MESSAGE FROM THE RW DISTRICT GRAND MASTER
I am sure that we are all looking forward to the Christmas Season with all the festivities leading up to Christmas Day when we celebrate the birth of Christ.
Christmas is not only a time of goodwill, but one of giving. At this time we are mindful of the
Three Kings or Wise Men or Magi who brought their gifts for the Christ- Child. With this in mind, we also exchange gifts as an expression of our goodwill and affection for one another. However, please don’t forget those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
I wish you and your Family a Blessed Christmas and a safe journey for those who are travelling. May the New Year bring peace, joy and good health to you and your loved ones.
FATHER AND SON CHAINS IN OUR DISTRICT
(VW Bro. Iain Fraser)
W Bro. Hans van Gaalen stood down as ADistGM at the Annual Meeting on Saturday 1 October 2011 when W Bro. Chris van Gaalen was invested by the DGM as the new “Chain” in that posi- tion.
Hans had a very successful six year term as ADistGM travelling widely throughout our District, visiting most if not all of the Country Lodges, several of them on an annual basis. He proved to be a popular and well respected ADistGM.
Chris follows in his father’s footsteps as ADistGM and is also well known throughout the District. He has served as Dep DistGDC for three years, prior to his very successful two-year term as DistGDC.
Hans was invested as Third District Grand Principal at the Royal Arch Annual Meeting and so will continue as a “Chain” in our District.
TIM SMITH – DISTRICT SENIOR GRAND WARDEN
Tim came to South Africa in 1983 and joined Park Lane Lodge in 1986. His mentor, Dougie Cook was the Dist JGW and a Grand Officer. He is very proud of the fact that he has held every office in Park Lane Lodge in his progression to the Chair and be- came a Royal Arch Mason four weeks after being raised. Tim belongs to the Fairview Royal Arch Chapter.
Tim’s first District appointment was to Dist GStwd, with promotion to Dist G Pursuiv the following year. He has also held the offices of Dist SGD and Dist GSwdB before being promoted to his current posi- tion as Dist SGW in 2011. During this period, Tim was invited to join District Grand Steward’s Lodge of which he has subsequently become a Past Mas- ter. His mentor at this time was Graham Granger.
Tim has also been very successful in the Royal Arch being promoted to Dist GStwd, Dist AGDC and Dist DGDC before taking up his current office of Dist GDC. This office gives Tim a tremendous amount of pleasure and satisfaction.
He received Grand Rank in the Royal Arch in 2009.
Tim is an active Past Master in Witwatersrand Lodge. He is also a member and Past Master of Hillbrow Mark Lodge and is a District Officer in the Mark. Tim is a Past MW Sovereign of St. Aubyn’s Rose Croix Chapter and holds the 30th Degree.
Tim has been a financial advisor with Liberty Life for the past 25 years. He is married to June and they live in Sandton.
He enjoys all aspects of Masonry and is proud to be called a Freemason.
MARC LUCIEN JOSEPH GEORGE BURTON – DISTRICT JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN
Marc, the District Junior Grand Warden for the year, was born in Brussels, Belgium, in 1943.
He holds a Masters Degree in Applied Economics from the University of Brussels, joined IBM in 1968 and arrived in South Africa after a two year assignment in Ghana for IBM World Trade. His career with IBM spanned over 24 years in Systems Engineering, followed by the position of Account Executive for the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and Spoornet. Marc was a Director and founder of ValuePlus consulting with clients such as the SCMB, ABSA etc.
Marc was initiated into St. Michael’s Lodge on the 12 June 1975 and became Master in 1986. He is a Founder Member of St. Michael Royal Arch Chapter, PZ and Past District Grand Sword Bearer.
He joined the Golden Harvest Lodge in September 2004 and occupied the chair in 2007 and 2011. Marc is also a member of the Golden Harvest Royal Arch Chapter, where he is Third Principal. In addition, he enjoys other Masonic orders such as the Red Cross of Constantine (Division of South Africa – Transvaal, Orange Free State and Northern Cape), where he is the Deputy Intendant General. In the Knights Templar he is the Vice-Chancellor for the Provincial Priory of the Transvaal (equivalent to the District Grand Secretary). Recently, Marc was promoted to Great Priory rank as Past Great Herald.
Finally, Marc is a member of the Alpha Chapter Rose-Croix and holds the 30th Degree.
Marc has family both here and in Belgium. He is married to Michelle and their daughter Danielle is studying Architecture at the University of the Witwatersrand.
He thoroughly enjoys his duties as District Junior Grand Warden, which give him the opportunity to visit Lodges, to meet many new Brethren and to participate actively in the District.
CENTENARY MEETING OF VEREENIGING PEACE LODGE No. 3461 (VW Bro. Iain Fraser)
Vereeniging Peace Lodge held their Centenary Meeting on Saturday 25 June 2011 at Freemasons Hall in Rhodes Avenue, Vereeniging . The DGM presented the Centenary Warrant to the Lodge and Centenary Jewels to the members, he was supported by the “Chains” and a large District Delegation.
The Dist. G. Chaplain, W Bro. Rev. Dr. Vernon van Wyk gave a very in- teresting presentation on their new Centenary Banner, which he dedi- cated, and W Bro. Dr. Ian McCullough prepared and presented the his- tory of the Lodge.
The meeting was followed by a very enjoyable festive board in the Hall, which was also attended by the ladies.
PRESIDENT LODGE – A NEW MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSITIES SCHEME (W Bro. Chris Adams)
President Lodge No. 8053 of our District of South Africa North has been accepted into the Universities Scheme of the United Grand Lodge of England. We become the 50th lodge in the scheme – the second out- side the United Kingdom. The Scheme is headed up by the Assistant Grand Master, RW Bro. David Ken- neth Williamson and it was with much pride at our meeting in November that a letter from him was read welcoming us into the Universities Scheme. As new members of the Scheme, we are fully aware of the great deal of work ahead of us to comply with the requirements of the Scheme.
The spirit of the Universities Scheme was summed up by the Grand Master, HRH the Duke of Kent, who at the 2010 Annual Investiture of Grand Lodge stated “A real benefit the Scheme confers, is having young in- telligent men joining us who will, we hope, contribute greatly to the future of the Craft, as potential leaders and sources of inspiration.”
So why the Universities Scheme ?
There has been in our experience an upsurge in interest in Masonry from a much younger group of candi- dates. They are University Students and as with all students, have a unending thirst for knowledge and in some cases limited budgets to pursue their interests. The Universities Scheme of the UGLE was set up in 2005 with the following objective: “To establish and/or enhance arrangements and opportunities for under- graduates and other University members to enjoy Freemasonry.”
From a financial perspective, all under-25s benefit from the recent decision by Grand Lodge to halve their dues in order to make Freemasonry as accessible to as wide an audience as possible. A similar decision concerning District dues was made in October at our Annual Meeting of District Grand Lodge.
The search was thus directed to find a Lodge that could be used to promote the aims of the Universities Scheme. The search culminated with President Lodge 8053 who originally met in Carletonville and was ex- periencing difficulties regarding membership. With a lodge identified, we needed a team to move forward. The team under the guidance of the DGM and the leadership of our Lodge Preceptor W Bro. Chris Van Gaalen started to take shape.
The Lodge was moved to Park Lane and W Bro Chris Adams was elected W Master. W Bros Mustapha Adamjee and Dirk Norton with their proven administrative skills, have taken-on the offices of Treasurer and Secretary respectively. W Bros Roland Dunstan and Andries Butzbach, both current Masters of Apollo and Goldfields Lodges have been appointed Wardens and other senior members include W Bros Bernie Krone, David Taylor, Tom Cross and Philip Venn who form the core of the newly re-established Lodge.
One of our first activities of the Lodge was to set-up a guided tour of Park Lane for University students by the District Grand Mentor, W Bro Roger Webster, who also gave an address on Freemasonry to the group of visitors. From this early initiative, two confirmed applications were received to join the Lodge. The Exsequi website has also attracted another five possible candidates and in January another tour of Park Lane and an open talk is planned for non-Masons.
At our installation in October, the remaining Past Masters of the Lodge were voted as Honorary Members. We know that W Bros Rodney Dennett, Malcolm Kiernan, Johan Liebenberg, Barry Worrall and Bryan Price will give us every support.
In respect of our schedule, in November we met at Park Lane and initiated our first candidate Mr Reneoue Kortjaas, a 22 year old student in the Commerce Faculty of the University of Johannesburg. The meeting was chaired by W Bro. Mustapha Adamjee and floor workings were performed by Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts from Witwatersrand Lodge. To give you an idea of the levels of enthusiasm. Two weeks later, Bro. Reneoue attended the Goldfields open evening at Park Lane with a prospective candidate who in time will be joining President Lodge!
On the same evening Bro. Francois van der Merwe of President Lodge was passed by King Edward Lodge in Potchefstroom. We look forward to the occasion to raise Bro Francois to his third degree. We will be un- dertaking a double initiation on the first Monday in February at Park Lane and look forward to the support of Brethren who would like to visit our Lodge.
THE ROYAL ARCH (E. Comp Cleve Wiehahn)
SENIOR APPOINTMENT AND PROMOTION
Excellent Companion Richard Moore, PGSwdB, decided to stand down as Deputy Grand Superintendent after holding the office for the past 5 years. The Grand Superintendent has made the following appointment and promotions:
Deputy Grand Superintendent – Excellent Companion Cleve Wiehahn (promotion)
2nd District Grand Principal – Excellent Companion Brian McDermott (promotion) 3rd District Grand Principal – Excellent Companion Hans van Gaalen (appointment)
EXCELLENT COMPANION RICHARD MOORE PGSwdB
Excellent Companion Richard Moore received his first appointment to active office in 1995 and progressed to being appointed Deputy Grand Superintendent in 2006.
He has always been extremely passionate towards the Royal Arch and his dedication and enthusiasm is unquestionable. Richard has been instrumental in doing away with local additions to the ritual and is adamant that our ceremonies are conducted strictly in accordance with the ritual. He has introduced many innovative ideas for the improve- ment of the Order. He has an outstanding knowledge of the history of the Royal Arch and has given many lectures. He has the ability to encourage and motivate Companions to give of their best to the Order. He is continually encouraging Brethren who were not
members to join the Order and complete their journey in pure and ancient Masonry.
Richard will not be lost to the Royal Arch. I am sure that he will continue to assist whenever possible and contribute to the wellbeing of the Order. Thank you Richard for your dedication to the District.
GOOD NEWS FROM GRAND CHAPTER
Extract from Pro First Grand Principal’s address:
“Companions as you are well aware changes were made to the general practice of the Royal Arch in 2004 affecting the ritual, together with certain permitted ritual alternatives. As a result, I wonder how many of you are like me and become thoroughly confused when deciding which version of the ritual to use. With this in mind, it is proposed to use 2013 as the catalyst to publish new ritual books, which would have the permitted alternatives as the main version and the original version printed out separately.”
I am sure that we are all looking forward to this new ritual.
CLEVE WIEHAHN – DEPUTY GRAND SUPERINTENDENT
Cleve was initiated into Freemasonry on the 13th of April 1970 in Octahedron Lodge No 1417 EC. At that time, the Lodge was situated at Barkly West on the northern bank of the Vaal River and is the second oldest Lodge north of the Vaal River. The lodge celebrated its Centenary in 1971 and Cleve was fortunate to be present at the celebrations.
On the 27th April 1971 Cleve was exalted in Men- delssohn Chapter No 3142 EC at ULCO (Union Lime Company near Barkly West) in whose grounds the Chapter was situated. The Chapter also met regularly at Sydney-on-Vaal on the southern bank of the Vaal River when the Com- panions were ferried across the river in their vehi- cles. Consumption of alcohol at the festive board was limited as one did not want to be ferried back with two wheels on the ferry and two wheels in the water!
Cleve relocated several times before settling in Johannesburg. He was approached by a col- league to affiliate to Lodge Friendship No 95 GLSA and became Master in 1991. In 1992 he was appointed Provincial Grand Steward and three years later promoted to Past Provincial
Grand Inner Guard. Finding his duties in the English Craft and Royal Arch becoming more time consuming he resigned from the GLSA in 2002.
Cleve joined Benoni Lodge No 3157 EC in 1982 and was Master in 1986. He joined Transvaal District Grand Stewards Lodge No 8192 EC in 2000 and served as Master in 2006. He has held several District appointments culminating in 2003 as DistSGW.
Together with W Bro. Albie Vermoter, DistJGW they attended over 100 Installations during their year as Wardens. He continues to support the District on a regular basis. He was awarded the Grand Rank of PAGDC in 2005.
In the Royal Arch, Cleve joined Doornfontein Chapter No 2585 EC in 1982 and was First Principal in 1987 and again in 2000. In 2003, he joined Germiston Chapter No 2498 EC to lead its resuscitation, serving as First Principal in 2003; 2004; and 2005.
Cleve has held several active District appointments including the senior appointments to Assistant to the District Grand Principals (2002), Third District Grand Principal (2004), Second District Grand Principal (2005) and is currently Deputy Grand Superintendent (2011).
He was awarded the Grand Rank of PGStB in 2002. Cleve has been a member of the Board of Benevolence for the past 10 years. He is also a member of the Masonic Services Committee (Masonry in Action) for the past 30 years and serves as Chairman every 4th year. As can be seen from the above he is a dedicated Mason who certainly enjoys his Masonry and the fellowship of his fellow Masons.
DES DAVIS-HANNIBAL – DISTRICT GRAND SCRIBE NEHEMIAH
Des began work in the Telecommunications industry in January 1954 and retired as Manager, Switching and Transmission, TELKOM SA, in March 1993.
Des was initiated into Doornfontein Lodge in July 1983. For many years, Doornfontein Lodge was known as the K9 Lodge because of the number of dog-lovers. He was in- stalled as Master on 3 occasions, the first being in Novem- ber 1989.
Des has a particular affection for the Royal Arch, and has served as First Principal of the Doornfontein Chapter three times, and is proud to have been elected an Honorary member of the Jeppestown Chapter.
Des has always had a particular interest in pure bred dogs and has been involved in the breeding, showing and organisational aspects, particularly with the English Bulldog.
He has been actively associated with the Gold Fields Kennel Club for over 30 years, the latter part as Vice Chairman. It was through friendships developed in the Kennel Club that he was introduced into Freemasonry.
Des was married to Val for 44 years, from 4th July 1954 until her death in October 2003. They have been blessed with a son, a daughter, a grandson, 3 grand-daughters, and a great grand-daughter.
Des is extremely proud to have been appointed as DistGSN for the current year.
KING SOLOMON’S TEMPLE: FACT OR FICTION (W Bro. Roger Webster)
In biblical archaeological terms it is well known that the site, and or remains, of King Solo- mon’s Temple has never been discovered, but there are some tantalizing clues in history which may allude to a different type of Temple altogether.
In the 16th Century, the guilds in England had been operative for over two centuries, and they took a keen interest in religious, political and social issues outside the limits of their Craft. They had, already at this stage, attained the privilege of self government whilst the rest of Europe was still in turmoil.
These various guilds set up, and paid for, what was referred to as “The English Miracle Plays”, which you can read about in Dunmore’s “History of Warwickshire” published in 1656. Each guild or society would generally retain itself to a specific portion of religious scripture for the subject of the annual drama and the plays were put on in various cities throughout England. Thus, the Tanners would put on “The Fall of Lucifer” in Chester, the Drapers, “The Creation”; the Dyers, “The Deluge”; the Shearmen of Coventry, “The Nativity” and the Cappers, “The Resurrection and the decent into Hell ” and so on.
It seems, therefore, very possible that the ritual, later associated with the different degrees of Freemasonry, may very well have been suggested by these various guild dramas. If so, “The building of King Solomon’s Temple” would have been a most appropriate theme for the Company of Stonemasons.
Further research indicates that Dr Robert Fludd, a Doctor of Medicine from Oxford and a prominent mem- ber of society, was a practising Rosicrucian. He was regarded by many as one of the founding fathers of Modern Freemasonry. Dr Robert Fludd writes: “The Rosicrucians were wise men, who, like Architects, erected their House of Wisdom!” In the Talmud, we find “Wise men are called builders, because they are always engaged in the building of the World”. Lastly, the Essene sect, of which Jesus was a member, were referred to as Bonaim, or Builders, because it was their duty to perfect the spiritual temple in the body of man.
“Built without metal tools….fitting ourselves as living stones for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens ”… certainly makes you think!
Could it be allegorical for the Temple of the body, and could the very tools that killed the Master Builder of that Temple, be the varying temptations we are faced with during our term here ? For they certainly have the power to destroy us.
THE 24 INCH GAUGE (W Bro. Dick Glanville)
With most of the modern world using the deci- mal system, how shall we “moralise” on the 24 inch gauge when we have to deal with centi- metres instead of inches?
We must look further and beyond the English custom of the Imperial method of measure- ment. The 24-inch gauge is moralised upon in many French ritual workings, and in those French rituals that use that tool and explain its symbolism, centimetres are not mentioned, and English practice is followed. They use the old French word for inch, which is pouce: thus la règle de vingt-quatre pouces….
Indeed some German Grand Lodges adopt the same practice using the word zoll, which means inch, and both pouce and zoll are in- deed much older than the metric system in modern usage.
So rest assured, even when the entire world has “gone metric or decimal”, Masonry will not give up the 24-inch gauge!
Having looked at the language aspect of the 24-inch gauge, let’s briefly look at its symbolism in the beauti- ful wording of the 1st degree working tools. The advent of the “24-inch gauge” provides an interesting exam- ple of the rather slow development of English symbolism or in speculative ritual. This piece of symbolism can be traced back in Masonic ritual to circa 1724 when it was merely referred to as a “Rule” with no men- tion of subdivisions! Sadly very little or nothing is known of Masonic ritual developments between the years 1730 to 1760, but from those intervening years the Gauge with its 24 inch subdivisions emerged when it is referred to in the now famous 1760 Exposure Three Distinct Knocks where it appears for the first time in quaint old English, in catechetical form in the Entered Apprentice catechism or Lecture.
Ans. I was set down by the Master’s Right-hand, and he shew’d me the Working Tools of an enter’d Apprentice. Mas. What were they?
Ans The 24-Inch Gauge, the Square and Common Gavel, or Setting Maul. Mas. What are their uses?
Ans. The Square to square my work, the 24-Inch Gauge to measure my Work, the Common Gavel to knock off all superfluous Matters, whereby the Square may sit easy and just.
Mas. Brother, as we are not all working Masons, we apply them in our Morals which we call spiritualising: explain them.
Ans. The 24-Inch Gauge represents the 24 hours of the Day. Mas. How do you spend them Brother?
Ans. Six Hours to work in, Six hours to serve God, and Six to serve a Friend or a Brother, as far as lies in my Power, without being detrimental to myself or Family.
From these questions and answers we seem to be missing six hours but I suppose we must assume that those were for peaceful rest and slumber!
The symbolism displayed in these exchanges in the eighteenth century were so advanced and so familiar, that it would be hard to believe that they were entirely composed for their appearance in the Exposure Three Distinct Knocks, and were probably the product of an evolutionary process from the preceding thirty years of usage.
I found a fitting quote which could be an excellent lesson to Masons of today in relation to the 24-Inch Gauge. It reads as follows (it originates from, I understand, Lodges in the Philippines):
“ it (the 24-Inch Gauge) teaches us that all men are gifted with some good measure of time each day to dis- charge all their duties in life, as well for work, refreshment and rest, but they remind each other that a 30- day month contains 720 hours”.
So that the bare minimum involvement in a Masonic meeting, if it contains 4 hours, would demand of only half of one percent of your time! Hopefully we will continue in the wording of our own beautiful rituals, so rich in practical and esoteric teachings and from the latter quote also, to teach us ever to bear in mind our duties to the Craft.
The Lyceum Lodge of Research No. 8682 will be holding the following seminars which will take place at Park Lane during 2012.
- New made Mason – 25 January, 23 May and 25 September
- New Masons & prospective candidates – 22 February and 24 July
Masters in the making – 17 April and 22 August Please visit http://lodge.org.za for more information
LODGE OF FRIENDSHIP No. 1696, PHOENIX, MAURITIUS (VW Bro. Iain Fraser)
A party of 22, including 9 ladies, from our District flew to Mauritius to enjoy a week on the island before the Lodge Installation Meeting on Saturday 10 September 2011.
The package was kindly arranged again by Cindy Knutton and included the return flights and accommodation at the Hilton Hotel in Flic-en-Flac on the west coast of Mauritius.
The Brethren of Lodge of Friendship were extremely hos- pitable and arranged two din- ners, including one at Domaine Anna, a large Chinese Restau- rant in the cane fields on the west side of the island, and a sumptuous Installation Banquet at the Sofitel Resort Hotel on the Saturday night.
The outgoing Master, W Bro James Ho Fong, had an outstanding year in office. The Lodge had nine regu- lar meetings in which they carried out three initiations, five passings and two raisings. They also welcomed three joining members, arranged many visits to Lodges of the other Constitutions and held social and fund- raising events. He also headed a delegation of 16 Brethren on a Masonic week in Malaysia and Singapore in April 2011, where they were well received at three E.C. Lodges including Makepeace Lodge No. 3674 in Kuala Lumpur.
From the proceeds of a charity dinner with a fund raising auction and raffle, the Lodge collected about R 70 000.00 (Rs 250 000.00), which they donated for the installation of solar water heaters at 4 charitable institutions.
The new Master, W.Bro. Ajay Nunkoo and 5 brethren including W.Bros Wilfred Koon Kam King and
James Ho Fong attended our District Annual Meeting on Saturday 1st October 2011. They also attended several Lodge Installations during their visit and were hospitably received by members of Universal Friend- ship Lodge, their paired Lodge. They enjoyed a Rand Club dinner, as well as a luncheon arranged by our District at the Country Club Johannesburg in Auckland Park.
Those of us who were first time visitors to the island would encourage as many of you as possible to con- sider enjoying a week long visit in September 2012. You really will enjoy wonderful hospitality, friendly people and magnificent beaches and scenery.
WITWATERSRAND LODGE : FUNDRAISING CLAY PIGEON SHOOT (W Bro. Chris Adams)
This year saw the hosting of the eighth, Wits Two-Pillars Clay-Shooting Day. Was the event good fun? Was it successful? Is it sustainable? The answer is a resounding “Yes ! ” – we are growing from strength to strength.
So what is the recipe that has taken this event from 16 to 80 participants over the past eight years? “The answer revolves around a number of P’s :
Passion – a few keen shooters organised the event, without which it would not have started. Positioning – This event has its own niche in our District. It is unique and because of that we are able to attract participants for an unusual fun day.
Planning – This event is planned from one year to the next in detail, with keen volunteers putting a lot of effort into their portfolios.
Presentation – Our adverts are professionally put together, our email list grows, our facebook event page is kept up to date and we are constantly looking to increase our exposure.
Prizes – There are great prizes for a number of our shooters; from top guns in the open, junior and ladies categories, to top novice and even for lowest gun (generally a gardening book ! ). The prizes in our post- shoot raffle have been magnificent and this year included a pair of Diamond earrings donated by one of our brethren valued at R5 000.00.
Play – It is a fun event that allows you and your friends, family and colleagues to do something that you may always have wanted to do. It is held in a supervised environment with all the elements such as Shot- guns, Ammunition and Lunch provided.
After all is said and done, we have had great support from numerous Lodges, Brethren from Emrys, University, Orphic, Johannesburg, Exsequi and of course the Pro’s from Semper Vigilans Lodge who have won the trophy nearly every year! This support is sincerely appreciated. However, this year, 30% of our field were newcomers, with a bundle of juniors shooting and the numbers of ladies on the up and up. Also gratifying is the number of non-Masonic friends that are enjoying the day with us.
We are really looking for- ward to our ninth event to make this occasion one of the Premier events in the District – Watch this space!
CAN WE TEACH THE ALL BLACKS AND WALLABIES A THING OR TWO?
(W Bro. Rodney Grosskopff)
Rodney and Eileen Grosskopff have just returned from an exhausting three month Masonic lecture tour of Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania and Singapore.
It all began when Rodney was asked to deliver a Key-note address at the 2008 Keller- man Conference in Canberra, Australia, hosted by ‘The Australia, New Zealand Masonic Research Council ‘(ANZMRC) of which our Lyceum lodge is an affiliate member. On that occasion he spoke on ‘The Masonic Presidents of the Orange Free State’. His talk was so well received that he was invited to speak again and was appointed by the ANZMRC as ‘Touring Lecturer’ for 2011. ANZMRC is a group of some 30 Research Lodges or Research circles, as well as affiliates, mainly in Australasia, but has spread elsewhere around the globe.
The Grosskopff’s visited 31 towns and Rodney spoke to 25 lodges (Bangkok was cancelled due to the floods). He was Key-note speaker at a symposium and attended 10 Masonic meetings.
“Was the tour hectic?” I asked,
“ Look it was tough and tiring at times, but I was glad we did it “.
“We were put-up in Brethren’s homes most of the time. Lovely people who really looked after us. They were family, hosts and tour guides but it was a bit of a strain, being on one’s best behaviour all the time.”
“ It was ‘Hell ‘ living out of a suitcase for so long and some times, the accommodation was limited “. Eileen said, “ We were also ill for much of the time, from travelling in aircraft and the extreme temperature differ- ences we experienced.”
“Can we teach them a thing or two?” .
“Well in rugby apparently not much, but what about Masonry ? ”
“ I think that we can offer them something but we can learn a lot from them as well“.
“ They face the same problems as we do, an increase in the number of Candidates but a steady reduction in the membership. Most of the Leaders I met, put their fingers squarely on ‘Education’ as the solution. They have very good material and are anxious to get it across to their membership. In some States, they run correspondence courses and some Grand Lodges even try to insist that Officers qualify before promo- tion. They normally give Candidates ‘handouts’ to read. How many Masters do you know who have read the Book of Constitutions ? I told them about our ‘Workshops’ which I think struck a chord. “
“What did you talk about?”
“Well the Committee, knew my subject topics, and that’s what I gave them.
I offered 23 talks; the lodges had the choice and chose six. These were published in a ‘tour book’, which was unfortunately sold out before the end of the tour. They are running a reprint and I have ordered 10 for Johannesburg.
‘How the Medieval way of life effected our rituals ‘ was asked for more than any other of my talks, but ‘The Boer War ‘ and ‘The Jameson Raid ‘ were by far, the most well-received as they are full of Gung-ho stuff, of Masons making a difference in war.
The word spread that the talks should not be missed. Brethren travelled long distances to be there and in South Island, Brethren followed-on to the next venue to learn more. They came with their own research, medals of their Grandfathers and in Hobart, three Brethren came dressed in the uniforms of the day, with Martini Enfield rifles and butts carved by Boer Commandos on the battlefield. One bloke even showed me a medal from the ‘Siege of Ladysmith.’ How exciting is that?
“What did you do while this was happening, Eileen?”
“ I was included often and on other occasions the ladies entertained me. Believe me, it was sometimes a delight to just be on my own. There was always washing ! I often longed for Mapula, my maid. Most of the time we were billeted in homes of the Brethren, often with widowers. Rodney and I felt that we wanted to do our share, so we shopped and prepared a South African meal for the family at each stop and sometimes we invited new friends.”
“Did you enjoy billeting?”
“Most of the people were wonderful and we took what was offered, but it was tiring making conversation, being polite, and on your best behaviour when all you wanted to do was to put your feet up. We must have explained South Africa’s situation a hundred times. Sometimes the accommodation was less than comfort- able. I asked one Brother, Don, what Irma his wife had said when he announced that we were coming to stay , ‘Oh bugger ! ’ was his reply.”
“Over-all was it a success?”
“I think so. Apart from meeting so many wonderful people, I was thrown into the melting pot of Masonic thought. Colin Heyward, The Secretary of ANZMRC wrote that we had been wonderful ambassadors for The ANZMRC , South Africa and Masonry in General. For me that’s enough. Add to that, contacts with the finest Masonic research minds in that part of the world must be a
resounding plus.”
“Your new book, ‘Raised on Gold’ , How’s that being received?”
“Well, you know it was launched at our Annual meeting on the 1st of October, my mates Brad Gillies and Tony Hudson did that for me, for which I am grateful. They sold 59 books, since then I have posted off 21 to Australasia as well as 19 of the first book, ‘Carved in stone’ and still need to package about a dozen.
I spoke at the Boksburg Historical Society last Saturday, I rather diffidently took 10 books along with me and they were all sold.
The most exciting news for me is that ‘Lewis-Masonic’ will be marketing ‘ Carved in Stone ‘ worldwide, launching in England.”