC W Bro. Andre’ Ferreira
DistGMentor W Bro. Roger S Webster
DistSGD W Bro. Alan R Clothier
DistSGD W Bro. Alan M Duncan
DistSGD W Bro. Andries C Krause
DistJGD W Bro. J Arthur Bremner
DistJGD W Bro. Jean-Michel Girard
DistJGD W Bro. Andrew Hall
DistAGSec W Bro. Graham F Bradley
DistAGDC W Bro. John M G Cluver
DistAGDC W Bro. Charles W Fox
DistAGDC W Bro. Richard W Hawthorne
DistAGDC W Bro. Rory J Jones
DistGOrg W Bro. Pieter J Wessels
DistGStB W Bro. John D Dixon
DistGStB W Bro. Dawid W Faul
DistGPurs W Bro. Thom J Korff
DistGStwd W Bro. Pieter W Janse van Rensburg
DistGStwd W Bro. Richard J Rees
DistGStwd W Bro. Robby A C Rencken
DistGStwd W Bro. Leighton B Shaw
DistGStwd W Bro. Mike D Smith
DistGStwd W Bro. Richard J Woodward
DistGTyler W Bro. Frans J J Visagie
DISTRICT GRAND CHAPTER OF SOUTH AFRICA, NORTH – ACTIVE DISTRICT OFFICERS 2012/2013
G Supt E. Comp. Guy E Charlesworth
DepGSupt E. Comp. Cleve M Wiehahn
2ndDistGPrin E. Comp. Brian F McDermott
3rdDistGPrin E. Comp. Hans S C van Gaalen
PresDistComGP E. Comp. J Bradshaw Gillies
DistGSE E. Comp. David I Pickard
DistGSN E. Comp. Percy R Green
DistGTreas E. Comp. Hilly Rosin
DistGReg E. Comp. Gordon M Martin
DistGDC E. Comp. Steve A Cousens
DistGSwdB E. Comp. Richard J Lipnicki
DistDepGDC E. Comp. Derek Egerton
DistDepGDC E. Comp. Vaughn P Williams
DistPrinGSoj E. Comp. Des P Battiss
Dist1stAGSoj E. Comp. Jack L Heymann
Dist2ndAGSoj E. Comp. Brian Newton
DistAGSE E. Comp. Dave S Knoop
DistGStB E. Comp. Sean Heathcote
DistGOrg E. Comp. David A McNally
DistAGDC E. Comp. Mike Armour
DistAGDC E. Comp. Alan J Parsley
DistGStwd E. Comp. Peter Cornwall
DistGStwd E. Comp. David Fourie
DistGStwd E. Comp. Kiri Demetrios Kyriazis
DistGStwd E. Comp. Warren A Pugh
DistGJan E. Comp. Frans J J Visagie
SWAZILAND 2011 / 12 (W Bro. Vaughn Williams)
Nestled on the border between Mpumalanga, KZN and Mocambique is the picturesque little landlocked country of Swaziland. This mountainous kingdom was once the destination of many ardent gamblers who were denied their passion by the strict rules in the old Republic.
It has now become the once-a-year breakaway for a handful of Masons who, together with their wives, enjoy a 3 hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg. They are always greeted warmly and enthusiastically by the Masonic clan in both Mbabane and Manzini where 3 Installations are held annually.
The first meeting is the St George’s Lodge installation on the Friday evening which is followed by a scrumptious festive board, to which nothing in South Africa compares. The meal, conviviality and humour ensure that the evening only ends at midnight for most but well into the wee hours for the more adventurous. A 16 seater mini-bus has become the norm to both fetch the brethren from their hotels and later to drop them off safely after the festivities have ended. This prevents any brushes with the local law who do not look too kindly on drinking and driving.
Saturday morning is a lazy one, basking in the sun-shine at the pool after a wonderful breakfast. The more active couples often go on shopping sprees or do a little sight seeing and a little after mid-day it’s time to head off to Manzini which is about 20 minutes away. The majority of the brethren travel together, leaving cars behind for the wives who want to take in a little more of the wonderful Swazi hospitality.
Swaziland Royal Arch Chapter host the first meeting which is always pre- ceded by drinks and a huge lunch of various snacks which cater for absolutely all tastes. Once the Royal Arch Installation is over we all head back to the Chapter entrance to change regalia and as if by magic, there is even more food. The Swaziland Craft Installation follows and at about 6pm we make the short trip back to Mbabane. The past 2 years have seen the Swaziland RA and Craft festive board at the Mantenga Lodge (which is where most of the travelling brethren stay) so there is no need for a bus to transport the somewhat happy revellers.
There are so many raffles that you have to be extremely unlucky not to win something and the chances are, whatever you win will be consumed at the table. The evening is long with many laughs and stories which get funnier as the night goes on.
Sunday morning is a lot more sombre with breakfast being consumed with an air of sadness as the brethren prepare for the short journey back to South Africa. It is a weekend not to be forgotten and one which I urge as many brethren as possible to undertake. Our hosts don’t allow us to pay for anything and are the perfect embodiment of Freemasonry. To the Brethren and Companions of Swaziland, thank you so much for receiving us and entertaining us every year, it is an absolute pleasure to visit your lovely country.
HAVE YOU COMPLETED PURE AND ANTIENT MASONRY – FROM INITIATION TO EXALTATION?
(E Comp. Cleve Wiehahn)
What is Pure and Antient Masonry? The Pro First Grand Principal who presided at the annual Grand Chapter investiture investiture in London in April called it a “strapline” from “initiation to exaltation”.
The first degree initiation, the second degree passing, the third degree raising and finally the Royal Arch exaltation.
After having been raised to the third degree the newly raised Master Mason may well ask, what do I do next?
The question of what to do next should never have arisen in his mind for a shortly after his initiation, he should have been informed of the existence of the Royal Arch by his Proposer and Personal Mentor. The Second Grand Principal, George Pippon Francis, said in an interview; “I would like to see that every new initiate is informed about the existence of the Royal Arch at a much earlier stage, so that the newly initiated candidate clearly appreciates both its place and importance in Masonry”.
The new-made Master Mason needs to understand from the beginning that only one of the many Masonic degrees available forms part of and is indeed the completion of his Craft masonry, authoritatively it is known as the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch. As stated by the preamble in the Book of Constitutions, “By the solemn act of Union between the two Grand Lodges of England in December 1813, it was declared and pronounced that Pure and Antient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more viz. those of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellowcraft and the Master Mason including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.”
Thus the Royal Arch is the only Order indissolubly linked to the Craft. This is reaffirmed by the Grand Master, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, who is also the First Grand Principal. In our District, the District Grand Master in the Craft is also the Grand Superintendent in the Royal Arch.
The Regulations governing the Royal Arch are published as part of the Craft Book of Constitutions and the preamble to the Regulations expressly states that: “In all cases for which special provision is not made by the following Regulations, the Order of Royal Arch Masons of England shall be considered as bound by the Constitutions of the Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons.”
The Royal Arch breast jewel must always be worn in a Craft lodge and in our Constitution it is the only jewel besides craft jewels that are permitted to be worn in a Craft lodge. The Royal Arch tie produced by Grand Chapter, may be worn in a Craft lodge and our District Grand Master has given permission and encourages Royal Arch masons to wear the tie at lodge meetings. A further indication of the indissoluble link between the Craft and the Royal Arch.
I would like to record the comments made by our Grand Master and other dignitaries:
Grand Master: “I consider the Royal Arch a most beautiful degree, the culmination of the candidates journey through Pure and Antient Masonry. The Board believes that it is a matter of common ground that the teachings of the Royal Arch enrich those of the Craft and visa versa. Properly considered therefore, each is inextricably interwoven with the other, with the result that no Brothers Masonic experience can be considered truly complete unless he has been exalted into the order of the Holy Royal Arch.”
Pro First Grand Principal: “Members of the Craft who are not members of the Royal Arch, still need a greater awareness of the indissoluble link between the Craft and the Royal Arch. It is the strapline from initiation to exaltation”.
Laurence McDermott (Past Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the Antients): “The Royal Arch is the root, heart and marrow of Freemasonry.”
Our DGM RW Bro. Prof. Guy Charlesworth (at our Annual Meet- ing): “As an English Freemason, the Brother has the right and in- deed is expected to join the Royal Arch before any of the additional orders of Freemasonry.”
RW Bro. McAdam (a former District Grand Master and Grand Superintendent): “The man 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 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.
In our Craft Masonry we are taught the practical tenets by which we can live a life pleasing to God and the service of mankind. But man is not simply a practical being, he also has a vital spiritual aspect to his nature.
The Royal Arch leads us to contemplate on the nature of God and our spiritual relationship with Him. Thus the Royal Arch gives us the unique opportunity to combine the practical with the spiritual aspect of our Ma- sonry.”
John Hamill (Grand Secretary’s Office): “But above all, joining the Royal Arch will increase your enjoyment of Freemasonry.”
The Royal Arch is the culmination of Pure and Antient Masonry.
Brethren I am sure that you will see the need to be exalted into the Royal Arch and in so doing complete your journey in Pure and Antient Masonry from initiation to exaltation.
WHAT IS FREEMASONRY? (W Bro. Dick Glanville)
Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation which accepts all men regardless of creed or social status. It helps good men to become better.
Freemasonry originated in England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, descending directly or indirectly from the craft of mediaeval stonemasons.
Directly, by operative lodges accepting non-operative members who gradually took over or transformed the lodges into purely speculative ones.
Indirectly, by a group of men interested in promoting tolerance in an intolerant age, coming together and adopting the stonemason’s tools and customs as allegorical aids to teach their precepts.
The early Masons brought with them an organisation with discipline and care. They had their own leaders, primarily the Master and they appointed him and others to rule the early lodges. This would include the Treasurer and Almoner.
In those days these extremely important individuals oversaw day-to-day life in what was effectively a very large commune of working men and their families.
From this hierarchal society, slowly evolved what today is known as lodges of “not operative Masons but rather Free and Accepted or speculative Masons”
Masonry has a long and proud tradition – one which should be nurtured and carried forward as time and circumstances evolve.
RW BRO. EDWARD THOMAS ‘TED’ ABLETT (VW Bro. D.L. de Beer)
26 January 1918 to 7 May 2012
Edward Thomas Ablett was born in South Shields, Durham, England, just before the end of the First World War. He took a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Chemistry at Durham University and then obtained a Diploma in Education.
He came to South Africa in 1945 to join a company formed to manufacture chemicals for timber treatment and eventually became Managing Director in 1953. He married Doris shortly before coming to South Africa, and they had a son, Michael and daughter, Susan. Ted was a keen family man and left a proud legacy of two children, four grand children and two great grand children.
Ted was initiated into the Westoe Lodge Nº 4750 in South Shields in 1939 and upon settling in South Africa, joined Roodepoort Lodge Nº 2539 where he went through the Chair in 1953.
After various District appointments, Ted became the District Grand Master of the Transvaal in 1978.His first Grand Lodge appointment was as PAGDC in 1967, followed by promotions to PJGD in 1972, PG.Swd.B in 1974 and Dist.GM in 1978. He joined only two other Masonic Orders: In the Rose Croix he had been M.W.S. of Holy Rood Chapter and a founder member of Omega Chapter. He was promoted to the 32nd Degree in 1988.
In the Red Cross of Constantine, he joined Omega Conclave in 1982, was M.P.S. in 1990, and received a first appointment to Grand Rank as P.G. Prefect in 1996.
Ted Ablett was a strong leader and had a very successful eleven year term as Dist. G.M, and a seven year term as G.Supt., when he generously stood down to give Douglas Vieler four years as head of the Royal Arch in our District.
He launched the Heritage Appeal Fund when he became Dist.
G.M. and one of his initiatives was to encourage pairing between town and country lodges, in what is the biggest District in the world.
Ted will be remembered as a well respected and highly effective District Grand Master and Grand Superintendent.
W. BRO. KOENRAAD WILLEM ‘KOEN’ ROORDA (W Bro. David Whitfield)
Koenraad Willem Roorda grew up in Johannesburg of Dutch parents. He was a true and loyal South African but remained a Hollander at heart. Koen was a Rand pioneer and wore the tie of that organisation proudly on many occasions.
Koen never married, but remained very closely attached to his sister and her children. He was an amazingly gentle and kind person, even tempered and uncritical of others. These attributes made him a great leader in several Masonic Orders.
He was initiated into Columbia Lodge in 1952 and exalted into Columba Royal Arch Chapter less than a year later. He received Grand Rank in both the Craft (PAGDC in 1987) and RA (PAG Soj. in 1995).
Koen’s other Masonic involvements were very exten- sive and varied. He was a member of all 12 Orders, obtained the equivalent of Grand Rank in all of them and received unprecedented awards in four of the orders. Koen was promoted to the 33rd Degree in the Rose Croix and held the office of Inspector General for 15 years.
Koen’s biggest achievement in the Rose Croix, inter alia, was being one of the founders of the South African Branch Council, which he chaired for 5 years, and in 1988 he was honoured with the award of the Eagle and Rose by the Supreme Council in England.
In the Knight’s Templar, Koen held the highest active office in Great Priory Rank ever awarded to a non UK resident, that of 1st Great Constable, awarded in 1990 followed by promotion to the very high office of Knight Commander of the Temple awarded in 1996. A remarkable achievement.
Koen will be remembered by his many Masonic friends as a true gentleman with a warm and generous heart.
TRAVERS STANTON PENROSE (W Bro. Graham Bendell)
5 October 1923 – 17 June 2012
Travers Stanton Penrose was born in Johannesburg on October 5th 1923, married in Johannesburg and lived in Kensington all his life. He was educated at Jeppe High School where he excelled in boxing, soccer and ice‐skating.
In addition to being a South African Ice Dancing Champion, Traviers also played tennis at provincial level and was very involved in bowls as a player, umpire, coach and finally the President of the Transvaal Bowling Union. In November 2011, he became the Victor Ludorum of the Belgravia Bowling Club at the age of 89!
He and his wife, Beryl, had been happily married for 66 years and had 2 sons, Clifford who recently passed away and Kevin.
Travers came from a Masonic family, his grandfather, a Cornish‐ man, was a member of Boscawen Lodge No: 699 in Chacewater, Cornwall. His father was a member of Kensington Lodge and Travers joined Clifton Lodge in March 1949. Travers was delighted when his son Kevin was initiated in Corona Lodge in 1991.
Travers belonged to 13 Masonic Orders, holding the rank of PJGD in the Craft, PAG Soj. in Royal Arch and he was a Past District Grand Master in the Royal and Select Masters as well as a Past Provincial Grand Master of the Royal Order of Scotland.
In addition to all the work that Travers did in his various Masonic Orders, he was ready at all times to give help to any Order by assisting them in the ceremony or by taking the Chair. He also used his workshop talents to make items such as candlesticks, Working Tools, Gavels, or any other wooden implements or bits of furniture that may have been required.
Travers Penrose was a true gentleman who was always willing to assist and guide his Brethren and I am sure that when he arrived at the Grand Chapter Above, he was met with those welcoming words “Well done thou good and faithful Companion”.