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Article GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE. ← Page 2 of 3 Article GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE. Page 2 of 3 Article GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE. Page 2 of 3 →
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Grand Orient Of France.
being 231 voters present , thus making 116 an absolute majority . Thc result of the ballot was as follows : — Bro . do St . lohn lean ... T 2 . S
j j „ Duncanc ... ... 27 „ Lonba ... ... ... 19 „ Calfarim ... ... 16
„ Massol ... ... 14 There were eleven others named , three of them had only 1 vote each , four 2 votes , two three votes , and two 4 votes each .
On the completion of thc ballot Bro . Dc St . Jean vacated thc President ' s chair , which was filled by Bro . Grain , who announced the result , and proclaimed Bro . De St . Jean President of thc General Assembly of thc Grand Orient of France for thc
session of 1872 , and called upon thc brethren to signify their approval by a triple fire . This having been done in amost hearty
manner , Bro . Grain handed the President ' s G . to Bro . St . Jean and gave him thc fraternal embrace , and expressed his sincere congratulations .
Bro . St . Jean expressed himself much moved by thc confidence which the assembly placed in him , in appointing him to
that high office ; he thanked them and assured them he would endeavour to prove himself worthy of the honour and confidence .
When thc assembly of thc Grand Orient of Franccmctlast year they had been separated for months by the cruel events which haddcsolatcd the country ; at this moment-it would bc presumptuous to predict the future
destinies of France , but few would have imagined that in such a short space of time she would have presented to thc world the spectacle of a people that had been brought to thc lowest possible point , drawing fresh
will and energy from the frightful disasters which appeared about to crush her . Today hope has re-entered our hearts , and we arc able , without to much presumption , to look the future in the face with calmness .
It belongs not to us in this circle to ask for and to proclaim the course of events during the war , unknown perhaps in the history of nations , but nothing hinders us from verifying them , and wc rejoice to bc able to do so .
It is not forbidden us to point out the part taken by Masons in this overflow of generous sentiments which has pervaded the bosoms of all the people of France during thc late contest , and how many
were thc great sacrifices which were imposed on all our people . Without doubt , my brethren , it would be superfluousbefore you , above all , who have been the witnesses and actors of the scenes—to
recall here the bright proofs of devotion to country which French Masons have given during these years of misfortune . Thc Masonic documents preserved by thc Grand Orient fully show with what
patriotic ardour lodges and Masons of all rites have responded to the call of our country . These documents which arc augmented day by day will be published under thc title of the Book of Gold of
Freemasonry ; it will testify to future Masonic generations that their ancestors were faithful to their engagements and duties as Masons and citizens . On this occasion , my brothers , 1 may be
permitted to express our heartfelt thanks t : > those foreign brothers whose sympathy for France and thc cause she defended was not confined to expressions only , but who
perilled their lives in hastening with admirable generosity to our succour . They have given us a noble example in acknowledging the duty that unites men of the same way of thinking ; this sentiment has ever assisted
Grand Orient Of France.
the march of progress and civilization . You will be ab \ e to comprehend , my brothers , that it is not without a great injury to their resources that our lodges has been able to face the sacrifices which their patriotic
feeling imposed upon them ; the consequence is many of them have been disastrous ; in short , during this epoch a few lodges ( four only ) have returned their
Warrants , the dispersion of their members , and thc expenditure of all their funds have rendered it impossible for these lodges to continue their work , thc Council of thc Order have under these circumstances ,
acceded to their request : a greater number more than fifty have shown no signs of life during thc past two years , and we
fear that thc same causes will have for those lodges thc same consequences as those which have recently been struck oft our roll .
Let us , however , hope that ior tne former and thc latter all hope is not lost , and that when circumstances improve they will not delay in resuming thc labours which imperious necessity alone interrupted , Wc know the Masonic faith of thc small
number of members which remain to represent these lodges ; we know with what ardour they are animated ; and we doubt
not , that when thc time arrives ( thc Columns of their Temples , which to day are deserted ) they will be assured that thc Grand Orient of France will do all in their
power to second their- euorts . To thc losses which we have enumerated , my brothers , it is now my painful duty to speak of others , the loss of which wrings
my heart . You are all aware of thc agitations which exist among the lodges in Alsace and Loraine—lodges which the Grand Orient of France considered as
among thc number of her most solid columns . To the last moment wc hoped that these lodges would bc permitted to remain with us , and wc deluded ourselves with the hope that the German Masonic
governing power would , inspired by the true sentiments of Freemasonry respect thc traditions , and thc laws which to this day have governed our institution , comprehending how heartbreaking it is to
separate against their will , the children from the mother ; but the Germans have not been animated by these feelings , and it would be purile in us to bc astonished at any outrageous act they may commit .
Our lodges in Alsace and Loraine have received positive instructions to discontinue all relationship with thc Grand Orient of France after a certain period , the time allowed being very short indeed . I have
no need to tell you thc reply made by our brethren of these provinces , faithful to their oath , and not less faithful in their attachment to the mother-country , our brothers have replied that if their
lodges cease to belong to the Grand Orient from whom they derived their existence , they will close their lodges and terminate their labours iu Masonry . Thanks ! a thousand thanks to them , my
brothers , for the sentiments which has inspired this response—sentiments which softens thc pain , and regret we naturally feel when we think of the separation with which wc are menaced .
This separation my brothers , will it be for ever—Ah ! that is for the future to determine ; but let us determine to bc unceasing in our efforts ; Ictus devote all our will and energy to bring them again back to our fold .
To complete thc enumeration of those lodges which have ceased their work under the Grand Orient of France , we must
Grand Orient Of France.
mention the seven lodges that wc have recently constituted in Hungary ; but this separation to which wc have willingly consented , is both honourable to our Grand Orient and to these lodges which have constituted themselves into a Grand Orient for
Hungary ; having requested our permission to do so , in terms which demonstrate their attachment to the Grand Orient of France and the regret they feel at the separation . We have not hesitated to enter into their views and to contribute to thc foundation
in that beautiful country of a Grand Orient composed of elements the most recommcndablc , and with which wc entertain relations thc most affectionate and fraternal .
With regard to the pictures we have drawn of the losses sustained by the Grand Orient of France , and of the disasters of our country—all calculated to try our fidelity , —you will I am certain , experience
a lively satisfaction in learning that the greatest number of our lodges have not succumbed , and that their work has only been interrupted for a time—without doubt many of them will be under the necessity
of asking you to exonerate them from charges which at this moment they arc unable to support . The Council of the Order with the advice of the commission of finances , have recommended that they should be released from all liabilities—for
two reasons—first , that as citizens they were subjected to losses in common with others and so have little to spare for thc purpose of making good the funds of their respective lodges , and second that their
work may not bc interrupted and that they may not be prevented from rendering us assistance at this important general assembly—wc hope you will give your consent to the arrangement .
We have now , my brothers , to convey information likely to inspire legitimate satisfaction , and give us hope for the future . During the last few months , thc Council of thc Order has constituted ten
new lodges in France and other countries , others are applied for , and we trust the progress so happily recommenced may continue to flow steadily onward . At this moment thc Grand Orient of
France , in spite of the misery of our country and thc losses wc have met with , has under her authority three hundred and
forty lodges in full activity , besides chapters and councils ; wc arc therefore , my brothers , in a position which permits us to hope well for the future .
And now we must turn from these cheering prospects and examine thc circumstances which has reduced the funds of our Order , and consider some means by which our affairs may be amended . The report of the Commission of Finances will
give you full information on these points , and shew that reduction was principally caused , by exonerations of the different lodges , without which they could not have
continued working ; the consideration ol the means by which our finances may be increased will be a subject for deliberation by this assembly at our future meetings .
1 he work of thc Council of the Order , has not during the past year been very interesting ; they however have met thirtytwo times for the purpose of deciding upon
questions submitted to them by the Masters of different lodges—we are happy to say their decisions have been well received and generally adopted .
Thc Council of the Order has given marked attention to all complaints relative to irregularities in elections and initiations held contrary to the rules of the Order—
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Orient Of France.
being 231 voters present , thus making 116 an absolute majority . Thc result of the ballot was as follows : — Bro . do St . lohn lean ... T 2 . S
j j „ Duncanc ... ... 27 „ Lonba ... ... ... 19 „ Calfarim ... ... 16
„ Massol ... ... 14 There were eleven others named , three of them had only 1 vote each , four 2 votes , two three votes , and two 4 votes each .
On the completion of thc ballot Bro . Dc St . Jean vacated thc President ' s chair , which was filled by Bro . Grain , who announced the result , and proclaimed Bro . De St . Jean President of thc General Assembly of thc Grand Orient of France for thc
session of 1872 , and called upon thc brethren to signify their approval by a triple fire . This having been done in amost hearty
manner , Bro . Grain handed the President ' s G . to Bro . St . Jean and gave him thc fraternal embrace , and expressed his sincere congratulations .
Bro . St . Jean expressed himself much moved by thc confidence which the assembly placed in him , in appointing him to
that high office ; he thanked them and assured them he would endeavour to prove himself worthy of the honour and confidence .
When thc assembly of thc Grand Orient of Franccmctlast year they had been separated for months by the cruel events which haddcsolatcd the country ; at this moment-it would bc presumptuous to predict the future
destinies of France , but few would have imagined that in such a short space of time she would have presented to thc world the spectacle of a people that had been brought to thc lowest possible point , drawing fresh
will and energy from the frightful disasters which appeared about to crush her . Today hope has re-entered our hearts , and we arc able , without to much presumption , to look the future in the face with calmness .
It belongs not to us in this circle to ask for and to proclaim the course of events during the war , unknown perhaps in the history of nations , but nothing hinders us from verifying them , and wc rejoice to bc able to do so .
It is not forbidden us to point out the part taken by Masons in this overflow of generous sentiments which has pervaded the bosoms of all the people of France during thc late contest , and how many
were thc great sacrifices which were imposed on all our people . Without doubt , my brethren , it would be superfluousbefore you , above all , who have been the witnesses and actors of the scenes—to
recall here the bright proofs of devotion to country which French Masons have given during these years of misfortune . Thc Masonic documents preserved by thc Grand Orient fully show with what
patriotic ardour lodges and Masons of all rites have responded to the call of our country . These documents which arc augmented day by day will be published under thc title of the Book of Gold of
Freemasonry ; it will testify to future Masonic generations that their ancestors were faithful to their engagements and duties as Masons and citizens . On this occasion , my brothers , 1 may be
permitted to express our heartfelt thanks t : > those foreign brothers whose sympathy for France and thc cause she defended was not confined to expressions only , but who
perilled their lives in hastening with admirable generosity to our succour . They have given us a noble example in acknowledging the duty that unites men of the same way of thinking ; this sentiment has ever assisted
Grand Orient Of France.
the march of progress and civilization . You will be ab \ e to comprehend , my brothers , that it is not without a great injury to their resources that our lodges has been able to face the sacrifices which their patriotic
feeling imposed upon them ; the consequence is many of them have been disastrous ; in short , during this epoch a few lodges ( four only ) have returned their
Warrants , the dispersion of their members , and thc expenditure of all their funds have rendered it impossible for these lodges to continue their work , thc Council of thc Order have under these circumstances ,
acceded to their request : a greater number more than fifty have shown no signs of life during thc past two years , and we
fear that thc same causes will have for those lodges thc same consequences as those which have recently been struck oft our roll .
Let us , however , hope that ior tne former and thc latter all hope is not lost , and that when circumstances improve they will not delay in resuming thc labours which imperious necessity alone interrupted , Wc know the Masonic faith of thc small
number of members which remain to represent these lodges ; we know with what ardour they are animated ; and we doubt
not , that when thc time arrives ( thc Columns of their Temples , which to day are deserted ) they will be assured that thc Grand Orient of France will do all in their
power to second their- euorts . To thc losses which we have enumerated , my brothers , it is now my painful duty to speak of others , the loss of which wrings
my heart . You are all aware of thc agitations which exist among the lodges in Alsace and Loraine—lodges which the Grand Orient of France considered as
among thc number of her most solid columns . To the last moment wc hoped that these lodges would bc permitted to remain with us , and wc deluded ourselves with the hope that the German Masonic
governing power would , inspired by the true sentiments of Freemasonry respect thc traditions , and thc laws which to this day have governed our institution , comprehending how heartbreaking it is to
separate against their will , the children from the mother ; but the Germans have not been animated by these feelings , and it would be purile in us to bc astonished at any outrageous act they may commit .
Our lodges in Alsace and Loraine have received positive instructions to discontinue all relationship with thc Grand Orient of France after a certain period , the time allowed being very short indeed . I have
no need to tell you thc reply made by our brethren of these provinces , faithful to their oath , and not less faithful in their attachment to the mother-country , our brothers have replied that if their
lodges cease to belong to the Grand Orient from whom they derived their existence , they will close their lodges and terminate their labours iu Masonry . Thanks ! a thousand thanks to them , my
brothers , for the sentiments which has inspired this response—sentiments which softens thc pain , and regret we naturally feel when we think of the separation with which wc are menaced .
This separation my brothers , will it be for ever—Ah ! that is for the future to determine ; but let us determine to bc unceasing in our efforts ; Ictus devote all our will and energy to bring them again back to our fold .
To complete thc enumeration of those lodges which have ceased their work under the Grand Orient of France , we must
Grand Orient Of France.
mention the seven lodges that wc have recently constituted in Hungary ; but this separation to which wc have willingly consented , is both honourable to our Grand Orient and to these lodges which have constituted themselves into a Grand Orient for
Hungary ; having requested our permission to do so , in terms which demonstrate their attachment to the Grand Orient of France and the regret they feel at the separation . We have not hesitated to enter into their views and to contribute to thc foundation
in that beautiful country of a Grand Orient composed of elements the most recommcndablc , and with which wc entertain relations thc most affectionate and fraternal .
With regard to the pictures we have drawn of the losses sustained by the Grand Orient of France , and of the disasters of our country—all calculated to try our fidelity , —you will I am certain , experience
a lively satisfaction in learning that the greatest number of our lodges have not succumbed , and that their work has only been interrupted for a time—without doubt many of them will be under the necessity
of asking you to exonerate them from charges which at this moment they arc unable to support . The Council of the Order with the advice of the commission of finances , have recommended that they should be released from all liabilities—for
two reasons—first , that as citizens they were subjected to losses in common with others and so have little to spare for thc purpose of making good the funds of their respective lodges , and second that their
work may not bc interrupted and that they may not be prevented from rendering us assistance at this important general assembly—wc hope you will give your consent to the arrangement .
We have now , my brothers , to convey information likely to inspire legitimate satisfaction , and give us hope for the future . During the last few months , thc Council of thc Order has constituted ten
new lodges in France and other countries , others are applied for , and we trust the progress so happily recommenced may continue to flow steadily onward . At this moment thc Grand Orient of
France , in spite of the misery of our country and thc losses wc have met with , has under her authority three hundred and
forty lodges in full activity , besides chapters and councils ; wc arc therefore , my brothers , in a position which permits us to hope well for the future .
And now we must turn from these cheering prospects and examine thc circumstances which has reduced the funds of our Order , and consider some means by which our affairs may be amended . The report of the Commission of Finances will
give you full information on these points , and shew that reduction was principally caused , by exonerations of the different lodges , without which they could not have
continued working ; the consideration ol the means by which our finances may be increased will be a subject for deliberation by this assembly at our future meetings .
1 he work of thc Council of the Order , has not during the past year been very interesting ; they however have met thirtytwo times for the purpose of deciding upon
questions submitted to them by the Masters of different lodges—we are happy to say their decisions have been well received and generally adopted .
Thc Council of the Order has given marked attention to all complaints relative to irregularities in elections and initiations held contrary to the rules of the Order—