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  • Oct. 25, 1873
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  • THE FUTURE OF FREEMASONRY IN IRELAND.
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The Freemason, Oct. 25, 1873: Page 7

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    Article THE OPENING OF THE MASONIC HALL AT PHILADELPHIA. ← Page 2 of 2
    Article COSMOPOLITAN MASONIC CALENDAR. Page 1 of 1
    Article THE FUTURE OF FREEMASONRY IN IRELAND. Page 1 of 2
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Page 7

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

The Opening Of The Masonic Hall At Philadelphia.

the thoughtful mind of the unity of our great Masonic system , and the active power of its o-reat principles of Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth .

But besides this , we feel that we m . England are . bound ever to hold out the warm hand of fellowship and the genuine welcome of true Freemasonry to our brethren and the lodges in

America . For not only may we claim American as the child of English Freemasonry , and therefore we all ought to feel the deepest interest in its progress

and prosperity , but the American Masons , as it seems to ns have deserved indeed well of the Masonic Fraternity at large , for they have surmounted great difficulties and dangers , they have

lived down open persecution , they have adhered faithfully to the principles of Freemasonry , and now they jhave their reward in the peaceful ye rapid expansion of their Order , throughout their

great country . Few of us there are , we think , in respect of the United States , who do not often echo the words of that anonymous poet , who sang so well and so truly : —

Land of the Pilgrim Fathers , the refuge of the free . With what forgiving tenderness our hearts have

beat tor thee The ancient feuds were banished , and the battlefields o ' ergrown And thy heroes to our history were 2 S precious as our oivn .

Thy sons and ours have walked abreast as kinsfolks and as friends . As men who seek the same high goal and choose the same pure ends .

Thy sons and ours we thought shouid teach the ¦ world to hold in awe , The cloudless face of liberty , the level gaze of law .

And hence with this record fresh before us of Pennsylvanian Masonic enterprise , and with an appreciation of the zeal and energy and

earnestness of our American brethren , we are glad to be permitted to day to offer them , in all heartfelt sincerity , the assurance of our warm congratulations and of our fraternal goodwill .

Cosmopolitan Masonic Calendar.

COSMOPOLITAN MASONIC CALENDAR .

We wish to draw the attention of our numerous readers to the advertisement of the Cosmopolitan Masonic Calendar , Diary , and Pocket-book for 1874 .

Among the many valuable additions made in the issue for the coming year , we may mention that the London meetings of every degree appear in the memorandum space of each day ,

the country lodges in towns , alphabetically arranged . The Charge and Entered Apprentice ' s Song

as also been added . We feel assured that this year ' s issue will prove of far greater value than any of its predecessors .

The editor of the " Bauhiitte " has founded at Florence an establishment for the sale of German and'English books . We have much pleasure in introducing the same to the notice of our many

readers who may visit the fair city , feeling assured that they will meet with every attention from those in charge . The address is—Messrs . Flor and Findel , German and Foreign Booksellers , 24 , Lung Arno Acciajoli ,

The Future Of Freemasonry In Ireland.

THE FUTURE OF FREEMASONRY IN IRELAND .

SIXTH ARTICLE . ( Continued from page , 3 . 39 . ) THE HIGH GRADES . The change in the Constitution of the Templar Order , lately completed , will tend to modify considerably the relations existing

between Craft Masonry and the High Grades in this country , and until time has tested the new arrangements , it is almost a matter of speculation to what extent the modification may reach . The new Order , with its sounding title , and absurdly incongruous costume , patronised as it

is by Royalty , and commanded by the Heir Apparent , may attain to a lustre , before which the scintillations of " Sovereign Princes , " " Grand Inspectors , " yea even of " Holy Emperors" shall wax dim , or it may continue to be here , what it has hitherto been , a kind of

stepping stone to those " ineffable" degrees , which the rank and file of Masonry , however worthy as men and as Masons , may hope to reach , but not to pass , the good things beyond being reserved for the chosen few who come up to the required standard of fitness , appointed by the happy monopolists above .

Our business just now is simply to see in what way the influence of the " High Grades" has been brought to bear on our proposed new constitutions , the final settlement of which has been fixed for the ensuing month of November . . There are just two laws to which it is

necessary to direct the attention of our brethren , so that they may be prepared to expunge or modify , if they think it fit so to do—statutes that if passed as they stand , are intended to protect , and perpetuate a state of things that has been , and if continued must always be , most

injurious to the true interests of'Freemasonry . Proposed rule 30 reads thus : — " The Grand Lodge strictly prohibits as unlawful , all asemblies of Freemasons in Ireland , under any title whatever , purporting to be Masonic , not held by virtue of a warrant or

Constitution from the Grand Lodge , or from one of the other Masonic Grand bodies , recognised by , and acting in Masonic union with it . Any brother being a member of any lodge on the Registry of Ireland , or otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge , who shall

take part in such unlawful assembly , or shall join or become a member of any body or society purporting to be Masonic , and not in connection with or sanctioned by the Grand Lodge or other Masonic grand body recognised by it , shall be liable to suspension , or such other penalty as Grand Lodge may think fit . "

There can be no reasonable objection to the first clause of this proposed law , which , with some slight verbal alterations , is identical with one of the existing rules , but the second clause is entirely new and has evidently been inspired by a desire to bring the power of Grand Lodge

to bear for the protection of the monopoly of certain high degrees , which in its character as governing body of Craft Masonry , it has nothing to do with , and of which in fact , in such capacity , it officially knows nothing . It is not necessary now to narrate the history of what is known here as " The Manchester

Movement' Some of these days if I have time , and ^ feel so disposed , I may have something to say on that subject , and if all the facts of the case were fairly stated , probably many brethren , who are very imperfectly informed in the matter , might see reason for changing their

views . At present we have to consider the bearing of the proposed new law on the Order generally , although there can be little doubt that the movement to which I have alluded gave birth to the objectionable clause in the proposed new law . Let it be clearly understood that the omission of the words "in Ireland" after society ,

is not accidental . Their insertion has been suggested in the proper quarter , and has been deliberately rejected . As the proposed addition to the existing law stands , it is a most unwarrantable attack on the individual liberty of the members of our Order . It is quite right , having regard to the position of Freemasonry in Ireland , and to the various sur-

The Future Of Freemasonry In Ireland.

rounding circumstances , that Grand Lodge should take every precaution to guard against the introduction of societies purporting to be Masonic , but not under its jurisdiction , or that of any governing body with which it is allied ,

But by what right would it attempt to interfere with its members joining any society , in England or Scotland for example , sanctioned by the laws of the land , and friendly to Freemasonry . For instance : —

Probably the oldest and most respectable representative of the "high grades " willjbe found in " The Royal Order of Scotland . " A call to membership of that Order would justly be considered a high honour to receive . But as " The Royal Order " is not , I believe either "in

connection with or sanctioned by the Grand Lodge or other Masonic Grand body recognised by it , " it follows that any member on the Irish Registry accepting such houour , would , if this law be passed , " be liable to suspension or such other penalty as Grand Lodge may think fit . "

The sameremark of course applies to the English " Order of Rome and Constantine . " It is not however applicable to " The Rosicrucian Society of England " as they preface their rules by the statement " The Society of Brethren of the Rosy Cross , is totally independent , being established

on its own basis , and as a body is not otherwise connected with the Masonic Order , than by having its members selected from that Fraternity . " " Kn passant" I would commend this statement to the attention of the heads of the " New United

Orders . " Altering tha title , it would admirably suit their position , and would honestly define it . If Grand Lodge should think it right to pass the proposed new law in its entirety and unlimited as to locality , I belive the result will be most mischievous Practically , I am inclined to think it will bu inoperative , and therefore weakening

to the general authority of Grand * Lodge . It is one thing to submit to laws as to the mere expediency of which we may differ . It is another thing to obey those whose inherent injustice makes it almost a duty to disregard them . The other rule to which I call attention is No .

' JJ" Any brother expelled , suspended , or restored by the Grand Royal Arch Chapter , the Grand Priory of High Knights Templar , the Grand

Chapter of Prince Masons of Ireland , or the Supreme Council of the 3 , 3 rd Degree for Ireland , shall on the case being officially communicated to the Grand Lodge of Ireland , be expelled , suspended , or restored , as the case may be , without any further enquiry or investigation . "

I still maintain the view I long since stated , that strictly speaking both of the last named above Orders are unrecognized , and Consequently illegal , but waving that point we have to consider is it for the advantage of Craft Masonry , that the Grand Lodge should be compelled , without enquiry to suspend or expel a member , at the bidding of the so-called " High Degrees ?"

I cannot , I think , do better than quote the statements of one who is justly regarded as a very high authority in Masonry , and who cannot be considered as otherwise than friendly to the * ' High Grades , " holding as he does their highest honours .

Bro . Albert G . Mackey , in his " Text Book of Masonic Jurisprudence , " in dealing with the subject of " Expulsion , " rules thus , ( page 538 , et seq . ) " An important question remains to be discussed , which refers not only to the penalty of

expulsion , but also to that of suspension . Does suspension < sr expulsion from a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons , a Council of Royal and Select Masters , or an Encampment of Knights Templar , carry with it , as a necessary consequence , suspension or expulsion from Symbolic

Masonry ? To this question , reason and the general usages of the Order lead me unhesitatingly to reply that it does njt . The converse of the proposition is , however , true , and suspension or expulsion from a Symbolic lodge is necessarily suspension or expulsion from all the higher bodies . " The principle upon which this doctrine is based is a very plain one . If the axe be applied

“The Freemason: 1873-10-25, Page 7” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 28 May 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fvl/issues/fvl_25101873/page/7/.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS. Article 3
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 3
Royal Arch. Article 4
Mark Masonry. Article 4
Knights Templar. Article 4
Ancient and Accepted Rite. Article 4
Red Cross of Constantine. Article 4
CENTENARY BANQUET OF THE FORTITUDE LODGE, TRURO. Article 5
PRESENTATION TO BRO. G. B. ADAMS, IN GLASGOW. Article 5
Masonic Tidings. Article 5
Untitled Article 6
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Untitled Article 6
Answers to Correspondents. Article 6
Births ,Marriages and Deaths. Article 6
Untitled Article 6
THE OPENING OF THE MASONIC HALL AT PHILADELPHIA. Article 6
COSMOPOLITAN MASONIC CALENDAR. Article 7
THE FUTURE OF FREEMASONRY IN IRELAND. Article 7
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF NORFOLK. Article 8
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF JERSEY. Article 9
Original Correspondence. Article 9
RESUSCITATION OF A ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER AT PAISLEY. Article 10
FREEMASONRY IN THE WEST INDIES. Article 10
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS. Article 11
Obituary. Article 11
Multum in Parbo, or Masonic Notes and Queries. Article 11
METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 11
MASONIC MEETINGS IN LIVERPOOL, &c. Article 11
M/SONIC MEETINGS IN GLASGOW. Article 11
MASONIC MEETINGS IN EDINBURGH. Article 11
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

The Opening Of The Masonic Hall At Philadelphia.

the thoughtful mind of the unity of our great Masonic system , and the active power of its o-reat principles of Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth .

But besides this , we feel that we m . England are . bound ever to hold out the warm hand of fellowship and the genuine welcome of true Freemasonry to our brethren and the lodges in

America . For not only may we claim American as the child of English Freemasonry , and therefore we all ought to feel the deepest interest in its progress

and prosperity , but the American Masons , as it seems to ns have deserved indeed well of the Masonic Fraternity at large , for they have surmounted great difficulties and dangers , they have

lived down open persecution , they have adhered faithfully to the principles of Freemasonry , and now they jhave their reward in the peaceful ye rapid expansion of their Order , throughout their

great country . Few of us there are , we think , in respect of the United States , who do not often echo the words of that anonymous poet , who sang so well and so truly : —

Land of the Pilgrim Fathers , the refuge of the free . With what forgiving tenderness our hearts have

beat tor thee The ancient feuds were banished , and the battlefields o ' ergrown And thy heroes to our history were 2 S precious as our oivn .

Thy sons and ours have walked abreast as kinsfolks and as friends . As men who seek the same high goal and choose the same pure ends .

Thy sons and ours we thought shouid teach the ¦ world to hold in awe , The cloudless face of liberty , the level gaze of law .

And hence with this record fresh before us of Pennsylvanian Masonic enterprise , and with an appreciation of the zeal and energy and

earnestness of our American brethren , we are glad to be permitted to day to offer them , in all heartfelt sincerity , the assurance of our warm congratulations and of our fraternal goodwill .

Cosmopolitan Masonic Calendar.

COSMOPOLITAN MASONIC CALENDAR .

We wish to draw the attention of our numerous readers to the advertisement of the Cosmopolitan Masonic Calendar , Diary , and Pocket-book for 1874 .

Among the many valuable additions made in the issue for the coming year , we may mention that the London meetings of every degree appear in the memorandum space of each day ,

the country lodges in towns , alphabetically arranged . The Charge and Entered Apprentice ' s Song

as also been added . We feel assured that this year ' s issue will prove of far greater value than any of its predecessors .

The editor of the " Bauhiitte " has founded at Florence an establishment for the sale of German and'English books . We have much pleasure in introducing the same to the notice of our many

readers who may visit the fair city , feeling assured that they will meet with every attention from those in charge . The address is—Messrs . Flor and Findel , German and Foreign Booksellers , 24 , Lung Arno Acciajoli ,

The Future Of Freemasonry In Ireland.

THE FUTURE OF FREEMASONRY IN IRELAND .

SIXTH ARTICLE . ( Continued from page , 3 . 39 . ) THE HIGH GRADES . The change in the Constitution of the Templar Order , lately completed , will tend to modify considerably the relations existing

between Craft Masonry and the High Grades in this country , and until time has tested the new arrangements , it is almost a matter of speculation to what extent the modification may reach . The new Order , with its sounding title , and absurdly incongruous costume , patronised as it

is by Royalty , and commanded by the Heir Apparent , may attain to a lustre , before which the scintillations of " Sovereign Princes , " " Grand Inspectors , " yea even of " Holy Emperors" shall wax dim , or it may continue to be here , what it has hitherto been , a kind of

stepping stone to those " ineffable" degrees , which the rank and file of Masonry , however worthy as men and as Masons , may hope to reach , but not to pass , the good things beyond being reserved for the chosen few who come up to the required standard of fitness , appointed by the happy monopolists above .

Our business just now is simply to see in what way the influence of the " High Grades" has been brought to bear on our proposed new constitutions , the final settlement of which has been fixed for the ensuing month of November . . There are just two laws to which it is

necessary to direct the attention of our brethren , so that they may be prepared to expunge or modify , if they think it fit so to do—statutes that if passed as they stand , are intended to protect , and perpetuate a state of things that has been , and if continued must always be , most

injurious to the true interests of'Freemasonry . Proposed rule 30 reads thus : — " The Grand Lodge strictly prohibits as unlawful , all asemblies of Freemasons in Ireland , under any title whatever , purporting to be Masonic , not held by virtue of a warrant or

Constitution from the Grand Lodge , or from one of the other Masonic Grand bodies , recognised by , and acting in Masonic union with it . Any brother being a member of any lodge on the Registry of Ireland , or otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge , who shall

take part in such unlawful assembly , or shall join or become a member of any body or society purporting to be Masonic , and not in connection with or sanctioned by the Grand Lodge or other Masonic grand body recognised by it , shall be liable to suspension , or such other penalty as Grand Lodge may think fit . "

There can be no reasonable objection to the first clause of this proposed law , which , with some slight verbal alterations , is identical with one of the existing rules , but the second clause is entirely new and has evidently been inspired by a desire to bring the power of Grand Lodge

to bear for the protection of the monopoly of certain high degrees , which in its character as governing body of Craft Masonry , it has nothing to do with , and of which in fact , in such capacity , it officially knows nothing . It is not necessary now to narrate the history of what is known here as " The Manchester

Movement' Some of these days if I have time , and ^ feel so disposed , I may have something to say on that subject , and if all the facts of the case were fairly stated , probably many brethren , who are very imperfectly informed in the matter , might see reason for changing their

views . At present we have to consider the bearing of the proposed new law on the Order generally , although there can be little doubt that the movement to which I have alluded gave birth to the objectionable clause in the proposed new law . Let it be clearly understood that the omission of the words "in Ireland" after society ,

is not accidental . Their insertion has been suggested in the proper quarter , and has been deliberately rejected . As the proposed addition to the existing law stands , it is a most unwarrantable attack on the individual liberty of the members of our Order . It is quite right , having regard to the position of Freemasonry in Ireland , and to the various sur-

The Future Of Freemasonry In Ireland.

rounding circumstances , that Grand Lodge should take every precaution to guard against the introduction of societies purporting to be Masonic , but not under its jurisdiction , or that of any governing body with which it is allied ,

But by what right would it attempt to interfere with its members joining any society , in England or Scotland for example , sanctioned by the laws of the land , and friendly to Freemasonry . For instance : —

Probably the oldest and most respectable representative of the "high grades " willjbe found in " The Royal Order of Scotland . " A call to membership of that Order would justly be considered a high honour to receive . But as " The Royal Order " is not , I believe either "in

connection with or sanctioned by the Grand Lodge or other Masonic Grand body recognised by it , " it follows that any member on the Irish Registry accepting such houour , would , if this law be passed , " be liable to suspension or such other penalty as Grand Lodge may think fit . "

The sameremark of course applies to the English " Order of Rome and Constantine . " It is not however applicable to " The Rosicrucian Society of England " as they preface their rules by the statement " The Society of Brethren of the Rosy Cross , is totally independent , being established

on its own basis , and as a body is not otherwise connected with the Masonic Order , than by having its members selected from that Fraternity . " " Kn passant" I would commend this statement to the attention of the heads of the " New United

Orders . " Altering tha title , it would admirably suit their position , and would honestly define it . If Grand Lodge should think it right to pass the proposed new law in its entirety and unlimited as to locality , I belive the result will be most mischievous Practically , I am inclined to think it will bu inoperative , and therefore weakening

to the general authority of Grand * Lodge . It is one thing to submit to laws as to the mere expediency of which we may differ . It is another thing to obey those whose inherent injustice makes it almost a duty to disregard them . The other rule to which I call attention is No .

' JJ" Any brother expelled , suspended , or restored by the Grand Royal Arch Chapter , the Grand Priory of High Knights Templar , the Grand

Chapter of Prince Masons of Ireland , or the Supreme Council of the 3 , 3 rd Degree for Ireland , shall on the case being officially communicated to the Grand Lodge of Ireland , be expelled , suspended , or restored , as the case may be , without any further enquiry or investigation . "

I still maintain the view I long since stated , that strictly speaking both of the last named above Orders are unrecognized , and Consequently illegal , but waving that point we have to consider is it for the advantage of Craft Masonry , that the Grand Lodge should be compelled , without enquiry to suspend or expel a member , at the bidding of the so-called " High Degrees ?"

I cannot , I think , do better than quote the statements of one who is justly regarded as a very high authority in Masonry , and who cannot be considered as otherwise than friendly to the * ' High Grades , " holding as he does their highest honours .

Bro . Albert G . Mackey , in his " Text Book of Masonic Jurisprudence , " in dealing with the subject of " Expulsion , " rules thus , ( page 538 , et seq . ) " An important question remains to be discussed , which refers not only to the penalty of

expulsion , but also to that of suspension . Does suspension < sr expulsion from a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons , a Council of Royal and Select Masters , or an Encampment of Knights Templar , carry with it , as a necessary consequence , suspension or expulsion from Symbolic

Masonry ? To this question , reason and the general usages of the Order lead me unhesitatingly to reply that it does njt . The converse of the proposition is , however , true , and suspension or expulsion from a Symbolic lodge is necessarily suspension or expulsion from all the higher bodies . " The principle upon which this doctrine is based is a very plain one . If the axe be applied

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