GRAND LODGE QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION ‑ THURSDAY 3rd JUNE, 2010 FREEMASONS' HALL, MOLESWORTH STREET, DUBLIN
There were also present:‑ the Provincial Grand Masters of Antrim, Armagh, North Connaught, South Connaught, Down, Londonderry & Donegal, Munster, North Munster, South Eastern, Tyrone & Fermanagh, Wicklow & Wexford and New Zealand; the Chairman of the Metropolitan Board; the Grand Inspector for Gibraltar; R.W. Bros. Charles W. Olden, R. Stanley Johnston, Geoffrey G. Ashton and Robert J. Armstrong, Past Provincial Grand Masters; the Provincial Deputy Grand Masters of Antrim, North Connaught, South Connaught, Down, Londonderry & Donegal, Midland Counties, Munster and Tyrone & Fermanagh; the Deputy Chairman of the Metropolitan Board; the Assistant Grand Inspector for Gibraltar; R.W. Bro. Cyril R. Foster, Past Provincial Deputy Grand Master; R.W. Bro. Michael W. Walker, Past Grand Secretary; R.W. Bros. Allen G. Megarry and William J. Dyer, Past Grand Directors of Ceremonies; R.W. Bros. the Rev. Richard H. Bertram, the Rev. Charles McCurdy and the Rev. W. Warren Porter, Past Junior Grand Chaplains; V.W. Bros. Terence O. Read, Gordon Morrison and Frank R.L. Arnold, Past Grand Deacons; V.W. Bros. Samuel H. Boyle, Arnold J. Cooke, Raymond A. Leadbeater, Gordon Bradshaw and Anthony J. Darlison, Honorary Past Grand Deacons; V.W. Bro. Ralph B. McGuckin. Past Grand Superintendent of Works; V.W. Bro. Kwesi O‑P Ackah, Honorary Past Grand SISTER CONSTITUTIONS REPRESENTED The following Grand Lodges were represented:‑ Quebec, Saskatchewan, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland. Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Brazil G.O., Chile, Mato Grosso do Sul, Venezuela, Guinea, Madagascar, South Africa, China, The Philippines, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and the Prince Hall Grand Lodges of the Caribbean, Colorado, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Ohio. APOLOGIES FOR NON‑ATTENDANCE Apologies for non‑attendance were received from:‑ the R.W. Grand Registrar; the V.W. Grand Superintendent of Works; the V.W. Grand Sword Bearer and the V.W. Grand Inner Guard; the R.W. Provincial Grand Masters of Meath and the Midland Counties; R.W. Bros. Robert J. Thomson, George Miskimmins, William T. Shortland and William J.E. Dukelow, Past Provincial Grand Masters; the R.W. Provincial Deputy Grand Masters of Armagh, Meath, South Eastern and Wicklow & Wexford; R.W. Bros. The Right Rev. Samuel G. Poyntz and The Rev. Canon George N. Little, Past Senior Grand Chaplains; V.W. Bros. Donald C. Willson and Cyril F.A. Quigley, Honorary Past Grand Deacons; V.W. Bro. Cecil Taylor, Past Assistant Grand Treasurer; V.W. Bro. John Torley, Past Grand Sword Bearer: V.W. Bros. Arthur White, Andrew McFetridge and Robert T. McCaffrey, Past Grand Stewards of Charities; V.W. Bros. Victor Whyte and William T.H. Balmer, Past Grand Almoners; V.W. Bros. S. Gordon Leathern, Samuel A. Mackenzie, William J. Dixon and David Penpraze, Past Grand Master's Standard Bearers: the Representatives of the Grand Lodges of Alberta, Canada in Ontario, Manitoba, New Zealand, Andorra, the Czech Republic, France (National), Greece (National), Poland, Columbia (District of), Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, Costa Rica, Argentina, Ecuador, Mato Grosso, Sao Paolo, Burkina Faso, Mali and Japan; and R.W. Bros. Douglas Wakefield and Selwyn Davies, 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 Scotland was represented by R.W. Depute Grand Master Mason, Bro. Hugh Bryson and R.W. Grand Secretary, Bro. David Begg. The United Grand Lodge of England was represented by R.W. Past Senior Grand Warden. Bro. Raymond Lye and V.W. Grand Sword Bearer, Bro. Derek R. Dinsmore. OBITUARIES The Grand Master referred to the recent deaths of R.W. Bro. Ernest I. Steme, Foreign Representative of Utah; V.W. Bro. Dhun K. Mistry, Hon. Past Grand Deacon, Sri Lanka; V.W. Bro. George Crockett, Hon. Past Grand Steward. Zimbabwe: %'.W. Bro. Terrance A. Manton, Hon. Past Grand Steward, Zimbabwe and V.W. Bro, George E. Welch, Hon. Past Grand Steward, Bennuda. The memory of our departed distinguished Brethren was saluted. WELCOME BY THE GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge being opened, the Grand Master formally welcomed our distinguished visitors and the Senior Member of each delegation suitably replied. MINUTES On the proposal of the R.W. Brother Senior Grand Warden, seconded by the R.W. Brother Junior Grand Warden, the Minutes of the March 6th 2010 Communication of Grand Lodge, which had been circulated, were taken as read, confirmed and signed. NOMINATION OF THE GRAND OFFICERS FOR 2011 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 2011:
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 2010. REPORT OF THE GRAND LODGE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES The Board recommended Bro. Albert Bell as a suitable replacement on the Masonic Boys Benefit Fund for Bro. Jonathan Bell, who has retired. Confirmed. The Board considered a charge of unmasonic conduct against Brother of Lodge No. 348, New Zealand, in that having appeared in a New Zealand Court of Law on 29th August 2009 he was found guilty of fraudulent activities and accordingly the Provincial Grand Lodge recommended expulsion. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed. The Board considered a charge of unmasonic conduct against a Brother of Lodge No. 685, Ballymacarrett, in that at Belfast Crown Court on 3rd December 2009 he was convicted on fifteen counts of making indecent pseudo‑photographs of children contrary to Article 3 (1) (a) of the Protection of Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1978. The Board of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down recommended that the Brother be expelled from the Order. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed. The Board considered a charge of unmasonic conduct against a Brother of Lodge No. 104, Kircubbin, in that having been convicted at Downpatrick Crown Court on 19th October 2009 of forgery, false accounting and exposing the public to serious health risks he was sentenced to two years in prison. The Board of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down recommended that the Brother be expelled from the Order. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed. The Board noted for reporting to Grand Lodge the return of the Warrant of Inyati Lodge No. 622, Rossburgh. The Board considered the recent developments in Salem Lodge No. 62, Kenmare vis‑à‑vis resignations and proposed changes in Officers prior to their Installation meeting. The Grand Secretary had strongly advised postponement of same and explained to the Board that the situation in the Lodge appeared not to have improved. He believed that the Provincial Grand Lodge should be given the authority to collect the Warrant for removal to Dublin. The Board agreed and 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 2009. The Accounts were considered in detail and explanations given by the Assistant to the Grand Treasurer. Following the presentation, the Board agreed unanimously that the Accounts, as presented, be recommended to Grand Lodge for adoption. The Grand Treasurer indicated that copies of the accounts were available within Grand Lodge and pointed out salient features to do with same. He wished to thank Bro. Lyall, in the accounts office, ably assisted by Janet Smith. He was most happy to propose the adoption of the accounts which were seconded by the Past Grand Secretary and passed unanimously. 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 re‑election of V.W. Brother James McFarland, as Assistant Grand Secretary for Instruction; and also for the election of W. Brother Paul Kenny as a second Assistant Grand Secretary for Instruction. Confirmed.
Presentation of Certificate V.W. Bro. Reg. Mack being in attendance was presented to the Grand Master to receive his Certificate of Honorary Past Grand Steward. THE GRAND MASTER'S QUARTERLY ADDRESS During the last quarter I have been reasonably busy, especially at Lodges celebrating anniversaries, ranging from 150 years to 225 years and to those presenting long service medals, namely; It is truly remarkable that many Lodges have sustained their existence from their beginnings to the present day and are still going strong; the same can be said of our long serving Brethren and I thank all for their commitment and service. Other visitations were made to; One of the highlights of this three month period was the Choral Evensong in Belleek Parish Church on 30th May 2010 where, at the invitation of the R.W.Bro. Rev. Noel Regan, Junior Grand Chaplain, I attended a service to commemorate the deeds of two local freemasons, John Caldwell and Robert Armstrong, who were instrumental in introducing Belleek Pottery to the area, in the mid to late 1800s. The excellent turnout of the Brethren, their partners and others was very encouraging and a sermon, in which Freemasonry was constantly mentioned, was delivered by R.W.Bro. The Very Rev. Dr. Philip Knowles, Dean of Cashel and Past Junior Grand Chaplain in his usual inimitable style. The Brethren, who came from all around but especially from Donegal, were greatly uplifted and inspired by the words of the Dean and very proud of the supreme dedication of our Junior Grand Chaplain, R.W.Bro. Rev. Noel Regan for whom they hold the highest respect and admiration. The New Chancel and stained glass East Window in the church, is a joy to behold and should you ever pass that way, you would be most welcome to visit the church and appreciate how special a place Freemasonry has in Belleek. Our March Communication was hosted by the P.G Lodge of Meath and held at Cabra Castle. It was an excellent meeting at which I was privileged to meet senior officers of the County Council, some of whom being members of the Order. My thanks go to R.W.Bro. Cecil Tilson, PGM of Meath and his Brethren, who made all the arrangements and ensured a successful Communication. I must also thank my new Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, V. W. Bro. Sam Young, who single‑handedly and superbly, managed the ceremonial. I had the pleasure of Installing R.W. Bro. Norman Reid as Provincial Grand Master, which was well received by the Brethren, especially those from North Connaught, who stood during the installation ceremony. I look forward to working with Norman in the years ahead and wish him good fortune in his new position knowing that he has high standards to live up to, as he follows in the steps of the late R.W.Bro George Ginnelly, whom we will never forget. On 18th March, I had the pleasure of chairing the Grand Master's Council. It was a most enjoyable meeting and I was pleased at the manner in which the Provincial Grand Masters involved themselves with the various issues being discussed. A Review committee has since issued its report, which is now in the process of being implemented In April, I attended the ‘Mothers' Lunch' in Dublin which turned out to be most enjoyable. I spoke to a number of them and felt very satisfied that they were very appreciative of the help that is given to them by our Order. In that regard, I would thank the committee members of all the Charity Funds for their outstanding work and commitment. I attended the lunch of the Masonic Trust Company, met many old friends ( some very old) and was comforted by the fact that our funds have not suffered too severely, thanks to the prudence and skill of our Directors and Fund Managers. In early May, I took time out to host three of my sisters who visited me from the USA, two of whom have been over fifty years away and one forty‑five years. It was nice to have them stay with me and we shared some fond memories. They visited our Molesworth Street premises and were most impressed by what they saw, during which they were present at the unveiling of the portraits of M.W.Bro. Michael Walker and myself. Sadly, M. W. Bro Eric Waller was unavailable as his wife Pam is ill. We wish her God's blessing and trust that he will provide both Eric and her with every comfort. We have thirteen Provincial Grand Lodges in Ireland with twelve overseas Provinces and four Inspectorates. The Inspectorate of South East Asia will become a Province in July of this year. All Provincial Grand Masters and Inspectors report a degree of growth and at best a steady ship ‑ I thank them for that and trust that membership numbers will be more actively addressed in the years to come. I was impressed by the excellent reports for 2009 and extremely pleased that Provinces are becoming more pro‑active. Some Provinces are well ahead in this area but the focus on membership, education, ritual, etc. is quite pronounced. I particularly welcome the `Open Days' and `Library Provision' which is provided by some Provinces and I note that the Province of Munster includes lectures on `Irish Tracing Boards in 1834'. We have witnessed a growth in Past Masters' Lodges and I sometimes wonder what their purpose is, especially when I ask that very question and receive a rather vague response. However, I would welcome their adoption of the themes mentioned above, to which I would add Masonic Learning Centres and any other action which would enhance our activity and knowledge. On the International Scene, everything seems relatively calm with the exception of a problem in the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Malta, a Grand Lodge which the Grand Lodge of Ireland constituted and one in which we have every confidence. Every Grand Lodge, at some point, acquires particular problems, which then have to be addressed. Grand Lodges in the USA seem to have dropped their practice of conferring the three degrees of Craft Masonry to large audiences in major theatres; referred to as passing degrees, as the candidates observe the degrees when exemplified on stage. I welcome this reversal to standard practice. In Europe, there is some evidence of the Volume of the Sacred Law being absent from the Altar ‑ this, of course, is totally unacceptable in Regular Freemasonry. Brethren, may I thank you all for your support, and wish you every success in your Masonic endeavours and a safe return to your homes and families. WELCOME TO VISITING BRETHREN The Grand Master welcomed Brethren from overseas who were in attendance: CHARITY COLLECTION The Charity Collection amounted to €1,255. GRAND LODGE CLOSED |
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