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Article THE GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC. ← Page 2 of 2 Article THE GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC. Page 2 of 2 Article THE GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC. Page 2 of 2
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
Grand Body , of whom the R . W . Bro . Thomas White , D . G . M ., Montreal , was convener . A day for the meeting of the Joint Committee was then suggested to the G . Master of Canada , but information was received shortly thereafter by me through our Grand Secretary , from R . W .
Bro . Thomas White , convener of the committee named by the G . M . of C , that on account of certain correspondence then taking place between himself and the G . M ., it would not be practicable for said committee on their part to meet on the day proposed . After some further delay , I was
subsequently informed of the existence of difficulties as to the arrangements on the part ol Canada . I ao-ain caused to be communicated to the G . M . of C . the renewed assurance of our fraternal regard , and our earnest desire for the eat ly
constitutional adjustment of all our difficulties . Like assurances were received from the G . M . of C , together with the expression of his intention , if necessary , of remodeling his committee so as to remove certain obstacles , the carrying out of which would unavoidably occupy some time .
Various other correspondence ensued , and in order that no want of forbearance on our part might seem to exist , still further delay was granted ; but even now , no fraternal action in reference thereto has been taken place on the part of the officers of the Grand Lodge of Canada and
the Grand Master of the Grand Lotlge of Canada having , by letter of the 30 th ult . ( Jan . 187 . 3 ) , declared , that " under present circumstances he did not consider it expedient to take further action in the matter , " and having , on our part , exercised forbearance until it would seem that no
fair-minded brother at home or abroad , can justly feel that precipitate action on our part has been taken ; and the Grand Lodge of Canada , under two successive Grand Masters , having since te formation of the Grand Lodge of Quebec , th utter violation of all prudential and
constituional considerations , granted warrants to form several new lodges in this province , and has also granted copies of old warrants to construct duplicate lodges , under circumstances most injurious to the peace , harmony and prosperity of the craft in this province , all of which , and other such
likeacts being done in gross violation of the laws and traditions of our fraternity , anent thn establishment and sovereignty of Grand Lodges ; and although the Grand Lodge of Canada , as well as this Grand Lodge , did appeal to the Grand Lodges of the world for their decision on the great
constitutional questions involved in the formation of the Grand Lodge of Quebec , yet she refuses to abitle by the decision rendered by the great majority of the Grand Lodges with whom she has hitherto bien in fraternal correspondence , and tr whom she has appealed ; anel since the Grand
Lodge t . f Canada has continued to pursue a course so unworthy of a Grand Lodge of Freemasons , and so injurious to the unity and general welfare of the craft in this province , and has even appointed the city of Montreal , the chief city within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lotlge , as the place of
holding its next annual communication . Be it therefore known unto you all , that in view of this and many such like unconstitutional , and most unfraternal acts , anel in vindication of the sovereignty of this Grand Lodge , and of the inherent rights and prerogatives of our ancient ,
honourable , and loyal fraternity ; and in justice to all those grand lodges whose recognition has been so honourably and worthily extended to this Grand Lodge ; I therefore , by the solemn action of the Grand Lodge of Ancient , Free , and Accepted Masons of the Province of Quebec , do
hereby declare and proclaim all Masonic intercourse to be suspended , and to cease between this Grand Lodge , its subordinate lodges , anel all brethren in obedience thereto , and the G . L . of Canada , and all lodges and brethren in obedience thereto ; and all brethren of the G . L . of Quebec ,
are hereby solemnly commanded to bold no Masonic intercourse with any brother in obedience to said G . L . of Canada , as far as Ancient Craft Masonry is concerned , and ibis edict slial . be and remain in full force and elicit uaiil
ievoked by the Grand Masler , or tin ; Gr . iiui Lotlge of Quebec ; and it is hereb y liulher unified that due proclamation of this edict be made to all brethren in obedience to this Grand Lod ge ; of all which they will take notice and govern them-
The Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
selves accordingly , and also that the same be communicated to all regular Grand Lodges throughout the world . Done at Richmond , Province of Quebec , Dominion of Canada , this 4 th day of February , A . L . 5 873 , J . H . G aham , Grand Master ; John H . Isaacson , Grand Sec , G . L ., of Q .
APPEAL . " Grand Lodge of Ancient , Free , and Accepted Masons of the Province of Quebec . " Office of the Grand Master , " Richmond , P . Q ., 4 th Feb . 1873 . '' To the M . W . the Grand Masters , Officers ,
and Brethren of the Grand Lodges of the District of Columbia , Maine , New Hampshire , Iowa , Wisconsin , Texas , Nebraska , Nova Scotia , Nevada , Kansas , Illinois , Ohio , Michigan , Georgia , Mississippi , Arkansas , North Carolina , Connecticut , Indiana , New
York , Vermont , Rhode Island , West Virginia , Alabama , Brazil , Idaho , Louisiana , Montana , South Carolina , California , Utah . Belgium , Portugal , La Plata , Peru ; and all regular Grand Lodges of Freemasons throughout the world to whom these presents may
come . Greeting : Brethren ; On the 20 th day of October , A . L . 5 862 , the Grand Lotlge of Ancient , Free , and Accepted Masons of the Province of Quebec , Dominion
of Canada , was duly formed in accordance with the principles anel Constitutions of our ancient , and honourable fraternity , and has hitherto received from you , ( being upwards of thirty of the leading Grand Lodges of the World ) fraternal recognition , as an independent , sovereign Grand
Lodge of Freemasons ;—and as such , both in accordance with your recognition , and the great princip ' ei of our fraternity , is end . led to , and in duty bound to exercise exclusive Masonic authority over all ancient craft Freemasons , and all lodges of such , within the territorial jurisdiction
of the Province of Quebec , and Whereas , the Grand Lodge of Canada , in violation of all the considerations implied in her appeal ( in conjunction with this Grand Lodge ) to you and other Grand Lodges for a decision on the questions involved in our formation , still refuses to yield to , and abide by said decision
against her claims and pretensions , —rendered by so many Grand Lodges ; and , Whereas the said Grand Lodge of Canada , has not only not extended fraternal recognition to this Grand Lodge , as of ri ght the exclusive Masonic authority in and for the Province of Quebec—but in total want of fraternal prudence , and also in titter violation of the customs and
constitutions ol our fraternity , anil consequentl y in a manner most injurious to the peace , unitv , anel prosperity of the Craft in this Provincehas even granted warrants to form several new lodges within the territorial jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge , and also tinder circumstances of
most aggravating character , created duplicate lodges therein — and further that persistent attempts on the part of officials of the same Grand Bod y have been made to cause dissensions within our juii diction , and to create additional lodges therein ;
The fearful results o . such a course of action on the pait of said Grand Lodge , can be readil y understood b y the Craft .- . broad by supposing our case to be their own , and although existing from somewhat similar causes , in a far less objectionable and aggravating form in the old " Province of Canada , " out of which bv the formation of
the Dominion of Canada , in 1867 , the two like Provinces of Ontario and Quebec were created ; —said evils resulting from multiplied Grand Lodge jurisdiction in the same territory , were certainl y not over-st ited by Grand Master Harrington , in his annual address to flu ; Grand Lodge of Canada , at Hamilton , in 1864—wherein he said : —
" About three of them , we have already been in difficulty , and are never out of danger ol tumble with inch and all . 1 believe no dishonour could attach to the Grand Lotlge of Canada , if
coiiMileiing the practical trouble we have to encounter , we were even now to issue a notification with respect to these lodges , such as we should have done when we took our places amongst other Grand Lodges of Freeinaspnry .
The Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
It is a delicate subject , but a matter of real grievance , and certainly opposed to Masonic jurisprudence , and causes an important defect in our otherwise perfect structure . " Of the multiplied evils necessarily resulting from such divided grand lodge jurisdiction , our M . W . Brother might have mentioned that cf
applicants for initiation , rejected by a lodge holding a warrant from oiu grand lodge , making application to , and being received by another lodge in the same or in some other locality holding- a warrant from another grand bod)—and hence many persons being made Freemasons who for sufficient reasons could never otherwise
have been received into the fraternity , —all of which has been and still continues to be fraught with grave evils to the Craft in this jurisdiction , and is especially destructive to that unity and
harmony which should ever be among the chief characteristics of our order ; and notwithstanding this G . L . has repeatedly protested against all these and other such like wrongs , and has reiterated its anxious desire for a
constitutional adjustment of all differences existing between it and the Grand Lodge of Canada , whose sovereign territory is now necessarily the large and goodly province of Ontario , sti'l the Grand Lodge of Canada has continued to persist
in her refusal to deal justly by this Grand Lodge ; and , as if pursuing a course of judicial and Masonic madness , has appointed Montreal , the chief city in the Province of Quebec , as the place of holding its next annual communication ; and
Whereas these and other like acts are wholl y unworthy of a Grand body entitled to exercise the prerogatives and to enjoy the privileges of a recognised Grand Lodge of Freemasons ; therefore having foreborne with the G . L . of Canada until forbearance has almost ceased to be a virtue ,
I now communicate to you that for all these and many other obvious and important reasons , and in virtue of the- olutions passed at the two last annual commiinicar 'is of this Grand Lodge , and in vindication of the inhcr-nt and indefeasible rights of the Craft , and our just and duly
recognised prerogatives as an independent sovereign Grand Lodge of Freemasons , as well as injustice to your Grand Lodges whose recognition has been so honourably extended to this Grand Lodge , I have this day directed anel proclaimed that all Masonic communication and intercourse be
suspended between all lodges and brethren in obedience to this Grand Lodge , and all brethren and lodges in obedienceto the Grand Lotlge of Canada , until tlic said G . L . of C . shall in all respects deal justly by the Grand Lodge of Quebec , and
shall withdraw her jurisdiction from this province in accordance with the vital principle of the exclusive sovereign authority of every Grand Lodge of Ancient Craft Masons within its own territorial limits .
Therefore , Brethren ot the above named Grand L'lelges , and of all regular Grand Lodges of Freemasons throughout the world , we hereby appeal to you to uphold and sustain us in ibis our action in maintenance rind vindication of our lawful Grand Lodge sovereignity . Our case
unless aveited , may soon be yours . The lundamental princi ple of exclusive territorial jurisdiction so clearly evolved in the history of the Craft , is assailed and imperilled , here and in a few instances elsewhere . It appears to us that the time has fully come when it behoves all
regular Grand Lodges of Freemasons to take such united action as will uphold and defend this palladium of Masonic unity and Grand Lodge existence . The absolute right of every Grand Lodge to sole and exclusive territorial jurisdiction over all members and lodges of ancient Craft Masons
must be maintained . The Grand Lodge of the State of Vermont , has already suspended all Masonic intercourse with the Grand Lodge of Canada , until it ceases to assert any jurisdiction over any Lodge of Masons in the 1 Toviuce of Quebec . Other G and Lodges have practical !} asserted the same principles , and
the Gianil Lodge ol Qui bee now solemnly makes this her appeal to all regular and loyal Giaud Bodies of our ancient ami honourable Iraten ity . 1 'iii ) ing the Most High to maintain the ri ghts and perpetuate the blessings of our beloved Order to the latest generations . So mote it be . J . H . GRAHAM , % I °
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
Grand Body , of whom the R . W . Bro . Thomas White , D . G . M ., Montreal , was convener . A day for the meeting of the Joint Committee was then suggested to the G . Master of Canada , but information was received shortly thereafter by me through our Grand Secretary , from R . W .
Bro . Thomas White , convener of the committee named by the G . M . of C , that on account of certain correspondence then taking place between himself and the G . M ., it would not be practicable for said committee on their part to meet on the day proposed . After some further delay , I was
subsequently informed of the existence of difficulties as to the arrangements on the part ol Canada . I ao-ain caused to be communicated to the G . M . of C . the renewed assurance of our fraternal regard , and our earnest desire for the eat ly
constitutional adjustment of all our difficulties . Like assurances were received from the G . M . of C , together with the expression of his intention , if necessary , of remodeling his committee so as to remove certain obstacles , the carrying out of which would unavoidably occupy some time .
Various other correspondence ensued , and in order that no want of forbearance on our part might seem to exist , still further delay was granted ; but even now , no fraternal action in reference thereto has been taken place on the part of the officers of the Grand Lodge of Canada and
the Grand Master of the Grand Lotlge of Canada having , by letter of the 30 th ult . ( Jan . 187 . 3 ) , declared , that " under present circumstances he did not consider it expedient to take further action in the matter , " and having , on our part , exercised forbearance until it would seem that no
fair-minded brother at home or abroad , can justly feel that precipitate action on our part has been taken ; and the Grand Lodge of Canada , under two successive Grand Masters , having since te formation of the Grand Lodge of Quebec , th utter violation of all prudential and
constituional considerations , granted warrants to form several new lodges in this province , and has also granted copies of old warrants to construct duplicate lodges , under circumstances most injurious to the peace , harmony and prosperity of the craft in this province , all of which , and other such
likeacts being done in gross violation of the laws and traditions of our fraternity , anent thn establishment and sovereignty of Grand Lodges ; and although the Grand Lodge of Canada , as well as this Grand Lodge , did appeal to the Grand Lodges of the world for their decision on the great
constitutional questions involved in the formation of the Grand Lodge of Quebec , yet she refuses to abitle by the decision rendered by the great majority of the Grand Lodges with whom she has hitherto bien in fraternal correspondence , and tr whom she has appealed ; anel since the Grand
Lodge t . f Canada has continued to pursue a course so unworthy of a Grand Lodge of Freemasons , and so injurious to the unity and general welfare of the craft in this province , and has even appointed the city of Montreal , the chief city within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lotlge , as the place of
holding its next annual communication . Be it therefore known unto you all , that in view of this and many such like unconstitutional , and most unfraternal acts , anel in vindication of the sovereignty of this Grand Lodge , and of the inherent rights and prerogatives of our ancient ,
honourable , and loyal fraternity ; and in justice to all those grand lodges whose recognition has been so honourably and worthily extended to this Grand Lodge ; I therefore , by the solemn action of the Grand Lodge of Ancient , Free , and Accepted Masons of the Province of Quebec , do
hereby declare and proclaim all Masonic intercourse to be suspended , and to cease between this Grand Lodge , its subordinate lodges , anel all brethren in obedience thereto , and the G . L . of Canada , and all lodges and brethren in obedience thereto ; and all brethren of the G . L . of Quebec ,
are hereby solemnly commanded to bold no Masonic intercourse with any brother in obedience to said G . L . of Canada , as far as Ancient Craft Masonry is concerned , and ibis edict slial . be and remain in full force and elicit uaiil
ievoked by the Grand Masler , or tin ; Gr . iiui Lotlge of Quebec ; and it is hereb y liulher unified that due proclamation of this edict be made to all brethren in obedience to this Grand Lod ge ; of all which they will take notice and govern them-
The Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
selves accordingly , and also that the same be communicated to all regular Grand Lodges throughout the world . Done at Richmond , Province of Quebec , Dominion of Canada , this 4 th day of February , A . L . 5 873 , J . H . G aham , Grand Master ; John H . Isaacson , Grand Sec , G . L ., of Q .
APPEAL . " Grand Lodge of Ancient , Free , and Accepted Masons of the Province of Quebec . " Office of the Grand Master , " Richmond , P . Q ., 4 th Feb . 1873 . '' To the M . W . the Grand Masters , Officers ,
and Brethren of the Grand Lodges of the District of Columbia , Maine , New Hampshire , Iowa , Wisconsin , Texas , Nebraska , Nova Scotia , Nevada , Kansas , Illinois , Ohio , Michigan , Georgia , Mississippi , Arkansas , North Carolina , Connecticut , Indiana , New
York , Vermont , Rhode Island , West Virginia , Alabama , Brazil , Idaho , Louisiana , Montana , South Carolina , California , Utah . Belgium , Portugal , La Plata , Peru ; and all regular Grand Lodges of Freemasons throughout the world to whom these presents may
come . Greeting : Brethren ; On the 20 th day of October , A . L . 5 862 , the Grand Lotlge of Ancient , Free , and Accepted Masons of the Province of Quebec , Dominion
of Canada , was duly formed in accordance with the principles anel Constitutions of our ancient , and honourable fraternity , and has hitherto received from you , ( being upwards of thirty of the leading Grand Lodges of the World ) fraternal recognition , as an independent , sovereign Grand
Lodge of Freemasons ;—and as such , both in accordance with your recognition , and the great princip ' ei of our fraternity , is end . led to , and in duty bound to exercise exclusive Masonic authority over all ancient craft Freemasons , and all lodges of such , within the territorial jurisdiction
of the Province of Quebec , and Whereas , the Grand Lodge of Canada , in violation of all the considerations implied in her appeal ( in conjunction with this Grand Lodge ) to you and other Grand Lodges for a decision on the questions involved in our formation , still refuses to yield to , and abide by said decision
against her claims and pretensions , —rendered by so many Grand Lodges ; and , Whereas the said Grand Lodge of Canada , has not only not extended fraternal recognition to this Grand Lodge , as of ri ght the exclusive Masonic authority in and for the Province of Quebec—but in total want of fraternal prudence , and also in titter violation of the customs and
constitutions ol our fraternity , anil consequentl y in a manner most injurious to the peace , unitv , anel prosperity of the Craft in this Provincehas even granted warrants to form several new lodges within the territorial jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge , and also tinder circumstances of
most aggravating character , created duplicate lodges therein — and further that persistent attempts on the part of officials of the same Grand Bod y have been made to cause dissensions within our juii diction , and to create additional lodges therein ;
The fearful results o . such a course of action on the pait of said Grand Lodge , can be readil y understood b y the Craft .- . broad by supposing our case to be their own , and although existing from somewhat similar causes , in a far less objectionable and aggravating form in the old " Province of Canada , " out of which bv the formation of
the Dominion of Canada , in 1867 , the two like Provinces of Ontario and Quebec were created ; —said evils resulting from multiplied Grand Lodge jurisdiction in the same territory , were certainl y not over-st ited by Grand Master Harrington , in his annual address to flu ; Grand Lodge of Canada , at Hamilton , in 1864—wherein he said : —
" About three of them , we have already been in difficulty , and are never out of danger ol tumble with inch and all . 1 believe no dishonour could attach to the Grand Lotlge of Canada , if
coiiMileiing the practical trouble we have to encounter , we were even now to issue a notification with respect to these lodges , such as we should have done when we took our places amongst other Grand Lodges of Freeinaspnry .
The Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
It is a delicate subject , but a matter of real grievance , and certainly opposed to Masonic jurisprudence , and causes an important defect in our otherwise perfect structure . " Of the multiplied evils necessarily resulting from such divided grand lodge jurisdiction , our M . W . Brother might have mentioned that cf
applicants for initiation , rejected by a lodge holding a warrant from oiu grand lodge , making application to , and being received by another lodge in the same or in some other locality holding- a warrant from another grand bod)—and hence many persons being made Freemasons who for sufficient reasons could never otherwise
have been received into the fraternity , —all of which has been and still continues to be fraught with grave evils to the Craft in this jurisdiction , and is especially destructive to that unity and
harmony which should ever be among the chief characteristics of our order ; and notwithstanding this G . L . has repeatedly protested against all these and other such like wrongs , and has reiterated its anxious desire for a
constitutional adjustment of all differences existing between it and the Grand Lodge of Canada , whose sovereign territory is now necessarily the large and goodly province of Ontario , sti'l the Grand Lodge of Canada has continued to persist
in her refusal to deal justly by this Grand Lodge ; and , as if pursuing a course of judicial and Masonic madness , has appointed Montreal , the chief city in the Province of Quebec , as the place of holding its next annual communication ; and
Whereas these and other like acts are wholl y unworthy of a Grand body entitled to exercise the prerogatives and to enjoy the privileges of a recognised Grand Lodge of Freemasons ; therefore having foreborne with the G . L . of Canada until forbearance has almost ceased to be a virtue ,
I now communicate to you that for all these and many other obvious and important reasons , and in virtue of the- olutions passed at the two last annual commiinicar 'is of this Grand Lodge , and in vindication of the inhcr-nt and indefeasible rights of the Craft , and our just and duly
recognised prerogatives as an independent sovereign Grand Lodge of Freemasons , as well as injustice to your Grand Lodges whose recognition has been so honourably extended to this Grand Lodge , I have this day directed anel proclaimed that all Masonic communication and intercourse be
suspended between all lodges and brethren in obedience to this Grand Lodge , and all brethren and lodges in obedienceto the Grand Lotlge of Canada , until tlic said G . L . of C . shall in all respects deal justly by the Grand Lodge of Quebec , and
shall withdraw her jurisdiction from this province in accordance with the vital principle of the exclusive sovereign authority of every Grand Lodge of Ancient Craft Masons within its own territorial limits .
Therefore , Brethren ot the above named Grand L'lelges , and of all regular Grand Lodges of Freemasons throughout the world , we hereby appeal to you to uphold and sustain us in ibis our action in maintenance rind vindication of our lawful Grand Lodge sovereignity . Our case
unless aveited , may soon be yours . The lundamental princi ple of exclusive territorial jurisdiction so clearly evolved in the history of the Craft , is assailed and imperilled , here and in a few instances elsewhere . It appears to us that the time has fully come when it behoves all
regular Grand Lodges of Freemasons to take such united action as will uphold and defend this palladium of Masonic unity and Grand Lodge existence . The absolute right of every Grand Lodge to sole and exclusive territorial jurisdiction over all members and lodges of ancient Craft Masons
must be maintained . The Grand Lodge of the State of Vermont , has already suspended all Masonic intercourse with the Grand Lodge of Canada , until it ceases to assert any jurisdiction over any Lodge of Masons in the 1 Toviuce of Quebec . Other G and Lodges have practical !} asserted the same principles , and
the Gianil Lodge ol Qui bee now solemnly makes this her appeal to all regular and loyal Giaud Bodies of our ancient ami honourable Iraten ity . 1 'iii ) ing the Most High to maintain the ri ghts and perpetuate the blessings of our beloved Order to the latest generations . So mote it be . J . H . GRAHAM , % I °