For a start the camera that took the picture according to the images properties was a NIKON COOLPIX S8100, ISO 160.Quote:
Posted by Shannow
I'm guessing the image was taken at Union Theatre, Lithgow, New South Wales, Central Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia.
The Union Theatre situated directly opposite Lithgow Court House which is in the shape of a triangle and all seeing eye. The eye being the half circle window in the center of the building.Quote:
Union Theatre
In 1929 the Trades Hall was opened in Lithgow by Ben Chifley. The Trades Hall Council had a central role in representing all union interests in Lithgow and provided a focus for the town's recreational activities.
It had union offices, two theatres, the Union Theatre and the Trades Hall Theatre, as well as local meeting rooms.
(Lithgow Council, 2013)
Quote:
"First elected to a Labor seat in parliament in 1928, Chifley lost his seat in 1931, but was re-elected in 1940. Chifley was Treasurer in the Curtin Labor government in 1941 and was a prime mover of the economic organisation for the war. Chifley was elected leader of the Labor Party after John Curtin died in July 1945."
Quote:
1929
"The world was teetering on the verge of economic depression and Labor’s hopes of beginning a program of reform were quickly dashed. The Scullin government was forced by the private banks and the Bank of England to administer policies based on orthodox economic theories to drag Australia from the slump."
Quote:
"From the back benches of the parliament, Ben Chifley was unhappy with the government’s methods, but was unable to offer a credible alternative. He expressed frustration over the government’s inability to exercise full control over the economy due to the power of the banks. He became absorbed by economics, reading avidly and developing an ongoing interest in economic theory."
Quote:
"elected leader of the "Federal Parliamentary Labor Party on July 12, 1945"
(Worker, 1947)
Quote:
"Ben Chifley was a committed centralist. As Prime Minister he introduced national projects such as the Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme and the assisted immigration program. He also pushed through legislation that enabled the Commonwealth to become the collector of income tax and sought nationalisation of the private banks so that the federal government could have more control over the economy."
Quote:
"Treasurer in the Curtin Labor government in 1941, during World War II."
(http://primeministers.naa.gov.au/pri...re-office.aspx)
Quote:
"Chifley was largely responsible for the economic organisation of the war effort. The federal government’s takeover of the income taxing function in 1942 and Australia’s PAYE (pay as you earn) income tax system were Chifley initiatives. Chifley was also responsible for postwar reconstruction and the transition to a peacetime economy."
Quote:
"Mr. Chifley has been a member of four Governments (Scullin, Curtin, Forde and Chifley Governments) has sat in the 1928, 1929, 1940, 1943 and the present Parliament."
(Worker, 1947)
Worker (1947). Worker (Brisbane, Qld. : 1890 - 1955) Monday 14 July 1947. BEN CHIFLEY TWO YEARS PRIME MINISTER.Quote:
"Chifley lost office at the 1949 federal election, after his attempt to nationalise the banks. In Opposition, Chifley was against RG Menzies’ proposal to ban the Communist Party – a major issue at the federal election of April 1951. Two months after the Labor Party was again defeated, Ben Chifley died on 13 June 1951."
The Worker. Pg 1. Brisbane, Australia.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/arti...searchTerm=Ben Chifley&searchLimits=
Accessed 01/08/2013
Chifley was Australia’s 16th Prime Minister. He worked as a railway engine driver in his home town of Bathurst, New South Wales, employed for 25 years on the New South Wales railways.
Source: http://primeministers.naa.gov.au/pri...sters/chifley/
Source: http://primeministers.naa.gov.au/pri...re-office.aspx
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PART 1 - The Shield
Quote:
"Above this is a shield divided by a cross: in the top left quarter is an hourglass; in the top right quarter crossed keys; in the lower left quarter a beehive; in the lower right quarter a lamb and flag. There is a central escutcheon with a rose, thistle, shamrock and sometimes a leek. Below the shield there is sometimes a cornucopia and dove with olive branch, sometimes just fruits, foliage and more rose, thistle and shamrock."
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Hourglass
Quote:
Hourglass. Signifies Truth, the shortness of Time, and the certainty of death. It teaches promptness in assisting those in need and in improving oneself in the practical virtues.
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Quarter crossed keys
Quote:
Crossed keys. Signifies the security of the Order and its finances, it is often used as a Treasurer’s badge.
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Beehive
Beehive is a common symbol used by Freemasons.Quote:
Beehive. Illustrates prosperity and the rewards of hard work.
(http://www.freemasonry.london.museum...ddfellows1.pdf)
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Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)
Links to Knights Templar...
Quote:
The Grand Masters of the Knights Templar during the later 12th and the 13th century used a double-sided great seal which showed a representation of The Dome of the Rock (or a circular dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre) on one side, and the Order's symbol of two knights on one horse on the other side. This design is first attested as in use by Bertrand de Blanquefort, the order's sixth Grand Master, in 1158, forty years after its foundation, and it remained in use until the dissolution of the order in 1312.
Quote:
In heraldry, a Lamb of God (or paschal lamb, or agnus Dei) is a lamb passant proper, with a halo or charged with a cross gules, and the dexter forelimb reflexed over a cross staff from which a pennon of St. George (Argent a cross gules) is flotant. The seals of the Masters of the Temple in England: of Aimery de St Maur, 1200, Robert of Sandford, 1241, Richard of Hastings, 1160–85, and William de la More, 1304, showed the agnus Dei.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnus_DeiQuote:
Lamb of God (Greek: αμνος του θεου, amnos tou theou; Latin: Agnus Dei) is a title for Jesus that appears in the Gospel of John. It appears at John 1:29, where John the Baptist sees Jesus and exclaims, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Templar_Seal
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PART 2 - Globe, Heart & Hand
Below the hand is the "Terrestrial Globe", which denotes the universal spirit of benevolence in Oddfellowship.Quote:
A heart on an open hand. This is the most characteristic Odd fellow symbol and any object bearing this is fairly certain to be an Odd fellow item – no other friendly societies seem to have used it. It signifies Friendship, and that any act of kindness (the hand) is without merit unless accompanied by the proper impulse of the heart.
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PART 3 - The Eye of Providence
Quote:
"The Eye of Providence. This signifies the All-Seeing Eye of God and is also associated with charity, seeing where aid is required."
(http://www.freemasonry.london.museum...ddfellows1.pdf)
Quote:
The symbolic usages of the eye can be divided into a number of types. First, the eye alone: this usage is the most open to a wide range of interpretations, and misinterpretations. It can be anything from representing the benevolent, omnipotent all-seeing eye of God to representing an evil malevolent being or society. It can represent security and protection when used by Pinkerton’s Detective Agency, or intrusive tyranny when used in movies to represent oppressive regimes, species or ideologies.
The next most common representation is the eye inside a triangle. The equilateral triangle is a common symbol for Deity in any culture that has worshipped the triune nature of God. Examples can be seen in the Pfarrkirche at Grmunden am Traunsee, built in 1626, the Fisherman’s church at Traunkirchen, and the church of the monastery of St. Florian near Linz.
The eye inside a glory, or radiating lines, more clearly defines the eye as representing the all-seeing eye of God and was a common Christian symbol in Renaissance art and early lithography.
The hamsa, or eye in the palm of a hand, is an Arabic and Jewish apotropaic amulet for magical protection from the evil eye. The word hamsa, or hamesh, refers to the five digits on the hand. Also called the hand of Fatima, in reference to the daughter of Mohammed, or the hand of Miriam, the hamsa appears in a two-thumbed, bilaterally symmetrical form, as well as in a more natural form in which there is one thumb. Archaeological evidence suggests that the hamsa predates both Judaism and Islam. Examples can also be found in Roman art and South American hoodoo iconography. It has no masonic significance.
The representation of an eye in or above a pyramid derives its usage from the unique representation on the reverse of the USA Great Seal, most commonly found on the American dollar bill. There is no documented illustration of an eye together with a pyramid prior to 1783. Neither the eye nor the pyramid have ever been uniquely masonic symbols, although the Grand Lodge of Italy incorporated combined the image into its seal in 1805. The combining of the eye of providence overlooking an unfinished pyramid is a uniquely American, not masonic, icon. While the all-seeing eye appears on early embroidered masonic aprons, there are no available documents showing the all-seeing eye associated with Freemasonry prior to 1797 and none at all related to the Bavarian Illuminati.
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http://www.anony.ws/i/2013/07/27/l2ozI.jpg
http://www.anony.ws/i/2013/07/24/58vP.jpg
http://www.anony.ws/i/2013/07/24/g6QcA.jpg
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Source: http://oxforddictionaries.com/defini...?q=FreemasonryQuote:
"Syllabification: (Free·ma·son·ry)
Pronunciation: /ˈfrēˈmāsənrē/
noun
1the system and institutions of the Freemasons.
2 (freemasonry) instinctive sympathy or fellow feeling between people with something in common:the unshakable freemasonry of actors in a crisis"
(Oxford Dictionary, 2013)
Source: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/d...?q=freemasonryQuote:
"Freemasonry
noun [U]
/ˈfriːˌmeɪ.sən.ri/
Definition
› (also Masonry) Freemasons considered as a group, or their beliefs and activities › literary (also freemasonry) friendly understanding between people who are similar or do similar things: The two rivals were nevertheless united by the freemasonry of the acting profession."
(Cambridge Dictionary, 2013)
Grand Lodge of South Australia & Northern Territory - http://www.santfreemasons.org.au/Quote:
People not familiar with the organizations began not to see the distinction between the Freemason's actions during the American Revolution and the Illuminati's actions during the French Revolution. While from the outside there are similarities and the organizations could be defined as cousins -- even siblings -- it is clear that the true distinction is both in the goals and means."
(Done, 2013)
Grand Lodge of Western Australia - http://www.freemasonswa.org.au/
Grand Lodge of Tasmania - http://www.freemasonrytasmania.org/
Freemasonry Queensland - http://www.uglq.org.au/
Freemasonry Victoria - http://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/
Freemasonry New Zealand - http://www.freemasons.co.nz/wp/
Freemasonry in Australia and New Zealand
- VICTORIA
- QUEENSLAND
- SOUTH AUSTRALIA & NT
- WESTERN AUSTRALIA
- TASMANIA
- NEW ZEALAND
Masonic Orders
- Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite - http://www.scottishrite.org.au/
- Mark and Royal Arch Masons - http://usgcnsw.org.au/
- Order of The Secret Monitor - http://www.osmnorthernaustralia.org.au/
- Order of the Amaranth - http://www.amaranthqld.com.au/
- DeMolay - http://www.demolay.org.au/welcome/#welcome
- Order of the Eastern Star - http://www.oesqld.com.au/
- Freemasons’ Association - NSW&ACT - http://freemasonsassocnswact.org.au/
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
Mark and Royal Arch MasonsQuote:
"The Third Degree, for all Craft freemasons, is the highest degree able to be conferred in any Craft Lodge (known as the “Blue” Lodge).
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (the “Rite”) is an Order providing all Craft masons with the opportunity to advance well past the Craft degrees; to expand and extend their knowledge, understanding and indeed their lives in the mysteries and sciences of freemasonry generally.
The Rite in Australia is, generally, perceived to be divided into two distinct sections:
1. Rose Croix Freemasonry
Fourteen Intermediate Degrees commencing with the Fourth Degree and closing with the Eighteenth Degree (The Rose Croix Degree). These Degrees deal with the circumstances of “H’s” death, the subsequent actions taken by King Solomon to complete the Temple and the legend of the Secret Vault and its contents; and
2. The “Higher” Degrees
The Degrees from the 19th to the 30th inclusive are conferred in a Sovereign Council. These Degrees expand Masonic knowledge and teaching into the cryptic, philosophical and Knightly aspects of the Order. Thereafter, there are three additional degrees (31st to 33rd inclusive); the latter being the highest Degree of the Order.
Looking at a little background on rituals in Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite in particular. --- When the Grand Lodge of England was formed in 1717, it may have had only one degree - two at most. Certainly there were two within a short space of time and then- three by the time that Grand Lodge had a Constitution. Some of the changes to the basic degrees in those early years had particular relevance to the Scottish Rite:
“H”, the Principal Architect at the construction of King Solomon's Temple, was barely mentioned in early Craft rituals. By 1730, in these Craft degrees, “H” had been murdered, his body hidden and the manner of his death explained. It took another 80 years for the full story of “H A” to be explined as we know it today.
This is especially important to appreciate, because the Scottish Rite, which evolved from the Order of the Royal Secret, or as it is commonly known, the French Rite of Perfection, by 1786, already contained the full story of “H A”.
Further, The name Scottish is actually derived from the French "Ecossais Degrees" and is not a result of any connection with Scottish Freemasonry."
(Supreme Council of the 33° for Australia, 2013)
The Order of the Secret Monitor or the brotherhood of David and JonathanQuote:
"The United Supreme Grand Chapter of Mark and Royal Arch Masons of NSW and the ACT (USGC) has a membership of approximately 1,500 Companions.
The USGC is dedicated to promoting and assisting Craft Masons to complete their journey in Masonry. It does this by offering the Degrees of pure Ancient Masonry as recognised in the Constitution of the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT, namely the Degrees of Mark Master Mason and the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.
Our Degrees take participants on a fascinating journey of knowledge and self discovery – expressed through allegory and traditions steeped in history – and which uncover the genuine Masonic secrets, previously lost in the slaying of Hiram Abiff during the construction of King Solomon’s Temple.
With the USGC, you will work every degree. This means you will experience the lessons of pure Ancient Masonry on a deeply personal level, which you’re sure to find empowering and transformative.
As one Companion has said of his membership in the Royal Arch, “…my understanding of what life is all about and my feelings for my fellowmen have been greatly enhanced.”
Our Order’s activities and events are colourful and interesting, and USGC Companions are typically highly engaged with Masonic life."
(The United Supreme Grand Chapter of Mark and Royal Arch Masons, 2013)
The Order of the AmaranthQuote:
"An Order of David and Jonathan existed in Holland in the 18th Century but our present Order was brought from America to Britain by Dr. I. Zacharie about 1875. Originally the Order, as worked in America, consisted of a single degree, which could be conferred on any worthy Master Mason by another brother who had received it himself. Under Zacharie, a Grand Council was formed in 1887 and the ritual was extended to the present system of three degrees. Later there followed a problematic period when the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees was empowered to confer the American version of the Degree. The conflict between the two bodies was resolved in 1931 when all rights were transferred to the Grand Council (later Conclave) of the Order of the Secret Monitor.
The Order consists of three degrees;
Induction as a Secret Monitor is the First Degree where we have reference to David (father of Solomon) and Jonathan (son of Saul the first King of Israel). David was a great warrior and a servant of the King. Saul however, soon became jealous of David’s brilliance and plotted to kill him and the First Degree graphically describes how Jonathan warned David (in a non-obvious manner, hence "Secret Monitor"), not to return to King Saul's household. It is taken from the first book of Samuel. The lesson in the Degree is the importance of friendship and fidelity.
The Second Degree is the Princes degree,
Through his friendship with Jonathan, David was informed of the plot to kill him and fled to the hills for safety. In order to keep David informed of developments within the King’s court, Jonathan devised a special system of communication which the Degree embraces and develops.
Saul was informed of the association between David and his son and blamed those around him for encouraging it. Saul embarked on a major search for David, slaughtering many whom he believed to be involved in his concealment but David triumphed and eventually became the second King of Israel.
This Degree tells how David admitted into his band one who had escaped from a massacre carried out at the order of Saul.
This is also taken from the first book of Samuel, and again stresses the importance of friendship and fidelity.
The third Degree is the Installation Ceremony of Supreme Ruler who is the Presiding Officer of the Conclave. It is unique, in that in addition to the actual Installation Ceremony that is usually carried out by the Supreme Ruler's predecessor, there is the Ceremony of Commissioning, The Ceremony of Commissioning must be carried out by a Past or present Grand Officer, usually the most senior present, which confers status throughout the entire Order, and a Certificate is issued by Grand Conclave to that effect.
These ceremonies are very moving and it is upon the principles exemplified therein that the system of communicating friendship and caring among the members of the Order is promoted in a practical way."
(Order of the Secret Monitor, 2013)
Quote:
"The Order of the Amaranth is a fraternal organization composed of Master Masons and their properly qualified female relatives. In its teachings, the members are emphatically reminded of their duties to God, to their country and to their fellow beings. They are urged to portray, by precept and example, their belief in the “Golden Rule” and by conforming to the virtues inherent in TRUTH, FAITH, WISDOM and CHARITY they can prove to others the goodness promulgated by the Order.
(S.K. Roland E. Randall, P.G.R.P., 2013)
Quote:
The extent of its Charitable Work and overall Benevolence is limited only by the opportunities that exist, and the ability to secure adequate funding. Its Philanthropic project is the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation. The flag of the appropriate country is prominently displayed at all meetings creating a strong sentiment of patriotism and devotion to the respective land that we love.
(S.K. Roland E. Randall, P.G.R.P., 2013)
Quote:
Conspicuously upon the Altar is placed the Holy Bible, the inspired word of God. Its divine truths send forth its sacred luster to all parts of the globe and is used among us as a symbol of the will of God. It reminds us of the omnipresence of the “Almighty” overshadowing us with His Divine Love and dispensing His blessings among us.
(S.K. Roland E. Randall, P.G.R.P., 2013)
Quote:
conspicuous
Pronunciation: /kənˈspɪkjʊəs/
adjective
clearly visible:he was very thin, with a conspicuous Adam’s apple
attracting notice or attention:he showed conspicuous bravery
Phrases
conspicuous by one's absence
obviously not present where one or it should be: ratepayers grumbled that the police were conspicuous by their absence"
(Oxford Dictionary, 2013)
Order of DeMolayQuote:
The leaves of the Amaranth plant (like the “Laurel”) is indicative of distinction and honor, and when formed into the “Amaranthine Wreath” with its never ending circle, is typical of the bond of fraternal friendship which encircles our beloved order, and which has a central place upon our Standard (Ceremonial Flag), surrounding the “Crown and Sword”."
(S.K. Roland E. Randall, P.G.R.P., 2013)
Quote:
"DeMolay is the largest club in the world for guys aged 12 to 21."
(Order of DeMolay, 2013)
Order of the Eastern Star
Quote:
"The concept of what we know today as the Order of the Eastern Star had its origin in France, where it was most extensively promoted, and spread to other parts of Europe. The most trustworthy claim as to the date and place of its origin is that the organisation began about the middle of the 18th Century.
The Order was of the highest character and its ritual, rites and ceremonies were ornate and beautiful. However the system did not appeal to the manners and habits of the American people and it was not introduced into America at that time
Most Worshipful Brother Dr. Robert Morris, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, 1858/59, a very learned and respected Masonic Lecturer, and ultimately Poet Laureate of Freemasonry, introduced an imitation of it which he had compiled, under the name of the American Adoptive Rite."
(Order of the Eastern Star, 2013)
Quote:
"(the “Rite”) is an Order providing all Craft masons with the opportunity to advance well past the Craft degrees; to expand and extend their knowledge, understanding and indeed their lives in the mysteries and sciences of freemasonry generally."
(Supreme Council of the 33° for Australia, 2013)
Quote:
"It consisted of a ceremony of initiation and of five degrees named (1) Jephthah’s Daughter, or daughter’s degree; (2) Ruth, or the widow’s degree; (3) Esther, or the wife’s degree; (4) Martha or the sister’s degree; (5) Electa, or the Christian Martyr (or mother’s degree). These five degrees formed the five points of the star used as an emblem of the order to this day.
The objects were to associate in one common bond the worthy wives, widows, daughters and sisters of Freemasons; to secure to them advantages from a moral, social and charitable point of view, and from them, the performance of corresponding duties. These were similar to the original purpose of the organisation which had become so popular in France and throughout much of Europe.
Because of the fact that Dr. Morris had prepared the outline of the ritual for the organisation, as adopted by the General Grand Chapter of America of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1876 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dr. Robert Morris is often credited with being the founder of the Order. He certainly had much to do with creating favourable conditions for such an organisation and contributed greatly to the final establishment of the General Grand Chapter of America of the Order of the Eastern Star.
The Ritual and Ceremonies, which still remain little altered from his original work, were evolved by Robert Morris when he was in a deeply religious state of mind. The first four of the notable female Bible characters chosen as symbols and representations of the five degrees were, said Brother Morris – illustrations of four great examples of womanly virtue; Jephthah’s Daughter, given the name of Adah, brilliantly represents the proper respect to the binding force of a vow; Ruth beautifully illustrates devotion and loyalty to the memory of a loved one and wholehearted consecration to religious convictions and principles; Esther represents the commendable virtue of taking a risk to assist family and friends in their hour of need and Martha illustrates the value of undeviating faith in the hour of trial and sorrow. The fifth, and last of the characters representative of notable principles, was prepared to stand up for beliefs and was famed for her genuine piety and loyalty to the fundamentals of Christianity. Electa (the elect lady) is numbered among the martyrs of the first century A.D. and movingly illustrates the principles of patience and submission under persecution, ill-treatment and even death, for a noble cause."
(Order of the Eastern Star, 2013)
Quote:
"The Order of the Eastern Star sustains an important and independent relationship with the Masonic Fraternity. Freemasonry is not identical with the Order of the Eastern Star and the Order of the Eastern Star is not Freemasonry, nor does it profess or wish to be."
(Order of the Eastern Star, 2013)
Quote:
"In due process of time, the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland was formed, with authority to control and expand the order in Scotland, England, Ireland and the whole of the British Empire overseas. A concordat or treaty agreement, adopted by the General Grand Chapter and by a convention of Scottish Chapters held in Glasgow, in 1904, stated: The Grand Chapter of Scotland (later known as The Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland) shall have supreme and exclusive jurisdiction of Great Briton, Ireland and the whole British dominions (excepting only those upon the Continent of America) and that a Supreme or General Grand Chapter of the British Empire shall be formed as soon as Chapters are instituted there in and it seems expedient to do so."
(Order of the Eastern Star, 2013)
Freemasons’ Association - NSW&ACTQuote:
"In addition to fulfilling the aims and objectives for which the Order was established, the members have always supported local and state-wide charitable appeals, and worked extensively for relief funds set up during depression years and World War II. Assistance has been given to the victims of State and National disasters over the years."
(Order of the Eastern Star, 2013)
Quote:
The Association is open to Freemasons, their wives, partners and widows of Freemason. Freemason means a Brother who has been made a Mason in accordance with the Book of Constitutions of Grand Lodge and is a subscribing member of a Lodge in the jurisdiction of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. You are welcome to join us regardless of your religion, gender, race and social status.
(Freemasons’ Association - NSW&ACT, 2013)
I'm not finished but this is what I got so far...I've literally just woke up so this is what I have for you with a cloudy sleepy mind...Quote:
The Association is the network to facilitate activities of Freemasons in NSW and ACT it is also a social wing of the United Grand Lodge of NSW and ACT and has conducted various social events, promoting greater friendship, entertainment, fun, care, support and contributions to the community. It has held charity activities and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to worthy causes such as the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, Queensland Flood Appeal, etc.
(Freemasons’ Association - NSW&ACT, 2013)
