112 On The Level The Quarterly Masonic Magazine for St. John Fisherrow No.112
Issue No.1
1768 -2018
October 2018
The Master Sincere thanks to Senior Warden Tom Edgar for producing this booklet. His commitment and dedication to this lodge is most commendable.
Brethren, thank you very much for affording me the chairmanship of this fine old lodge in this our 250th year. The unity, friendship and camaraderie among our dedicated team has produced admirable results and great harmony. WELL DONE ALL.
Many of our brethren cannot be among us for reasons of health, age and infirmity. Some of whom have been great servents to this lodge for many years. Many suffer from this wicked terrible disease known to man. A disease for each and every one of us holds the cure in the palm of our hands. The disease of LONELINESS. I beg you to consider instead of going out visiting other Lodges 2 and 3 times a week, dedicating 4, 8 or 12 hours to other Lodges, please consider giving 4, 8 or 12 minutes to these brethren, and if your life is incredibly busy and you can’t even them a few minutes of your time, give them a phone call, for it will truly bring a smile to their face and a warmth to their heart. For if we choose to turn our backs on these brethren, what kind of men would we be, let alone what kind of Masons? May God bless you and yours.
Bro. John R. Thorburn Right Worshipful Master
UpDDATES
The presentation by Lodge Union & Crown 307 “ Table of Scottish Freemasons” on Saturday 2nd June was a tremendous success and extremely well received visitors and 112 brethren alike. Appearances by famous Freemasons of both yesteryear and current times ranging from Burns and Scott, to McCoist and Donald Findlay QC made the event enjoyable and memorable. Thanks to Union & Crown.
A full house for our Festival meeting in July was a joy to behold. The entire 112 team produced a Degree to be extremely proud of and was followed by an avalanche of positive comments from visitors.
Our long awaited 250th Gala Ball at the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club was a tremendous success with 190 in attendance, a beautifully decorated ballroom, great food, great company and a fantastic “Motown Showband”, made this the most superb and progressive most talked about social event in my 30 years in freemasonry. WELL DONE ALL AT 112 FOR pLAYING THEIR pART.
From the Editor Hello Brethren, and welcome to our first edition of “On the Level”. We hope you will find this issue inspiring as well as educational and most importantly FUN.
For this magazine to prosper, your involvement as well as interest is necessary. This is for you not only for learning but also to share. We are all students of the “Craft” and should share and learn with each other in Brotherly Love, and Friendship. We are taught to spread the cement of Brotherly Love and affection binding us to each other just the same as cement to stone to create one common mass. So let Brotherly Love and Friendship unite not only the brethren of 112 but our wonderful fraternity as an edifice of knowledge and understanding. Let us learn from each other by sharing our interests to enrich our masonic experience.
“Did Yi Ken”
The Selkirk Arms in Kirkcudbright, has long sought the proper manner to keep the spirit of oor famed poet and mason Rabbie Burns burning bright.
The Hotel is where Burns’ “The Selkirk Grace” was allegedly created in 1794, and it has long been a staple of Burns Night supporters fi a’ oor the globe. So to raise awareness and to remind their customers of the hotel’s connection to the prayer, the owners have immortalized Burns’ portrait and his poem on the seats in the toilets.
Bummer!!!!!!
World at War 1914 - 1918
“The Great War”
My first encounter with anything to do with WW1 was seeing a big ‘penny’ at my Gran and Grundas house in Goosegreen. To me and my older siblings they were just coins that no one ever tried to spend. In fact they were The Next of Kin Memorial plaques. These plaques were given to families who had lost loved ones in WW1, “The Great War”.
The plaques at my Grans were for her two Brothers, both who had lost their lives in service for their country. They were two of nearly 9.7 million soldiers, sailors and airmen who died in the conflict. The war to end all wars? History has shown that was not to be the case. In these articles I’ll try to let you get a feel not only for the battles, but also about what was going on at home during the war.
Great Britain declared war on Germany on 4th September 1914. It followed a series of failed diplomatic moves following the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on the 28th of June. Looking back, it seems that the conflict was almost inevitable. The Austro-Hungarian Empire and Germany had expansion designs. Britain and France were the Imperial Giants. Something had to give. The other protagonist, Russia was still a very underdeveloped country, with limited resources.
Her involvement increased the pressure on the Czar, and in 1916 the Romanovs were deposed during the Russian revolution. Strange to think that the Czar, Kaiser and King were cousins! perhaps this was the best advert ever for the people in their countries to rule themselves! The Daily Mirror reported the news, this was in the days before TV or radio, it reported the details leading up to the declaration. Bro. Tom Edgar SW
! Fore
112 Golf Outings
Over the Summer Recess the Golf Section has been digging extra bunkers for free on The Old Course, Archerfield, Duddingston, Craigielaw, and Monktonhall.
Bro. Ian Tudhope R.W.M. No.1, Bro. John Thorburn R.W.M, Bro. Rory Waddell, Captain No.1, Bro. Tom Edgar Captain 112.
Golf Section 2019
plans are underway to revamp the Golf Section for 2019.
A notice will be put up on the board regarding outings and any brethren wishing to join the section please speak to Bro. Derek Mather about membership. Doctor, Doctor… I was attacked last night by a giant beetle with an axe! “Yes, there’s a nasty bug going around”.
ThE MaSTER
The Master hidden in the heart of man Ceaselessly waits his chance to manifest If on our temple gates we place a ban Whate’er we miss is at our own behest.
“Behold I stand at each one’s door and knock I want to show each one the better way But if the gates at the East, North and South you lock No light can come to turn you night to day.
WELL I NEVER!!!
Freemasonry is a subject that presents more features of interest and more channels of thought for investigation than any other topic in the world.
Did Yi Ken That? If you want to know where the future of Freemasonry will grow and prosper? IT’S SIMPLE!!!!
In the Heart, Your Heart, My Heart,and in the Hearts of those who follow us. SMIB
The Work
The gavel sounds and all is still The Master speaks, proclaims his will: Each one obeys, takes up his tools, Inspects the plan, consults the rules:
With trowel and level, plumb and square Each stone is set exactly where The plan provides, the drawing shows And day by day the Temple grows:
The porch is finished, pillars placed The strands of net-work interfaced; The chambers furnished, pavement laid, The scared vessels all displayed:
The walls are standing straight and true; The roof is on, the labour through: The Master speaks, The work is done: The gavel sounds, God calls us home.
Our website address is stjohn112.co.uk and facebook
Famous Scottish Freemasons
Brother Sir William Burrell (1861-1958) Born in Glasgow in 1861, he was the youngest of 3 sons of Shipping owner William and Isabella Burrell who operated a shipping agency on the Forth and Clyde Canal at port Dundas in the city. At the age of 10 his family moved to Bowling on the Clyde.
Young William and his elder brothers were educated at a boarding School in St Andrew’s before joining the family firm – Burrell & Co in 1876 where his father ensured that he became acquainted with the business. The company grew and prospered and following the death of his father in 1885 he and his brother George took over the reins.
In the 15 years before the dawning of the 20th century, the company expanded rapidly as their shipping fleet grew. In a single year (1894) they purchased a total of 17 ships. At this time William Burrell had a couple of significant events in his life. He became a Councillor in his home city of Glasgow, and he became a Freemason at the age of 31 in 1892 when he was Initiated, passed and Raised in Lodge ‘The prince’s’ No.607. On the 10th September 1901 he married his wife Constance, before setting up home in a large home at Great Western Terrace in the West End. A year later his only daughter Marion was born.
Burrell & Co expanded greatly between 1905 and 1911, eventually having controlling interests in over 30 ships with a network of shipping interests which covered the world. It lost 6 ships during WW1, and over the next few years disposed of most of its merchant fleet at a vastly increased profit, keeping only a single vessel – ‘Strathlorne’ perhaps for sentimental reasons. This left the 60 year-old Burrell free to his favourite pastime of collecting art on an epic scale.
In 1916 Burrell had bought Hutton Castle in Berwickshire, and spent the next 10 years refurbishing it, before it became the new family home in 1927. That same year he was knighted by HM King George V for services to art. A collector since his youth, where he would often spend his pocket money on items which interested him. By the beginning of the 20th century his collection was large and impressive. In fact he lent his native city over 200 items for display at the Great Exhibition of 1901, many of which marked the opening of the impressive Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
From 1911 until his death in 1958, Burrell fastidiously kept detailed records of every item in his collection in 28 school exercise books, which form part of the collection to this day. His collection which numbered over 9000 items, included tapestries, alabasters, English oak furniture and stained glass, paintings by Cézanne and Degas, and modern sculpture by Epstein and Rodin and an extensive collection of works from ancient Egypt, China Rome and Greece.
He was made a Freeman of his home city of Glasgow in 1944, the same year he announced that he was leaving his collection to the City, to be housed in a suitable gallery. However, it was almost 40 years later in 1983 before the prestigious world-renowned Burrell gallery was opened in pollock park, some 25 years after Sir William had died in 1958, aged 96.
Visitations
Throughout the Summer recess The R.W.M. took a Deputation to Dalkeith Kilwinning No. 10, on Monday 7th May, where he lead some 22 Brethren into the Temple and witnessed Bro. Robert Law p.M. received Honorary Membership. Below, on Tuesday 17th May, the R.W.M. along with 6 brethren visited Lodge Union and Crown No. 307, Barrhead near Glasgow, where members of the demonstration performed their WW2 pOW Degree Team.
Saturday 9th June, The R.W.M. along with Brother’s Robert Ritchie and Brian Marwick attended Lodge Scoon and perth No. 3.
Any brethren of 112 who are in good standing are most welcome to join the R.W.M. on any of his visits.
Any brother wishing to get involved in degree work is warmly invited to attend Lodge Instruction Class or speak to Bro. Andrew Raeburn pM our Instruction Master.
haWICK LODGE No. 111 1768 - 2018
Sometime prior to 15th March 1768, a group of Masons gathered together in the Town of Hawick, the object of this meeting was to discuss making representations to the Grand Lodge of Scotland in Edinburgh, to form and raise a Lodge of Freemasons within the town. As a result of this assembly of Masonic Brethren, an application for a Charter of Erection was made to the Grand Lodge. The application was successful and on the 15th March 1768, a regular ‘speculative’ Lodge of Freemasons was granted a Charter by the Grand Lodge. Although there are no records prior to this date, there is little doubt that an ‘operative’ Masonic Lodge existed in Hawick for many years before, as can be seen by the names of the Brethren who had been members of an ‘independent’ Lodge with the town. Some forty seven brethren attended the first meetings of the ‘new’ Lodge when it was formed, and as there are no records of them having gone through the ceremony of becoming Freemason’s at this time, they must have joined years before. This was a common occurrence throughout Scotland during the mideighteenth century when old ‘operative’ lodges changed into a new modern speculative system of Freemasonry, and this ‘Speculative’ Lodge of Masons in the town of Hawick has continued for 250 years.
The date of the erection of Hawick Lodge No. 111, 15th March 1768 may seem familiar to the Brethren of Lodge St. John Fisherrow No. 112 as well it should, for that is also the date when Lodge 112 was Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. And that date means our two Lodges share more than just a common bond of Freemasonry, we share a tie that goes much deeper. All Lodges in Scotland can talk of their Sister Lodges, we two Lodges 111 and 112 can boast of a ‘Twin’ Sister Lodge, and not many Lodges can say that!
The reason why Hawick is 111 and Fisherrow is 112 is the stuff that legends are made off, the story goes that both Lodges were travelling to Edinburgh for the formal application of the Chartering of the Lodges on the day. The Brethren of Fisherrrow thought they had all the time in the World and stopped off at a few taverns on their way to the City. Hawick on the other hand who had travelled further, and no doubt left in plenty of time, and mindful of the bawbees, arrived without stopping and were first to turn up, thus receiving the lower number, Fisherrow were given the higher number when they eventually staggered in!
250 years later, our Lodges not only share a common date, we share a close friendship, one that both Lodges cherish and will do so, for many years to come.
Faith: When we believe in something bigger than ourselves, something greater than we can aspire to becoming, we are humbled. Humility inspires us to do our best. Not because we can equal the Creator, but to imitate Him and make something of Beauty ourselves. Beauty gives both pleasure and brings the following Virtue.
hope:
A better world awaits us. Even in this life, we may look forward to an improved existence. Educating our Children will insure that they will be able to make good decisions when it is their time to do so. Here we speak not of empty Hope, but a Hope based on the secure knowledge that we have all done our best to make the world of tomorrow better than it is today.
Charity:
Beyond Relief, we should always work hard to improve the condition of those around us. Where Relief leaves off, Charity begins. Going beyond soothing an affliction or satisfying a need, Charity is the act or acts designed to prevent those needs from ever existing again. preventing distress, not for the recognition, thanks or acclaim, but because it improves some part of the world, is the highest form of Charity.
Lodge Meetings 2018 Wednesday 19th September 7pm Enquiry Tuesday 25th @7pm General Committee Tuesday 25th @ 7.30pm
Wednesday 3rd October 7pm Wednesday 17th October 7pm Enquiry/ General Committee Tuesday 23rd
Wednesday 7th November 7pm Wednesday 21st November 7pm Enquiry / General Committee Tuesday 27th
Wednesday 5th December 7pm Saturday 8th December Installation 4pm Enquiry/General Committee TBC
Did Yi Ken?
aN INTERESTING FaCT
To a Freemason, on the level means just that - all masons are Brothers who meet on the same level, regardless of their social or economic status outside the lodge. princes, presidents and Captains of business are no better or more important that bus drivers, plumbers, and paper boys when they sit in the lodge together. Masonry does not detract from a man’s accomplishments, nor does it exalt him above his Brothers because of his position outside the Lodge. “Oor Treasurer” Bro. Douglas Hoy P.M. D.S.M. would like to remind the brethren Test Fees are now due. All Office Bearers MUST be in test. Any brother wishing to donate to Capitation Fees may also do so.
In the clay ground between Succoth and Zerradatha, Hiram Abiff cast all sacred vessels for K.S’s Temple, as well as the pillars for the porch. This place is 35 miles North of Jerusalem and selected because the clay there was very tenacious, perfect for making bronze castings. Even today this clay is being used by jewellers to reproduce small pieces of brass and jewellery, in a technique that has never changed in 4000 years. A wooden model of the piece to be cast is made, perfect in all its proportions. This is placed in a box, and clay packed tightly around it. The mould is then separated, the model removed and the edges of the mould re-approximated. A small channel is cleared, and the heated metal is slowly poured in, filling all the void areas. Upon cooling the clay is removed and the casting cleaned up and smoothed, ready to take its place in the overall sculpture, where the pieces are brazed together. The pillars were, an example of casting skill, as they were hollow, with the sides 4” thick, and 27 feet high and 18 feet wide. These dimensions vary but the basic size remains incredible as was the production.
I waited up all night to see the Sun........ then it just dawned on me!
OFFICE BEaRERS FOR 2017-18
Right Worshipful Master...................................Bro. John R. Thorburn P.M.
Immediate Past Master......................................Bro. Colin M. arthur D.S.M. Depute Master......................................................................Bro. Brian Ritchie Substitute Master.....................................................Bro. Lawrence Thorburn Senior Warden.........................................................................Bro. Tom Edgar
Junior Warden..................................................................Bro. Robert McNeill Secretary..........................................................Bro. andrew M. Raeburn P.M.
Treasurer.............................................................Bro. Douglas W.M. hoy P.M. almoner...........................................................................Bro. William Goodall Chaplain....................................................................Bro. Gilbert Meikle P.M. Senior Deacon.....................................................................Bro. harry Bryson
Junior Deacon.................................................................Bro. Terry Kirkwood
Master of Ceremonies........................................................Bro. Derek Mather
ast. Secretary...........................................Bro. allan E. Williams P.M. D.S.M.
ast. Treasurer...........................................................................................Vacant 2nd Master of Ceremonies..................................................Bro.David Cassidy Jeweller...............................................................................Bro. Robert Ritchie
Bible Bearer..................................................................Bro. James Rutherford architect......................................................................................Bro. John Tod
Sword Bearer........................................................Bro. Richard hadden BEM Director of Music......................................................Bro. Robert Ross D.S.M.
Organist..........................................................................Bro. Robert Law P.M. Marshall..................................................................................Bro. Stewart Lee
Standard Bearer.......................................................................Bro. Kris Edgar
Inner Guard...................................................................Bro. Stuart McDonald
President of Stewards............................................Bro. George Fraser D.S.M.
Bro. Richard Donaldson
Tyler......................................................................Vacant