GRAND LODGE
of
ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF
IRELAND

QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION ‑ THURSDAY 7th JUNE, 2012
at
FREEMASONS' HALL, MOLESWORTH STREET, DUBLIN

Present:

M.W. Grand Master	George Dunlop, on the Throne
R.W. Deputy Grand Master	Douglas T. Grey
R.W. Assistant Grand Master R.W. Senior Grand Warden	Rodney McCurley Michael J.  Ward
R.W. Junior Grand Warden	Selwyn S. Davies
R. W. Grand Treasurer	Richard Ensor
R.W. Grand Secretary	D. Barry Lyons
R.W. Grand Director of Ceremonies R.W. Senior Grand Chaplain	Sam Young The Rev. Selwoode Graham
R.W. Junior Grand Chaplains	The Rev. Noel H.L. Regan
	The Rev. Richard W. Moore
V.W. Senior Grand Deacon	Alan Stewart
V.W. Junior Grand Deacon	Stanley W. Murphy
V.W. Grand Superintendent of Works	David T. Young
V.W. Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies V.W. Grand Steward	Cecil Wellwood Ivan Gillespie
V.W. Grand Sword Bearer	L.C. Joseph McCormick
V.W. Grand Steward of Charities	Diarmuid McNulty
V.W. Grand Almoners	Leslie Nixon J. Edward Brownell
	T. Albert Wilson
V.W. Grand Organist	John N. Rowden
V.W. Grand Lodge Standard Bearer	Robert W.J.H. McMurray
VW. Grand Master's Standard Bearer V.W. Grand Inner Guard V.W. Grand Secretary for Instruction V. W. Assistant Grand Secretaries for Instruction	Kwesi O-P Ackah Raymond Mark Michael J. Ward James McFarland Paul Kenny

There were also present:‑ The Immediate Past Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Eric N. Waller; the Provincial Grand Masters of North Connaught, Down, Meath, Midland Counties, Munster, North Munster, South Eastern, Wicklow & Wexford, Far East and South East Asia; the Chairman of the Metropolitan Board; R.W. Bros. Charles W. Olden, Robert J. Armstrong, J. Kenneth Dunne, Geoffrey G. Ashton, Harvey F.J. Heavener, and Robert G. Quigley, Past Provincial Grand Masters; the Provincial Deputy Grand Masters of Antrim, North Connaught, South Connaught, Down, Londonderry & Donegal, Meath, Midland Counties and Munster; R.W. Bros. Cyril R. Foster, Edward C.W. Smith and John Hadden, Past Provincial Deputy Grand Masters; R.W. Bro. Michael W. Walker, Past Grand Secretary; R.W. Bro. the Right Rev. Samuel G. Poyntz, Past Senior Grand Chaplain; R.W. Bros. the Rev. Charles McCurdy and the Rev. W. Warren Porter, Past Junior Grand Chaplains; R.W. Bros. Allen G. Megarry and William J. Dyer, Past Grand Directors of Ceremonies; V.W. Bros. Terence O. Read, Robert J. Robinson, John O. Dunlop and Basil Elliott, Past Grand Deacons; V.W. Bro. Arnold J. Smith, Past Assistant Grand Treasurer; V.W. Bro. Samuel Scott, Honorary Past Grand Steward; V.W. Bros. Samuel J. Patience and James Stanley, Past Grand Stewards of Charities; V.W. Bros. Bernard V.A. Woods and William T.H. Balmer, Past Grand Almoners; V.W. Bros. David Penpraze, Robin E.W. Newenham and John J. Ramsay, Past Grand Master's Standard Bearers; and R.W. Bros. Desmond H. Smyth, Hugh Hamilton, John E.V. Smith and E. Cyril Ferguson, Past Grand Representatives.

SISTER CONSTITUTIONS REPRESENTED
The following Grand Lodges were represented:‑ Alberta, Canada in Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, New South Wales, Victoria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Cuscatlan El Salvador, Argentina, Brazil G.O., Chile, Colombia (Cartagena), Venezuela, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Madagascar, Japan, Mauritius, Cuba and the Prince Hall Grand Lodges of the Caribbean, Massachusetts and Ohio.

APOLOGIES FOR NON‑ATTENDANCE
Apologies for non‑attendance were received from:‑ the R.W. Provincial Grand Masters of South Connaught, Londonderry & Donegal; Tyrone and Fermanagh, Natal and India; R.W. Bros. Robert J. Thomson, George Miskimmins, Thomas C.B. McBain, William W.T. Shortland, Alan Campbell and R. Stanley Johnston, Past Provincial Grand Masters; the R.W. Provincial Deputy Grand Masters of South Eastern and Natal; R.W. Bro. George N. Little, Past Senior Grand Chaplain; R.W. Bro. Canon Richard H. Bertram, Past Junior Grand Chaplain; V.W. Bros. Gordon Morrison and John L. Frazer, Past Grand Deacons; V.W. Bros. Cyril F.A. Quigley, Arnold Cooke and Samuel H. Boyle, Honorary Past Grand Deacons; V.W. Bro. Ralph McGuckin, Past Grand Superintendent of Works; V.W. Bro. Cecil Taylor, Past Assistant Grand Treasurer; V.W. Bros. Arthur W. White and William J. Johnston, Past Grand Stewards of Charities; V.W. Bros. S. Gordon Leathern and David Penpraze, Past Grand Master's Standard Bearers; the Representatives of the Grand Lodges of Western Australia, Tasmania, Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Estonia, Norway, Switzerland (Alpina), Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Costa Rica, Sao Paulo and the Dominican Republic; the Prince Hall Grand Lodges of North Carolina, Ontario & Jurisdiction and Virginia and R.W. Bro. Leslie K. Dawson, Past Foreign Representative.

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 Bolivia was represented by W. Bro. Jose G. Mendoza, Bolivian International Relations Committee for Europe and North America.
The United Grand Lodge of Bulgaria was represented by the M.W. Grand Master, Bro. Ivan Sariev.
The Grand Lodge Alpina of Switzerland was represented by the R.W. Grand Secretary, Bro. Nicholas Roll.
The Grand East of the Netherlands was represented by the M.W. Grand Master, Bro. Willem S. Meijer
The Grand Lodge of Scotland was represented by M.W. Grand Master Mason, Bro. Charles Ian Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont and R.W. Grand Secretary, Bro. David Begg.
The United Grand Lodge of England was represented by the M.W. Pro Grand Master, Bro. Peter Lowndes and the R.W. Grand Chancellor, Bro. Derek Dinsmore.

OBITUARIES
The Grand Master referred to the recent deaths of R. W. Bro. Reginald P. Parsons, Past Provincial Grand Master of South Africa Northern and Hon. Past Grand Deacon; R.W. Bro. Mervyn W. Morrison, Past Foreign Representative and Hon. Past Grand Deacon; R.W. Bro. Dr. Norman Jackson, Foreign Representative of the Grand Lodge of Newfoundland & Labrador and Past Grand Master's Standard Bearer; R.W. Bro. Robert J. Hunter, Past Foreign Representative and Past Grand Master's Standard Bearer; R.W. Bro. Andrew W. Coid, Past Foreign Representative; R.W. Bro. Douglas Wakefield, Past Foreign Representative; V.W. Bro. Robert I. Hart, Hon. Past Grand Deacon; V.W. Bro. Stanley J. Walters, Hon. Past Grand Superintendent of Works (Sierra Leone) and V.W. Bro. J. Albert Strauss, Hon. Past Grand Steward (S.A.N.). 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. Senior Grand Warden, seconded by the R.W. Junior Grand Warden, the Minutes of the March lst  2012 Communication of Grand Lodge, which had been circulated, were taken as read, confirmed and signed.

NOMINATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OFFICERS FOR 2013
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 2013:

M.W. Grand Master	George Dunlop
Senior Grand Warden	Selwyn S. Davies
Junior Grand Warden	Geoffrey G. Ashton, Past P.G.M., North Munster
Grand Treasurer	Richard Ensor
Grand Registrar	Arthur D.S. Moran, Pro Tern
Grand Director of Ceremonies	Samuel Young
Senior Grand Chaplain	The Rev. Selwoode Graham
Junior Grand Chaplains	The Rev. Noel H.L. Regan
	The Rev. Richard W. Moore
Senior Grand Deacon	Ivan Gillespie
Junior Grand Deacon	L.C. Joseph McCormick
Grand Superintendent of Works	David T. Young
Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies	Cecil Wellwood
Grand Steward	Robert W.J.H. McMurray
Grand Sword Bearer	Raymond Mark
Grand Stewards of Charities	Diarmuid McNulty
	Leslie J. Nixon Lionel C. Clark
Grand Almoners	J. Edward Brownell
	T. Albert Wilson
Grand Organist	John N. Rowden
Grand Lodge Standard Bearer	W. David Valentine, P.G. Sec. Wicklow & Wexford; P.M. No. 236
Grand Inner Guard	J. Barry Jenkins, P.M. of Lodge No. 3, Munster

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 2012.

REPORT OF THE GRAND LODGE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES
The Board noted for reporting to Grand Lodge the return of the Warrants of Ulidia Lodge No. 135, The Mount and Installed Masters Lodge No. 924, Bermuda.

The Board considered and approved a request for Dispensation under Grand Lodge Law No. 118 for a Brother to hold two senior Offices in two Lodges in the same year ‑ No. 930 and No. 1000. Recommended to Grand Lodge.  Confirmed.

The Board considered and approved a request for Dispensation for a Brother to serve the Office of Worshipful Master for a third consecutive year, in Lodge No. 916, Natal. Recommended the Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alaska and Jurisdiction, the Board recommended the name of W. Bro. Trevor G. McCaughey, Past Master of Lodge No. 575, Rosetta, be sent forward for consideration by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alaska and Jurisdiction as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, the Board recommended the name of V.W. Bro. Derek W.M. Nixon, Past Master of Lodge No. 744, Enniskillen, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of Illinois as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Grand Lodge of Mexico (York), the Board recommended the name of W. Bro. John S. Traill, Past Master of Lodge No. 389, Belfast, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of Mexico (York) as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Confirmed.

Read letter from the Grand Lodge of Kansas, recommending the name of W. Bro. Donald F. Davidson, as a suitable Representative there. Confirmed.
Read letter from the Grand Lodge of Cyprus, recommending the name of R.W. Bro. Constantinos L. Agrotis, as a suitable Representative there. Confirmed.

The Board considered and recommended to Grand Lodge a proposed change to Rule 4 (e) of the Victoria Jubilee Masonic Benevolent Fund from:

The Board may consider a Memorial which has been submitted on behalf of any distressed Freemason of the Irish Constitution or any distressed spouse of a deceased Freemason provided that the Freemason concerned had been five years at least a subscribing member . . . . . Every candidate for an annuity must be at least 50 years of age or, if under that age, permanently disabled from earning a livelihood.

To:
(i) The Board may consider a Memorial which has been submitted on behalf of any distressedFreemason of the Irish Constitution provided that the Freemason concerned is a subscribing member of a Lodge or Lodges under the Irish Constitution.
(ii) or any distressed spouse of a deceased Freemason provided that the Freemason concerned is a subscribing member of a Lodge or Lodges under the Irish Constitution. Confirmed.

The Representatives from the Province of Antrim now left the room, having accepted the Deputy Grand Master's request that they do so, following some discussion on procedural matters concerning this next item and having declared their interest; the Assistant Grand Master relinquished the Chair, which was taken by the Deputy Grand Master, and reported on his sub‑committee's deliberations on the rehearing of a Charge of unmasonic conduct against a Brother of Lodge No. 776 and Lodge No. 861, concluding thus:

In the absence of the complainant the hearing proceeded. The charge was put to the accused and the letter of complaint read in full.
The accused Brother responded and gave his evidence and denied the charge in all respects. Two witnesses gave evidence on his behalf supporting his version of events. The Board found the charge not proven and recommends to the Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes that the charge be dismissed. Accepted and confirmed.

The Assistant Grand Master subsequently proposed the adoption of "Guidance on Procedures at the Hearing of a Charge of unmasonic conduct" which he had devised, with assistance, for all such hearings. Agreed and recommended to Grand Lodge.

A discussion took place on Foreign Grand Lodge Representatives and the occasions on which they should be permitted to wear their regalia, especially with regard to Grand Lodge Law No. 11 ‑ despite Grand Lodge's official line being the opposite, it would appear that the Law, as it stands, permits the wearing of this regalia on all occasions.

The Grand Secretary reported on developments in the Province of Southern Cape and read the report from there on the Charges of unmasonic conduct against two senior Brethren. He requested permission from the Board for direct authority for the Grand Master and himself to personally deal with the case when in the Province in July next. Agreed and 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 2011. The Accounts were considered in detail and explanations given by the Grand Treasurer. Following the presentation, the Board agreed unanimously that the Accounts, as presented, be recommended to Grand Lodge for adoption, with special thanks being expressed to W. Bro. Andrew Lyall and his team.

NOTICE OF MOTION ‑ TOASTS TO THE CHARITIES
The Junior Grand Warden, having handed in a Notice of Motion at the March Communication of Grand Lodge, proposed the wording "Our Masonic Charities" for all Masonic toasts to the charities on formal occasions; seconded by the Senior Grand Warden, agreed and confirmed..

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. Brothers James McFarland and Paul Kenny as Assistant Grand Secretaries for Instruction. Confirmed; and for the election of W. Bro. Norman J. Hamilton, Lodge No. 888, Markethill and W. Bro. Raymond Boothe, Lodge No. 635 (old) and Lodge 335, Broomhedge as members of the Grand Lodge of Instruction. Confirmed.

GRANDE LOGE NATIONALE FRANCAIS
As with last year's June Grand Lodge Communication, the Grand Master was again seeking authority from Grand Lodge to take action on the matter of the continuing problem within the Grande Loge Nationale Francais; he explained that this could take the form of the ultimate sanction of withdrawal of recognition, and he intended to liaise closely with the Pro Grand Master of the U.G.L.E. and the Grand Master Mason of Scotland on this.
The Grand Master's request was unanimously approved.

INVESTITURE OF FOREIGN GRAND REPRESENTATIVES
W. Bro. David J. McFarland, P.M. of Lodge No. 328, Richhill; W. Bro. Randal W.J. Robertson, P.M. of Lodge No. 620, Dublin; V.W. Bro. James McFarland, Assistant Grand Secretary for Instruction and P.M. of Lodge No. 545, Belfast; W. Bro. W. James Lynch, P.M. of Lodge No. 769, Clough and W. Bro. Samuel J. Porter, P.M. of Lodge No. 366, Limavady being in attendance and having produced their Patents of Appointment, the Grand Director of Ceremonies formed a procession and presented them to the Grand Master for Investiture and formal presentation of their Patents of Appointment as Representatives of the Grand Lodge of Colombia (Cartagena), the Grand Lodge of Cyprus, the Grand Lodge of Hawaii, the Grand Lodge of Japan and the Grand Lodge of Russia, respectively.

CONFERRAL OF HONORARY RANKS
The Grand Master, with the concurrence of Grand Lodge, conferred the following Honorary Ranks

Past Grand Deacon
R.W. Bro. Francis O Doghor	On promotion from Hon. Past Grand Supt of Works
R.W. Bro. Beneth N. Nwakalo	On promotion from Hon. Past Grand Supt of Works
R.W. Bro. Ernest N Ezike	On promotion from Hon. Past Grand Steward of Charities
V.W. Bro. John Kalipa	On promotion from Hon. Past Grand Steward of Charities
V.W. Bro. Ogbuewu U Emele	On promotion from Hon. Past Grand Steward of Charities
V.W. Bro. Nwachukwu C Egbuna	On promotion from Hon. Past Grand Inner Guard
Past Grand Superintendent of Works
W. Bro. Allison A Agbasale	Past Master of Lodge No. 864, Lagos
W. Bro. Raphael C Nwankwo	Past Master of Lodge No. 857, Benin City
W. Bro. Ikechukwu E Ubaka	Past Master of Lodge No. 885, Onitsha
Past Grand Steward
W. Bro. Ernest K Dill	Past Master of Lodge No. 894, Warwick
W. Bro. Robert Ball	Past Master of Lodge No. 224, St. George's
W. Bro. Victor L K Fishington	Past Master of Lodge No. 123, Hamilton
W. Bro. Norman G Pogson	Past Master of Lodge No. 123, Hamilton
W. Bro. Prosper A Edivri	Past Master of Lodge No. 838, Ibadan
W. Bro. Pius A Egelege	Past Master of Lodge No. 902, Kono
W. Bro. Gabriel Nmebo	Past Master of Lodge No. 875, Lagos
Past Grand Sword Bearer
W. Bro. Sotonye W Akpana	Past Master of Lodge No. 869, Abonnema
W. Bro. Cyril U Umennaike	Past Master of Lodge No. 864, Lagos
W. Bro. Imaobong Inyang	Past Master of Lodge No. 886, Oron
Past Grand Steward of Charities
W. Bro. Christian C Ezeh	Past Master of Lodge No. 884, Otta
W. Bro. Dibi K Iwaribubele	Past Master of Lodge No. 893, Okrika
Past Grand Almoner
W. Bro. Godwin O Akasie	Past Master of Lodge No. 875, Lagos
W. Bro. Emmanuel 0 Odunwa	Past Master of Lodge No. 875, Lagos
W. Bro. Ekong N Essien	Past Master of Lodge No. 197, Calabar
Past Grand Inner Guard
W. Bro. Peter D Udoh	Past Master of Lodge No. 892, Uyo
W. Bro. Adaye Orugbani	Past Master of Lodge No. 869, Abonnema
W. Bro. Akaniyene J Isok	Past Master of Lodge No. 892, Uyo
W. Bro. Tamuno Otonye-Obom	Past Master of Lodge No. 893, Okrika

GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS

I am so pleased to welcome the visiting delegations, who are with us today. Distinguished brethren we thank you for honouring us with your presence and trust that you have enjoyed every moment of your stay. I thank you.
2012 is clearly a year of change in that we have the retirement of:

R. W. Bro. Robert Quigley, P.G. Master of Londonderry & Donegal, now succeeded by R. W. Bro. Noel Drain.
R. W. Bro. Alan Campbell, P.G. Master of Munster, now succeeded by R. W. Bro. Leslie Deane.
R.W. Bro. Harvey Heavener, P.G. Master of Wicklow and Wexford, now succeeded by R.W. Bro. John Hobson.
R. W. Bro. Cecil Bates, P.G. Master of South Africa Northern whose successor has yet to be announced.
R. W. Bro. Derrick McCoy, P.G. Master of Jamaica & the Bahamas, whose successor. R. W. Bro. Peter Stuart will be installed at the end of June.
R.W. Bro. Harry Weir, P.G.M. of Tyrone & Fermanagh who will be succeeded by R.W. Bro. Norman Humes in October next.

Following my hospitalisation in early January, 1 was delighted to chair the March Communication of Grand Lodge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Since then my activities have increased significantly and it's good to be back in harness again.

I'm also pleased to tell you that the arrangements for the 2012 `Irish Freemasons' Young Musician of the Year are well advanced. We have most of our International Jury confirmed and the semi‑finalists chosen by the Musical Colleges will be submitting their entry forms by the deadline of June 30th.

The 2012 Competition will take place on October Ilth and 13th in this building. (Photographs of our 2010 and 2011 winners can be viewed in the lobby downstairs). This has become an important, prestigious and well‑respected Music Competition and we have every reason to be proud of initiating it.

Three new Warrants have been issued which pleases me much but is offset by the surrender of eight Warrants for various reasons.

It was with much regret that we temporarily suspended recognition of the National Grand Lodge of France in union with the other two Home Constitutions. I would hope that this situation will be reversed, rather than the opposite as you heard earlier, in the near future and that France makes the required amendments.

Some confusion has prevailed regarding the functions of Foreign Representatives of Grand Lodges where such representatives are not `ipso facto' officers of the Grand Lodge of Ireland and may not therefore reply to the toast to our Grand Lodge. Reps. please take note.

I was pleased to appoint R. W. Bro. Rodney McCurley to the office of P.A. G.M. and to recommend V.W. Bro. Sam Young to the once of Senior Grand Director of Ceremonies, who have both proved to be worthy candidates.

My Standard Bearer, V.W. Bro. Kwesi Ackah was installed in December last and has fitted in well to this office.

Our various Masonic Charity Funds are doing well for which I thank the various Chairmen, namely; Bros. Bert Wilson, Diarmuid McNulty, Leslie Nixon, Eddie Brownell and David Young.

Brethren, I thank you all once again for your many and varied good wishes to me while I was recuperating earlier in the year, and I wish you all an enjoyable and restful summer.

WELCOME TO VISITING BRETHREN

The Grand Master welcomed and called a salute for our Brethren from Overseas who were in attendance:

R.W. Bro. Brendan Bong, Provincial Grand Master of the Far East accompanied by R.W. Bro. John Wright Assistant Grand Master and V.W. Bro. Terry Hicks, Provincial Grand Secretary; R.W. Bro. Kee Siong Lau, Provincial Grand Master of South East Asia (accompanied by W. Bro. Kee Kim Seng, Past Master of Lodge Malaya in London); W. Bro. Archer B. Purvis, Past Master of Ebenezer Lodge No. 33, Ohio and Provincial Grand Superintendent Ohio, Grand Council of Knight Masons; R.W. Bro. Peter Gobel, Grand Lodge of Ireland Representative at the United Grand Lodges of Germany.

CHARITY COLLECTION
The Charity Collection amounted to €1,297.88.

GRAND LODGE CLOSED
Later that evening fifty‑six Brethren and guests enjoyed a buffet supper, at the conclusion of which the Grand Master made a short address.