Posts Tagged ‘Scotland’
Joining Freemasonry – The First Five Years
Posted by Alexander Sives in Biography on February 2nd, 2010
Let me start by telling you all a little about myself. I was born in the new town of Livingston (located just outside the city of Edinburgh), Scotland in July 1970. My father joined the Craft in 1977 and both my parents joined the Order of the Eastern Star the following year.
My father stopped going to the lodges after a few years and became active as an Instructor in the Air Training Corps, until about 1999 when he decided to renew his Masonic Career. Soon after my three sisters joined the Eastern Star (2 in Mid Calder and 1 in Livingston) and left me pretty much outside the Masonic Family. I thought the Craft was invitational at this point and I kind of assumed that my Dad didn’t want me to join.
I was researching the Crusades in 2004 (which I have been doing on and off since I was teenager, fascinated by the Doctor Who story ‘The Crusades’ and the character of Nazir the Saracen in ‘Robin of Sherwood’) on the internet when I came across a link to Modern Day Knights Templars and its connection to Freemasonry and my interest was piqued.
I kept researching and trying to get my dad to answer questions, I had also been a bit wary of the Lodge because in Scotland its name is linked to The Orange Order – a anti-catholic order famous for its marches, but I was very much relieved when it was revealed that it had no part to play in Freemasonry. Until in early 2005 I asked him why he hadn’t invited me to join the lodge and lo and behold he told me “you have to knock on the door of the lodge yourself”.
My application form was submitted to my father’s mother lodge (in the nearby town of Mid Calder) in April 2005. I was proposed by my father and seconded by my Uncle. I was called to attend an Inquiry Meeting in November 2005 after which I was successfully balloted for membership.
I was initiated as an Entered Apprentice in Lodge St John Mid Calder, number 272 on the role of the Grand Lodge of Scotland on 17th January 2006.
I was passed as a Fellowcraft at the next meeting 7th February 2006.
On 7th March 2006 I was raised as a Master Mason and given the 5 points of fellowship lecture and demonstration by the Provincial Grand Master of Linlithgowshire, George M Preston.
Even before being Raised as a Master Mason I was aware of the Royal Arch (my father was a member) and wanted to join the Burnvale 397 Chapter of the Royal Arch, who also meet in my Mother Lodge’s building.
In Scotland you must be a Mark Master Mason to join the Royal Arch, so the Chapter graciously decided to work the Mark on me (otherwise I would have to wait until Christmas 2006 at the earliest to get my Mark in my Mother Lodge). So in April 2006 I was advanced to Mark Master Mason, with my dad being one of the overseers inspecting my work.
Just before the May 2006 Royal Arch meeting I was initiated in the Ancient Order of the Noble Cork by Dunearn 400 Lodge, meeting in Broxburn, this is a fun degree with the proceeds going to charity, I heartily recommend it to all mason’s
Then it was time to join the Royal Arch fully and I was exalted to Royal Arch Mason via the Excellent Master degree. I have always enjoyed these degrees in the Royal Arch more than any other- I am drawn to the story and theatrics.
I should also mention that my father and I are prolific visitors, I attended my first Masonic meeting 2 nights after being made an Entered Apprentice, we carefully selected meetings I could attend as I progressed through the Blue degrees and the same was true in the Royal Arch – the night after being Exalted I attended a Royal Arch meeting in Edinburgh.
After a busy summer recess (I attended as many Lodge and Chapter meetings as I could find) I was admitted into the Mid Calder (260) Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, which was attended and witnessed by my Mum and Dad and my three sisters in October 2006.
The same month I performed my first floor work in the lodge when I gave the North East Corner and 1st Degree Working Tools lectures as a prelude to becoming the Lodges Inner Guard, in the Royal Arch Chapter I was nominated and accepted the position of 3rd Sojourner and was dually installed at the October meeting, Then in December 2006 I was installed as Inner Guard in my Mother Lodge.
Of course by now I wanted to know even more about Freemasonry, and as luck would have it I was chatting to a Freemason at a Royal Arch Burns Supper and after talking about the Cryptic Council he invited me to join the council.
So in the space of a month between February and March 2007 I was elevated as a Royal Ark Mariner, received as a Knight of the East and West at Burnvale (397) Lodge and Council along with being Honoured, Chosen and Greeted as a Royal and Select Master at Strathbrook (237) Cryptic Council.
A truly bewildering array of signs, tokens and words from 7 degrees.
In June 2007 I accepted a promotion at my work and relocated to South Yorkshire in England and for the next two years I only managed a few visits to my mother lodge, I was however still active in online Masonry and joined many Internet forums and groups. I returned home to Scotland in March 2009 and immediately set about getting back into the Craft.
After just two months I was invited to join the Preceptory of the Lothians, Knights Templar which I was delighted to accept, I submitted my memorials right away and passed the ballot for membership in October 2009!
I joined the Corporation O’ Squaremen on Saturday 5th September in Kinross. where I was initiated in due style into Buchan Shed, I also decided to affiliate to the Linlithgowshire’s Lodge of Research and Instruction, Lodge Pioneer 1305 which holds its meetings in Linlithgow, I was proposed by Brother William SC Renwick a past master for my mother lodge and Brother Tom Scott from Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85 and also the Depute Provincial Grand Master of Linlithgowshire.
On Thursday 24th September
I stood in as 1st Sojourner in my Royal Arch Chapter in order to Exalt my brother in law Paul into the order. I was also then elected into that Position for 2009 – 2010, with the Installation taking place on the 22nd October 2009.
I became an affiliate member of Lodge Pioneer on 20th November 2009, before being installed as Inner Guard for the second time in my mother lodge in Early December.
I entered my fifth year in Freemasonry in January 2010, My wife who had expressed a interest in joining the Order of the Eastern Star, when we returned home last March was finally initiated in February 2010.
Also in February 2010 I finished the York Rite of Freemasonry when I was completed as a Knights Templar, March 2010 brought my first Masonic Chair as I was elected Commander and Chief in Burnvale Lodge and Council.
As you can imagine I now have more than enough Masonic Activities to keep me occupied for years so I have decided to sit back now and enjoy the orders I have joined and the positions I have undertaken, as I continue my Masonic Career over the next few years.
Which Lodge is oldest Masonic Lodge?
Posted by Alexander Sives in Masonic History on December 10th, 2009
Many freemasons are curious as to what is the oldest Masonic Lodge in the World?
Many believe that Mother Kilwinning in Scotland is the oldest particularly as it holds number 0 on the role of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, but Mother Kilwinning claim that most of its early records were last in fires or other disasters.
With actual evidence Lodge of Edinburgh No.1 Edinburgh is the oldest lodge in the world, this lodge is sometimes known as Mary’s Chapel. Its oldest Masonic Lodge Minutes are dated 31st July 1599ce and it is 410 years old.
More impressively, the first 5 pages of minutes incorporate the Schaw Statutes which are dated 28th December 1598ce. Six months later, on 31st July 1599ce are to be found the minutes which confirm the lodge’s claim as having the oldest existing masonic minutes.
The Schaw Statues are named for William Schaw, who was Master of Works to His Majesty, King James VI and General Warden of the Masonic Craft. In the statues, he declared that these ordinances issued by him for the regulation of lodges considered the lodge at Edinburgh to be for all time, the first principal Lodge
Lodge of Edinburgh No. 1 was first called “The Lodge of Edinburgh” and retained this name until 1688ce, when the Grand Lodge of Scotland confirmed its charter in the 1730’s, it designated the lodge as: ” The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary’s Chapel ) No1”.
Prominent members belonging to the Lodge in its very early days included His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales (afterwards called King Edward VII) and His Royal Highness King Edward VIII.
Both were affilated within the Lodge, taking the obligation on the “Breeches Bible” which was printed in 1587ce. The pen with which these 2 brethren signed the roll is still preserved in the Edinburgh Lodge No. 1 museum.
As early as 1600ce, The Lodge of Edinburgh began to admit non-operative freemasons. In June 1600ce the Laird of Auchinleck was made a speculative member, the first authentic record of the making of such a member.
When the Grand Lodge of Scotland was established on 30th November 1736ce the Lodge of Edinburgh took an active part. Thirty Three lodges were represented at the meeting which was held in the lodge room of the Edinburgh Lodge. Because the oldest minute of a lodge was that of Edinburgh Lodge, it was placed first on the roll of the Grand Lodge
Linking the Knights Templar to Freemasonry
Posted by Alexander Sives in Masonic History on December 9th, 2009
As many of you are undoubtedly aware, there are several 
theories regarding a possible physical relationship between Freemasonry and the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, commonly known as the Knights Templar.
Many modern scholars vehemently refuse to examine objectively the prospect of any connection between the two Orders, however, there is a significant handful of learned scholars whose hearts and imaginations have been stirred by the possibility and who keep tripping over little hints of evidence which keep the theories alive.
The purpose of this Blog is to acquaint you with a theory that could suggest a potential Link between Freemasonry and the ancient Knights Templar. This Link is represented by the St Clair (Modern: Sinclair) family of Scotland and a small unfinished Collegiate chapel, constructed and lying in a tiny hamlet just south of Edinburgh, named Rosslyn.
After the Dissolution
When Pope Clement V and King Philip of France affected the successful dissolution of the Templars on 13th October 1307ce, many knights escaped and some managed to take refuge in the highlands of Scotland. The Scots were currently embroiled in a struggle for sovereignty and against their neighbours, England.
Their emerging leader, Robert De Bruce, was then under an order of excommunication issued by the Pope and was at war with Edward II of England and his allies.
Consequently, having nothing to loose, De Bruce gave his approval for the outlawed Templars to be sheltered and merged into the Knights Hospitallier or to take refuge in the Highlands of Scotland, thus enabling them to live out their lives.
Seven years later, in 1314ce, Sir Henry St. Clair, who was allegedly a member of the Knight Templar, and his two sons, William and Henry, took part in the famous Battle of Bannockburn where the Scots were able to preserve an independent Scotland for the King, Robert the Bruce.
An exciting and romantic legend links the Templars to the battle of Bannockburn. The legend tells us that Scots were outnumbered three to one and were struggling desperately against the forces of Edward II, losing men and ground rapidly, when there appeared on the horizon a well-equipped and obviously highly professional band of knights in full armor and mounted on heavy horses. the knights, although superbly equipped and obviously experienced in military battle tactics, bore no markings on their shields and carried no battle standards flying their colours.
These mysterious soldiers joined the battle on the side of King Robert the Bruce and quickly turned the tide in favour of the Scots who won the battle and freedom for Scotland. The knights then rode off over the horizon without making known their identities or from whence they came.
Many scholars believe these mysterious knights to be a contingent of the refugee and internationally outlawed Knights Templar that the King had permitted to take refuge in the highlands. Were they returning the favor while pledging loyalty to Scotland and King Robert the Bruce? There is a Masonic degree based on this story.
Many sources tell us that years later, Sir Henry St. Clair was appointed the Hereditary Grand Master of all the Masonic guilds of Scotland by royal charter (the King of Scotland remains the Sovereign Grand master).
This Hereditary Grand mastership was to abide with the Sinclair family until 1736ce, when Sir Henry’s heir, Sir William St. Clair of Rosslyn resigned his stewardship of the Scottish Masons to affect the creation of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland. A body to which he was immediately elected the Grand Master.
Rosslyn Chapel
In 1440ce a mere 133 years (just two generations) after the suppression of the Templars by King Philip and Pope Clement, the Earl of Orkney, a descendant of Sir William St. Clair designed and began the project of building a church in the family seat of Rosslyn. His intention was to build a great sanctuary to the glory of God and the Templar tradition. It was to be constructed in the form of a cross with a lady Chapel and a high tower in the centre.
He imported the best stonemasons available, as well as tradesmen from the other guilds as necessary. The Master masons were paid a sum of 40 pounds per annum and the lesser skilled masons were paid 10 pounds. Simultaneously, he built the small hamlet of Rosslin to support and house his craftsmen during the project and see to their every need. The great sanctuary’s construction was never completed.
Through the centuries, St Clair’s unfinished sanctuary survived several invading armies and the brutalities of the Reformation as well as Scotland’s civil war of the mid-seventeenth century. It’s said that during this period, the armies of Oliver Cromwell occupied the areas in and around Edinburgh, including Rosslyn. Indicative of the disdain for which the Puritan church and Cromwell held divergent theological beliefs, after razing nearby Rosslyn castle, Cromwell stabled his invading troops horses and livestock in the chapel at Rosslyn.
There is a legend that says Cromwell recognizing the exoteric religious and Masonic symbolism and himself being a Brother, the unit’s commander was careful to preserve and protect the chapel and its artifacts during his troops occupation. Other religious structures and their icons did not fare as well during this turbulent time.
The Dirge of Rosabell is described in prose as our Brother Sir Walter Scott spoke of the ancient Barons of Rosslyn who were buried in the crypt of the chapel. His famous poem, The Lay of the Last Minstrel speaks of the ghosts and spirits of the honoured knights laid to rest in the ancient Gothic chapel’s crypt.
In 1787ce, our esteemed Brother Robert Burns, the recognized Poet laureate of Scotland and Masonry visited the chapel with a friend and artist, Alexander Nasmyth and implored him to paint his portrait while at Rosslyn.
Conclusion
The chapel that remains today, many scholars say, is probably one of the most remarkable examples of Gothic architecture in Scotland, not because of its design when viewed primarily from and architectural point of view, but because of the profusion of overt and esoteric design and symbolism shown in such abundance everywhere within the chapel.
When first viewed Rosslyn Chapel has an almost haunting quality exhibited not only in its Gothic spires and flying buttresses, but the chapel’s spiritual and ghostly esoteric qualities are manifested in the profuse and intricate carvings and hieroglyphics evidenced on the interior’s every square inch of masonry surface.
In this small cathedral, it’s a short and misty road from the present to the past. It’s a place where you enter into a world of “intellectual oblivion” expressed in design and stone by our spiritual Brothers of a different time. It is impossible, in this environment to deny that the genesis of our Order is shrouded in esoteria and rooted in the cryptic origins of contemplative man.
The ornate carvings and depictions in stone are almost overwhelming to everyone who views the chapel. But the abundant, half-hidden Templar and Masonic symbolism is profound and easily identified by the Initiated. There abounds hundreds of references to Christian parables, Biblical characters, the ancient Knights Templar, Freemasonry, and commentary on the religious-political climate of that time in our long past.
The chapel is a perfect exemplification of our sacred geometry and incorporates many easily recognized Masonic and Templar symbols in its architectural designs. The Apprentice Pillar with its attendant carvings, the Master’s Pillar, the hidden and much speculated upon contents of the subterranean crypt, the proliferation of Templar splayed and floriated crosses, obvious reference to the Masonic degrees, transparent references to Templarism, and so much more, can be found everywhere. There is a lintel at the east end of the south aisle bearing a familiar inscription in Latin which translates:
“Wine is strong, a King is stronger, women are even stronger, but Truth conquers all”
There is such a profusion of intricate carvings incorporated into the design and construction of every minute detail, that you can easily lose yourself for hours while just wandering.
To the best of my knowledge, Rosslyn Chapel represents the only place where such an obvious and overtly profuse collection of Masonic and Templar esoterica and symbolism is displayed together in a structure predating the traditional origins of the Craft.
Additionally, the founder and builder was documented as an heir to the heritage of the Knights of the temple as well as a Knight Templar himself. The dating of the construction of the chapel as well as its proximity to other known Templar and Masonic sites of pilgrimage leads me to the conclusion that Rosslyn Chapel is of significant importance to Masons and Knights Templar and may well be the common factor linking the respective orders.