The Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance
"I'm a Freemason and Proud of it"
The Kindred Lodges Association's (see below) Autumn Festival was hosted by the Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance, No. 6384, by dispensation on Saturday 25th September, 2010, at Darwen Masonic Hall. The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price attended, announced to the Lodge by the acting Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro David S Bristol, PProvGSwdB. The Master, WBro Chris Creelman (actually the Secretary standing in as Worshipful Master for Bro Andrew Bishop, who was at his daughter's wedding) offered the PGM the gavel of the Lodge, which was returned, "...One of the joys of my job is having the power and the pleasure to return it".
The main item of business was to receive a presentation of, 'The Building of King Solomon's Temple', by Cleveley's Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No. 1176. Today was the 475th time this presentation has been given by members of the Cleveley's Lodge and this experience was well exemplified by the expert manner by which WBros Jimmy Rogers and Jeff Smith erected the Temple and the explained the history and significance of each part thereof.
Interesting points for the Freemason included that fact that this was almost certainly the most famous building ever, probably also the most expensive to erect considering the amount of gold and the labour force used. There was no brass in those days and the two pillars at the entrance would likely have been made from bronze. it was the first time a Temple had been built to house the spirit of God; therefore there was no need to have an idol therein. Solomon's Temple was built some 3000 years ago!
Entrance of King Solomon's Temple
Provincial Deputation (left) with members of the Lodge
The Holy of Holies was cuboid in shape and the entrance was protected by a golden curtain inter-woven with scarlet, blue and purple. This was only opened once per year, on Yom Kippur. It contained the Ark of the Covenant guarded by two cherubims.
Jimmy and Jeff then went on to explain the rest of the Temple including the construction of the Holy Place, the Middle Chamber, winding staircases, the Molten Sea and the Brasen Altar. We even discovered which pillar is which - the left is as that on the left as you exit the door!
if you have never seen this presentation before you are urged most strongly to find out where the next presentation is. This was far more than learing about the Temple - some excellent information was also given on early Masonic history, our ritual, what life was like in the 17th Century and why it was felt necessary to deliver moral and educational lessons at Masonic meetings.
To find out more please e-mail assistsec@kstemple.fsnet.co.uk
The Holy Place and Holy of Holies
The Lodge had a little surprise for the Provincial Grand Master - a cheque for £500 made out to EL 2015 Festival. Jack said, "Yesterday I attended the fabulous Festival given by the Province of Durham to celebrate 6 years of fund raising for the RMBI. I can tell you that despite enormous support and income, the RMBI has a shortfall of some £10,000, on a daily basis, to continue to care for our needy Freemasons and dependants when they have no further funds available. Your Commitment, drive and generosity, supporting our Festival, is helping to alleviate some of that".
The Lodge also gave, for the 4th year running, two Bursary Grants of £100, one for East and one for West Lancashire, for young people who have demonstrated 'perseverance in adversity'.
A Donation to the RMBI 2015 Festival
The PGM and Deputation retired for the Festive Board after the Second Rising, "On my own behalf, and that of the Provincial Officers present of this and other Provinces, I wish the continued success of this Association and this Lodge. Thank you for the warm welcome I have received; when I arrived I asked where I should park - 'anywhere you want' came the reply. We have been treated to a feast of education and enlightenment and I have certainly made my daily advancement in knowledge today, in a most impressive manner. Thank God for Freemasonry, and thank God for Scouting".
At the Festive Board, a merry time was had indeed. Below are the two brethren from Cleveley's Lodge of MMM, who treated us to such an impressive presentation.
Derek Thornhill, Jeff Smith, Jack Price, Jimmy Rogers and the Master for the evening, Chris Creelman
Provincial Grand Master with the Master of the Lodge
The Senior Warden, WBro David Thornton, PProvGSwdB (RA - AProvGP) gave the toast to the Provincial Grand Master. "I have known Jack for a long time, both professionally and masonically. In Masonry his skills as an Orator are exceptional - at Provincial meetings you can hear a pin drop when he speaks; eloquent, without notes and from the heart. Thank you for joining us today Sir, and we all hope that your good health is maintained".
In response the PGM said, "The SW has been exceptionally kind and now I am under no pressure at all! Worshipful Master, we have had a lovely afternoon in the Lodge and at this Festive Board. This Lodge is special as it has an additional interest. The principles of the Scouting movement and of Freemasonry share a commonality of purpose. At its simplest we teach that we should love one another - a simple but weighty responsibility". He added, "The SW is correct in what he says, he caught them and I locked them up. We have co-operated for many years, professionally and now masonically. As to my health, I must tell you Brother SW - I have enjoyed an abundant meal and am feeling much better, thank you".
In response to the toast to the Grand Officers Jack said, "Thank you for you good wishes, as you can see we are all on the verge of starving up here, and need all the help we can get".
"We are here today, renewing old acquaintances, discussing Scouting amongst other things, and guess what; Freemasonry is the vehicle. You can't buy the joy we have shared today, but we can like it and be proud of it. We are the custodians of this Order and until the Great Architect says, 'Come on lad, there's a space for you here', it is our job to protect our inheritance".
He thanked the Junior Warden for his toast to the Provincial Officers, especially the attention he brought to Derek Thornhill. Jack said, "Derek is sitting here smiling, probably because he doesn't have to get to his feet today :-). We don't always see eye to eye but that's a good thing [ I don't like 'yes-men', I don't like 'no-men' either :-)] and Derek is an exceptional Assistant Provincial Grand Master. He's a good lad. His vision is like mine, he works hard and his joy is being with you all".
Jack finished, "Look after what you have here, don't become complacent, look to the future, do things to attract younger men and never be afraid to say, 'I'm a Freemason and proud of it'".
Before the evening finished the Master gave a toast to the Kindred Lodges Association. During the response we learned that the KLA welcomes all those in anyway involved with military or scouting youth, for example Freemasons who were members of the Boys Brigade, or Army Cadet Force (like the District Communications Officer, Paul Smillie). We were also reminded of recent grants given by the Freemasons' Grand Charity to support the Scouting movement.
An absolutely splendid day in Darwen, a beautiful hall, a tremendous and educational Lodge meeting and an enjoyable and inspiring Festive Board.
History of the Lodge
WBro Bill Watson, PAGSwdB, was Chairman of the East Lancashire Scout County and had a vision of a Scouting Lodge which would demonstrate how similar in values and ethos Freemasonry and the Scouts are. This vision was shared by many Freemasons. After Bill's death Scouting Freemasons from East and West Lancashire discovered there was significant interest and also discovered that the Lodge of Allegiance was prepared to support the cause (facilitated greatly by a Lodge member, WBro Derek Thornhill, PSGD, APGM).
in 2003, 12 Scouting Freemasons became joining members with another 5 joining at the next two meetings. In May 2005 the Lodge became the Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance and the Fleur-de-Lys was incorporated into the summons heading.
In January 2006 the Lodge was rededicated by VWBro, Dr. Nigel Graham Bramley-Haworth, PDepProvGM. There are several active Scouting Brethren in the Lodge and several other Lodge members are either members of Scout Active Support or have been members of the Scout Association. Several members of the original Lodge of Allegiance also remain as members.
The Kindred Lodges Association
The Aim of the Kindred Lodges Association is to facilitate and foster relationships amongst Freemasons who are, or were, engaged in Youth Work, including the encouragement of inter-Lodge visiting. The Kindred Lodges Association (KLA) was formed in 1952 to encourage Masonic Lodges formed by, or including, Masons who are, or were, involved in Youth Work to link together. Membership of the KLA is available to existing Freemasons either through being a member of a subscribing lodge, or as an individual Associate Member. Whether as a Member or an Associate Member, you have the same rights and privileges due to all masons with the ability to attend any Festival Meeting of the Association.
The prime activity, other than encouraging inter-Lodge visiting, is to hold two Festival meetings each year. The dress for these meetings is the uniform of their youth organisation for those entitled to wear it. An occasional newsletter is distributed to all individual associate members as well as the member Lodges.
There are over 40 Lodges or additional Orders who are either members or associate members of the Association. you can read more about the KLA on their website HERE.
It has been the custom of the Kindred Lodges Association to hold two Festival Meetings each year - one at about St George's Day (April) and the other about the time of the “Gilwell Reunion” (September). The host Lodge passes the tile (below) on to the next host at the end of the meeting.
Kindred Lodges Association Tile