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New Brunswick.
It is my privilege to make the gratifying announcement to you that since the last annual comimmicati-m fraternal intercourse has been established between this Grand Lodge and " The United Grand Lodgo of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons oi England , " as well as " The Grand Masonic Lodge of Ireland . " These grand bodies , that ive regard with peculiar affectum and reverence as the parent Grand Lodges under wlio ^ e f > steriu . ; care Ereemasonry was established in this Provincehaveafter
, , careful consideration of the circumstances ivhich called for the erection of this Grand Lodge , welcomed us eoidially into tho sisterhood of Grand Lodges ; conveying the fraternal recognition in most gratifying terms of approval of our action , as correct in procedure , and as evincing a true Masonic spirit . From the M . W . Grand Lodge of Scotland no communications have been received in acknowledgement of , or in reply to , the memorials forwarded
. As there are two lodges in this Province still working under warrant from that body , I recommend to Graud Lodge that a final application be made to the Grand Lodge of Scotland to withdraw the warrants issued to thenlodges . I make this recommendation because while I am of opinion that no lodge that does not submit to the Grand Lodge should be permitted to exist within this jurisdiction , yet that every fraternal endeavour should be made to innuee voluntary
submission before proceeding to tho exercise of discipline . I havo appointed as Representatives of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick , M . AV . Bro . Past Grand Master Bernard near the Grand Lodge of Canada ; R . W . Bro . Brackstone Baker near the Grand Lodge of England ; R . AV . Bro . J . N . Castle near the Grand Lodge of Minnesota ; R . W . Bro . Geoege F . Gouley near the Grand Lodge of Missouri . Daring the year I made official visitations to Zetland Lodge , Shediac Lod
; Sussex ge , Dorchester ; Solomon's Lodge , Fredericton ; Midian Lodge , Clifton ; and the several Lodges in the City of Saint John . Having received an invitation from the M . AV . Grand Lodge of the State of New York to be present on tho Sth of June last at the laying of tho corner stone of a proposed Masonic Temple in tbo City of New York , I had great pleasure in taking part in tho interesting ceremonies , which wore most ably and effectively conducted under tho direction of tbe M . AV . Bro . James Gibson ,
then Grand Master . There was a great gathering of tbe craft from all parts of the State of New York . Tho Brethren in procession numbered , as estimated , upwards of 15 , 000 . I had tho gratification of mooting many distinguished brethren visitors from othor sister jurisdictions . A serious question involving the important subject of Masonic sovereignty has arisen within the jurisdiction ofthe Grand Lodgo of Canada . It is a matter of general interest affecting the
authority of every independent Grand Lodge . In placing the memorials , circulars and documents addressed to the several Grand Lodges , and which have been received at the office of the Grand Secretary in this jurisdiction , before you , I ask _ your careful and thoughtful investigation of the whole question . All consideration of expediency it is your duty to put aside ; the grave responsibility rests on you of determining , so far as this jurisdiction is concerned the right of this
, upon very important matter . In the month of October last , at tbe City of Montreal , at a convention of lodges , it was resolved to erect an independent Grand Lod ge for the Province of Quebec , and the body so formed claims _ to be recognized as the duly and legally constituted Masonic authorit y in that Province . The Grand Lodge of Canada recognized by all Grand Lodges in the Masonic world and claiming jurisdiction over the
Provinces of Ontario and Quebec , protests against the recognition of the so-called Grand Lodge of Quebec , and asserts its right to exclusive Masonic government over the Province of Quebec as occupied Masonic territory . The question then upon which tho several Grand Lodges are called on to pronounce is , first , the right of tho lodges in Quebec to erect an independent Grand Lodge , then , if the right exists , whether not their
or proceeding iu the organization has been regular and according to Masonic usage . It is manifestl y necessary to determine first , as to the right to establish an independent Grand Lodge , tor if the right does not exist and is not inherent in the lodges acting iu the formation , no formality of procedure , no unanimity of action , no preponderance of numbers , no individual or collective weight or importance to be attached to the component parts of the convention , can avail to give vitalit y to the new body .
New Brunswick.
I have considered this question hy the lig ht of what is called "American Masonic Jurisprudence , " relating to the formation of Grand Lodges , because the new body claims to have followed American precedent . Tho learned and W . Bro . Mackey , in his " Masonic Jurisprt' . ii .-ncu , " Book . 5 , under title " The Nature of a Gr . md Lodge , " ly-V : ; d-iv . ii certain rules us necessary to be observed in tbe org : i . 'iiK--itioii ofi" Grand Lod in a territory wherein no such
ge , b-.-dy has previously existed . He asserts that such a territoryis common ground , and that it is competent for any Grand Lodge to grant a warrant of constitution and establish a lodge in such uu-occnpied territory on the part of a requisite number of Masons . Each Grand Lodge in such case exercising jurisdiction over the lodge or lodges it has established , but not over tbe territory . AA ' hen the subordinate lodges desire to organize a
Grand Lodge , and take possession ofthe territory , they meet by lodges in convention and erect a Grand Lodge . At page 424 , he says : "The Grand Lodgo thus formed , by the union of not less than three lodges in convention , " ( other jurists contend that a majority of tbe lodges working in the territory is required , ) " at once assumes nil the prerogatives of a Grand Lodge and acquires exclusive Masonic jurisdiction over the territory within whoso geographical limits it has been constituted . No lodge can continue to exist or he subsequently established in the territory except under its authority . "
lo the same effect is the authority of Chase in his "Digest of Masonic Law , " Gth Edition , page 15 , "The usual mode of organizing a new Graud Lodge is in substance , as follows : A certain number of lodges , not less than three , holding charters or warrants from some legal Grand Lodge , or from different Graud Lodges ' meet in convention hy their representatives , formally resolve to organize a Grand Lodge . " Page 16 . "It is necessary that it be a separate state or territorythat there be
; no Grand Lodge at that time existing within it . " The R . AA . Bro . Robert Macoy in his valuable work , lately issued , " Tlie General History , Cyclopedia and Dictionary of Freemasonry , at page 160 under tbe title "Organization of Grand Lodges , " says : " In a country or State where there is no Grand Lodge , three or more legal lodges may meet in convention and organize a Grand Lodge . "
VV . tiro . Luke A Lockwood , in his ' Masonic Law and irractice , " Chapter 2 , under the heading " Of the Grand Lodge , " at section 4 , assorts : " A Grand Lodge may be established in any unoccupied territory by the representatives of not less than three regular lodges situated therein , all being permitted to be represented in such assembly . " And in a note to that section the AVorshipful brother says : " By unoccupied territory is meant , territory in ivhich no Grand Lodge is located , and which is ,
therefore , common ground for all Grand Lodges . " Grand Lodges in the United States and in American territories —tbe Grand Lodge of Canada , the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia , and our own Grand Lodge—wero erected on this Masonic law and usage so recognized and established . It cannot be successfully contended that the organization of a Grand Lodge for Quebec is justified by the rules above referred to , for the plain reason that there was an existing independent Grand Lodge ; and that the Province of Quebec was and is within the jurisdiction ofthe Grand Lodge of Canada .
The Grand Lodge of Canada was organised in 1855 , at a Convention of Lodges from both of tho old Provinces of "Upper Canada and Lower Canada , then existing with defined ancl distinct territorial boundaries as Canada East and Canada AVest , though united under one Legislature . The representatives from Lodges that existed iu Canada East and Canada AA est , holding Warrants from the Grand Lodges of England , Ireland and Scotland , met at the city of Hamilton and united in the
formation of the Grand Lodge of Canada , and established one masonic government , which included Canada East ( now Quebec ) , and Canada West ( now Ontario . ) The Grand Lodge of Canada so duly organised , was recognised by Grand Lodges in the United States , anil after much correspondence , hy tbe Grand Lodges in Great Britain , and is now iu fraternal communication with aU existing Grand Lodges . The territory so comprising Canada East and Canada AA estnow Quebec and Ontariowas a masonic
, , jurisdiction in which no Grand Lodge in the world could send a warrant for tlie establishment of a now Lodgo . It matters not that by arrangement between the Grand Lodges in Great Britain iind tbe Grand Lodge of Canada , lodges already working , and that did not join in erecting the new Grand Lodge , were permitted by the Grand Lodge of Canada to continue their work
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
New Brunswick.
It is my privilege to make the gratifying announcement to you that since the last annual comimmicati-m fraternal intercourse has been established between this Grand Lodge and " The United Grand Lodgo of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons oi England , " as well as " The Grand Masonic Lodge of Ireland . " These grand bodies , that ive regard with peculiar affectum and reverence as the parent Grand Lodges under wlio ^ e f > steriu . ; care Ereemasonry was established in this Provincehaveafter
, , careful consideration of the circumstances ivhich called for the erection of this Grand Lodge , welcomed us eoidially into tho sisterhood of Grand Lodges ; conveying the fraternal recognition in most gratifying terms of approval of our action , as correct in procedure , and as evincing a true Masonic spirit . From the M . W . Grand Lodge of Scotland no communications have been received in acknowledgement of , or in reply to , the memorials forwarded
. As there are two lodges in this Province still working under warrant from that body , I recommend to Graud Lodge that a final application be made to the Grand Lodge of Scotland to withdraw the warrants issued to thenlodges . I make this recommendation because while I am of opinion that no lodge that does not submit to the Grand Lodge should be permitted to exist within this jurisdiction , yet that every fraternal endeavour should be made to innuee voluntary
submission before proceeding to tho exercise of discipline . I havo appointed as Representatives of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick , M . AV . Bro . Past Grand Master Bernard near the Grand Lodge of Canada ; R . W . Bro . Brackstone Baker near the Grand Lodge of England ; R . AV . Bro . J . N . Castle near the Grand Lodge of Minnesota ; R . W . Bro . Geoege F . Gouley near the Grand Lodge of Missouri . Daring the year I made official visitations to Zetland Lodge , Shediac Lod
; Sussex ge , Dorchester ; Solomon's Lodge , Fredericton ; Midian Lodge , Clifton ; and the several Lodges in the City of Saint John . Having received an invitation from the M . AV . Grand Lodge of the State of New York to be present on tho Sth of June last at the laying of tho corner stone of a proposed Masonic Temple in tbo City of New York , I had great pleasure in taking part in tho interesting ceremonies , which wore most ably and effectively conducted under tho direction of tbe M . AV . Bro . James Gibson ,
then Grand Master . There was a great gathering of tbe craft from all parts of the State of New York . Tho Brethren in procession numbered , as estimated , upwards of 15 , 000 . I had tho gratification of mooting many distinguished brethren visitors from othor sister jurisdictions . A serious question involving the important subject of Masonic sovereignty has arisen within the jurisdiction ofthe Grand Lodgo of Canada . It is a matter of general interest affecting the
authority of every independent Grand Lodge . In placing the memorials , circulars and documents addressed to the several Grand Lodges , and which have been received at the office of the Grand Secretary in this jurisdiction , before you , I ask _ your careful and thoughtful investigation of the whole question . All consideration of expediency it is your duty to put aside ; the grave responsibility rests on you of determining , so far as this jurisdiction is concerned the right of this
, upon very important matter . In the month of October last , at tbe City of Montreal , at a convention of lodges , it was resolved to erect an independent Grand Lod ge for the Province of Quebec , and the body so formed claims _ to be recognized as the duly and legally constituted Masonic authorit y in that Province . The Grand Lodge of Canada recognized by all Grand Lodges in the Masonic world and claiming jurisdiction over the
Provinces of Ontario and Quebec , protests against the recognition of the so-called Grand Lodge of Quebec , and asserts its right to exclusive Masonic government over the Province of Quebec as occupied Masonic territory . The question then upon which tho several Grand Lodges are called on to pronounce is , first , the right of tho lodges in Quebec to erect an independent Grand Lodge , then , if the right exists , whether not their
or proceeding iu the organization has been regular and according to Masonic usage . It is manifestl y necessary to determine first , as to the right to establish an independent Grand Lodge , tor if the right does not exist and is not inherent in the lodges acting iu the formation , no formality of procedure , no unanimity of action , no preponderance of numbers , no individual or collective weight or importance to be attached to the component parts of the convention , can avail to give vitalit y to the new body .
New Brunswick.
I have considered this question hy the lig ht of what is called "American Masonic Jurisprudence , " relating to the formation of Grand Lodges , because the new body claims to have followed American precedent . Tho learned and W . Bro . Mackey , in his " Masonic Jurisprt' . ii .-ncu , " Book . 5 , under title " The Nature of a Gr . md Lodge , " ly-V : ; d-iv . ii certain rules us necessary to be observed in tbe org : i . 'iiK--itioii ofi" Grand Lod in a territory wherein no such
ge , b-.-dy has previously existed . He asserts that such a territoryis common ground , and that it is competent for any Grand Lodge to grant a warrant of constitution and establish a lodge in such uu-occnpied territory on the part of a requisite number of Masons . Each Grand Lodge in such case exercising jurisdiction over the lodge or lodges it has established , but not over tbe territory . AA ' hen the subordinate lodges desire to organize a
Grand Lodge , and take possession ofthe territory , they meet by lodges in convention and erect a Grand Lodge . At page 424 , he says : "The Grand Lodgo thus formed , by the union of not less than three lodges in convention , " ( other jurists contend that a majority of tbe lodges working in the territory is required , ) " at once assumes nil the prerogatives of a Grand Lodge and acquires exclusive Masonic jurisdiction over the territory within whoso geographical limits it has been constituted . No lodge can continue to exist or he subsequently established in the territory except under its authority . "
lo the same effect is the authority of Chase in his "Digest of Masonic Law , " Gth Edition , page 15 , "The usual mode of organizing a new Graud Lodge is in substance , as follows : A certain number of lodges , not less than three , holding charters or warrants from some legal Grand Lodge , or from different Graud Lodges ' meet in convention hy their representatives , formally resolve to organize a Grand Lodge . " Page 16 . "It is necessary that it be a separate state or territorythat there be
; no Grand Lodge at that time existing within it . " The R . AA . Bro . Robert Macoy in his valuable work , lately issued , " Tlie General History , Cyclopedia and Dictionary of Freemasonry , at page 160 under tbe title "Organization of Grand Lodges , " says : " In a country or State where there is no Grand Lodge , three or more legal lodges may meet in convention and organize a Grand Lodge . "
VV . tiro . Luke A Lockwood , in his ' Masonic Law and irractice , " Chapter 2 , under the heading " Of the Grand Lodge , " at section 4 , assorts : " A Grand Lodge may be established in any unoccupied territory by the representatives of not less than three regular lodges situated therein , all being permitted to be represented in such assembly . " And in a note to that section the AVorshipful brother says : " By unoccupied territory is meant , territory in ivhich no Grand Lodge is located , and which is ,
therefore , common ground for all Grand Lodges . " Grand Lodges in the United States and in American territories —tbe Grand Lodge of Canada , the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia , and our own Grand Lodge—wero erected on this Masonic law and usage so recognized and established . It cannot be successfully contended that the organization of a Grand Lodge for Quebec is justified by the rules above referred to , for the plain reason that there was an existing independent Grand Lodge ; and that the Province of Quebec was and is within the jurisdiction ofthe Grand Lodge of Canada .
The Grand Lodge of Canada was organised in 1855 , at a Convention of Lodges from both of tho old Provinces of "Upper Canada and Lower Canada , then existing with defined ancl distinct territorial boundaries as Canada East and Canada AVest , though united under one Legislature . The representatives from Lodges that existed iu Canada East and Canada AA est , holding Warrants from the Grand Lodges of England , Ireland and Scotland , met at the city of Hamilton and united in the
formation of the Grand Lodge of Canada , and established one masonic government , which included Canada East ( now Quebec ) , and Canada West ( now Ontario . ) The Grand Lodge of Canada so duly organised , was recognised by Grand Lodges in the United States , anil after much correspondence , hy tbe Grand Lodges in Great Britain , and is now iu fraternal communication with aU existing Grand Lodges . The territory so comprising Canada East and Canada AA estnow Quebec and Ontariowas a masonic
, , jurisdiction in which no Grand Lodge in the world could send a warrant for tlie establishment of a now Lodgo . It matters not that by arrangement between the Grand Lodges in Great Britain iind tbe Grand Lodge of Canada , lodges already working , and that did not join in erecting the new Grand Lodge , were permitted by the Grand Lodge of Canada to continue their work