GRAND LODGE
of
ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF
IRELAND

QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION ‑ SATURDAY 7th MARCH, 2009
at
THE ROYAL SCHOOL ARMAGH

Present:‑

M.W. Grand Master	George Dunlop, on the Throne
R.W. Deputy Grand Master	Douglas T. Grey
R.W. Assistant Grand Master	Leslie V. Johnston
R.W. Senior Grand Warden	William J. E. Dukelow
R.W. Junior Grand Warden	J. Kenneth Dunne
R.W. Grand Treasurer	Charles W. Olden
R.W. Grand Secretary	D. Barry Lyons
R.W. Director of Ceremonies	William J. Dyer
R.W. Senior Grand Chaplain	The Rev. Canon George N. Little
R.W. Junior Grand Chaplain	The Rev. Richard W. Moore
V.W. Senior Grand Deacon	Douglas Thompson
As V.W. Junior Grand Deacon	Gordon Morrison
V.W. Grand Superintendent of Works	David T. Young
V.W. Assistant Grand Treasurer	Arnold J. Smith
V.W. Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies	Ivan A. Meldrum
V.W. Grand Steward	T. Robert McDowell
V.W. Grand Sword Bearer	Basil Elliott
V.W. Grand Steward of Charities	Diarmuid McNulty
V.W. Grand Almoners	Richard Ensor
.	Edward Brownell
V.W. Grand Organist	John N. Rowden
V.W. Grand Lodge Standard Bearer	John Dickson
V.W. Grand Master's Standard Bearer	David Penpraze
V.W. Grand Inner Guard	John A. Graham
V.W. Grand Secretary for Instruction	Michael J. Ward

SISTER CONSTITUTIONS REPRESENTED
The following Grand Lodges were represented:‑ Alberta, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia. France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Washington. Costa Rica, Cuscatlan El Salvador, Argentina, Ecuador, Mato Grosso do Sul, Sao Paolo, Venezuela, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, China, the Philippines, Dominican Republic, and the Prince Hall Grand Lodges of Colorado, Massachusetts and Ohio.

APOLOGIES FOR NON‑ATTENDANCE
Apologies for non‑attendance were received from:‑ the R.W. Grand Registrar; R.W. Brother the Rev. Noel H.L. Regan, Junior Grand Chaplain; the Junior Grand Deacon; V.W. Brother James C. Stanley. Grand Steward of Charities and the V.W. Assistant Grand Secretary for Instruction; the Provincial Grand Masters of Antrim, Munster, Meath and New Zealand; the Provincial Deputy Grand Masters of Down and the Midlands; R.W. Brother Robert J. Thomson, Past Senior Grand Warden; R.W. Brother Michael W. Walker. Past Grand Secretary: R.W. Brother J. David F. McKee, Past Grand Director of Ceremonies; R.W. Brother Rev. Samuel G. Poyntz, Past Senior Grand Chaplain; R.W. Brothers The Ven. R. Clayton Stevenson and Rev. Charles McCurdy, Past Junior Grand Chaplains; V.W. Brother Ralph McGuckin, Past Grand Superintendent of Works: V.W. Brother Arnold J. Cooke, Past Grand Deacon; V.W. Brother Cecil Taylor, Past Assistant Grand Treasurer; V.W. Brothers William W.T. Shortland, Maurice W. Lee and Alan R.G.R. Patterson, Past Grand .Almoners; V.W. Brothers Arthur White and Andrew McFetridge, Past Grand Stewards of Charities; V.W. Brothers Donald H. Finlay and W. James Copes, Past Grand Master's Standard Bearers; and The Representatives of the Grand Lodges of Andorra, Croatia, Latvia, Malta. Poland. Switzerland, Delaware, Illinois, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia. Brazil G.O., Mato Grosso, Japan and Cuba; and R.W. Brothers Herbert Meeke and Douglas Wakefield, Past Grand Representatives.

WELCOME BY THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER
The Grand Master, Grand Officers and members of Grand Lodge were welcomed to the Province of Armagh by R.W. Brother George Miskimmins, Provincial Grand Master.

OBITUARIES
The Grand Master referred to the recent deaths of R.W. Bro. Percival H. Carmichael, Foreign Representative of the National Grand Lodge of Greece; R.W. Bro. John F. McDermott, Past Foreign Representative; V.W. Bro. R. Patrick J. Wharton, Past Grand Deacon; V.W. Bro. Alexander C. Smith, Honorary Past Grand Deacon; V.W. Bro. Causie K. Maarfatia, Honorary Past Grand Deacon; V.W. Bro. Charles G. Murray, Honorary Past Grand Deacon, Southern Cape; V.W. Bro. Latekoe G. Lawson, Honorary Past Grand Deacon, Ghana; V.W. Bro. Dennis A. Harrison, Honorary Past Grand Steward, Southern Cape; V.W. Bro. Gijsbertus Giebel, Honorary Past Grand Steward, India; V.W. Bro. Richard T. Huber, Honorary Past Grand Superintendent of Works, Southern Cape; V.W. Bro. Andre P. Kruger, Honorary Past Grand Superintendent of Works, Southern Cape; V.W. Bro. Henry S. Corscadden, Honorary Past Grand Master's Standard Bearer; V.W. Bros. Albert H. Miskimmon and James Gillespie, Members of the Grand Lodge of Instruction. The memory of our departed distinguished Brethren was saluted.

WELCOME BY THE GRAND MASTER
The Grand Master recognised and welcomed Senior Brethren from other Branches, and all the Brethren in general, in the large attendance.

MINUTES
On the proposal of R.W. Brother William J.E. Dukelow, Senior Grand Warden, seconded by R.W. Brother J. Kenneth Dunne, Junior Grand Warden, the Minutes of the December 27th 2008, Communication of Grand Lodge, subject to an amended opening

REPORT OF THE GRAND LODGE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES
It was proposed, seconded and passed unanimously that R.W. Brothers George Ginnelly and Rodney L. McCurley and V.W. Brother David T. Young be elected as the three Grand Lodge Board Representatives on the Grievance Committee for 2009.

It was proposed, seconded and passed unanimously that R.W. Brothers George Ginnelly, David A.R. Lovesy, Rodney L. McCurley, V.W. Brothers David T. Young, Brian Kershaw and Alan R. Crowe be elected members of the Finance Committee for 2009.

It was agreed that the By‑Laws Committee and the Library Committee would comprise the Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Brother D. Barry Lyons and W. Bro. Morgan McCreadie, with Ms. Rebecca Hayes being a member of the latter.

The Board received the nomination of R.W. Bro. Richard Ensor, Chairman of the Metropolitan Board, for the Office of Grand Treasurer. This was unanimously approved and recommended to Grand Lodge. The nomination was proposed by R.W. Bro. Charles Olden, Grand Treasurer pro tem, seconded by R.W. Bro. Douglas T. Grey. Deputy Grand Master and passed with acclaim.

The Board noted, for reporting to Grand Lodge, the return of the Warrant of St. Andrew's Lodge No. 469, on amalgamation with Harmony Lodge No. 111, Belfast.

A vacancy having arisen in the representation of the Grand Lodge of France, the Board recommended that the name of V.W. Bro. R. David Hamilton, P.M. of Carleton Lodge No. 231, Portadown and Provincial Grand Secretary of Armagh, be sent forward for consideration to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the representation of the Grand Lodge of Gabon, the Board recommended that the name of W. Bro. Sidney Conn, P.M. of Carleton Lodge No. 231, Portadown be sent forward for consideration to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the representation of the Grand Lodge of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Board recommended that the name of W. Bro. Samuel M. Oliver, P.M. of Union Lodge No. 1008, Portrush be sent forward for consideration to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

Two vacancies having arisen on the Board of The Freemasons of Ireland Medical Research Fund, the Board considered and approved the names of R.W. Bro. Michael R. Bicknell and W. Bro. Dr. Michael M. Costello as Trustees. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

The Grand Secretary reported that the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Slovakia was to take place on 21st March 2009 and he was recommending recognition of the new Grand Lodge from the date of its Constitution. Confirmed.

It was recommended to the Board that the Declaration of the Aims and Principles of the Craft (which is published in the front of the Laws and Constitutions) be read out annually, at least, in each Lodge in the Constitution, and preferably at the Installation Communication. The Board agreed and recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

INSTALLATION OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER OF ARMAGH
R.W. Bro. Robert Wilson Mark, Provincial Assistant Grand Master, Armagh 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 Armagh. R.W. Bro. Mark's sponsors were W. Bro. S. Noel McClelland and W. Bro. William Cooke, also of Jubilee Temperance Lodge No. 652 and his chain bearer was V.W. Bro. T. Robert McDowell, Grand Steward.
Placing him in his seat the Grand Master proclaimed as follows: ‑ "Brethren, I hereby proclaim that this day R.W. Bro. R. Wilson Mark, Provincial Assistant Grand Master, has been duly Obligated, Invested and Installed as R.W. Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Armagh: Brethren assist me to salute the newly Installed Provincial Grand Master".
R.W. Bro. Mark was saluted and suitably replied.

INVESTITURE OF THE GRAND TREASURER
R.W. Brother Richard Ensor, Past Master of Lodge No. 342 (old), Chairman of the Metropolitan Board and Grand Almoner was invested and saluted as the R.W. Grand Treasurer.

INVESTITURE OF FOREIGN GRAND REPRESENTATIVES
R.W. Brother Sydney Graham, 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 as the Representative of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota. The newly invested Grand Representative was conducted to his seat and was saluted.

W. Brother Leslie J. Nixon, 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 as the Representative of the Grand Lodge of the Ivory Coast. The newly invested Grand Representative was conducted to his seat and was saluted.

THE GRAND MASTER'S QUARTERLY ADDRESS

The first two months of 2009 proved to be an uncomfortable time for me as I underwent hernia and hand surgery on separate occasions during January and February. The hernia has now settled down and the hand has made good progress and I'm hoping that I have earned myself a few bonus years! During this period I had the misfortune of being absent from the Installation Communication of my own Lodge for the second time in my life.

As you can understand, Installation visits were rather restricted during this period but, nevertheless, I managed to get to Light of the North Lodge No. 69, in Londonderry, which I had missed over a few years and I really enjoyed meeting with many old friends from the past.

My Deputy Grand Master accompanied me to Leinster Lodge No. 141 in Dublin, his own Lodge, at which I was well received and had a truly super evening with the Worshipful Master and his Brethren.

My visit to Northern Star Lodge No. 438, Raphoe was a very moving occasion when I presented a certificate of Honorary Past Grand Deacon to the Lodge on behalf of the late R.W. Bro. Alec Smith, Past Provincial Assistant Grand Master of Londonderry & Donegal, who had passed away shortly after his 100th birthday. Alec was indeed a true gentleman and worthy mason.

In February, I attended the W.E. Scott Memorial Lodge No. 554, Campsie and witnessed V.W. Bro. William Nutt, a stalwart of Londonderry & Donegal, presenting his son Roy, to be installed as Worshipful Master. The formal presentation to the Chair contained an interesting variation, which I found to be most acceptable and different!

In mid January, a Grand Master's Cabinet Meeting was held and various issues were considered, such as the poor take up and production costs of Grand Lodge News and the need to address these problems. I would appeal to you all and especially to Lodge Secretaries and Almoners to help to stimulate distribution among their members and ensure that home‑bound and elderly Brethren, in particular, receive copies.

Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Ghana
The highlight of January was my visit to Ghana with R.W. Bro. Michael Ward, to constitute the new Grand Lodge of Ghana in the State Room of the Ghanaian Government. We were accompanied by the M.W. Grand Master Mason of Scotland and his Grand Secretary who undertook the installation of the new Grand Master who, in turn, installed his officers.

Following the Ceremony, we were treated to a magnificent Garden Party with plenty to eat and drink and the weather was glorious. We were well chaperoned by our dear friend, R.W. Bro. Dr. Kwesi Ackah who contributed much to the occasion and afforded much help and advise to the organisation of such a major event, which we greatly appreciated.

This Grand Lodge of Ghana is made up of indigenous Brethren who previously worked under the Irish and Scottish Provinces; the event was truly inspirational. It was a most pleasant experience as we were treated to the highest level of hospitality, generosity and kindness. For example, two Land Cruisers were at our disposal during our stay and we were hosted by the Vice‑President of Ghana and the British Ambassador respectively, which was indeed a singular honour.

A Church Service was held on the following Sunday to commemorate the constitution of the new Grand Lodge, which was conducted in high Anglican Church style and attended by a large congregation.

In years to come, we will miss our Ghanaian Brethren sporting their highly coloured and outstanding garb, on their regular visits to Dublin in their usual numbers. They are a wonderful people and I wish them every good fortune in the years that lie ahead and in their stewardship of Freemasonry in Ghana. I trust that we will meet again.

I was especially delighted to have had the opportunity to consolidate my relationship with the Grand Master Mason of Scotland and his Grand Secretary.

Provincial Grand Lodge of Armagh
I congratulate R.W. Bro. Wilson Mark on his installation as Provincial Grand Master of Armagh and look forward to working closely with him in years to come.

I also extend my sincerest thanks to R.W. Bro. George Miskimmins for his eight years of loyal and devoted service and successful stewardship of Freemasonry in this Province knowing that his enthusiasm and dedication has left an indelible mark for others to follow.

Thank you both for your commitment in the past and your hopes for the future.

Grand Master's Festival
I am absolutely delighted what you, the Brethren, have achieved for the Grand Master's Festival. To date, we have topped half a million pounds and we know that there is more to come.

A presentation to the Samaritans and both Childrens' Hospices will take place in a few months time and we are hopeful of attracting a distinguished figure to our presentation ceremony.

Thank you sincerely for your outstanding efforts and to those of the Chairmen and Committees of the Festival. May the beneficiaries remember Irish Freemasonry in their prayers and may our Order occupy a special place in their hearts.

Brethren, I would advise you that the revised Grand Lodge Website is now up and running and may be accessed at the usual web address.

Brethren, I thank you all again for your loyal support and may our Order grow in strength and give us all a great sense of satisfaction in being part of it. God Bless you all.

THANKS TO ORGANISING BRETHREN
The Grand Master concluded by thanking V.W. Bro. David Harnilton, Provincial Grand Secretary, and the many Brethren involved in helping with the arrangements for the meeting and the excellent lunch.

THANKS TO THE PAST GRAND TREASURER
The Grand Master also thanked the Past Grand Treasurer for his eight years of service to Grand Lodge and Brother Olden in his reply thanked the Past Assistant Grand Treasurer, V.W. Bro. Cecil Taylor and the current Assistant Grand Treasurer, V.W. Bro. Arnold Smith and Bro. Andrew Lyall for their expert work and assistance to him throughout his tenure of Office.

ANNUAL REPORTS
The Grand Secretary reminded Provincial Grand Masters to compile and send in their annual reports for publication.

CHARITY COLLECTION
The Charity Collection amounted to Euro 1,722.77.

 

GRAND LODGE CLOSED