Moderators of the Church of Scotland and Freemasonry.
There have been quite a few Moderators who were Freemasons but what where their names? What Lodges did they join? For example:
The then Moderator, Brother Rev. J. Fraser McLuskey, M.C., D.D., visits the Royal Scottish Masonic Home (4th September 1983)
But what Lodge was he a member of? If you know, or if you know of any other Freemason who became Moderator, please send as many details as possible to:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Given that membership records for each Lodge are held in Freemasons' Hall this may seem to be an unusual request (coming as it does from the Curator) but it must be remembered that although Freemasonry admits men of all creeds, colours, faiths and of all social positions details such as these are not recorded.
Mystery Jewel
Can anyone identify this jewel? Made from a bronze coloured metal the top bar bears the date 1962. The jewel is suspended from a mid-blue ribbon with narrow orange stripes towards the outer edges. The body of the jewel itself is in the form of a cross similar to a cross patee. The four arms of the cross bear four words which read: For Zeal For Christ. In the centre is a laurel wreath in which are two groups of letters: JMC and below this another three letters: DSO.
Anyone with information please e-mail the curator:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The jewel has now been identified. These were issued by the Methodist Missionary Society. DSO stands for Distinctive Service Order but JMC? Thanks to all who have sent information.
Presecution of Freemasons
The information contained on this web site regarding the torture and execution of Freemasons (especially as part of the holocuast) by a number of regimes (e.g. those controled by the likes of Hitler, Mussolini, Salazar, Stain and France) has raised awareness among British Freemasons that the Craft has been the target of numerous governments in the past. As more people become aware that Freemasons were presecuted more information has become available. Recently for example:
Freemasons were presecuted by General Francisco Franco (1892 - 1975). Some were put to death and many other imprisoned for no other reason than the fact that they were Freemasons. Recent research has revealed that the Grand Secretary of the Grand Orient of Spain was one who was so imprisoned. To read an article as to how Teodoro Lopez, a Freemason, discovered his father's Masonic career and bravery in the face of Franco's persecution click here or on the previous link.
The government of Spain have announced that the sentances handed down by Franco's political courts are to be declared null and void. See the article: Franco's Courts to be Declared Illegitimate.
If any one has specific information regarding the presecution of Freemasons during the Franco dictatorship please e-mail the details to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The appeal for information about the treatment of Freemasons during the period leading up to and during WWII has been widened. If anyone has infomation about the treatment of Freemasons in any of the ocuupied countries during the period approximately 1933 - 1946 this would be very gratefully received. Any information whatsoever (including personal experiences, sources worth consulting or people who might have information) please do not hesitate to e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Unknown Apron
Does anyone have any information of the apron illustrated above? I confess to a certain embarressment regarding the enquiry as to this apron because I wrote a paper on the orgainisation which it represents but I can't find the paper and my memory is not what it used to be so any help in identifying this Order would be very much appreciated.
Please e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any information you may have.
Unknown Masonic Jewel
This Masonic jewel is held by the Essex Masonic Museum but its origin is unknown. The ribbon suggests that it is French but as the words (Jubilee on the top bar and Foundation on the body of the jewel) suggests that it is British. The absence of the letter 'G' may mean that it is not Scottish but that is not always present in Scottish present in Scottish Masonic symbolism. There was at one time something suspended from the bottom of the jewel. If anyone has any suggestions please e-mail the Curator at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lodge Hiogo and Osaka, No. 498
The above image is of members of Lodge Hiogo and Osaka, No. 498 (Kobe, Japan). The Freemasons in the image may be the Founder Members of the Lodge but the style of dress and general appearance suggests a later date. Could it may be an Installation photograph?
Unfortunately, the photograph bears no information whatsoever and therefore names of the Brethren shown are unknown.
If anyone can shed any light on the people in the photograph or a probable date and place we would be most grateful.
Please e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any information you may have.
