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LATEST NEWS:

●World Conference of the Grand Masters

●New Exhibit at the Idaho Historical Museum

 

●What is The Masonic Society

 

●Meeting of the European Grand Masters

 

●Grand Orient of the USA, Accepted Free Masons—New approach to an old idea

 

●Minister Resigns from Masonry to avoid criticism

●Freemasons fundraising

●Masonic Temple Restoration

 

 

CONFERENCE OF GRAND MASTERS
OF MASONS IN NORTH AMERICA

2008 Finding | BAJA CALIFORNIA | BULGARIA | YORK GRAND LODGE OF MEXICO | MONTENEGRO | PARAGUAY | PHILIPPINES | RUSSIA | Bulgaria Supplements

BAJA CALIFORNIA
A serious split exists in the Grand Lodge of Baja California. Two sets of Grand Lodge officers claim to be the legitimate officials of this Grand Lodge. The Confederation of Mexican Grand Lodges and the Interamerican Masonic Confederation has selected Lino Chavez as the legitimate Grand Master. The Grand Lodge of California, after an extensive investigation has determined that Lopez Mendoza is the legitimately elected Grand Master of this Grand Lodge. The Commission applauds the efforts of the Grand Lodge of California in trying to affect a resolution in this situation. It is clear that additional work must be done to resolve this problem. The two sets of Officers must work toward a unification agreement for the good of Freemasonry in Baja California. Until that occurs, we would recommend restraint in establishing further fraternal relations with this Grand Lodge.

BULGARIA
Freemasonry continues to function in two Grand Lodges in Bulgaria, namely the United Grand Lodge of Bulgaria , and the Grand Lodge of Bulgaria. The Grand Lodge of Bulgaria with Grand Master Alexandrov has asked the Commission to advise on the regularity of their Grand Lodge. We must state again that even though a Grand Lodge may practice regular Masonry, we only determine whether the Grand Lodge meets all the standards for recognition, as established by this Conference. The Commission has for the past several years strongly encouraged the two Grand Lodges to actively meet and work toward the resolution of their differences and unification of their Grand Lodges for the best interests of Bulgarian Masonry. These attempts have not been successful largely due to some unusual demands on the part of the United Grand Lodge of Bulgaria. We now recommend that another joint meeting be scheduled within the next six months to work toward resolution of this problem. We further recommend that Bros. Jean-Claude Tardivat of the GLNF, Robert Heyat of the District of Columbia, and Thomas Jackson of Pennsylvania serve as independent observer/mediators to aid in this endeavor, as they have successfully done in a similar circumstance previously. If this attempt is unsuccessful, a final course of action may be to recommend suspension of recognition of Bulgarian Freemasonry until a resolution is achieved.

See Supplemental Report

YORK GRAND LODGE OF MEXICO
A schism has developed in the York Grand Lodge of Mexico. A group that was separated from the York Grand Lodge, now call themselves the Very Respectful Grand Lodge of the York Rite in Mexico, AF&AM, and practice Masonry in Spanish only. There are indications they have some ties to the unrecognized United Grand Lodge of America. The dissidents had previously been expelled by the York Grand Lodge of Mexico for various infractions. At this point, the York Grand Lodge of Mexico is still considered to be the recognized York Grand Lodge in Mexico.

MONTENEGRO
The Grand Lodge of Montenegro was legally consecrated on May 12, 2007 from three lodges that worked under the auspices of the Regular Grand Lodge Yugoslavia and was chartered by the United Grand Lodges of Germany. The ritual work of the consecration was performed by the United Grand Lodges of Germany, the Grand Lodge of Serbia, the Grand Orient of Italy, and the Grand Lodge of Austria. There are now four Lodges working under this obedience. This new Grand Lodge meets the standards for recognition. The Grand Master is Novak Jaukovic.

PARAGUAY
A split has developed in the Grand Lodge of Paraguay. A group of dissidents have now proclaimed themselves to be the Grand Lodge Symbolic of Paraguay. After a questionable investigation, the Interamerican Masonic Confederation has declared this group headed by Mendoza Unzain to be legitimate. This was an unusual act since the by-laws of the CMI prohibits the interference in the internal affairs of a Grand Lodge. This ruling is being contested by the existing Grand Lodge of Paraguay, but they have not allowed to see the report of the investigation, or to offer a response. Nemecio Lichi was legally elected to be the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Paraguay, and the Commission is of the opinion that this Grand Lodge is still the only Grand Lodge in Paraguay that meets the standards for recognition.

PHILIPPINES
The Grand Lodge of the Philippines has provided additional clarification on the situation with Freemasonry in that country. Members in seven of the eighteen Lodges in the Cavite District formed Lodges with the same name, but different numbers, and formed what they call the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands, without a legitimate charter. All those members have been expelled from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. As stated last year, the Grand Lodge of the Philippines is the only Grand Lodge in that country that meets the standards for recognition.

RUSSIA
The legitimate Grand Lodge of Russia continues to operate in the confusion of having a self-proclaimed group operate under the same name. This group, headed by Roman Gorodnitsky, has sent numerous letters to Grand Lodges around the world claiming legitimacy. It is still the opinion of the Commission that the Grand Lodge of Russia with Andrei Bogdanov as Grand Master is the only Grand Lodge in Russia that meets the standards for recognition. It has been learned that Grand Master Bogdanov has announced himself as a candidate for the Presidency of Russia. The Commission is grateful to Brothers Tardivat of the GLNF, Robert Heyat of the District of Columbia, and Thomas Jackson of Pennsylvania for their efforts in helping resolve the difficult situation that has existed in the Grand Lodge of Russia.

OTHER INFORMATION

The Grand Lodge of the Czech Republic has filed a protest with the United Grand Lodges of Germany for a claimed invasion of their territory. During January of this year, a Lodge in Passau, Germany, initiated three candidates from Slovakia. After the Grand Lodge of the Czech Republic lodged their protest, the United Grand Lodges of Germany stated they will initiate another class of candidates from Slovakia in February. The Grand Lodge of the Czech Republic is claiming Slovakia as their territory since they announced they planned to constitute the District Grand Lodge of Slovakia, which is scheduled for March 8, 2008. Since this District Grand Lodge has not yet been formed, and since Slovakia is an independent country, The United Grand Lodges of Germany believe it to be open territory at the present time. This is an issue that must be resolved between these two Grand Lodges, and it is hoped these they will come to an agreement on territorial jurisdiction as practiced by all regular Grand Lodges.

Lodges and Grand Lodges continue to spring up around the world from unrecognized sources. A number of Lodges have been chartered in this country from foreign Grand Lodges of this nature. A new supreme Council, whose origin is unknown, has also been established in America, called the Supreme Council of North America, with bodies located in Virginia, North Carolina, and Illinois. We need to be very diligent in examining dues cards when accepting visitors to your Lodge, and in determining the legitimacy of a Lodge you may wish to visit.

Supplemental Report (06/2008)

BULGARIA
A special called meeting was held in Washington, D.C. on May 8, 2008 to hear the report of the three mediators suggested by the Commission at the regular annual meeting in February. Bro. Thomas Jackson reported that the three mediators, consisting of himself, Jean-Claude Tardivat of the GLNF, and Robert Heyat of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, had met with the Grand Master, Petyo Penkov, and the Grand Secretary, Vasil Kolev, of the United Grand Lodge of Bulgaria. In summary, they clarified and explained the information that was provided to the Commission in February by the Grand Lodge AF&AM in Bulgaria. The United Grand Lodge of Bulgaria (UGLB) is working toward unification of Freemasonry in Bulgaria, and has established a process for the “regularization” of those brethren and Lodges of the Grand Lodge AF&AM in Bulgaria who wish to return to the UGLB. This process is the same for those who are joining or rejoining the UGLB; however some special provisions are made for those who were initiated prior to the split of the Grand Lodge in November, 2000. They are also reducing the time requirement for those who are already Master Masons. To date, over 400 brethren have completed the regularization process and are members in good standing in the UGLB.

The Commission members present then met at length with Grand Master Penkov and Grand Secretary Kolev and verified the report of the mediators. The Commission is satisfied that the UGLB is working in good faith and in a logical manner to again achieve unification of Freemasonry in Bulgaria, and reaffirms the previous findings that the United Grand Lodge of Bulgaria is the only Grand Lodge in that jurisdiction that meets all the standards for recognition.

 

 

 

 

9th World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges,

May 8th-10 2008,  Washington DC

The Freemasons of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia were honored by being hosts of the 9^th World Conference of the Masonic Grand Lodges, held in Washington DC May 8^th – 10^th 2008.

The Conference brought together about 750 international Masonic leaders from  150 Jurisdictions around  the world. There were particularly large delegations from African, Latin American, and European Jurisdictions. The general  topic of discussion was how Freemasonry can utilize its position to promote universal understanding, enlightened ideas, and goodwill globally. The Conference was very well covered by the media and members of the press and brought significant PR to Freemasonry.

BROTHERHOOD:
Freemasonry’s Mark on Idaho

         In the news article “Mysterious Masons let their secrets out”   Tim Woodward of the Idaho Statesman informs us of  just opened exhibition of the Masonic artifacts in the Idaho Historical Museum in Boise, Idaho. The title of the exhibit is “Brotherhood – Freemasonry’s   Mark on Idaho”. Exhibition will be open till August 31^st. Freemasonry in Idaho has a long history. A number of early Idaho governors and most prominent citizens  were Masons. As a curiosity, when the Statehouse was being built, the Legislature met in Boise's Masonic Lodge. Idaho Masons have a distinguished human-rights record. The Grand Lodge of  Idaho  was the first among American Jurisdictions  to speak out against Hitler and what was being done to the Jews. In 1994, the Idaho Grand Lodge became one of only eight in the nation to recognize  Prince Hall Freemasons. Membership numbers are at the all-time low of 4500, and Idaho Freemasons are hoping that this exhibition will bring so needed attention of the young men to what  Freemasonry is and what it stands for.

What is THE MASONIC SOCIETY?

 

            Another Masonic Research organization was established recently by a group of, as they claim themselves to be, passionate Masons, with the aim of becoming the Premier Research organization in the Northern America. Very modestly they bring to our attention that the simple name “Masonic Society” intentionally alludes to the Royal Society. (This is not to confuse with the Masonic Society, an internet Masonic Forum, which exists for a while already from Colorado -www.masonicsociety.com). The names of the founding fellows, who are all prominent Masonic researchers and Authors, promise interesting future? Time will show.  They are planning publishing a quarterly Journal of The Masonic Society and a “Members only” on-line Internet Forum. Their Meetings will be annual during the “Masonic week” held each February in Washington DC. Membership in the Society for the fee of $39 is open to all regular Master Masons in good standing. 

To learn more log on www.themasonicsociety.budreausquared.net
 

 

Meeting of the European Grand Masters

 

A meeting of the European Grand Masters was held on November 5^th 2007 in London. Forty four Grand Masters were present. Main topics of the discussion were conclusions of the European Masonic Forum which was held in Prague several months earlier ( in June 2007). Some of  those conclusions were:

 -to support the progressive integration of Europe
·-to promote effective integration of recently established European jurisdictions into European and global Freemasonry
-to discuss ways how Freemasons could positively affect the development of society
-to support the development of society on the basis of Masonic values and principles.
Amongst the challenges that have been highlighted for discussion were:
-ways of dealing with political and religious principles in a philosophical way, without discussing political and religious issues”
-ways of contributing to the European construction, citizenship and future role”
-the transmission of the successful Masonic principles and model for European society to developing countries
          It was obvious that these ideas sounded too “liberal”  to some of the established Masonic powers who see in the European Masonic Forum an attempt to establish “united Masonry” for the “united Europe” and  the type of “social activism” beyond standard Masonic conduct.

 

          On December 27^th 2005 several Lodges belonging to the Regular Jurisdictions in the USA declared their independence from the Grand Lodges they came from and formed a confederation of Lodges under the body they called The United Grand Lodge of  America.

The idea behind this act was, in their words, “to restore Modern Free-Masonry to the American continent and return to the traditional Enlightenment and cosmopolitan ideals expressed in the original Craft.”
In November 2007, The Order changed its name to the Grand Orient of the United States and formal steps were made to establish relationship with the Brethren in France, throughout Europe and elsewhere. With this, an old idea- of forming Grand Orient Jurisdiction on the American continent, which was started many years ago with the establishment of the George Washington Union, finally came to fruition.
Today, Grand Orient of the United States has eight Lodges and has very close ties with the mixed-gender obedience Lodges of the George Washington Union, as well as with five Lodges of the Grand Orient of France in North America, and three Lodges of the Women’s Grand Lodge of Belgium operating in the USA. Grand Orient of the United States is recognized by the Grand Orient of France and number of other liberal jurisdictions worldwide.
Lodges of the Grand Orient of the United States of America are:

        Lodge des Neuf Sœurs, Washington D.C.

        Halcyon Lodge, Cleveland, OH

        Euclid Lodge, Grand Rapids, MI

        Lodge Intrepid, Los Angeles, CA

        Regulus Lodge (Triangle), Mobile, AL

        Deucalion Lodge, Patras, Greece

        Sirius Lodge, Atlanta, GA

        Emeth Lodge (Triangle), Phoenix, AZ
To learn more about  Grand Orient of the United States of America visit:    www.grandorientusa.org

Minister steps down from “Masons” to avoid criticism

Russell says he cannot be a member of anything which arouses suspicion

By Paul Hutcheon, Scottish Political Editor

 

A SENIOR minister has resigned from the Freemasons because he felt that membership of the organization would leave him open to criticism. Michael Russell, who has responsibility for the environment, has quit the Bute lodge after being admitted four years ago. A spokesperson for the first minister Alex Salmond said he had "no idea" if other ministers were Freemasons.  Membership of the society surfaced as an issue in the first term of the parliament when calls were made for MSPs to declare their membership. Tory MSPs David McLetchie and Jamie McGrigor, as well as former Conservative members Brian Monteith and Phil Gallie, all admitted membership at various stages of their life. Russell, who was elected last year as a Nationalist MSP for the South of Scotland, quit as a Freemason last May. His register of interest states: "On election I resigned from membership of Lodge 1120, Kyles of Bute, which I had been admitted to in December 2004." The environment minister had been recommended to the lodge by a neighbor in Argyll, and was said to have enjoyed his time as a Mason. But Russell, whose grandfather had also been a member, resigned after concluding that being a minister and a Freemason could lead to criticism. He told the Sunday Herald: "I felt it was best to declare membership of the Freemasons, and in those circumstances I thought it would be best to resign from it. I did not believe it was appropriate to be a minister and a member of anything that people would be suspicious of."
He also defended the organization by saying it was misunderstood: "I will not criticize it. If it was good enough for Robert Burns, then it was good enough for me."
Tory MSP Jamie McGrigor said: "I am a Freemason, although I'm not a good attendee of meetings. It has never interfered with my MSP duties, but if Mike Russell feels it is necessary for him to resign, then it's a matter for him."A spokesman for the first minister said: "Mike volunteered this information on his register of interests last year. I've no idea about other ministers as it isn't a declarable interest, but I do know that the first minister isn't a member."
A spokesman for the Freemasons could not be contacted.

Freemasons fundraising

 

Wetherby News

Published Date: 06 June 2008

By Staff Copy

YORKSHIRE Air Ambulance (YAA) and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) have benefited from the generosity of Wetherby Freemasons.

Along with members of the 99 lodges in and around Yorkshire, Wetherby Freemasons helped raise £151,000 for the charities.
The money was presented to both Air Ambulance operations last Friday at the YAA air support unit at Leeds Bradford airport.
The generous amount donated will directly benefit the sick and seriously injured across the region. Paul Gowland, director of fundraising for YAA, said: “Donations such as this from Yorkshire Freemasons will be graciously received by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, but it is the people of Yorkshire who will benefit.”.
Grahame Pickering, chief executive for GNAAS, added: “Few people realize the support charities such as ourselves receive from the community minded Freemasons.
“This substantial donation is greatly appreciated by GNAAS in support of the service we provide.”

 

 

GRAND ORIENT

of the USA,

Accepted Free Masons
—New approach to an old idea

Masonic Temple Restoration

 

           The Masonic Temple on Broad Street just north of City Hall, is home of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. Designed by  James H. Windrim  it was built of Maine granite from 1868-1873.
            At this time it is going through the mayor and most needed  exterior renovation expected to be concluded by fall of 2008. The restoration is being done by DPK&A Architects, which also restored City Council Chambers and the Union League. Restoration, which will cost about 8.5 mil dollars, is financed by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Only one percent of the funds needed came from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.