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News and Views |
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Vale MW. Bro Bryce Ward (January 2008) |
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Giving Tree Walk (January 2008) |
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Southern Master's Starlight (January 2008) |
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Brother Brethren (January 2008) |
Like Father, Like Son (February 2008) |
February 2008 magazine deferred to March
The Editor of the Freemasonry Tasmania magazine advises that the edition due out in February 2008 has been deferred to March.
W Bro Ian Cutler said this would allow extensive pictorial and other coverage of both the February 2008 Communication and the Grand Installation later in the month.
It would also "close the gap" between the February and August editions, because it had earlier been decided that there would be no May 2008 edition.
"The magazine was nearly ready for the printer when the deferral decision was made," W Bro Cutler said.
"Had the edition gone ahead in February, it would not have included a range of stories and photographs because several contributors were unable to meet the deadline of January 8, 2008.
"As well, the magazine would have had to forgo some expected new advertising revenue for the same reason."
W Bro Cutler - who travels extensively around Australia writing for various magazines - will be in Tasmania throughout February to handle media coverage of the Communication and the Grand Installation in his "other" role as Grand Lodge Media Liaison Officer.
He plans to visit many lodges and Masonic events to gather material and encourage contributions for the now-deferred February magazine and the August 2008 edition.
"I would like to thank all those people who managed to provided material for the forthcoming magazine by the January deadline while still enjoying what I hope were the pleasant other demands of the festive season," W Bro Cutler said.
He added that the material provided by the January deadline would be given priority in the "new" March 2008 edition.
Men's Health |
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2 October 2007 : The Freemasons Foundation has committed approximately $1.5 million over five years to establish the Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health within the School of Medicine at the University of Adelaide. The funding includes establishment of two Freemasons Foundation Research Fellows positions. "The Centre is the first of its kind in Australia and one of only a handful of centres in the world with a focus on all aspects of men's health. It aims to:
Sir Eric Neal, former Governor of South Australia, is the
principal patron of the new centre. The Director of the
Centre is Professor Villis Marshall, an internationally
recognised consultant in urology, educator and researcher."
From a
news release issued by
the University of Adelaide. |
Extract from the Grand Lodge of South Australia and Northern Territory
Web Page
Freemasons Assisting Tertiary Education Students.
When M. W. Bro. Robert Clarke was Grand Master he initiated a scheme to provide two essential elements for Freemasonry in Tasmania. The two elements were-
The FREEMATES Foundation was set up with the aim of obtaining an amount of $100,000 to allow for interest on the investment of that money to form the basis of the bursaries granted. Currently $24,000 has been raised and all Freemasons are being asked to contribute to this cause not only because of the obvious need for the bursaries, but to enable Freemasonry to raise its profile with the youth of our community. Unless we can make a name for ourselves as a supporter of youth we will continue to be seen as "a good organisation for old men, not me!".
The FREEMATES Foundation has revised its thrust and it is anticipated that when funds reach $30,000 the Foundation will commence the issue of bursaries in the hope that this action may stimulate more donations whilst continuing to aim for our target of $100,000.
MW Bro Chester Bryce Ward AM, PGM, GMOH
MW Bro Bryce Ward, who passed to the Grand Lodge Above on November 29, 2007, was a man of great intellect and unarguably the most distinguished Freemason in the State. He was only seven weeks short of receiving his Fifty Year Jewel.
Born at Smithton, MW Bro Ward showed exceptional academic ability. He was education at the Devonport High School and studied at both the University of Tasmania and the University of New England in NSW. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Education, a Diploma in Education Administration and a Diploma in Education. In 1963 he gained a Fullbright Scholarship and studied in Michigan USA.
He served as principal of many schools throughout the State including, Port Arthur, Sheffield, Winnaleah, Campbell Town, Cressy and finally Brooks High School. After only two years as Brooks High he was promoted to Superintendent of High Schools Northern Tasmania, then Southern Regional Director and eventually Deputy Director-General of Education. Wherever he resided, Bryce made a phenomenal contribution to the community through countless organisation including Rotary International, Probus, the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, the Teachers Federation, the Retarded Children's' Welfare Association, Red Cross, the Genealogical Society and other sporting and community groups.
MW Bro Ward joined Rechab Lodge on 19th January, 1958. As he moved around the State as a teacher he immersed himself in Masonic activities. He was also a member of Roland, Dorset and Merton Lodges, Launceston Research Lodge, the Hobart Lodge of Research and The Pacific Lodge. He was Master of Merton Lodge in 1968 and Launceston Research Lodge in 1977 and was made a life member of Merton Lodge in 2005.
In 1975 he became a Grand Steward and after occupying a number of Grand Lodge offices, he was elected as Tasmania's Grand Master in 1990, the Grand Lodge Centenary year. During his term he was instrumental in introducing a number of changes to our organisation from which we all benefit today. He served on the Board of General Purposes and the Board of Benevolence for fifteen years.
In 1996 he received the Grand Masters Order of Honour for service to freemasonry and the community. Bryce was also actively involved in many other orders, namely Royal Arch, Knights of Constantine, Knight Templar, Royal Order of Scotland, Order of the Secret Monitor, Knight Templar Priests, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite up to 32nd Degree and occupied the chair in each of these Orders. He received high honours in each of them.
Apart from being Grand Master of the Craft Lodges from 1990-1992 he was District Grand Prior of the Knights Templar from 1996-2000 and also Provincial Grand Master of the Royal Order of Scotland from 2001-2005.
Bryce made an outstanding contribution to the Freemasons' Homes of Southern Tasmania. He was a Director for fifteen years, with the final six as Chairman of the Board. In 2002 he was made a Life Member and in 2005 following the redevelopment of the Homes, a section was named the "Bryce Ward Wing".
In June 1990 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to education and the community - an honour well deserved.
Bryce was a man of great wisdom, a true leader, a man of humility with an incredible knowledge of masonry. His contribution to education and freemasonry has been quite remarkable and our lives have been enriched by having been associated with him. He will be deeply missed.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Alan Swinton
Order of Athelstan now in Australia
A Masonic order based on the historic records of the life and legend of the British King Athelstan was extended to northern Australia in November 2007...and there are moves to further extend the order into the South, including Tasmania.
Regular contributor to Freemasonry Tasmania, W Bro Gerry Gunton, learnt more about the developments during a recent visit to the United Kingdom. The Grand Secretary of the Order of Athelstan, David Buxton, advised that it would have two "Provinces" in Australia...the Province of Australia - North and the Province of Australia - South. Australia - North would initially cover Queensland and New South Wales, eventually extending into the Northern Territory should interest be shown.
The first Provincial Grand Master of Australia - North is R W Bro Lt Frank M. Jefferies, RN (retired).
The "Court" of St John No. 32 was consecrated in Brisbane on November 8, and there were two consecrations at Willoughby on November 10 - the Court of Sydney No. 28 and the Court of St David No. 29. The Court of St Cuthbert No. 30 was consecrated at Victoria Park, Perth on November 8 and the Court of St Eanswyth No. 26 in the Masonic Centre in East Melbourne on November 16..
Well-known Victorian Masonic lecturer, R D W Bro Kent W. Henderson, has been nominated as the Grand Master of Australia - South. He has already formalised the Order of Athelstan's involvement in Western Australia and Victoria, and there are plans to consider possibilities in South Australia and Tasmania.
W Bro Gunton provided some additional general information about what is formally called the "Masonic Order of Athelstan in England , Wales and its Provinces Overseas"...The Order portrays the story of a Master Mason being called to York in 926 AD to receive the Ancient Charges from the King.
The ritual contains a great deal of symbolism still seen in some lodges today, plus much more which is not currently worked. It culminates with an historical oration which takes the candidate through the development of various Grand Lodges from as early as 1567. It is an invitation-only Order requiring subscribing membership of Craft Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters.
Giving Tree participation strong as ever.
Tasmanian Freemasons again took an active part in the ABC's Giving Tree activities from December 5 to 14, 2007, raising more than thirty-two thousand dollars or thirty per cent of the total funds contributed to the appeal. The Giving Tree raises funds for disadvantaged people.The money and gifts collected are distributed by the ABC to major charities around the State.
Traditionally, the Freemason contingent has been involved in the Giving Tree Walk from Burnie to Hobart. However, police imposed new safety conditions on the 2007 event which the participants felt made the traditional Walk impractical. Instead, MW Bro Keith Graver and his wife Shirley - long time Giving Tree Walk participants - arranged "collection points" on the road between Burnie and Hobart over the ten-day period.
The usual hard core of freemasons - Joe Carroll, Philip Nichols and John Williams - joined Keith and Shirley at the collection points, assisted by newcomer David McDonald and other regulars from past events. "It proved to be fairly hard work and the weather was less than kind for quite a bit of the exercise," MW Bro Graver said. "However, we continued to show the Masonic flag and the outcome was very pleasing".
Where practical, lodges which provided meals for the walkers under the former arrangements again played their part for the "collection point team".
Concord Lodge at Latrobe put on its traditional sumptuous evening meal and Meander and Esk Lodges again provided lunches. As well, St Andrew Lewis Lodge took over the spot which the now-defunct Lake Lodge had filled for many years.
The year 1957/58 was an important and busy time for the Ford family on Hobart's Eastern Shore. W Bro George Ford was the Master of Lodge Beltana, and on his first working night in December, he initiated his son Barry.
The following March and August meetings were occupied with Barry undertaking his Second and Third Degrees.
In December 2007, MW Bro Alan Swinton presented Barry with his Fifty Year Jewel, in the presence of Barry's wife Jenny, son, daughter-in-law, grand daughter and grandson.
W Bro Ford was Master of Lodge Beltana in 1980-81, Treasurer from 1970 to 1980, Secretary from 1983 to 1986 and Auditor since 1980. He was also a foundation member of Pembroke Lodge and was its Master in 1966.
W Bro Ford was a Grand Steward in 1974 and again in 1984 and Secretary of the Masonic Ball Committee in 1967. He joined the Holy Sepulchre Chapter in 1967 and occupied the chair in 1990.
MW Bro Swinton thanked Barry for his overall contribution to his Lodges, noting that he was a ritualist of the highest order who could fill a vacancy at short notice with little effort and that he also made a significant contribution through the presentation of some very interesting lectures.
Southern Masters see the Starlight
The Southern Masters Association has presented a cheque for five hundred dollars to the Starlight Foundation, which provides assistance to children in hospitals. The foundation is one of several charities and benevolent organisations regularly supported by the Association, including the Tasmanian Cancer Council, Camp Quality, the Southern Masonic Homes and the Freemasons Assisting Tertiary Education Foundation.
Funds are raised through raffles at the Association's monthly meetings and an annual Gourmet Dinner at the Drysdale House College of Hospitality in Hobart. The Southern Masters Association represents current Masters and Immediate Past Masters.
They meet informally every month to enjoy a meal together and to discuss Masonic matters. It is a very pleasant way of getting to know the other Masters and exchanging views in a relaxed atmosphere. Many Past Masters and their partners continue to attend to extend and strengthen friendships.
The meetings are open to partners and to brethren about to take up the office of Master. These gatherings are currently held at the Willows Tavern in Risdon Vale, on the first Friday each month, starting at 7 pm.
The Association collates details of lodge activities and installations, which are forwarded to members to encourage them to plan their visiting. Brethren are welcome to join the Association. They can contact the president (Craig Hughes), on 6261 2902, the secretary (Richard Plunkett) on 6228 6666, or the Treasurer (David Baldwin) on 6229 5425.
Craig Hughes
Two brothers who are also brethren received their Fifty Year Jewels from V Wor Bro Norm Cooper at the December 2007 meeting of Lodge Clarence. Peter and Geoff Docking became Freemasons on the same night, November 5, 1957, but because of different work and lifestyles have had entirely different Masonic careers. V Wor Bro Cooper - a Past Master of Lodge Clarence - said the Lodge was fortunate in having both "brother brethren" as members for several years.
Peter and Geoff were brought up in West Hobart, and attended the Lansdowne Crescent and Elizabeth Street schools. Geoff started work at the Harris and Marsh store in Hobart and then developed an interest in bookshops.
He worked for many years in in bookshops and newspapers before buying the Hawker Store at Kettering which he ran together with his wife Mavis for thirty years.
This curtailed his Masonic activities, although he was a member of University Lodge until it closed in 1994.
Peter started work as an apprentice carriage and wagon builder at the Railway Roundhouse in Hobart and stayed with the railways for eleven years before joining Hobart Municipal Tramways and then the Mercury newspaper, where he became Distribution Manager.
There have been three generations of Dockings at the Mercury - Peter and Geoff's father, then Peter and currently Mavis and Geoff's daughter Carolyn who is a part-time photographer. Peter was involved with Lenah Valley Lodge even before becoming a member, having helped build the cottages in Colebrook St before work started on the lodge rooms.
He became Master in 1972 and again in 2005 - the 50th anniversary year for Lenah Valley Lodge, the year in which, sadly, the the Lodge handed in its charter. Peter was treasurer of the lodge for twenty-five years. He was awarded the Grand Lodge Order of Distinguished Service and served as a Grand Lodge Steward in 1980.
HUON LODGE BEGINS REGULAR OPEN DAYS
Brethren in the Huon have begun a series of open days at their historic Lodge building in the southern township of Franklin.
The new Worshipful Master of the Huon Lodge, W Bro Sam McLean - installed on September 9 - said the open days would be on the fourth Saturday of every month, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
He told local media that the building would be manned by Freemasons keen to pass on some of the so-called "secrets" of their craft to the general public.
"We have never been a secret society," Mr. McLean said. "Our members share some common modes of identification, just as members of other organisations do, but these days it is important to be even more open with the public, and this is one way to do it.
"Freemasonry helps its members in their personal development by using ceremonies based on the life-skills of the original stonemasons - and this includes helping the community in a variety of ways.
"We want to show the people of the Huon around our lodge building and explain some of the symbolism of the craft of freemasonry, as well as highlight our community involvement and, hopefully, attract new members".
The open days are an addition to the regular meetings of the Huon Lodge, which will continue as normal, on the second Thursday of every month at 7.30 p.m.
A follow-up report will be in the December edition of Freemasonry Tasmania.
W Bro McLean's news release was prepared with the assistance of the Grand Lodge Media Liaison Officer, who also provided him with a selection of "question and answer" guidelines.
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