New temple

A hugely ambitious plan to build a massive temple in Jerusalem has been drawn up in an attempt to unite Freemasons - and possibly religions.

Called the Unity of Light, the enormous building is the brainchild of an American mason Charles Mashburn Jr.

He wants the disparate arms of Freemasonry to unite, prompting integration of the wider religious communities.

Mr Mashburn hopes to erect the structure in an area where the stone was mined for King Solomon's temple in 965 BC

It is that first Jewish temple that Freemasons use as a reference for many of their ceremonies and rituals.

Mr Mashburn thought it fitting to erect the new temple in that place as a rallying call for all peoples to unite.

His vision, for which he has drawn up detailed plans, is estimated to cost over 300 million dollars.

He is hoping that a masonic movement might be started to raise the cash to help finance the four-storey building.

The temple complex would include rooms to practise all orders of freemasonry as well as a museum, library, shop and associated offices and storage space.

The total floor space of the Universal Temple of Freemasonry (UTF) would be over 471,000 square feet.

Mr Mashburn said: "The concept is to create universal temple of Freemasonry through the design of a visual and physical creation of progressive architecture.

"This architectural design and concept would use Freemason symbolism and will become a new symbol of Freemasonry for the 21st century.

"The Universal Temple of Freemasonry will be situated in Jerusalem.

"The selection of Jerusalem as the location site is significant to Freemasonry throughout the world.

"King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem became the symbolic birthplace of Freemasonry.
"The proposed UTF site is outside the wall of the Holy City and is situated across from the Damascus Gate.

"In the history of Jerusalem, the Damascus Gate was the entry point where the religious pilgrims would enter the Holy City.

"The site is located between the Armistice Lines of 1957, which divides the different regions and religions of Jerusalem.

"This area is known as the "No-Man's Land". It is a land buffer between the different social, political, and religious persons and is considered by people in Jerusalem to be a site of a neutral nature.

"The site was also selected because of the discovery of King Solomon's Quarry in 1854 in a cave system beneath the Damascus Gate and the Old City of Jerusalem.

"The construction of the UTF in Jerusalem will influence the surrounding cultures through Masonic unity. The UTF will be the new unifying symbol for all Masons around the world.

"The lodge will explore the knowledge and growth of brotherly unity in religion, philosophy, and morality within Freemasonry.

"The primary outcome of the creation of The Universal Temple of Freemasonry is to unite the different orders of Freemasonry through the design of a visual and physical creation of progressive architecture.

"The secondary outcome is to have this architecture and new idea influence better relations in the region."

ends

Dramatic and Arts Lodge of Freemasons no 757

These papers are being sold by Lyon and Turnbull in Scotland with an estimate of up to £250.

Here is the catalogue description..


"Freemasonry, Scotland -- Dramatic & Arts Lodge of Freemasons no 757

Memorandum from Grand Lodge as to registration of lodges as clubs, 10 Nov. 1903; Minutes, memorandums, agendas of meetings, draft bye-laws, annual certificates, draft letters, draft Minutes of meeting of founders, lists of members and brethen, list of proposed founders, certificates of registration, &c., of Lodge Dramatic & Arts 757, Edinburgh, manuscript and printed; 1888-1909; and a large quantity of original letters relating to the Lodge for the year 1893."

Punch bowl

This rather splendid punch bowl was made between 1790 and 1795 in China for the export market.

It is being sold by Sothebys in New York on January 21 and is valued at about £5,000.

Badges

Christies is selling 12 of these badges at its sale on January 19 in New York and they are expected to sell for about £1,500.

The description reads: "Comprising a silver Masonic square and compass, marked coin with maker's mark J.S.; a white metal Masonic eye, and ten other badges including crossed swords, axes, quills, quill and key, and hourglasses; all but first unmarked."

Rosslyn Chapel keeps car park

News from The Scotsman...

Trustees of Rosslyn Chapel have been given permission to continue using a nearby field as a car park for visitors to the historic site.

The Rosslyn Chapel Trust applied for planning permission to use the field located to the north of Chapel Loan as a car park for a further two years.

Midlothian Council approved the proposals at a recent meeting. The field has been used for visitors' vehicles while renovation work continues at the site.

The building is in need of major conservation work, with a £13 million improvement project under way to restore and enhance the attraction.

Renovation work has been needed on attraction for decades, partly because of the poor quality of a major revamp in the 1950s.

The A-listed chapel, which dates back to 1446, is renowned for its intricate carvings, featuring symbols of the Knights Templar, Christianity, Freemasonry and mythology

PoW Art

This Napoleonic PoW art is coming up for sakle at Stacey's auctions in Essex. The catalogue description reads:

"An unusual piece of Napoleonic Prisoner-of-War art, in the form of an oval glass plaque with applied Masonic decoration, in a star burst design white metal frame set with coloured cut glass."

It is valued at £150

Silver Salver

This masonic silver salver is coming up for sale at Bonhams in London on December 1 and is expected to fetch £1,000

The catalogue description reads: "A George II silver salver,
by Hugh Mills, London 1748, shaped circular form, shell and scroll border, on three leaf capped scroll feet, ground later engraved with flower heads and scrolls, central presentation inscription "Presented to A.A. Leveau Esq G.S.B of Grand Lodge of England. M. G. Directer of Ceremonies of Supreme Grand Chapter of England P.Z of Zetland chapter York 287 &r &r &r By the principles, officers and companions of the Zetland chapter of Royal Arch freemasons 287 as a testimonial of ..(?)..regard and esteem and in ackowledgement of the important and valueable services rendered by him with unremitting (?) and attention during a period of (?) years. York 16th November 1853", diameter 36.5cm, weight 33oz."