Freemasonry

Robert has been interested in the history and origins of Freemasonry for many years. He lectures regularly on the subject to both Masonic meetings and to the general public. He has written many articles and co-authored a number of books on the subject.

In August 2000 the 5th International Conference of Great Priories was held in Stirling. It was hosted by the Great Priory of Scotland. The Most Eminent and Reverend Grand Master, Roy Scott asked Robert, who belongs to the Preceptory and Priory of St George Aboyne No 1, if he would take part in a public lecture and general forum to promote a more general understanding of the Order.

The lecture was held in the Albert Halls, Stirling on Friday 25 August 2000 in the morning.

There were three speakers.

• Bro. Robert Lomas, who spoke first, on the Origins of Freemasory.
• Bro. Patrick Sibille, who spoke second, on the Significance of Angels in the Myths and Symblism of the Craft.
• Bro. Robert Cooper, the Grand Librarian and Curator of Grand Lodge Museum, who spoke third, on The Similarities and Differences between the Free Masons and the Free Gardeners.

The session was opened and chaired by Bro. the Rev. Cannon Joseph Morrow who introduced each speaker, allowed questions after each talk and then chaired a general question and answer session where the audience (consisting of the delegates to the International Conference and members of the public) put questions to the panel of speakers on any topics relating to Freemasonry.

In the afternoon, after these public lectures, a Meeting of the Great Priory of Scotland was held which was attended by

• The Grand Masters of the Great Priories of the World.
  • The Official Representatives of:
• The Societas Rosicruciana in Scotia
• The Order of the Secret Monitor
• The Order of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests
• The Grand Imperial Council of Scotland
• The Royal Order of Scotland
• The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland
• The Grand Lodge of Scotland
• The Provost of Stirling and the representative of the Children's Hospice Association of Scotland were honoured (non-Masonic) guests at the Meeting and both addressed the delegates.

After the meeting the Ceremony of Beating the Retreat was held on the forecourt of Stirling Castle, followed by a Banquet, held in the Great Banqueting Hall of James IV.

The lecture Robert gave is listed on the index of this page, if you wish to see it for yourself.