If you attended the Conference, please leave us your feedback. Thank you. Northern Conference 2004 "Veiled in Allegory" Leyland Masonic Hall, Church Road, Leyland Saturday 13th November 2004 The Brethren assembled with high expectations at the Leyland Masonic Hall for another Cornerstone event. This was the first time that the Cornerstone Society had visited West Lancashire. We we honoured by the presence of the Provincial Grand Master, Colin Penty Wright. Following coffee and registration, the programme commenced with an introduction by Kai Hughes who had organised the Conference. The format this year was slightly different in that each talk was followed by a question and answer session. The Leyland Masonic Hall provided first class hospitality and a delicious buffet lunch. The Provincial Grand Master gave a short talk after lunch, welcoming the Society to West Lancashire. By the time Kai stood up with his closing comments, all the Brethren in the room could say that all their expectations had been exceeded and that they had made several steps forward in Masonic knowledge. Programme Julian Rees delivering a lecture by Michael Baigent "Digging into the Degrees - Lodge Orators in the 21st Century" Julian Rees of Freemasonry Today delivered a talk by Michael Baigent entitled “Digging into the Degrees - Lodge Orators in the 21st Century”. How are we to gain insight into what our symbols mean? Are they so often hidden simply to make life more difficult for us? Perhaps it is vitally important that we are the ones who unveil them! Perhaps a Lodge Orator is called for, to illuminate our path. Professor John Grange speaking on "The Transcendence of Eternity" Professor John Grange demonstrated how through astronomy we can "estimate the wonderful works of the Almighty" with a riveting talk on the vastness and origins of the Universe. Could it really have all come from nothing? Where did the laws of Nature come from? It is all an accident or is is a case of Heaven and Earth being the "vast design" of a Divine Creator? John Grange explained with the help of magnificent illustrations on screen how Freemasonry helps us not only understand our position in the cosmos but also our relationship with the Great Architect. Rev Neville Barker Cryer on "Penetrating the Puzzles of Prichard" A talk about a document that appeared on the streets of London in 1730 entiled "The History of Masonry or Masonry Dissected" written by Samuel Prichard, who claimed to be of a "Constituted Lodge". This booklet was the first of the Masonic "exposures" and probably the most famous - or infamous. Whilst many Masons are aware of this document's existence, the Rev Neville Barker Cryer pointed out that not many are aware of its contents. He suggested that the document sheds some light on the history and origins of the Craft which are somewhat different to the traditional history. He took us on a journey back in time to the York of 76 and through to the 17th Century and Sir Christopher Wren. He demonstrated how the booklet also gives some interesting insights to the Three Degrees of Craft Freemasonry. And the other big question? Just who was Samual Prichard? Matthew Scanlan on "Operative versus Speculative?" Today, as every Mason knows, we refer to ourselves as ‘free and accepted or speculative masons’, but what exactly does this mean and where does this description come from? The original term used by the London Grand Lodge was in fact ‘Free and Accepted’, whereas the term ‘speculative’ was not used until 1757, i.e. forty years after the formation of the Grand Lodge. So where, when, and why did these two labels become co-joined? This illustrated presentation explored how these terms arose and demonstrated how they ill define the modern Craft. It was also argued how such terms have led to a false distinction being drawn between so-called ‘Operative’ and ‘Speculative’ masons. John Acaster on "Through the voice of a Harod? Bro Graham reveals great mysteries at the birth of Freemasonry" Leyland is so far the furthest north of any Cornerstone Conference. It is therefore particularly appropriate to bring to everyone's attention a very important early masonic document which comes from north Britain, though whether from Scotland, Cumbria or Yorkshire is not yet known. The Graham manuscript, which is entitled "The Whole Institutions of Free Masonry Opened and Proved by the Best of Tradition and still some Reference to Scripture", was copied down by someone called Thomas Graham on 24 October 1726. There is no other document like it (though there are some corroborations of parts of its content to be found elsewhere). It is fantastically important to an understanding of where Freemasonry has come from. It gives many clues towards a fuller appreciation of the whole Craft than is otherwise possible today. The early date, this rich mixture, and the context into which these elements are put make this revelation -for that is what it is- particularly exciting. John Acaster produced a 'live version' of this treasure. It was as completely faithful to the original as possible; just a few spellings altered and obscure words clarified, but with the syntax and northern English left intact. Unlike most masonic presentations, this was not a lecturer's explanation and interpretation. It was the real thing. Members of the audience were challenged to think and react for themselves. To read the transcripts of the Lectures, click here.

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