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Cover: P.G.Wodehouse, Louder and Funnier

- Jonkers Rare Books

CONTENTS

Volume 38 No.2

June 2012

From the Editor

Photographic Credits

5

P. G.Wodehouse, author and, fleetingly, Freemason 7 Donald Davinson - PGWodehouse was one of the twentieth century’s most prolific authors; and his works contain many Masonic references. Banner Lodges their rise and their fall 11 Gordon Davie - A Banner Lodge is not a lodge with a single banner, but rather a lodge that has been presented with a number of banners by individual members to commemorate some office or occasion. Square Debate –Women and Freemasonry 15 Jonathan Todd - In 1723, when Anderson drafted Constitutions, with one stroke of his pen he prohibited women from becoming Freemasons under the Grand Lodge of England. Now, nearly three centuries on, is it time for our constitution to change? The British Sub Aqua Lodge 19 Barry Gray - The British Sub Aqua Lodge No. 8997 welcomes members from all over Britain who have a shared interest in both the fraternities of sub-aqua diving and Masonry. Benjamin Addy 22 Paul Hurst - A Profile of Benjamin Addy, Pro Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons. Caricature – Benjamin Addy 23 Steve Chadburn - One of a series of Caricatures of leading Freemasons. Royal Cumberland Lodge No. 41 and its Breast Jewels. 25 Mervyn Bryce - The story of a Lodge and its jewels. Of Mature Age, Sound Judgement and Strict Morals? -Welcome to the Connaught Club 27 Lewis Clement - Freemasonry has long been considered an older man’s hobby.The Connaught Club sets out to bring together London’s community of young Freemasons. A Great Leap forward for Lodge Secretaries 28 Gordon Hunt - The Complete Lodge Secretary computer program is ideally positioned to address these issues for the benefit of Lodge Secretaries. Freemasonry in France:A brief history 32 John Belton - Freemasonry in France has again been in the news and sadly recent events in the Grande Loge Nationale Française (GLNF) brings little credit to Freemasonry in general.The article looks at the historical background to French Masonic life. From the 17th to the 21st Century: a story of continual evolution 35 Established in 1685,Toye, Kenning & Spencer’s story is one of a company that has continually evolved. The latest initiative is the creation of a stylish new facility specifically for Freemasons - The Clubroom atToye. Understanding Membership & Recruitment Article 1:Where to begin? 37 Martin Roche - This is the first of three articles addressing the issues of recruitment and retention and hopefully providing simple and practical advice. The Significance of the Chapter 39 Reverend Neville Barker-Cryer - The Royal Arch is essential to the Speculative Craftsmen and has always been regarded by many as the culmination of Freemasonry. The Masonic Order of Athelstan in England, Wales and its Provinces Overseas 40 Following its inauguration in October 2005 the Masonic Order of Athelstan continues to develop and move from strength to strength.

Letters to the Editor

42

Brother Brother’s Journal

46

Michael Halleran - Right or Most? – The District Deputy - The recollections of a nineteenth-century American gentleman of the Craft. The Pillars inTime 49 John Paternoster - The importance of Biblical measurements is not the actual feet and inches, but that they form simple and fundamental proportions such as occur throughout Nature. Ashlar Chippings 51 Hugh O’Neill - Snippets of Masonic miscellanea. Instruction, Promulgation & Reconciliation 53 Yasha Beresiner - The earliest reference to a Lodge of Instruction in England is 1768. Your Masonic Questions Answered 55 Graham Redman - Some interesting questions on Masonic procedure and protocol answered by the acknowledged expert in the field. Point ofView: Musings of an Old Mason 57 Pat Streams - Pat Streams reflects on the cost of Freemasonry for young Initiates today – and proposes a novel solution. The Infallible Plumb-Rule 59 Julian Rees - to thine own self be true – integrity - that quality marked out in Freemasonry by the plumb-rule. Book Reviews 60 Arturo de Hoyos - Morals and Dogmas Raymond Hollins - The Masonic Mentor’s Compendium

Ian Okell - Charlie Chaplin’s Uncle John Mandleberg - Morton Edwards, Sculptor, andThe Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners Square Humour - Cannon’s Corner 61 The funny side of Freemasonry. Freemasonry beyond the Lodge room 63 John Acaster - The socially valuable contribution of individual Freemasons to the life of their community and country is often overlooked or ignored. Hints and tips for the new Mason 65 Fred Lomax - One of a Series of 5 Minute Talks. The QC Column 67 Gordon Davie - News from the premier lodge of research. Masonic Philately 68 Maurice Beazley - The Queen of Sheba’sVisit to King Solomon celebrated in stamps. Leicester Lodge of Research 70 David Sharpe - News from the Leicester Lodge of Research. Monitor 70 News and Forthcoming Events. Square End-piece 74 A Review - The Future of Freemasonry.

June 2012 The Square 3