1954 - dglsanorth.org.za · past district junior grand warden of the district grand lodge of south...
TRANSCRIPT
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2014
1954
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HOWARD FREEMAN - THIRD DISTRICT GRAND PRINCIPAL
Howard was born in Johannesburg on 24 March 1956. His
late father was Merton Freeman, PDGM and PGSupt of the
Transvaal. From the age of 7, he started travelling with his
family through the Transvaal District as his father and grand-
father attended Masonic meetings.
Howard was initiated into Aviation Lodge in May 1977 and
has been invested as the Third District Grand Principal. His
Masonic achievements include:
Initiated into Aviation Lodge in May 1977
Past Grand Standard Bearer of the Supreme Grand
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England
Past District Grand Scribe Nehemiah of the District
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Africa, North
Past First Principal of Transvaal Jubilee Chapter No.
6143 EC
Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies of the
United Grand Lodge of England
Past District Junior Grand Warden of the District Grand
Lodge of South Africa, North
Past Master of Aviation Lodge No. 8471 EC
ANNUAL INVESTITURES IN LONDON - VW Bro. Iain Fraser
Our DGM attended the Annual Investitures of United Grand Lodge and of Supreme Grand Chap-
ter on Wednesday 30 April and Thursday 01 May, in London. He was accompanied by VW Bro.
David Whitfield as well as several of the Brethren and Companions who received Grand Hon-
ours.
In the Craft, first appointments to PAGDC were received by W Bros. Mike Edy, Bernie Krone and
Dr Ron Poole. W Bro. David Whitfield was promoted to PGSwdB, W Bro. Richard Moore to
PSGD and W Bro. Brian McDermott to PJGD.
In the Royal Arch, E Comps. Percy Green and David Johnston received first appointments to
PGStB and E Comp. John Edby to PAGDC. E Comp. Brad Gillies was promoted to PGSoj and E
Comp. Stan Elms to PAGSoj.
Congratulations to all these Brethren and Companions. We wish them many more years of ser-
vice and enjoyment in our District.
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DISTRICT GRAND BANQUET 2014 - W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
This year’s Charity Banquet was a truly splen-
did occasion. It was held for the first time, in the
re-decorated main Park Lane Dining Room.
The President of the Board of General Purpos-
es, W Bro. Mike Edy and his committee ar-
ranged a sumptuous menu and glittering table
settings, all at two thirds of the cost of the previ-
ous banquet, making it more affordable for the
Brethren and their wives. Well done!
With sherries away, the resplendent ladies and
their penguins took their seats. After grace and
starters, the RW District Grand Master wel-
comed guests and proceeded to the toasts,
ending with a toast to our beautiful yet long suf-
fering ladies.
I delivered a speech and PowerPoint presenta-
tion on behalf of the Manager of the MOTHWA
Med-Step Clinic, who was unable to attend.
Mrs Yolandi McMaster (Accounts Manager)
and Ms Reynecke (Duty Manager), then pre-
sented a certificate of appreciation from the
MOTHWA Med-Step Rehabilitation Clinic to the
RW District Grand Master.
After the delicious main course and just a few
glasses of wine – an outline of the charity do-
nations for the year was explained. The major
recipient, Oliver’s House will utilise the dona-
tion for the building of classrooms in order to
encourage promising students in maths and
science – the essential building blocks of our
country’s future.
The RW District Grand Master made the
presentation to Mr Terence Ferreira (Chairman)
and two of his Board Members, Mrs Helene
Barker and Mr Charles Mahlangu.
In an impassioned response, Mr Ferreira gave
an outline of work successfully undertaken by
Oliver’s House and their enthusiasm for the
new projects of the future.
Dessert and coffee were then served to end a
thoroughly successful Charity Banquet.
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A MASONIC JOURNEY APRIL 2014 - W Bro. Dr. Ron Poole
It was a privilege to find myself awarded Grand Rank and to be invested at Great Queen Street in
London. With the weak South African currency it made sense to visit other places of interest
while in the UK.
First, was to visit Mariner Lodge at the Queen Street Masonic Centre in Brighton (the centre of
Masonry in Sussex) to attend an Initiation. They follow the Emulation ritual with some interesting
differences known as the “Sussex way”. The meeting was preceded with a couple of toots and
followed by a marvellous festive board. Most of us left by taxi which magically appeared after the
function. This was the last opportunity for me to wear my District Regalia and also resulted in an
open invitation to Brighthelmstone Lodge.
A visit to Batemans, Rudyard Kipling’s home in Sussex, run by the National Trust was worth a
visit where his Masonic jewels were on display. Kipling enjoyed his masonry but did not aspire to
rank, which I found surprising from the author of, “The Man Who Would be King”.
My next adventure was to take my sister to Picardy to pay homage to our great uncle who fell
during battle in Pozieres in 1918. We drove across the Somme battlefields and trenches – what a
grim experience! The cemeteries and memorials, of which there are many, are beautifully main-
tained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. We visited several facinating museums
run by the French. Delville Wood has re-grown and is very beautiful with a magnificent carpet of
blue bells in Spring. After the battle, there was one tree left standing, which can still be seen.
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Surprisingly, we did not find any Masonic references or exhibits but we were on another mission.
The grim conditions were probably not conducive to practising Masonry. Nevertheless, one can-
not help but remember the great numbers of Masons who served and fell on both sides and to
remember why we have, until recently, worn black ties. The journey was also a fitting preface to
the Grand Festival at Freemasons’ Hall, which was built as a permanent memorial to those who
lost their lives during the Great War.
Off to London to attend the Craft Investiture. It was a delight to attend a Supreme Council Short
Discussion Meeting and tour of the Duke Street HQ. This was followed by a superb buffet lunch
in the Solarium, which included Cumberland sausage and a fine selection of cheese. Afterwards
we retired to the Great Queen Street Freemasons Hall where the King Edward VII Chapter of
Improvement demonstrated the 4th and 5
th degrees. It was interesting to compare their produc-
tions with those of our St Vitus Chapter.
The great day arrived – Wednesday 30th April. The Investiture was in the afternoon and, prior to
the Meeting, it was quite an experience to see so many Masons in dark suits milling around be-
forehand. This included several brethren from South Africa, North, as well as brethren from oth-
er South African Districts – we appreciated your support. We were guided to dressing rooms
and then to the Grand Temple itself, quite a logistical exercise which was well managed by older
masons directing us through a “rabbit warren”. If you think Park Lane is extensive, think again!
1700 Brethren packed into the Grand Temple. The meeting was opened by our Grand Master,
the Duke of Kent. We, first appointments and promotions to Grand Rank, were carefully collect-
ed by Grand Stewards who walked us with great decorum to the Grand Master himself. The
shaking of hands, investiture as PAGDC and brief exchange of words passed all too quickly. In
future, I will know who I’m toasting as Grand Master at our festive boards - it makes such a dif-
ference! We closed by singing the National Anthem “God save the Queen” – it was so moving.
The Stewards cherish their positions and incur much expense for the privilege, including having
to sojourn through France to seek out and buy suitable wines for the following banquet.
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The Grand Temple is aptly
named. This is beautifully deco-
rated and includes the magnifi-
cent Star Ceiling. No photos are
allowed and all cell phones
were ordered off but I can attest
to the awe inspiring setting.
On to the Connaught Rooms
next door where we were plied
with champagne in the Cham-
pagne Bar and then to the
Grand Connaught Room for a
superb banquet. We were all
served in unison by very pretty
students recruited for the day.
The Grand Connaught room is
bright with huge wall mirrors reflecting the crystal chandeliers. The speeches were well delivered,
the food wonderful and the wine well chosen by the Stewards. Overwhelmed, I retired replete to
my hotel for a cognac nightcap on the patio overlooking Lincolns Inn Fields.
The next day, a shopping trip was necessary to buy a new white shirt. Not easy as the London
shops stock all designs and colours, but a simple white shirt! Having succeeded in my quest I
made my way to meet our DGM and Deputy DGM in Leicester Square. On my way back, I took
the opportunity to browse the regalia shops. Central Regalia and Toye, Kenning & Spencer all
stocked Craft and RA items including books and ties of various orders. It was difficult to resist the
temptation to acquire those items of regalia which are not so readily available here in SA. Unable
to resist, I came away well laden.
The RA Investiture, also in the Grand Temple, was next on my agenda. Now being somewhat
more familiar with the procedure we again enjoyed another professional ceremony, this time as
an observer and finished by again singing “God Save the Queen”. Finally, another lunch in the
Grand Connaught Room.
Finally, on to Heathrow to do battle on the Tube (crowded and recovering from a strike) and with
a very full suitcase. A young lady seeing me struggling with my burden offered me her seat,
which I graciously declined, reminding me that none of us are getting any younger.
In my early days as a Mason, I remember being in awe of the top brass at Installations. I never
thought I would become one of them and never aspired to. My Masonic journey of some 27 years
continues culminating in a marvellous journey to London to receive Grand Rank. My sincere
thanks go to those brethren of our District who gave their support and particularly to VW Bro. Da-
vid Whitfield for arranging such a memorable and fulfilling Masonic week in London.
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ACTIVE CRAFT OFFICERS 2014 - 2015
DepDGM David Whitfield
AsstDGM Chris van Gaalen
AsstDGM Graeme MacKenzie
AsstDGM Brian McDermott
AsstDGM Bernie Krone
Dist SGW David Gurney
Dist JGW Dries Krause
Dist G Chap Vernon van Wyk
Dist G Treasurer Charles Burn
Dist G Registrar Gordon Martin
Pres DistBd GP Mike Edy
Dist G Sec David Pickard
Pres DistBd Benev Brian Kretzschmar
DistGDC Richard Fahrenheim
DistG SwdB Guss Sou thgate
DistG SuptWks Dave Griffiths
DistG Almoner Mike Armour
DistDepGDC Simon Knutton
DistDepGDC Sean Heathcote
DistDepGDC André Ferreira
DistG Mentor Philip Heydenrych
Dist G Orator Dick Glanville
DistSGD John Clüver
DistSGD Charles Fox
DistSGD Ferdi Freyer
DistJGD Tom Korff
DistJGD Roy Menyennett
DistJGD Philip Venn
DistAsstGSec Glenn C Rae
DistAGDC John Dixon
DistAGDC Bill WJ Hynds
DistAGDC Mike Smith
DistAGDC Jean-Paul Tredoux
DistG Org Pieter Wessels
DistGStB J Francois de Coriolis
DistGStB Thys MJ Snyman
DistG Pursuivant Ross SV Cole
DistGStwd Jose (Joe) de Mosquita
DistGStwd Dawid Faul
DistGStwd Bogdan Milewski
DistGStwd Srdjan Obradovitch
DistGStwd Paul Spencer
DistGStwd Peter Veal
DistGTyler Frans F Visagie
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ACTIVE ROYAL ARCH OFFICERS 2014 - 2015
Dep G Supt Tim Smith
2ndDistG Princ David Gamble
3rd Dist G Princ Howard Freeman
Asst to Dist Grand Principals Colin Robinson
PresDCommGP Brad Gillies
DGSE Dave Pickard
DGSN John Stephens
DGTreas Hilary Rosin
DGReg Gordon Martin
DGDC Vaughn Williams
DGSwdB Alan Clothier
DDepGDC Mike Armour
DDepGDC Ian Fraser
DGSoj Richard Stuart
D1stAsstGSoj Richard Woodward
D2ndAsstGSoj Dave W Jones
DAsstGSE Jimmy CA Littlewood
DGStB J Arthur Bremner
DGStB David Hand
DGOrg Dave McNally
DAGDC Philip Cooper
DAGDC Rory Jones
DistGStwd Lance Epstein
DistGStwd Richard Hawthorne
DistGStwd Leighton Shaw
DistGStwd Gijs Spruijt
DistGJanitor Frans Visagie
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“STANDING ROOM ONLY!” - W Bro. Richard Glanville
On 29 July 2014, approximately 270 Brethren, their partners and guests attended a Masonic lec-
ture hosted by Lodge Lyceum, No. 8682 EC. The well attended meeting took place in Temple 1
at FMH.
It was a very special Masonic lecture; as it was delivered by a lady who is not a Freemason.
Mrs Louise Schoeman presented a well researched paper entitled “Freemasonry, a Living Ency-
clopaedia of Ancient Insight and Wisdom”.
Louise, who holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters in Transpersonal Psycholo-
gy, held the audience spellbound as she traced and discussed the history and origins of the eso-
teric knowledge that we accept as part of our Craft. It was amazing to learn that the same princi-
ples and beliefs were common in so many of the ancient cultures of the world, which were, ac-
cording to contemporary history, isolated from each other.
Louise has been researching Freemasonry for 28 years. She started the investigation when con-
fronted with criticism from the local Church in her home town of Vredefort, where her father was
Master of his Lodge. What started as a project to defend her Father became a lifelong quest for
knowledge when she realised the beauty of the principles and tenets of the Order.
The passion that Louise has for her subject came through in the relaxed and erudite manner in
which she made her presentation and this enthralled her audience. Question time was lively but
sadly had to be limited due to the lateness of the hour. Louise has also delivered lectures on the
subject at Wits University and has taken part in radio broadcasts.
The lecture was followed by supper, which regrettably was available to only half of the attendees.
Such was the demand.
The concept of exposing the principles of Freemasonry to our friends and connections through
successful lecture evenings has once again proved the Lyceum slogan: “Moving ahead with Ma-
sonic knowledge”.
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FREEMASONS TO THE RESCUE - W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
Tyrone is 6 years old and has quadri-
plegic cerebral palsy. As part of his
condition, he has a dislocated left hip
and curvature of the spine to the
right. The orthopaedic surgeon treat-
ing him has indicated his need of a
specialist wheelchair (called a Chunc
45) to balance him. Tyrone is pictured
in his old wheelchair which he has
now outgrown.
The cost of a new wheel chair is
R52 000. The family’s medical aid
was prepared to pay R20 000 to-
wards the wheel chair and the family
needed to raise another R32 000.
Tyrone’s mother, Mandy, is not able to work as she needs to look after him. Eslie, his father is
the only source of income for the family.
The family, needing assistance to acquire this chair, contacted everyone they knew in Rusten-
burg, including the Methodist Church where a number of our Freemasons are parishioners.
W Bro. Bill King, a senior member of our District in Rustenburg, contacted me on the Board of
Benevolence with a plea to assist as after 6 months, the R32,000 was still outstanding. After all
the checks and balances had been done, the District Board of General Purposes agreed to as-
sist. The new adjustable chair which was made overseas has now been delivered, giving the little
lad great relief from pain and putting a smile on his face.
Well done Bill, the driving force behind this project and all the Lodges that have made charitable
donations during the course of the year.
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Top: Consecrating officers of the South Africa, North First Principals Chapter
Below: Newly invested office bearers and founder members at the consecration
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CONSECRATION OF SOUTH AFRICA, NORTH 1ST PRINCIPALS CHAPTER No. 8192
This Oration was given by E. Comp. Richard Moore PGSwbB, Past Deputy Grand Superinten-
dent at the Consecration.
“ME Grand Superintendent, E. Comps, Comps All
At the outset might I thank the Grand Superintendent for the privilege of presenting this Oration.
Described in the Oxford Dictionary as "a formal speech, especially one given on a ceremonial oc-
casion". Comps. I think the occasion qualifies for an Oration.
Those of you who know me and the passion I have for this glorious Order, will know just how
much I appreciate this honour. The consecration of another Chapter so soon after the recent
opening of the Chapter of Friendship in Mauritius, speaks volumes for the ever-increasing enjoy-
ment the District is deriving from this, the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.
I will not bore you with a dissertation on the inexorable link between the Craft and the Royal Arch
as detailed in the Preliminary Declaration, but I do feel compelled to highlight to you, two subse-
quent pronouncements:
In 2007 Grand Lodge issued the following repositioning statement: “The Order of the Holy Royal
Arch is an integral part of Pure Antient Masonry, being the completion of Craft Masonry, AND
THE ESSENTIAL NEXT STEP IN FREEMASONRY FOR All MASTER MASONS."
Our Grand Master, H.R.H. The Duke of Kent, saw fit to comment further on this subject: "A man
can only become a complete Mason when he takes the very important step into the Royal Arch."
There are times that I am vexed and perplexed by what might be described as the contrary be-
haviour of a few Brethren in our District. As the Petitioners and Founders of this new Chapter you
have a primary deep responsibility to ensure the enthusiastic, non negotiable adherence to the
Aldersgate Ritual; such Exaltation and Installation Ceremonies are to be conducted with the ut-
most dignity and decorum that the Ceremonies demand.
I would like to share with you a few thoughts on the other primary objectives of this new Chapter:
The first objective must surely be to provide a vehicle so as to encourage Past Principals to
maintain their on-going enthusiasm for the Order, having completed their term of Office in
the First Principal's Chair of their respective Chapters.
This Chapter is to be considered to have similar well known objectives as that of the Trans-
vaal District Grand Stewards Lodge, whose number it bears.
To give lectures as requested so that the Historical and Symbolical aspects of the Ritual, so
that the Furniture and the Layout of the Chapter may be better understood, appreciated and
thus enjoyed.
To assist Chapters when an office needs to be filled; be it a regular Exaltation or Installation
(reasonable notice Companions is not one hour!)
Every two years or so to demonstrate the Ceremony of “The Passing of the Veils".
Let the Festive Boards be noted for their superb fare and resulting enjoyment.
May the enthusiasm and excitement at the founding of this the South Africa North 1st Principals
Chapter No. 8192 EC prevailing today NEVER diminish. Companions, Thank you. “
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Mission Statement
To demonstrate Royal Arch workings
To act as a service to Chapters
To recruit new members
Suggested Activities:
Demonstration of Exaltation ceremony
Correct way of opening and closing a Chapter
Correct procedure for balloting
Correct way of conducting a candidate
The correct way of showing the signs and their explanation
Demonstration of the Installation Ceremony
Demonstration of procedures for installing Principals
Lectures
Lectures on the ritual – to be given in chapters when requested
General lectures to be given at the request of Chapters
Lectures to be given in Craft Lodges regarding the Royal Arch.
Assist Chapters
Assist Chapters when an Officer is required for exaltation or installation
Walk Through
Explanation of various items and procedures.
Ritual split
Splitting the ritual between the Principals and Sojourners
Quiz
Conducting a quiz within a chapter or between Chapters
Ceremony of the Veils
To be demonstrated every two or three years.
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RW Bro. James van Zyl RW Bro. Prof. Guy Charlesworth
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DEATH NOTICES - Mrs Fern Rowles
It is with regret that we record the calling of the following Brethren to the Grand Lodge above:
W.Bro. M I Adams PJGD Flame Lily 25/06/2014 Bro. J Botha Pretoria 19/08/2014 W.Bro. J W Caizerques PDistSGD Melrose 12/04/2014 W.Bro. G S E Child PDistGStB Kosmos 03/06/2014 W.Bro. R Cotton PDistAGDC Flame Lily 09/05/2014 W.Bro. S E Dickson PDistJGW Pyramid 24/03/2014 W.Bro. P J L Drysdale PDistJGW Flame Lily 26/08/2014 W.Bro. R W Evans PGStB Golden Harvest 26/08/2014 W.Bro. C A Flint PDistSGW Golden Harvest 01/09/2014 W.Bro. J E Goudge PDistJGD Vrede 24/05/2014 W.Bro. D D Grace PDistSGW Aviation 12/05/2014 Bro. D Granville Roberts Golden Harvest 23/06/2014 W.Bro. N G Hood PAGDC Ionic 10/07/2014 W.Bro. S N Horne PJGD Golden Harvest 18/03/2014 W.Bro. R A Jackson PAGDC Germiston 01/08/2014 Bro. W C Jansen van Rensburg Pietersburg United 12/05/2014 W.Bro. D Kyriazis PDistAGDC Vernon 27/05/2014 W.Bro. J J S Liebenberg PDistSGW King Edward 04/07/2014 W.Bro. D J Malan PDistAGDC Roodepoort 20/06/2014 W.Bro. G M J Nel PDistAGDC Boksburg St John 18/04/2014 W.Bro. V L H Raison PDistJGD Pyramid 16/07/2014 W.Bro. P P Roos PDistSGW Unanimity 04/06/2014 W.Bro. P G Slabbert PGStB Royal Albert 31/03/2014 W.Bro. R G Stott PDistSGW Barberton 06/07/2014 W.Bro. W E Tecklenburg PDistSGW Barberton 28/08/2014 W.Bro. T E Thomas PDistSGW New Zealand 23/06/2014 W.Bro. F C Visagie PDistSGW Ionic 24/03/2014 W.Bro. G Von Moricz PDistJGW Hesperia 16/09/2014 W.Bro. D T Vosloo PDistSGW Hartebeestpoort 11/07/2014 W.Bro. P J B Walker PDistSGW St Michael's 17/06/2014 W.Bro. J E Wardle PDistGStB Corona 14/09/2014 W.Bro. H R Wharton PDistSGW University 19/06/2014 W.Bro. R C Young PDistJGW Civil Service 19/05/2014
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THE CORNERSTONE TEAM
Project leader: VW Bro. Iain Fraser [email protected] 082 377 2396
Editor: W Bro. Vaughn Williams [email protected] 082 899 5100
Proof reader: Mrs Helen Charlesworth
Repro and layout: Michelle Segalla [email protected]
Contributors:
VW Bro. Iain Fraser
Mrs Fern Rowles
E. Comp. Richard Moore
E. Comp. Howard Freeman
W Bro. Dr Ron Poole
W Bro. Brian Kretzschmar
W Bro. Richard Glanville
W Bro. David Pickard
W Bro. Donald Gair
W Bro. Lance Epstein