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Article GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC. ← Page 3 of 4 Article GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC. Page 3 of 4 Article GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC. Page 3 of 4 →
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Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
splendor , this crown of the four cardinal virtues , temperance ; and there are amongst us multitudes who faithfully discharge this most important duty to themselves , to others , and to the great Ruler and Governor of all but it is verv sad to be
compelled to acknowledge that there are those of our number , who , while commendably resisting many other temptations , suffer themselves to indulge in the excessive use of intoxicating drinks . From this cause much injury is brought
upon themselves and sorrow upon their families ; others are led thereby into temptation , and great scandal is brought upon our beloved Fraternity . It may not be practicable to say what , in this matter , is the exact rule of duty binding upon all
men under all circumstances ; but it may be safely asserted that he who indulges this and any other like appetite , in the greatest moderation , is a prudent man , and a good Freemason ; and it is probably true that , for many men at least ,
the safest rule is totally to refrain from the use of all that intoxicates . Lodges , too , should carefully avoid all arrangements which tend in any way to intemperance and excess . It is the duty of every Craftsman to devote
his leisure hours more especially to the study of such of the arts and sciences as may lie within the compass of his attainment ; and , without neglecting the ordinary duties of his station , he is to consider himself called upon to make a daily
advancement in Masonic knowledge . No previous age afforded such ample facilities to enable the zealous Mason successfully to cultivate his intellectual and moral faculties , and thus enable him to show forth the glory of God , and render
himself useful in promoting the happiness of mankind . The inestimable blessings of the printing press are nowhere more apparent than in affording more light in Masonry . The rich and varied literature of the Craft everywhere abounds .
Proportionate to one s means , a well-selected private library is a necessity to the seeker after Masonic truth , and particularly to him who would fit himself acceptably to perform whatever official duties may be devolved upon him
by the affection and favour of his brethren . Nor can I forbear expressing my high appreciation of the value to the Craft , of the many excellent periodicals now published in almost every portion of the globe , and I beg to suggest to all , and
especially to newly-made brethren , that next after having become possessors of copies of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge , and the by-laws of their own private lodge , they should become permanent subscribers to one or more Masonic
periodicals , as their means shall allow . Although Freemasonry requires no defence from its votaries , yet in deference to the objections of many friendly non-Masons , who occasionally express their misgivings anent our
Fraternity because ( as they allege ) of its nonrecognition of Christianity , I am constrained to depart so far from our ordinary rule of strict silence as to say , for the general information of such , that Freemasonry , at present , consists of
at least three grand divisions—namely , Ancient Craft , or Symbolic Masonry ; Royal Arch , or Capitular Masonry ; and Knights Templars-Chivalric , or Christian Masonry . Other more inclusive divisions need not here be alluded to .
The first of these , the Ancient or Symbolic , is based upon these universal principles of true religion , the Fatherhood of God , the' Great Architect and Ruler of Heaven and Earth , and the Brotherhood of Man ; and its special historic
traditions extend from the earliest period to the completion ancl dedication of King Solomon's Temple . The Royal Arch or Capitular is based upon the same great principles , more extensively elaborated and applied , and its historic
traditions extend to the restoration of the chosen people from Babylonian captivity , and the rebuilding of the Temple under Zerubbabel . The third , or Templar Masonry , is of more modern origin , and is chiefly based upon the great principles and historic facts of the Christian faith .
The objections , therefore , sometimes conscientiously raised by non-Masons , that Masonry is non or anti-Christian , is a generalisation too sweeping in character , and springs from a want of knowledge of the great facts pertaining to our Fraternity .
Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
For the information of younger brethren and for other obvious reasons , I am induced briefly to enunciate the few following fundamental principles of Freemasonry anent the organisation of Grand Lodges , and having especial reference
to the M . W . the Grand Lodge of Quebec . In every distinct territory having a legislature of its own there exists the Masonic right to form an independent sovereign Grand Lodge . A convention of representatives of three private lodges ,
duly authorised , and regularly assembled , may , without let or hindrance , form a Grand Lodge in and for said territory ; but it has become a very generally accepted rule that a majority of the private lodges situated therein should take part
in said convention , or acquiesce in its action . The consent of any mother Grand Lodge , however desirable , is not essential or necessary ; nor can any Grand Lodge constitutionally interfere with , or in any way rightfully hinder , said private
lodges in the exercise of their inherent right to form a Grand Lodge of their own in such legislatively distinct territory , no matter what prior authority she may have exercised over them . A Grand Lodge thus regularly formed in
unoccupied or dissevered territory possesses the inalienable right of exclusive jurisdiction over all symbolic lodges of Freemasons within said territory ; and no other Grand Lodge can lawfully form new private lodges , or reconstruct old ones , from
and after the formation of the new Grand Lodge . And it is incumbent on any private lodge , which through inadvertence or otherwise was not represented at the convention which formed the new Grand Lodge , to secure enrollment on its
registry at the earliest period practicable , and not only all private lodges , but all unaffiliated or other individual Freemasons , official or other , resident or sojourning within her territorial jurisdiction , are constitutionally amenable to her
authority for any Masonic acts which are in contravention of her sovereignty . Any arrangements which may have been entered into prior to the formation of the new Grand Lodge , by any other Grand Bodies , anent the continuance
of any lodge according to its own will , under the authority of some other Grand Lodge , yet within the territory of the newly-formed Grand Body , are contrary to the Constitutions of the Fraternity , injurious to the unity , harmony , ancl
prosperity of the Craft , subversive of Grand Lodge sovereignty , and , consequently , of no binding force on the new Grand Bod )* . The enunciation of many other fundamental facts and principles of like importance will be found in externa in our
address of date Nov . 20 , 1 S 6 9 , to the Grand Lodges of the world , in the statement concerning the G . L . of Quebec , of date April 20 , 1 S 70 , in proceedings and other documents issued by this Grand Lodge , and especially in the able
reports of the Committees of Foreign Correspondence and Jurisprudence , of the many Grand Lodges whicli have recognised us , and in others which favour our cause ; also in the elaborate editorials and correspondence in nearly all the
Masonic periodicals throughout the world , and in almost any reliable work on Masonic jurisprudence . The few articles , or addresses , which have appeared in opposition to the rightful claims of Quebec , have been refuted over and over again , and there is good reason to believe
that at least some of their authors will recant their erroneous opinions at an early day , as some of the ablest Masons who had been misled by incorrect or insufficient information have heretofore done , to their own honour and to the good of thc Craft .
During the past year we have been called upon again and again , by most solemn admonitions , to regard the uncertainty of human life , the immutable certainty of death , ancl the vanity of all earthly pursuits . M . W . Bro . James Dean ,
Past Prov . Grand Master of Quebec and Three Rivers , and honorary P . G . M . of this Gracd Lodge , is no more . He lived generally beloved , he died deeply and universally regretted . It is fitting that a memorial page of our printed
proceedings be dedicated to the memory of this good man and eminent Mason . Our venerable Bro . Magoon , of Doric Lodge , Danville , and our worthy Bro . Andrew McKay Smith , of Victoria Lodge , Sherbrooke , have also passed to
Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
their rest since we last assembled in Annual Communication . The removal by death of other brethren will be suitably noticed by the District Deputy Grand Masters . On the morning ofthe 15 th instant I . received from the Grand Secretary a document of date
the 14 th , and signed by M . W . Bro . A . A . Stevenson , Chairman , and R . W . Bro . Thos . White , jun ., Secretary of a Committee of seven , appointed by a meeting of representatives of lodges in this province , as yet on the Registry oi the Grand Lodge of " Canada , " asking for a
conference anent the existing state of Masonic affairs in this province , and the restoration of harmony to the Craft therein . On the evening of the same day I came to this city , and held a council of officers of Grand Lodge , ancl officers and brethren of most of the Q . R . lodges in
Montreal , when the whole subject * was carefully considered at length , and in the best possible spirit . On the 16 th I appointed the following distinguished brethren — namely , R . W . Bro . Pratten , D . G . M ., Quebec ; R . W . Bro . Meigs ,
G . S . W ., Bedford ; R . W . Bro . Milton , G . J . W ., Montreal ; Rev . Bro . Reid , G . C , Sherbrooke ; R . W . Bro . Edgar , P . D . D . G . M ., Montreal ; R . W . Bro . Isaacson , G . Sec . ; and W . Bro . M . M . Tait —a committee to confer with the committee
of brethren aforesaid , on Wednesday , tne 20 th instant , if practicable , and expressing the hope that all their mutual deliberations would be conducted in a truly Masonic spirit , and that the results of their conference might be a means of
restoring peace and harmony to the Craft ; and to make report thereof to me immediately after their conference . On the 21 st instant , the following report was received from the Grand Secretary as the result ofthe deliberations ofthe joint committees : —
" Whereas , unhappily , differences and disputes have arisen , and are now existing in Masonry in the province of Quebec , between the Grand Lodge of Quebec , A . F . and A . M ., and her subordinates , on the one part , and the several lodges in the said province still holding under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Canada on the other part .
" And , whereas , with the view to terminate and for ever end said differences , and to restore harmony throughout the Craft in the said province , the said lodges—to wit , the said party of the second part—are willing to amalgamate and
join with the said party of the first part—to wit , the said the Grand Lodge of Quebec ; and the said party of the first part are willing to accept said lodges into their organisation , or Grind Body , the same as if they , the said lodges , had originally taken part in said organisation .
"And it is agreed by both said parties that all questions—viz ., names of lodges , distribution of property in the case of duplicate lodges , and priority of number in the case of all lodgesshall be left entirely to a committee of six , three of whom shall be named from the parly of the
first part , and three from the party of the second part , with power to said committee to name an arbitrator , and the decision of said committee and umpire to be final . " And the committee representing the G . L . of Q . hereby agree to submit the above terms
for the acceptance of their Grand Lodge . And the committee representing the lodges under the jurisdiction of the G . L . of C . hereby agree to recommend the above terms to the representatives of the lodges at a meeting to be held by such representatives for that purpose . "
In accordance with the provisions oi the Constitution for the consideration of matters of special importance , I have directed the President ofthe Board of General Purposes to submit the above to a full board for the most careful consideration , and make report thereon to the Grand Lodge for
its sanction . The whole subject is of vast importance , and I earnestly entreat you all to deliberate upon it in that truly fraternal and conciliatory spirit which has characterised all our doings hitherto ; to make all possible allowances
and concessions consistent with honour , with the Constitutions of the Fraternity , and with the dignity and integrity of this Grand Lodge . So that whatever action may be taken by us shall be promotive of the unity , harmony , and prosperity
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
splendor , this crown of the four cardinal virtues , temperance ; and there are amongst us multitudes who faithfully discharge this most important duty to themselves , to others , and to the great Ruler and Governor of all but it is verv sad to be
compelled to acknowledge that there are those of our number , who , while commendably resisting many other temptations , suffer themselves to indulge in the excessive use of intoxicating drinks . From this cause much injury is brought
upon themselves and sorrow upon their families ; others are led thereby into temptation , and great scandal is brought upon our beloved Fraternity . It may not be practicable to say what , in this matter , is the exact rule of duty binding upon all
men under all circumstances ; but it may be safely asserted that he who indulges this and any other like appetite , in the greatest moderation , is a prudent man , and a good Freemason ; and it is probably true that , for many men at least ,
the safest rule is totally to refrain from the use of all that intoxicates . Lodges , too , should carefully avoid all arrangements which tend in any way to intemperance and excess . It is the duty of every Craftsman to devote
his leisure hours more especially to the study of such of the arts and sciences as may lie within the compass of his attainment ; and , without neglecting the ordinary duties of his station , he is to consider himself called upon to make a daily
advancement in Masonic knowledge . No previous age afforded such ample facilities to enable the zealous Mason successfully to cultivate his intellectual and moral faculties , and thus enable him to show forth the glory of God , and render
himself useful in promoting the happiness of mankind . The inestimable blessings of the printing press are nowhere more apparent than in affording more light in Masonry . The rich and varied literature of the Craft everywhere abounds .
Proportionate to one s means , a well-selected private library is a necessity to the seeker after Masonic truth , and particularly to him who would fit himself acceptably to perform whatever official duties may be devolved upon him
by the affection and favour of his brethren . Nor can I forbear expressing my high appreciation of the value to the Craft , of the many excellent periodicals now published in almost every portion of the globe , and I beg to suggest to all , and
especially to newly-made brethren , that next after having become possessors of copies of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge , and the by-laws of their own private lodge , they should become permanent subscribers to one or more Masonic
periodicals , as their means shall allow . Although Freemasonry requires no defence from its votaries , yet in deference to the objections of many friendly non-Masons , who occasionally express their misgivings anent our
Fraternity because ( as they allege ) of its nonrecognition of Christianity , I am constrained to depart so far from our ordinary rule of strict silence as to say , for the general information of such , that Freemasonry , at present , consists of
at least three grand divisions—namely , Ancient Craft , or Symbolic Masonry ; Royal Arch , or Capitular Masonry ; and Knights Templars-Chivalric , or Christian Masonry . Other more inclusive divisions need not here be alluded to .
The first of these , the Ancient or Symbolic , is based upon these universal principles of true religion , the Fatherhood of God , the' Great Architect and Ruler of Heaven and Earth , and the Brotherhood of Man ; and its special historic
traditions extend from the earliest period to the completion ancl dedication of King Solomon's Temple . The Royal Arch or Capitular is based upon the same great principles , more extensively elaborated and applied , and its historic
traditions extend to the restoration of the chosen people from Babylonian captivity , and the rebuilding of the Temple under Zerubbabel . The third , or Templar Masonry , is of more modern origin , and is chiefly based upon the great principles and historic facts of the Christian faith .
The objections , therefore , sometimes conscientiously raised by non-Masons , that Masonry is non or anti-Christian , is a generalisation too sweeping in character , and springs from a want of knowledge of the great facts pertaining to our Fraternity .
Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
For the information of younger brethren and for other obvious reasons , I am induced briefly to enunciate the few following fundamental principles of Freemasonry anent the organisation of Grand Lodges , and having especial reference
to the M . W . the Grand Lodge of Quebec . In every distinct territory having a legislature of its own there exists the Masonic right to form an independent sovereign Grand Lodge . A convention of representatives of three private lodges ,
duly authorised , and regularly assembled , may , without let or hindrance , form a Grand Lodge in and for said territory ; but it has become a very generally accepted rule that a majority of the private lodges situated therein should take part
in said convention , or acquiesce in its action . The consent of any mother Grand Lodge , however desirable , is not essential or necessary ; nor can any Grand Lodge constitutionally interfere with , or in any way rightfully hinder , said private
lodges in the exercise of their inherent right to form a Grand Lodge of their own in such legislatively distinct territory , no matter what prior authority she may have exercised over them . A Grand Lodge thus regularly formed in
unoccupied or dissevered territory possesses the inalienable right of exclusive jurisdiction over all symbolic lodges of Freemasons within said territory ; and no other Grand Lodge can lawfully form new private lodges , or reconstruct old ones , from
and after the formation of the new Grand Lodge . And it is incumbent on any private lodge , which through inadvertence or otherwise was not represented at the convention which formed the new Grand Lodge , to secure enrollment on its
registry at the earliest period practicable , and not only all private lodges , but all unaffiliated or other individual Freemasons , official or other , resident or sojourning within her territorial jurisdiction , are constitutionally amenable to her
authority for any Masonic acts which are in contravention of her sovereignty . Any arrangements which may have been entered into prior to the formation of the new Grand Lodge , by any other Grand Bodies , anent the continuance
of any lodge according to its own will , under the authority of some other Grand Lodge , yet within the territory of the newly-formed Grand Body , are contrary to the Constitutions of the Fraternity , injurious to the unity , harmony , ancl
prosperity of the Craft , subversive of Grand Lodge sovereignty , and , consequently , of no binding force on the new Grand Bod )* . The enunciation of many other fundamental facts and principles of like importance will be found in externa in our
address of date Nov . 20 , 1 S 6 9 , to the Grand Lodges of the world , in the statement concerning the G . L . of Quebec , of date April 20 , 1 S 70 , in proceedings and other documents issued by this Grand Lodge , and especially in the able
reports of the Committees of Foreign Correspondence and Jurisprudence , of the many Grand Lodges whicli have recognised us , and in others which favour our cause ; also in the elaborate editorials and correspondence in nearly all the
Masonic periodicals throughout the world , and in almost any reliable work on Masonic jurisprudence . The few articles , or addresses , which have appeared in opposition to the rightful claims of Quebec , have been refuted over and over again , and there is good reason to believe
that at least some of their authors will recant their erroneous opinions at an early day , as some of the ablest Masons who had been misled by incorrect or insufficient information have heretofore done , to their own honour and to the good of thc Craft .
During the past year we have been called upon again and again , by most solemn admonitions , to regard the uncertainty of human life , the immutable certainty of death , ancl the vanity of all earthly pursuits . M . W . Bro . James Dean ,
Past Prov . Grand Master of Quebec and Three Rivers , and honorary P . G . M . of this Gracd Lodge , is no more . He lived generally beloved , he died deeply and universally regretted . It is fitting that a memorial page of our printed
proceedings be dedicated to the memory of this good man and eminent Mason . Our venerable Bro . Magoon , of Doric Lodge , Danville , and our worthy Bro . Andrew McKay Smith , of Victoria Lodge , Sherbrooke , have also passed to
Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
their rest since we last assembled in Annual Communication . The removal by death of other brethren will be suitably noticed by the District Deputy Grand Masters . On the morning ofthe 15 th instant I . received from the Grand Secretary a document of date
the 14 th , and signed by M . W . Bro . A . A . Stevenson , Chairman , and R . W . Bro . Thos . White , jun ., Secretary of a Committee of seven , appointed by a meeting of representatives of lodges in this province , as yet on the Registry oi the Grand Lodge of " Canada , " asking for a
conference anent the existing state of Masonic affairs in this province , and the restoration of harmony to the Craft therein . On the evening of the same day I came to this city , and held a council of officers of Grand Lodge , ancl officers and brethren of most of the Q . R . lodges in
Montreal , when the whole subject * was carefully considered at length , and in the best possible spirit . On the 16 th I appointed the following distinguished brethren — namely , R . W . Bro . Pratten , D . G . M ., Quebec ; R . W . Bro . Meigs ,
G . S . W ., Bedford ; R . W . Bro . Milton , G . J . W ., Montreal ; Rev . Bro . Reid , G . C , Sherbrooke ; R . W . Bro . Edgar , P . D . D . G . M ., Montreal ; R . W . Bro . Isaacson , G . Sec . ; and W . Bro . M . M . Tait —a committee to confer with the committee
of brethren aforesaid , on Wednesday , tne 20 th instant , if practicable , and expressing the hope that all their mutual deliberations would be conducted in a truly Masonic spirit , and that the results of their conference might be a means of
restoring peace and harmony to the Craft ; and to make report thereof to me immediately after their conference . On the 21 st instant , the following report was received from the Grand Secretary as the result ofthe deliberations ofthe joint committees : —
" Whereas , unhappily , differences and disputes have arisen , and are now existing in Masonry in the province of Quebec , between the Grand Lodge of Quebec , A . F . and A . M ., and her subordinates , on the one part , and the several lodges in the said province still holding under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Canada on the other part .
" And , whereas , with the view to terminate and for ever end said differences , and to restore harmony throughout the Craft in the said province , the said lodges—to wit , the said party of the second part—are willing to amalgamate and
join with the said party of the first part—to wit , the said the Grand Lodge of Quebec ; and the said party of the first part are willing to accept said lodges into their organisation , or Grind Body , the same as if they , the said lodges , had originally taken part in said organisation .
"And it is agreed by both said parties that all questions—viz ., names of lodges , distribution of property in the case of duplicate lodges , and priority of number in the case of all lodgesshall be left entirely to a committee of six , three of whom shall be named from the parly of the
first part , and three from the party of the second part , with power to said committee to name an arbitrator , and the decision of said committee and umpire to be final . " And the committee representing the G . L . of Q . hereby agree to submit the above terms
for the acceptance of their Grand Lodge . And the committee representing the lodges under the jurisdiction of the G . L . of C . hereby agree to recommend the above terms to the representatives of the lodges at a meeting to be held by such representatives for that purpose . "
In accordance with the provisions oi the Constitution for the consideration of matters of special importance , I have directed the President ofthe Board of General Purposes to submit the above to a full board for the most careful consideration , and make report thereon to the Grand Lodge for
its sanction . The whole subject is of vast importance , and I earnestly entreat you all to deliberate upon it in that truly fraternal and conciliatory spirit which has characterised all our doings hitherto ; to make all possible allowances
and concessions consistent with honour , with the Constitutions of the Fraternity , and with the dignity and integrity of this Grand Lodge . So that whatever action may be taken by us shall be promotive of the unity , harmony , and prosperity