This Charles Laurie portrait of HRH Edward VII in masonic regalia that was signed in pencil sold at Halls Fine Art Auictioneers in Shropshire.
The estimate was between £100 and £150.
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Soft toys for India
This from the Stroud News and Journal - a story of how Freemasons in Gloucestershire and primary school pupils collected and sent toys to an Indian orphanage.
MORE than 700 soft toys collected by children at Rodborough Primary School are being sent to an orphanage in India thanks to the help of the Gloucestershire Freemasons.
Pupils of all year groups generously donated the cuddly creatures from their own toy boxes after the idea was suggested by voluntary teacher John Kimpton, whose brother James has been working with disadvantaged youths in India since 1953.
However, the cost of shipping the toys abroad proved too much for the school, so John contacted the Freemasonry through The Rev Peggy Ludlow at St Mary Magdalene Church in Rodborough, who were happy to pay the bill.
Today, Thursday, April 23, Freemason Mark Smith and Adrian Davies J.P., Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Gloucestershire, visited the school to take stock of the toys before they are shipped out next month.
Mr Kimpton, a former Marling teacher who has been volunteering his help once a week at the school for the past year, said: "I think it is fantastically kind of the freemasons to help us, I must say an enormous thank you for their generosity.
"Soft toys are just about the best gift you can send because they are easy to pack and you can squash a lot of them into a confined space.
"James also thinks it is marvelous."
His gratitude was echoed by head teacher Maggie Halsey, who added: "I think it is excellent they are supporting a project which is so close to the children’s hearts."
Mr Davies said the Freemasons’ society was able to cover the shipping costs thanks to a charitable fund he is creating to benefit the people of Gloucestershire.
"I think it is absolutely brilliant what the pupils have done," he said.
"When the children have given away the things that are most precious to them, we as Freemasons would like to be associated with it and help them send the toys to those who are less fortunate in India."
Pupils of all year groups generously donated the cuddly creatures from their own toy boxes after the idea was suggested by voluntary teacher John Kimpton, whose brother James has been working with disadvantaged youths in India since 1953.
However, the cost of shipping the toys abroad proved too much for the school, so John contacted the Freemasonry through The Rev Peggy Ludlow at St Mary Magdalene Church in Rodborough, who were happy to pay the bill.
Today, Thursday, April 23, Freemason Mark Smith and Adrian Davies J.P., Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Gloucestershire, visited the school to take stock of the toys before they are shipped out next month.
Mr Kimpton, a former Marling teacher who has been volunteering his help once a week at the school for the past year, said: "I think it is fantastically kind of the freemasons to help us, I must say an enormous thank you for their generosity.
"Soft toys are just about the best gift you can send because they are easy to pack and you can squash a lot of them into a confined space.
"James also thinks it is marvelous."
His gratitude was echoed by head teacher Maggie Halsey, who added: "I think it is excellent they are supporting a project which is so close to the children’s hearts."
Mr Davies said the Freemasons’ society was able to cover the shipping costs thanks to a charitable fund he is creating to benefit the people of Gloucestershire.
"I think it is absolutely brilliant what the pupils have done," he said.
"When the children have given away the things that are most precious to them, we as Freemasons would like to be associated with it and help them send the toys to those who are less fortunate in India."
Sunday, 26 April 2009
A Toye Key and Spoon
A key and a silver teaspoon made by the famous firm Toye and Co are coming up for sale. The firm belongs to the exclusive Tercentenarians' Club.
It is for family businesses that have been in existence for 300 years or more.
Toye, Kenning and Spencer Ltd has several UK locations, but in London it is based on Great Queens St., a stone's throw from Grand Lodge.
Its website states: "Since 1685 members of the Toye family have been using their skills to create fine identity products for both the Fraternal Societies as well as Civil and Military markets. "
The silver teaspoon has the Masonic finial, Derby lodge 1055, 1928.
The value is up to £40
They are being sold at Wellers.
It is for family businesses that have been in existence for 300 years or more.
Toye, Kenning and Spencer Ltd has several UK locations, but in London it is based on Great Queens St., a stone's throw from Grand Lodge.
Its website states: "Since 1685 members of the Toye family have been using their skills to create fine identity products for both the Fraternal Societies as well as Civil and Military markets. "
The silver teaspoon has the Masonic finial, Derby lodge 1055, 1928.
The value is up to £40
They are being sold at Wellers.
Friday, 17 April 2009
Ohio Lodge opens its doors
This from the Bucyrus Telegraph Forum in Ohio in the US. It explains how a lodge opened its doors in a bid to recruit members
Ever wonder what goes on behind the doors of a Masonic Lodge?
The public had a rare opportunity to take a peek recently when Galion Masonic Lodge 414 opened its doors in hopes of increasing its membership.
"We need new members, young blood," said F. Jay DeNise, past Master.
The lodge served a pancake and sausage breakfast on a Saturday morning in late March for guests, members and their families. Charles R. Murphy, Grand Master of Ohio Masons, called for lodges across the state to show their communities Masonic fellowship.
The world's oldest and largest men's fraternity, Free-masons claim just under 2 million members in the United Sates, of which about 110,000 are in Ohio.
The Constitution was signed by 13 Freemasons, and 14 U.S. presidents, including George Washington, were Freemasons.
Believed to have its origins in the late 16th century, the organization didn't traditionally recruit -- instead, one asked a Mason how he could join.
DeNise said in recent years, lodges have become more visible and open to recruiting members.
Timothy Cotton -- the lodge's Worshipful Master, or president -- said the improved visibility should draw young people, though he acknowledged the increased mobility and workloads of contemporary society have hurt recruitment.
In addition to those obstacles, DeNise said, "a lot of factors hurt membership in the last couple decades."
As he sees it, one factor is the widespread notion that Freemasonry is a secret society -- portrayed in the media and movies as perhaps something sinister or backward, akin to the Opus Dei of Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code."
In reality, DeNise said, Freemasonry teaches moral lessons, character, friendship and spiritual beliefs.
"A lot of Biblical teachings carried over into the Freemasons. You have to believe in the Divine God," he said.
Members are obliged to be quiet and peaceable citizens, adhering to the Freemason principles of "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth."
The origins of Freemasonry are rooted in the guilds of stonemasons who built the castles and cathedrals of the Middle Ages.
The tools and other objects used were later adapted as symbols for use in modern ceremonies.
"It's the moral building of character rather than building buildings," DeNise explained.
Two of the principal symbolic tools found in a lodge are the square and compasses, which have come to be seen by many as the Masonic emblem. Some Lodges explain the combined-tool imagery as a lesson in conduct.
Freemasons say they are non-dogmatic on this and other symbology -- that is, there is no one accepted interpretation of tools and symbols dictated by Freemasonry. In fact, there is no single governing body for the fraternity, only affiliations between jurisdictions usually based on proximity and mutual recognition.
Serving the community through educational initiatives is one priority of the Galion lodge.
It donates five $1,000 scholarships to area high school students, sponsors Special Olympics and two local little league teams, and donates to Masonic retirement homes across the state.
Junior Warden (vice president) Richard Swain, who is Galion's City Council president, said he joined the lodge while serving in the military. He noted how his mentors -- one of whom is DeNise -- had been important influences in his life.
"It's more than a club. It's something you live by," he said.
Ever wonder what goes on behind the doors of a Masonic Lodge?
The public had a rare opportunity to take a peek recently when Galion Masonic Lodge 414 opened its doors in hopes of increasing its membership.
"We need new members, young blood," said F. Jay DeNise, past Master.
The lodge served a pancake and sausage breakfast on a Saturday morning in late March for guests, members and their families. Charles R. Murphy, Grand Master of Ohio Masons, called for lodges across the state to show their communities Masonic fellowship.
The world's oldest and largest men's fraternity, Free-masons claim just under 2 million members in the United Sates, of which about 110,000 are in Ohio.
The Constitution was signed by 13 Freemasons, and 14 U.S. presidents, including George Washington, were Freemasons.
Believed to have its origins in the late 16th century, the organization didn't traditionally recruit -- instead, one asked a Mason how he could join.
DeNise said in recent years, lodges have become more visible and open to recruiting members.
Timothy Cotton -- the lodge's Worshipful Master, or president -- said the improved visibility should draw young people, though he acknowledged the increased mobility and workloads of contemporary society have hurt recruitment.
In addition to those obstacles, DeNise said, "a lot of factors hurt membership in the last couple decades."
As he sees it, one factor is the widespread notion that Freemasonry is a secret society -- portrayed in the media and movies as perhaps something sinister or backward, akin to the Opus Dei of Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code."
In reality, DeNise said, Freemasonry teaches moral lessons, character, friendship and spiritual beliefs.
"A lot of Biblical teachings carried over into the Freemasons. You have to believe in the Divine God," he said.
Members are obliged to be quiet and peaceable citizens, adhering to the Freemason principles of "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth."
The origins of Freemasonry are rooted in the guilds of stonemasons who built the castles and cathedrals of the Middle Ages.
The tools and other objects used were later adapted as symbols for use in modern ceremonies.
"It's the moral building of character rather than building buildings," DeNise explained.
Two of the principal symbolic tools found in a lodge are the square and compasses, which have come to be seen by many as the Masonic emblem. Some Lodges explain the combined-tool imagery as a lesson in conduct.
Freemasons say they are non-dogmatic on this and other symbology -- that is, there is no one accepted interpretation of tools and symbols dictated by Freemasonry. In fact, there is no single governing body for the fraternity, only affiliations between jurisdictions usually based on proximity and mutual recognition.
Serving the community through educational initiatives is one priority of the Galion lodge.
It donates five $1,000 scholarships to area high school students, sponsors Special Olympics and two local little league teams, and donates to Masonic retirement homes across the state.
Junior Warden (vice president) Richard Swain, who is Galion's City Council president, said he joined the lodge while serving in the military. He noted how his mentors -- one of whom is DeNise -- had been important influences in his life.
"It's more than a club. It's something you live by," he said.
Masonic Longcase Clock
This rather splendid-looking clock containing the phrase "Let brotherly love continue" could fetch £900 when sold at auction.
The catalogue description reads: "A 19th century mahogany longcase clock, W. Young, Dundee, the swan neck hood enclosing a 12.5'' enamel dial with Roman numerals and two subsidiary dials, the twin train escapement striking on a bell, the arch painted with two figures holding a shield below motto 'LET BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE', the spandrels painted with birds and masonic devices of set square and compass, the trunk with reeded quarter columns, on inlaid panel base raised on bracket feet, 210cm high."
It is being sold by Lindsay Burns in Perth, Scotland, on April 21.
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Money raised in Warrington
This from the Warrington Guardian, explaing how masons were moved to raise money for a man whom they read about.
"THE Warrington freemasons donated £1,000 to Bobby Brown's appeal for sight after reading about his condition.
Vic Charlesworth, the care officer for the Warrington Group of Masonic Lodges, was shown a letter asking for help for Bobby and immediately swung into action.
Group chairman Ian Boswell contacted other officers and within hours it had been agreed to make a donation of £1,000 from the West Lancashire Freemasons' Charity.
Ian said: "I am delighted that we have been able to act so speedily and hope that the target can be reached so that Bobby can receive the treatment he needs."
The Masonic Province of Cheshire is also making a £250 donation."
"THE Warrington freemasons donated £1,000 to Bobby Brown's appeal for sight after reading about his condition.
Vic Charlesworth, the care officer for the Warrington Group of Masonic Lodges, was shown a letter asking for help for Bobby and immediately swung into action.
Group chairman Ian Boswell contacted other officers and within hours it had been agreed to make a donation of £1,000 from the West Lancashire Freemasons' Charity.
Ian said: "I am delighted that we have been able to act so speedily and hope that the target can be reached so that Bobby can receive the treatment he needs."
The Masonic Province of Cheshire is also making a £250 donation."
Masonic Skrimshaw
Here is a pair of 19th century whale's teeth decorated with masonic emblems.
US sailors created this unique scrimshaw and it is going under the hammer with an estimate of up tp £2,000.
They are about 5ins high and a banner with the word "LIBERTY" is prominent.
They are being sold by Charles Miller on April 29 in London.
US sailors created this unique scrimshaw and it is going under the hammer with an estimate of up tp £2,000.
They are about 5ins high and a banner with the word "LIBERTY" is prominent.
They are being sold by Charles Miller on April 29 in London.
Saturday, 4 April 2009
Masonic condom case
Here's a novelty item - a masonic condom case.
Should you require a container with a square and compasses on it in which to store your prophylactics then your seacrh is over.
The eBay seller, who has managed to get himself reflected in the photograph, wants £10.99 plus $4.50 postage for a case and states it would make an ideal Christmas present.
He'll even engrave your name and lodge number on it.
Should you require a container with a square and compasses on it in which to store your prophylactics then your seacrh is over.
The eBay seller, who has managed to get himself reflected in the photograph, wants £10.99 plus $4.50 postage for a case and states it would make an ideal Christmas present.
He'll even engrave your name and lodge number on it.
Friday, 3 April 2009
Russian Mason Wants to be Mayor
This from MosNews.com, a Russian story about a mason running for mayor.
"Russia's top mason and former presidential candidate, Andrei Bogdanov, is running in the Sochi mayor elections this spring. He is the 19th candidate seeking to get the top position in the Russian resort city that is hosting the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.
On Wednesday, Bogdanov arrived in Sochi, eyed by numerous businessmen ahead of the Olympics, to file his documents at the elections committee, Russian news agencies said.
He refused to comment on his chances to win the elections, but said he had a program developed to prepare Sochi for the Olympic Games.
He also announced he was going to meet the voters and discuss their problems.
Andrei Bogdanov is known for heading Russia's largest Masonic lodge.
“I am proud to be in and to head the great Masonic Lodge of Russia, whose members were Pushkin, Suvorov, and Kutuzov,” he said in one of his interviews.
However he is better known as the leader of the Democratic Party of Russia, that won 1.3 percent at the 2008 presidential elections in Russia.
Bogdanov's party was widely seen as a Kremlin-controlled project to draw votes away from actual opposition candidates and give voters a tame liberal option.
Meanwhile, the Sochi mayoral elections promise to be interesting, with 19 candidate enlisted so far, including billionaire Alexander Lebedev and opposition leader Boris Nemtsov. Andrei Lugovoi, wanted in UK for the killing of Alexander Litvinenko, has recently pulled out of the race."
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