UP

GRAND LODGE
of
ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
OF IRELAND 

QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION ‑ THURSDAY 7th JUNE, 2007
at
FREEMASONS' HALL, DUBLIN 

Present:‑

M.W. Grand Master George Dunlop
R.W. Deputy Grand Master Douglas T. Grey
R.W. Assistant Grand Master Leslie Johnston
R.W. Senior Grand Warden Charles R. Knipe
R.W. Junior Grand Warden Adam J. McKinley
R.W. Grand Treasurer Charles W. Olden
R.W. Grand Registrar Arthur D. S. Moran
R.W. Grand Secretary D. Barry Lyons
R.W. Grand Director of Ceremonies William J. Dyer
R.W. Senior Grand Chaplain Rev. Canon George N. Little
R.W. Junior Grand Chaplains The Ven. John Murray
  The Rev. Selwoode Graham
V.W. Senior Grand Deacon Frank R. L. Arnold
V. W. Junior Grand Deacon John L. Frazer
V.W. Grand Superintendent of Works David T. Young
V.W. Assistant Grand Treasurer Arnold J. Smith
V.W. Asst. Grand Director of Ceremonies Ivan A. Meldrum
V.W. Grand Steward Noel A. Drain
V.W. Grand Sword Bearer Rodney L. McCurley
V.W. Grand Stewards of Charities Dennis R. Millen
  Diarmuid McNulty
V.W. Grand Almoners William T.H. Balmer
  Richard Ensor
V.W. Grand Organist John N. Rowden
V.W. Grand Lodge Standard Bearer Noel Simpson
V.W. Grand Masters Standard Bearer Brian Kershaw
As V.W. Grand Inner Guard Richard H. Gray
V.W. Grand Secretary for Instruction Michael J. Ward
V.W. Asst. Grand Secretary for Instr. Robert J. Armstrong

There were also present:‑ the Provincial Grand Masters of Antrim, Armagh, North Connaught, South Connaught, Down, Londonderry & Donegal, Meath, Midland Counties, North Munster, South Eastern, Tyrone & Fermanagh and Nigeria; R.W. Bros. Kenneth A.B. Fergusson and Joseph Chiara, Grand Inspectors for Sierra Leone and Gibraltar; R.W. Bros. Robert S. Hackett, R. Stanley Johnston, Kenneth J. Dunne, Geoffrey G. Ashton, William J.E. Dukelow and Herman A. Mould, Past Prbvincial Grand Masters of South Connaught, the Midland Counties, North Munster, Tyrone & Fermanagh and Ghana; the Provincial Deputy Grand Masters of Antrim, North Connaught, South Connaught, Midland Counties, North Munster, South Eastern, Tyrone & Fermanagh, Wicklow & Wexford and Nigeria; the Assistant Grand Inspector for Gibraltar; R.W. Bros. Cyril R. Foster and Fidel 1. Chiwetalu, Past Provincial Deputy Grand Masters of North Munster and Nigeria; R.W. Bro. Kenneth G. Brislane, Past Senior Grand Warden; R.W. Bro. Michael W. Walker, Past Grand Secretary; R.W. Bros. David McKee, Allen G. Megarry and Cecil D. Burns, Past Grand Directors of Ceremonies; R.W. Bros. the Rev. Charles McCurdy, the Rev. W. Warren Porter and the Very Rev. Philip J. Knowles, Past Junior Grand Chaplains; V.W. Bros. Arthur T. Pollock, J. Noel Millar, Norman Humes, Gordon Morrison and Robert J. Robinson, Past Grand Deacons; V.W. Bros. Samuel H. Boyle, Major E. James Bate, Arnold J. Cooke, Donald C. Willson, Raymond A. Leadbeater, Anthony J. Darlison and Cyril F.A. Quigley, Honorary Past Grand Deacons; V.W. Bro. Ralph B. McGuckin, Past Grand Superintendent of Works, V.W. Bros. Reginald Mack and R.S. Morrow, Honorary Past Grand Sword Bearers; V.W. Bros. Ivor A. Moloney, J. 1. A. Davison, Trevor Monteith and William J. Johnston, Past Grand Stewards of Charities; V.W. Bro. Emmanuel D. Andrew Jaja, Honorary Past Grand Steward of Charities; V.W. Bro. Bernard V.A. Woods, Past Grand Almoner; V.W. Bros. Brian Sheridan and Samuel Scott, Honorary Past Grand Stewards; V.W. Bros. Norman Jackson, S. Gordon Leathern, Robert T. Bashford, S.A. Mackenzie and Brian Kearon, Past Grand Master's Standard Bearers; and R.W. Bros. Henry M. Robinson and Andrew W. Coid, Past Grand Representatives. 

SISTER CONSTITUTIONS REPRESENTED

The following Grand Lodges were represented:‑ Scotland, Alberta, British Columbia. Manitoba, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece (Nat.). Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey. Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland. Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island. South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Argentina, Venezuela. Burkina Faso, Gabon, Madagascar, Mali, India, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and the Prince Hall Grand Lodges of Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Ohio. 

APOLOGIES FOR NON‑ATTENDANCE

Apologies for non‑attendance were received from:‑ the V.W. Grand Lodge Standard Bearer: the R.W. Provincial Grand Masters of Munster, Wicklow & Wexford, New Zealand and Ireland in India; the V.W. Grand Inspector for Botswana; the R.W. Provincial Deputy Grand Masters of Londonderry & Donegal and Meath; R.W. Bros. Daniel B. Fincher, Robert J. Thomson and T. Noel Bownes, Past Senior Grand Wardens; R.W. Bro. Michael R. Bicknell, Past Grand Director of Ceremonies; R.W. Bro. the Rt. Rev. Samuel G. Poyntz, Past Senior Grand Chaplain; R.W. Bros. the Ven. R. Clayton Stevenson and Canon Richard Bertram, Past Junior Grand Chaplains; V.W. Bros. Terence Reid and Kenneth Abernethy, Past Grand Deacons; V.W. Bros. Gordon Bradshaw and Mervyn W. Morrison, Honorary Past Grand Deacons; V.W. Bro. Cecil Taylor, Past Assistant Grand Treasurer; V.W. Bro. Michael R. McWilliam, Past Assistant Grand Secretary; V.W. Bro. John Torley, Past Grand Sword Bearer; V.W. Bro. Robert Mills, Past Grand Steward of Charities; V.W. Bro. David A.R. Lovesy, Past Grand Almoner; V.W. Bros. Donald H. Finlay and Peter D.G. Read, Past Grand Master's Standard Bearers; the Representatives of the Grand Lodges of South Australia, Tasmania, Andorra, Denmark, Germany (United Grand Lodges), Alaska, Arizona, District of Columbia, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, Sao Paulo, Cuscatlan El Salvador; Ecuador, Mato Grosso do Sul, Peru, Benin, Guinea, the Ivory Coast, South Africa, China, Japan and the Philippines and R.W. Bros. Douglas Wakefield, Harold Ross and Herbert Meeke, Past Grand Representatives. 

DELEGATIONS FROM SISTER CONSTITUTIONS

Prior to the opening of Grand Lodge, the Grand Director of Ceremonies escorted delegations from visiting Sister Grand Lodges into Grand Lodge: 

The Grand Lodge of Finland was represented by M.W. Brother Arto Uusitalo, Grand Master and Antti Uski, Grand Secretary;

The Grand Lodge of Scotland was represented by M.W. Bro. Sir Archibald D. Orr Ewing, Bart., Grand Master Mason and Bro. David M. Begg, R.W. Grand Secretary;

The United Grand Lodge of England was represented by R.W. Brother Alan Englefield, Grand Chancellor. 

WELCOME TO DISTINGUISHED VISITORS

Grand Lodge being opened, the Grand Master formally welcomed our distinguished visitors and the Senior Member of each delegation suitably replied. 

OBITUARY

The Grand Master referred to the recent deaths of M.W. Bro. the Marquess of Donegall, Past Grand Master and Past Provincial Grand Master, South Eastern and whose eulogy was delivered by R.W. Bro. Michael W. Walker, Past Grand Secretary;

R.W. Bro. Arthur E. Gomes, Past Provincial Grand Master of the Far East and Hon. Past Senior Grand Warden; V.W. Bro. James Stark, Grand Inner Guard; V.W. Bro. William A. Ingram, Past Grand Steward of Charities; R.W. Bro. Thomas A.D. Martin, Past Grand Master's Standard Bearer and Past Foreign Representative; R.W. Bro. Derek R. Stone, Foreign Representative of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey; R.W. Bro. John R. Falconer, Past Foreign Representative; V.W. Bro. Akpan A. Udoete, Past Provincial Assistant Grand Master, Nigeria; V.W. Bro. John M. Goodhall, Hon. Past Grand Steward and V.W. Bro. Sydney W. Pierce, Hon. Past Grand Organist, The Far East.

The memory of our departed distinguished Brethren was saluted. 

MINUTES

On the proposal of R.W. Brother Charles R. Knipe, Senior Grand Warden, seconded by R.W. Brother Adam J. McKinley, Junior Grand Warden, the Minutes of the March 15th 2007 Communication of Grand Lodge, which had been circulated, were taken as read, confirmed and signed. 

INVESTITURE OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER SOUTH EASTERN

R.W. Bro. Thomas Charles Brodie McBain, Deputy Provincial Grand Master South Eastern, being in attendance, the Grand Director of Ceremonies formed a procession and presented him to the Grand Master for Obligation, Investiture and Installation as Provincial Grand Master of South Eastern. R.W. Bro. McBain's sponsors were R.W. Bro. Arthur Keppel, Past Provincial Grand Master and V.W. Bro. John Mitchell, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, South Eastern.

Placing him in his seat the Grand Master proclaimed as follows : `Brethren, I hereby proclaim that this day R.W. Bro. Thomas Charles Brodie McBain, Provincial Deputy Grand Master, has been duly Obligated, Invested and Installed as R.W. Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of South Eastern. Brethren assist me to salute our newly installed Provincial Grand Master.' R.W. Bro. McBain was saluted. 

INVESTITURE OF FOREIGN GRAND REPRESENTATIVE

V.W. Brother Maurice W. Lee, being in attendance and having produced his Patent of Appointment, the Grand Director of Ceremonies formed a procession and presented him to the Grand Master for Investiture and formal presentation of his Patent of Appointment as Representative of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. The newly invested Grand Representative was conducted to his seat and saluted. 

NOMINATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OFFICERS FOR 2008

In accordance with Grand Lodge Law No. 43, the Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes nominated the following Brethren to be the Grand Officers for 2008:‑ 

Grand Master George Dunlop
Senior Grand Warden Adam J. McKinley
Junior Grand Warden William J. Dukelow, Past Provincial Grand Master, Tyrone & Fermanagh
Grand Treasurer Charles W. Olden
Grand Registrar Arthur D.S. Moran
Grand Director of Ceremonies William J. Dyer
Senior Grand Chaplain The Rev. Canon George N. Little
Junior Grand Chaplains The Ven. Archdeacon John G. Murray
  The Rev. Selwoode Graham
Senior Grand Deacon Noel A. Drain
Junior Grand Deacon Rodney L. McCurley
Grand Superintendent of Works David T. Young
Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Ivan A. Meldrum
Grand Steward Douglas Thompson
Grand Sword Bearer John O. Dunlop, Provincial Assistant Grand Master, Antrim
Grand Stewards of Charities Diarmuid McNulty
  James Stanley, Deputy Chairman VJ MBF
Grand Almoners Richard Ensor
  Edward Brownell, Deputy Chairman Masonic Welfare Fund
Grand Organist John N. Rowden
Grand Lodge Standard Bearer Thomas R. McDowell, Provincial Grand Steward of Charities, Annagh
Grand Inner Guard Basil Elliott, Past Master of Lodge Nos. 859 & 473, Enniskillen

W. Brother Peter H. Mullock FCA, Past Master of Lodge No. 395, Dublin, was nominated as the Auditor of Grand Lodge Accounts for the year 2007. 

REPORT OF THE GRAND LODGE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES

The Board noted for reporting to Grand Lodge the return of the Warrant of Lodge No. 822, Mbabane, Swaziland, in the Province of South Africa Northern. 

The Assistant Grand Master reported on the findings of the sub‑committee chaired by himself, set up to consider the creation of an additional Grand Lodge Office. The proposal was for an additional Grand Steward of Charities Officer to be shared on a rotational basis between Antrim and Down in the first instance but also, if merited, with potential nominees from the other Provinces. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed. 

The Assistant Grand Master reported on the findings of the sub‑committee chaired by himself, set up to consider complaints between Brethren in Antrim and Senior Provincial Grand Lodge Officers in Antrim. The sub‑committee proposed that the dispute be referred to mediation and the Board approved the proposal, the Deputy Grand Master to facilitate this. 

The Board noted the contents of a letter from Trinity College Lodge No. 357, Metropolitan Area critical of the new Candidate Application Forms. 

Read letter from St. Patrick's Lodge No. 295 proposing to use its travelling Warrant throughout Germany, and elsewhere, for meetings and visits. It was agreed that this could only be approved under the conditions set out by, and following invitations from, the host Grand Lodges and having been previously arranged through the Grand Secretary's Office. 

Vacancies having arisen in the Representations of the Grand Lodges of New Zealand, Kansas and North Dakota, the Board recommended that the names of V.W. Bro. James H. McClurg, W. Bro. Kevin Spring and W. Bro. Sydney Graham, be sent forward for consideration to act as their Grand Representatives here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed. 

Read letter from the Grand Lodge of India submitting the name of R.W. Bro. Girish Shastri, Regional Grand Master of Eastern India to act as a suitable Representative there. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed. 

Read letter from the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island submitting the name of V.W. Bro. Allison Coles to act as a suitable Representative there. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed. 

At the conclusion of the Stated Meeting of the Board, a Special Meeting was held in accordance with Grand Lodge Law No. 66, at which were submitted the Accounts of Grand Lodge for 2006. The Accounts were considered in detail and explanations given by the Assistant Grand Treasurer. Following the presentation, the Board agreed unanimously that the Accounts, as presented, be recommended to Grand Lodge for adoption. Grand Lodge approved the adoption of the accounts with special thanks expressed to the Assistant Grand Treasurer, Bro. Andrew Lyall and Ms. Janet Smith. 

GRAND LODGE OF INSTRUCTION

Read letter from the Grand Lodge of Instruction seeking Grand Lodge approval for the re‑election of R.W. Brother Michael J. Ward as Grand Secretary for Instruction and the election of V.W. Brother James McFarland, member of the Grand Lodge of Instruction, as Assistant Grand Secretary for Instruction; and also for the election of W. Bro. J. Arthur Davison of City Lodge No. 686 as a member of the Grand Lodge of Instruction. Confirmed. 

CONFERRAL OF HONORARY RANKS

The Grand Master, with the concurrence of Grand Lodge, conferred the following Honorary Ranks:

Past Grand Deacon  
R.W. Bro,. Tjaart L. Adlem Provincial Assistant Grand Master, S.A.N. On promotion
V.W. Bro. Samuel Opara On promotion from Past Grand Inner Guard
V.W. Bro. Peter L. Ntor On promotion from Past Grand Steward
V.W. Bro. Peter K. Opoku On promotion from Past Grand Supt. of Wks.
V.W. Bro. David O. Andah On promotion from Past Grand Steward
V.W. Bro. Sanvi G. Byll-Cataria On promotion from Past Grand Steward
V.W. Bro. Kwaku Baah On promotion from Past Grand Steward
   
Past Grand Superintendent of Works  
V.W. Bro. Albertus L. Pretorius On promotion from Hon. Past Grand Steward
W. Bro. Sylvester B. SanaMonsi - Past Master of Lodge No. 828, Nigeria
W. Bro. Kwadwo Kwarteng Past Master of Lodge No. 850, Ghana
W. Bro. Kwesi O. P. Ackah Past Master of Lodge No. 912, Ghana
V.W. Bro. Justice C. Blankson Provincial Grand Chaplain, Ghana
   
Past Grand Steward  
V.W. Bro. Andrew Wong Provincial Grand Treasurer, The Far East
W. Bro. Terence G. Hicks Provincial Asst. Grand Secretary, The Far East
V.W. Bro. Graham S. Leathes Provincial Assistant Grand Master, Zimbabwe
V.W. Bro. Johannes F. Jansen Past Provincial Grand Lodge Chaplain, S.A.N.
Bro. Maxwell E. Ujubuonu Member of Lodge No. 864 & 885, Nigeria
W. Bro. Amobi D. Nwokafor Past Master of Lodge No. 847, Nigeria
V.W. Bro. Godson K. Adadevoh Provincial Grand Chaplain, Ghana
V.W. Bro. Israel A.G. Adjei Provincial Grand Chaplain, Ghana
V.W. Bro. Ekow Bentsi-Enchill Provincial Grand Secretary, Ghana
V.W. Bro. Koffi Georges de Souza Provincial Grand D. of C., Ghana
   
Past Grand Sword Bearer  
W. Bro. Igwe Dike Past Master of Lodge No. 838, Nigeria
   
Past Grand Steward of Charities  
W. Bro. Beneth N. Nwakalo Past Master of Lodge No. 828, Nigeria
W. Bro. Hakim Abina Past Master of Lodge No. 643, Nigeria
   
Past Grand Almoner  
W. Bro. Ejimofor Amadi-Oyioma Past Master of Lodge Nos. 828 & 902, Nigeria
   
Past Grand Master's Standard Bearer  
W. Bro. Henry S. Corscadden Past Master of Lodge Nos. 692 & 40
   
Past Grand Lodee Standard Bearer  
W. Bro. Kosmos Ntemuse Past Master of Lodge No. 886, Nigeria
W. Bro. Chuka Ifejika Past Master of Lodge No. 885, Nigeria
   
Past Grand Inner Guard  
W. Bro. Joseph B. Vipene Past Master of Lodge No. 902, Nigeria
W. Bro. Donald Siminialayi Past Master of Lodge No. 908, Nigeria
W. Bro. Aloysius C. Asike Past Master of Lodge No. 908, Nigeria

 THE GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS

The Grand Master in his Address to Grand Lodge made the following points: 

Brethren, since my last address at our very successful March Communication in Enniskillen, 1 have visited nine Lodges, three European Grand Lodges, a Provincial Grand Lodge of the English Constitution, attended an International Conference on the History of Freemasonry and performed the Ceremony of Laying the Foundation Stone. 

Most of my visits were prompted by the desire to celebrate Lodge centenaries and other landmarks as well as to honour Brethren who had reached their 50th year as members of the Order and a few who had served much longer. Some visits were truly exceptional such as Lodge 40 where Bro. Harry Corscadden, just like V. W. Bro. Cyril Quigley, reached his 100th birthday and 75 years membership and is still an active member. 

Similarly, at King David's Lodge No. 820, I presented R. W Bro. Harold Ross with his 50 year membership jewel and certificate and was pleased to see him installed in the chair of Worshipful .Master for the second time. 

I also visited Glittering Star ‑The Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Lodge No. 322, meeting in Birmingham in March. 

In Europe I accepted invitations to visit the Grand Lodges of Spain, Finland and Italy, all of which were most delightful and enjoyable. The Grand Secretary and I attended the Grand Lodge of Spain, in Barcelona, which was celebrating 25 years since its reconstitution, following the demise of General Franco's government. We next visited Finland and 1 am so pleased that the Grand Master, MW Bro. Arto Uusitalo, Grand Secretary VW Bro. Antti Uski and their wives are with us today. In Italy the Grand Master, MW Bro. Fabio Venzi treated my Deputy and I so well, I doubt that we can ever match his generosity and kindness. 

I also fulfilled an invitation to the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Lancs., the largest province in the English Constitution where I was accompanied by R. W. Bro. Noel Simpson. It was a wonderful occasion and I renewed old acquaintances, met some Irish Brethren and played golf at Royal Lytham St Anne's. 

A major Conference on the History of Freemasonry was held in Edinburgh and attended by myself along with the Pro Grand Master of UGLE and the Grand Master Mason of Scotland. Many papers, which had particular significance for specific interests, were presented over three days by both masons and non‑masons. 

On 11th April, I performed the Ceremony of Laying the Foundation Stone in Ballintoy, with the Provincial Grand Master of Antrim, following a similar ceremony at Portrush earlier in the year. 

Looking to future events. 

You will have read in the Grand Lodge News of the very positive public relations we gained from the participation of Events GLI in the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition, most of which was held in this magnificent Grand Lodge Room.

The Competition ran over three days and I congratulate the Operations Management Team of Events GLI and staff from Freemasons' Hall, whose dedication and commitment ensured such a successful outcome.

Leading on from this success, I am pleased to say that Events GLI will again co-operate with the Veronica Dunne International Competition, (including RTE Lyric FM), by bringing the international winners of the competition for their first re‑appearance in Ireland, to the National Concert Hall on Saturday September 22nd. The success of these public events in promoting our image depends on a mixed audience of both the general public and members of our Order from all of its branches. Events GLI have listened carefully to comments, that some previous events may have been 'too heavy', 'too expensive' or 'not at the weekend' and have hopefully solved them all. 

Finally, I would thank all the Provincial Grand Masters for their effective oversight of their districts and look forward to developing meaningful strategies for growth and consolidation. I especially thank our outgoing Provincial Grand Master of South East, R W Bro. Arthur Keppel for his successful stewardship of that area and wish him health and happiness in the days to come. I welcome R. W. Bro. Tom McBain and look forward to working with him in his new and important position. Lastly, I would especially thank my Deputy, my Assistant and the Grand Secretary for all the day to day work they do and all other officers and administrators for the ongoing support which I receive. 

CHARITY COLLECTION

The Charity Collection amounted to €1,908.32 

GRAND LODGE CLOSED

Later that evening one hundred and forty Brethren and their companions enjoyed a buffet supper at the conclusion of which the Grand Master made a short address