Promoting the Fraternity across the World
I have often wondered at parts of our ritual which have no ready explanation, nor any forthcoming, and which are routinely committed to memory and recited when called upon to do so. One such is “The Perfect Points of Entrance” that demonstrate proof of being a Freemason.
The emerging of freemasonry in China in the 18th century has been reported a British invention, coming from the historical conflict, the Opium War, that involve Great Britain and China in a dispute about the trading routes in the Eastern Chinese coast and commerce of the narcotic product among the Chinese population.
For centuries Masonic historians have been puzzled by the motives for, and the purpose of, the formation of the craft of freemasonry, both in its operative, and speculative form, and whilst endeavouring to investigate the mysteries surrounding the formation of our order, it seems that the riddle actually forms itself into three distinct questions
Arthur, Duke of Connaught ( Youngest Son of Queen Victoria ) Grand Master of The United Grand Lodge of England 1901 -1939, spent some time on how Freemasonry should commemorate, those of its membership who were killed, or declared missing in The Great War. On the 27th June 1919, he organised a conference in The Albert Hall, and invited representatives from Ireland, Scotland and other Grand Lodges throughout the Commonwealth to attend in London and consider how best to commemorate those, of their membership, who died for King and Country. All those in attendance were presented with a Peace Medal, to commemorate their individual contributions, to the discussions of the day.
The need for this further essay was first made apparent to me when—in my capacity as Secretary of the Lodge and Editor of the Transactions—I began to receive inquiries from Brethren as far away as Vancouver and Singapore, asking for materials and information which might help them to complete their own papers on Kipling, and I found, to my surprise, that while our library contains a great deal of relevant material, there has never been a paper on Kipling in our Transactions.
Ezra, who is a member of Hand and Heart Lodge, No. 4109, started The Forget Me Not Trust two years ago with his brother Nathan because, ‘We were seeing homeless people everywhere we went in these major cities. We realised this was an epidemic problem, so we thought we should try to do something about it. We’ve been blessed in our own way with business, so we’re in a fortunate position and wanted to give something back.’
Two plenary presentations and ninteen round table sessions will allow a well rounded development of the theme. Each will be chaired by a different lodge of research. The topics of each conference and round table will be published subsequently. A participation fee will be asked for the plenaries and panels.
A wonderful meeting of the Charity Lodges was held this year at Crewe Street under the banner of the Salopian Lodge of Charity 117. Brethren from as far away as Ireland attended and were treated to a fascinating ceremony
In modern day Freemasonry clear reference is made to the perfect points of reference in the rituals in the United States of America: “Were I to ask you how I should know you to be a Mason, your answer should be: “By certain signs, a token, a word, and the points of my entrance.” The signs, token, and word have already been explained to you at the Altar
