After receiving the approbation of GL for approaching local lodges, I contacted Lodge St Patrick No. 765 under the Irish Constitution and Lodge Mont Faber #1825 under the  Scottish Constitution.
   The Secretary of #765 cordially replied to my request and informed me that due to his traveling, I was invited to talk directly to the WM.  This was a great honor and the  beginning of an amazing journey.
   Meanwhile, I was also kindly informed by the local Grand Master from the GL of Scotland that a meeting of a Research Lodge will be held during my stay and was invited  to attend, scheduling permitting. This was for lodge #1825.
   During my discussion with WM Steve from #765, we agreed to meet on Sunday May 27th at the Freemasons' Hall on Coleman Street in  Singapore.  I decided to walk from my hotel since the distance seemed reasonable.  It was a poor appreciation on my part of the inclemency of the weather close to the equator. It was extremely hot and humid.  I arrived at the Freemason Hall in quite a bad shape.

A brief history of the Freemason Hall is below (from the sign by the National Heritage Board in front of the building)

   "This Building houses the Masonic Lodges, other Masonic Bodies and the Masonic Club in Singapore.  Freemasonry began in Singapore in 1845 with the consecration of Lodge Zetland #748 at the Masonic Room in  Armenian Street. Between 1845-1879, Freemasons held their meetings in different places, until 1879 when they moved into this building at Coleman Street where the Freemason's Hall is located.
   In  1878, the land grant for the building to be used as a Masonic Lodge was issued to R.W. Brother William Henry Macleod Read, the District Grand Master and his successors. The former laid the foundation stone on April  14th 1879 and also consecrated the building on 27 December 1879.  Brother Thomas Cargill, who designed the building, was installed as WM of Lodge Zetland in the East after the consecration.
   The building was designed in English Renaissance, a type of Palladian architecture which was used in England for government and public building then.  The façade consists of a Doric Colonnade with circular windows  above.  Other architectural highlights include arches, Ionic columns, pediments and balustrades.
   Today, the Freemasons' Hall is the venue where 29 Masonic Lodges, Chapter and other Masonic  bodies meet.  Throughout history, freemasons as a society, has a vast and diverse international membership which cuts across race, religion and nationality.  It includes prominent politicians, artists,  musicians, astronauts, educators and professionals.  Amongst them were Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the President of the United States, George Washington."

 Now back to my local adventure.WM Steve Johnson from #765 was waiting for me inside. And what a surprise, the Freemasons' Hall has its own Club and a full service bar reserved to Brethren only. Along the bar are all the emblems for every lodge meeting there. Some impressive Masonic regalia also adorn the walls such as a full size Templar and historical pieces from Freemasonry in Singapore.
   After a very nice canon with local brethren, WM Steve shown me around the lodge building. We visited the main lodge room and the smaller practice room. All in all, it is a very impressive building with a lot of history. All the PM have their names recorded on wood panels around the lodge room including SIR CHARLES WARREN, Chief of Metropolitan Police, at the time of Jack the Ripper and who was to be suspected of his involvement in a "cover up" and even of being Jack himself.
   After the visit, WM Steve took me to his home for dinner. There, we were meet by his lovely Lady who, being from Quebec, allowed me to have a relaxing conversation in French. The setting next to the jungle is impressive and the hospitality of WM Steve was exceptional. He gave me the feeling of meeting an old friend after some time and just catching up on the latest news.
   Well, I should have known better because then, he called Bro. Frank Rahmer, a resident in Singapore but also a member of San Francisco Lodge #120 and a clown with the Shrine. He knows our favorite clown, Steve Greene and our very british secretary Dave Elms and many other brethren from Peninsula #168. It was like being with family.

 I want to thank deeply and warmly WM Steve, his Lady and the brethren who took the time to meet me on a Sunday and to make me feel at home in a far land. WM Steve has demonstrated with kindness and certainly flying color why he is a Zen Master! He deserves the Oriental Chair without equivocation!

Submitted by Sebastien Taveau