Now that the film, National Treasure has been out on DVD for some time, I doubt that I will upset anyone by discussing the ending. For those who have yet to see the film, stop reading now because this article contains a spoiler.

I will leave aside the glib provenance of the eponymous treasure, through ancient history to the Knights Templar and their 'creation' of the Order of Freemasonry (in America!) to hide it, as a discussion which would expand beyond the scope of this column.

An opportunity missed

Towards the end of the film our intrepid heroes are ushered into the chamber at the bottom of the shaft beneath the church to find it empty. Gates, father and son convince the villain, Ian Howe (Sean Bean), to head off on a wild goose-chase to Boston, leaving them to their fate. When I first saw the film, I was struck by the great opportunity which the film-makers had missed at this juncture.

Freemasonry's Gold

Now, I know that a vast roomful of gold and priceless artefacts makes for exciting cinematic viewing, but I would have preferred the the Gates' had justified the empty room by explaining that the true 'gold', the 'treasure' of Freemasonry is their teachings.

Starting with the new Initiate, through a series of moral and symbolic lectures, his character is refined and purified. The transmutation of the base characteristics into the purest representation of the principles of Freemasonry is how our Order counts its true wealth.

While our film heroes could stand in an empty room seeking gold, the treasure of Freemasons could not be contained within a single room, indeed it could not even be considered a 'national' treasure as it exceeds all national boundaries, reaching every part of the globe.

After finding the treasure-house and returning to the surface, Gates (Nicholas Cage) discusses his options with Agent Sadusky (Harvey Keitel), whom we discover to be a Freemason. Sadusky makes an observation that the Knights Templar and the Freemasons believed that the treasure was too great for any one man.

How true this is when you consider that its wealth exists only in the actions of all the Brethren who adhere to our principles.

Bro Morrow
Originally uploaded by
Fidelity Masonic Supplies.

Grand Master resigns

News has reached us that Bro. Joseph J. Morrow has, for personal reasons, resigned his Grand Mastership of the Scottish Craft after less than a year in office. It was on 25 November, 2004 that the Reverend Canon Bro Morrow was installed as Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lode of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland.

I for one am saddened to hear that Bro. Morrow has demitted his position. His inimitable style, charisma and enthusiasm were a tonic to our, often staid, organization. I feel sure that had he continued, Bro. Joe would have breathed new vigour into Scottish Freemasonry.

This cannot have been a decision to take lightly: we wish him well, and look forward to his continued company on the Masonic circuit.

Masonic Trowel
Originally uploaded
by Fidelity Masonic Supplies.

The Symbolism of the Masonic Trowel

Within the Masonic Lectures, we find the following:
The Trowel is an instrument used by operative Masons to spread the cement which unites the building into one common mass; but we as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection; that cement which unites us into one sacred band, or society of friends and brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree.

Within the Scottish Constitution, the trowel is the jewel of office worn by the Brother Junior Deacon, and on his installation, he is enjoined to, "spread the cement of brotherly love". While this serves to remind he Brethren of the symbolism behind the trowel, we should not assume that it is the exclusive province of the Junior Deacon to undertake this most important of tasks.

It should be incumbent on every one of us to ensure that when a Brother visits our Lodge, that we should make him feel welcome: only in so doing can you hope to make the friendship last, and encourage the Brother to continue to come among you.

Click here to purchase this Masonic Trowel lapel pin from Fidelity Masonic Supplies.

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