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News
On this page we, the Rosslyn Templars, will bring you whatever news that comes our way and which we think might be of interest to our visitors. If you have any item which you think might usefully be included here please let us know. The latest news items are shown immediately below and 'descends' in chronological order.
International Conference on the History of Freemasonry
We have just learned that the amazingly successful ICHF conference of 2007 is to be repeated in May 2009 - probably for the last time before it moves to another country. The organisers argued, successfully, that as 2009 marked the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's National Bard, Brother Robert Burns, ICHF should again be held in Edinburgh. This was in the hope that not only papers on all aspects of Freemasonry would again be submitted but on this occasion new research into the life of Robert Burns and especially the impact of Freemasonry on his life and work would be submitted. For further details please click here to go to the conference web site via any previous link.
Freemasonry continues to hold a fascination for many people, fuelled no doubt by numerous books and even a Hollywood Film, yet many of these books are written by people who are not Freemasons and the small number which are written by Freemasons they are not Scottish Freemasons. Why should this matter? How can non-Masons have a genuine insight to the Craft (as it is often called) when they have not experienced an Initiation, Passing and Raising (to use Masonic parlance.) The answer is simply that they cannot. Why should that matter? Quite simply because to be a Freemason one has to experience the process of becoming a Freemason but also to subsequently participate in 'Freemasonry'. This is something that a non-Mason cannot provide in their musings, written or otherwise, regarding Freemasonry.
Cracking the Freemasons Code is a straight forward explanation of Freemasonry from an entirely Scottish viewpoint. No other book offers that kind of insight. For those live in the USA and Canada you might wish to order directly from the publisher Simon and Schuster by clicking here or on the previous links.
Photography Banned at Rosslyn Chapel
It has recently been announced that a ban on photography within Rosslyn Chapel has been imposed. Visitors will no longer be able to take photographs of their visit. The move is ostensibly on Health and Safety grounds. Colin Glynn-Percy, the new director of the charity: Rosslyn Chapel Trust, said that there were concerns that people could trip up whilst taking photographs. From now on people will have to no choice but to rely on buying pictures from the Rosslyn Chapel shop. To read more click here or on previous links.
Second International Conference on the History of Freemasonry Announced
The first International Conference on the History of Freemasonry - ICHF was held over the course of the weekend 25th and 27th May 2007. It was a resounding success attended by almost 250 delegates. It has just been announced within the last few days that a second conference will be held at Freemasons' Hall of the Grand Lodge of Scotland - the home of Scottish Freemasonry. More details will be posted here as soon as they become available.
Landmark judgement on Freemasonry by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
The ECHR has recently published a landmark judgement on a case of discrimination against Freemasons and Freemasonry in Italy, and therefore Europe. Judgements of the ECHR are applicable to the UK where, as many will be aware, Freemasons are the subject of discrimination which verges on persecution. There are several point awaiting clarification but in the meantime the text of the most recent judgement and the earlier cases have been made available on the Grand Lodge of Scotland web site.
The Rosslyn Hoax? now available in the USA
Please note that the Rosslyn Templars do not sell any books (or anything else for that matter - Ed.)
International Conference on the History of Freemasonry - ICHF
The first International Conference on the History of Freemasonry - ICHF was held over the course of the weekend 25th and 27th May. It was preceded by the NYOS Staffa award ceremony which was sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Scotland - the home of Scottish Freemasonry. The award ceremony and the conference were held in Freemasons' Hall, Edinburgh. A report has been posted here of the conference.
The book by the Curator of the Grand Lodge of Scotland (the home of Scottish Freemasonry) has sold out. We have received numerous requests from people anxious to obtain a copy but although they have been disappointed we are delighted to be able to report that The Rosslyn Hoax? is now to be reprinted as a paperback. For more details click here or on previous links.
Ever since a Scottish Sunday newspaper reported in 2002 that a Japanese electronics company was offering a reward to anyone who could crack the alleged musical code people have been trying to do just that. To read the 2002 story click here or on the previous link. Now Rosslyn Chapel are to stage a performance of the musical code - it is expected that this will cause a secret door to open revealing the Holy Grail. To read the story click here or on the header.
Rosslyn Chapel to get Taxpayer's money for restoration
It has been announced that Rosslyn Chapel Trust Ltd. has been awarded taxpayer's money to restore the chapel despite making £500,000.00 from visitor's admission fees (£7.00 per person) during 2006. For the full story click here or on previous links
Rosslyn Templar to run Marathon for Charity
Brother Robert Currie is due to run the Edinburgh Marathon in May. All money raised will be donated to the Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS). For details as to how to sponsor Robert click here on previous links.
The Rosslyn Chapel Trust Ltd. (a charity registered in Scotland) made more than half a million pounds profit in 2006 from visitors. For more details click here or on the heading.
Amazon
The Rosslyn Templars are regularly asked to supply books which are reviewed or otherwise mentioned on this site. We have explained before that we do not sell books as that does not within the scope of this site. However, recognising that some visitors do wish to buy books we have added (where possible) direct links to Amazon.co.uk Please note that we will try to provide suitable links (provided that Amazon stock the book) for all books on the site but this is likely to take some time so please bear with us until this is completed.
Like Rosslyn Chapel, other sites which feature in The Da Vinci Code have experienced a surge in visitor numbers. Principally these are the Louvre Museum in Paris (where the novel begins and ends) and the Temple Church in London. The Louvre is beyond the scope of this web site but we are aware that a guide book on the Templar Church has recently been re-published. For more details click here or on previous links.
New director for Rosslyn Chapel
Stuart Beattie, the project manager at Rosslyn Chapel, has moved on to new pastures. He is replaced by Colin Glynn-Percy a Scottish landholder with various business interests. In an interview with the Scotsman newspaper he makes some interesting and perhaps prophetic comments about the chapel and its future. To read the full article click here or on previous links.
Mr Glynn-Percy has something of a colourful past posing nude for a calendar. To read an article about that aspect click here or on the previous link.
St Duthac Collegiate Church is the most northerly collegiate church on the Scottish mainland. Not very much is know about it but what we have been to find has now been added to this web site. Interestingly it was contemporary with Rosslyn Chapel. To read what has been posted click here or on previous links.
Not many people will be aware that Robert Cooper has written another book also about Freemasonry. This was published at almost exactly the same time as The Rosslyn Hoax? Cracking the Freemason's Code, was written at the same time as The Rosslyn Hoax? and was officially published on 5th October - The Rosslyn Hoax? was published on 9th October. Once we get more information we shall review the book in more detail. Meantime there is a little information about the book available by clicking here.
Freemasonry and Rosslyn Chapel
The Rosslyn Templars have been asked on a number occasions as to what is the best book on the subject of Freemasonry (and associated subjects) and Rosslyn Chapel. This is not an easy question to answer and so we have devoted a new page to that subject. To go there click here on the previous link. In the first instance the Rosslyn Templars have attempted to list most of the books written in the last 25 years or so which comment on Freemasonry, Rosslyn Chapel, the St. Clair (Sinclair) family etc. The list commences with The Holy Blood and The Holy Grail (1982) to The Rosslyn Hoax? (2006).
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry
The Crusades The Talmud Understanding Catholicism The Roman Empire Communism The American Revolution
With the publication of this book is Freemasonry now seen as a normal part of society, has it finally lost the connotation that is in some way 'dodgy'? The fact that it joins the Pantheon of organisations which are legal and legitimate suggests that it has.
To read a review of the book click here or on any previous link including the graphic.
MADDY PRIOR AND FRIENDS
The Quest Tour
Maddy Prior visits Rosslyn Chapel on Wednesday 25th Oct. Box Office: 01865 241 717
Over a remarkable career spanning over 3 decades, Maddy Prior MBE has become widely recognised as the voice of English folk music.
An unsurpassed interpreter of traditional song, Maddy is also a songwriter of great vision, whose solo work has stretched the boundaries in the form of extended song cycles that combine her favourite themes of history, mythology and tradition.
Joined once again by long-time collaborators Nick Holland (keyboards) and Troy Donockley (uillean pipes, guitars, cittern and whistle), The Quest Tour will however represent an astounding new twist in Maddy’s story. Fans around the world will be invited to join her, the musicians and crew through a series of web streams, including behind the scenes footage and exclusive live performances.
Yet this is more than just a meeting of folk music, reality tv and the web. Given that the tour will visit such historical locations as Glastonbury, Tintagel and culminates with a show at Rosslyn Chapel, the spectre of the Holy Grail will loom large over proceedings. A series of experts will be on hand to provide answers to viewers’ questions on all aspects of this fascinating phenomenon, [we are informed that the Grand Lodge of Scotland has not been approached to provide a Masonic expert - Ed.] Arthur and questing in general; a chance for the public to discover the truth behind the Hollywood gloss.
Viewers will also be invited to make their own contributions to the experience by representing their own personal quests through words and visuals. All contributors displayed on the web will have their names entered into a cauldron, from which a winner will be drawn on the last night of the tour, receiving a special goblet their own personal grail.
Join us for this incredible meeting of the past, present and future at www.graillegend.com
Please Contact John Dagnell or Kate Shirley on 01865 241 717 or via email.
It's official - Rosslyn Chapel is Masonic - according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). To read the article concerned click here or on the previous link.
The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland (the Grand Lodge of Scotland - the home of Scottish Freemasonry) has re-launched its web site. Completely redesigned and much more user friendly. To go there click here or on any previous link.
We have been waiting for more information about this new, and we hear potentially shocking, book about Rosslyn Chapel - The Rosslyn Hoax? is due to be published sometime in late October. A separate page has therefore been created where we shall post news about the book as and when it becomes available. To go there click on the Rosslyn Hoax link. Please note that the link: The Rosslyn Hoax? will take you away from this site and to a site dedicated to the book - please use your back button!
The International Conference on the History of Freemasonry (ICHF)
It has been confirmed that the conference will take place and that a dazzling array of scholarly talent will be presented. More details will follow. Meantime there are some further details on the Grand Lodge of Scotland web site - the home of Scottish Freemasonry
Please note that you will leave this site so use the 'back button' to return to this page of this web site. we shall try to grab an image to post here to save you leaving this site - we have now obtained an image - see left.
What do Freemasonry and Mouse Mats have in common? Nothing! - except that the Grand Lodge of Scotland has just produced a Masonic Mouse Mat. It has been spotted in their online shop but they have not yet announced that it is available. To see the Masonic Mouse Mat click on this link. We shall try to have an image here soon.
Membership of the Rosslyn Templars
When this small group of people came together to form what is now known as the Rosslyn Templars it was never envisioned that so many requests would be received to become one of us. For years we have have steadfastly refused to create any category of membership simply because this was an entirely private initiative begun, initially, by Robert Cooper (who still thankfully contributes material), but with the passage of time the web site has increased greatly in size and having of been online for so long with so much information has had several consequences. To read more about our thoughts on this matter click here or on the above link.
The Rosslyn Hoax?
We have just received confirmation that the long awaited book: 'The Rosslyn Hoax?' is scheduled to be published later this year. The announcement was made at the London Book Fair on 7th March 2006.
Here's the blurb:
The Rosslyn Hoax? - would you like to know the truth about Rosslyn Chapel? Since the publication of the novel "The Da Vinci Code" huge numbers of non-Masons have been asking questions and putting forward theories about Freemasonry – especially Freemasonry in Scotland, and its alleged connection with the Knights Templar, the St. Clair family and Rosslyn Chapel. This book is a product of the research undertaken to answer those thousands of questions. The results will surprise a lot of people.
Here are some of the things the author asks:
• Have the public been the victims of a massive hoax? • Are the Freemasons themselves the victims of an enormous conspiracy? • Has the meaning of the Kirkwall Scroll been hijacked for a particular purpose? • Is it true that Rosslyn Chapel has been physically changed to make it appear Masonic? • Who benefits, and why, from trying to cover it all up?
Robert L. D. Cooper is the Curator of the Grand Lodge of Scotland Museum and Library (Edinburgh) and is custodian of the oldest and most precious Masonic documents anywhere in the world. He is in the most privileged position to know ‘from the inside’ the truth about all the various theories regarding Rosslyn Chapel, Freemasonry, the Knights Templar and the St. Clair family. For the first time a Scottish Freemason, one pre-eminent in the field, speaks out. At last Scottish Freemasons themselves are being asked about Freemasonry, Rosslyn Chapel, the Knights Templar etc. and this book will provide many of the answers readers of, for example, 'The Da Vinci Code' etc. have been seeking.
To be published by Lewis Masonic (?December 2006?) Hardback (230mm x 150mm) Approximately 300 pages. Illustrated ISBN: 0853 182558 £19.99 per copy
Once more details become available they will be posted here - so keep visiting!
International Conference on the History of Freemasonry
It has recently been announced that an International Academic Conference is to be held in 2007 in Edinburgh, Scotland. One of the organisers is Robert L. D. Cooper, Curator, of the Grand Lodge of Scotland Museum and Library explained: 'Freemasonry, especially Scottish Freemasonry, has attracted a lot of interest over the last few years and it was thought that the time was right to put the academic study of Freemasonry on an international footing.' The range of subjects relating to Freemasonry is huge.' He said: 'I have no doubt that this International Conference will attract scholars from all over the world. In fact several of the most pre-eminent historians in the field have already committed their support.'
What subjects will be covered we asked? Cooper said: 'There will be no restriction on the subject matter of papers presented at the conference as long as they are relevant to Freemasonry. The papers must be scholarly, that is, meet rigorous academic standards. I, along with many others, will be very interested to see what papers will be submitted by popular writers on subjects such as Rosslyn Chapel, the Knights Templar, the Priory de Sion, the St. Clair (Sinclair) family, hereditary Grand Masters etc. all of which are claimed to have some connection with Freemasonry.'
How will papers for presentation at the conference be selected we asked? 'A good question' said Cooper. 'To maintain the highest standards, all papers will be selected by 'blind peer review.' What does that mean we, the Rosslyn Templars, asked? 'Oh, yes, my apologies. In the academic world the process is this: if you have an idea for a paper you need to write about 300 words outlining the content of the paper. It must then be e-mailed to: ICHFpapers@glasconf.demon.co.uk - snail mail proposals can be accepted but need to be sent to the conference organiser - address below. The proposal, minus all material which might identify the author is removed, in order to make it anonymous. The anonymous proposal is then submitted to an academic committee which is made up of the most pre-eminent historians in the field'. The conference organiser, NorthernNetWorking has no connection with the Academic Committee other than acting a 'Post Box' for proposals for papers. Well, okay, we ask what do they do? Cooper explained: 'at the closing date all the proposals for papers are considered and graded. Those which meet the appropriate standards are then short listed. All those submitting papers which are accepted or rejected will be notified accordingly.' So what happens to the short listed proposals? Cooper explained: 'There are only so many 'slots' available at the conference but we hope that all papers of an acceptable standard will be presented.' There is some doubt in your voice on that we said, would you care to expand further? 'Eh, yes, why not. If there are too many acceptable papers then the Academic Committee will have to judge which are to be presented and which are not.'
The conference will be held over three days (25 - 27 May 2007) and proposals for papers to be presented at the conference are now invited. To download a Word document detailing the Call for Papers click here. To download a .pdf file of an illustrated brochure click here.
The conference now has its own dedicated web site at:
Genealogical Enquiries
We do receive enquiries from people trying to track down details of the Masonic career their forebears. Unfortunately, the Rosslyn Templars are not in a position to find such information. However, you can contact the Grand Lodge of Scotland for such information by clicking here or on the previous link. Please note that they can only search the records for Scottish Freemasons. We shall endeavour to find similar e-mail contacts for the Grand Lodge of England and Ireland.
Brother Robert Cooper, Curator of the Grand Lodge of Scotland Museum and Library, has now returned from his three month, round the world, Masonic lecture tour and we hope to interview him regarding his experiences in the next few weeks.
In the interim you might like to know that he has created a web site dedicated to the tour ('it will save me sending photographs all over the world' (sounds like a Scot to me! - Ed.) The web site can be accessed at: www.anzmrctour.org Please note that it is still under construction.
Every two years the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council (ANMRC) invite a Masonic scholar to give a series of lectures to Research Lodges and other Masonic bodies in the southern hemisphere. The 'touring lecturer' for 2005 is Robert Cooper, the Curator of the Grand Lodge of Scotland Museum and Library in Edinburgh.
We hope to provide full details of Brother Cooper's itinerary here once all the details are available. Meantime, there is a considerable amount of material about the origin, purpose and vision of the ANZMRC on their web site. To go there click here or on any of the previous links relating to the ANMRC.
Once we have Brother Cooper's itinerary we also hope to post an interview with him, time permitting, on this site.
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A few more details about the forthcoming book are now available. The author has
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