Ali Bongo ordained Grand Master of Gabon

Brethren,

As we travel around the world, the perception of Freemasonry is not alway a positive one.  The following article is in reference to the recent installation of President Ali Bongo, the newly installed Grand Master of Gabon, installed during the 11th World Conference.

This article states that to be in power you must be a Freemason and those who are not, will get no where and thrown out of the political arena.  It is a rather damning article and somewhat reminiscent of how some western countries require their officials to declare membership in all organizations to which they belong.

With that said, I would be quite interested in your comments on this article.  Additionally, what do you think can be done to positively change the public perception of Freemasonry in situations such as these?

S&F
Bro. Ken


Freemason Presidents in Africa: 
Ali Bongo ordained [1] Grand Master of Gabon
TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2009 / BY RENÉ DASSIÉ
Original URL: http://en.afrik.com/article16445.html

The grand master of the National Grand Lodge of France (GLNF) installed Ali Bongo as the head of Gabonese Freemasonry, a couple of weeks ago. The title was, until June this year, held by the former President Omar Bongo. About one thousand influential politicians practice freemasonry in Gabon. Just like his father, Ali Bongo is expected to mobilize the Masonic network in order to establish his legitimacy and authority in Gabon and the world.

Ali Bongo, the new Gabonese President, Wednesday, November 4, launched the World Conference of Regular Freemasonry in Libreville. His father, Omar Bongo, who kicked the bucket [4] on the 8th of June, 2009, had vehemently fought for the organization of the masonic forum to take place in the central African country and would have naturally jump for joy to welcome his "brethren" from all over the world. Ali Bongo, his heir, not only inherited the opportunity to hold the conference but also mount the vacant Gabonese Freemason throne.

According to the French weekly Le Nouvel Observateur, the cream of French Freemasons in Libreville, including Alain Bauer — former Grand Master of the Grand Orient de France (from 2000 to 2003) and special adviser for terrorism and crime at the French presidency, — after participating in Omar Bongo’s funeral ceremonies installed Ali Bongo as head of the two local branches of the lodge, which count some one thousand members.

Francois Stifani, the grand master of the National Grand Lodge of France (GLNF), one of the largest Masonic orders with 38 000 members, was in Libreville two weeks ago to ordain Ali Bongo, who until then occupied the rank of Assistant Grand Master, i.e.; at least three levels below the peak of the hierarchy. At age 53, Ali Bongo has become the grand master of the Grand Lodge of Gabon (GLB) and the Grand Equatorial Rite, the two predominant Freemason orders in Gabon.

Ali Bongo and his father

For Ali Bongo, this promotion is as important as his presidential title. Having gone through a difficult election, the neophyte President needs the "fraternal" networking machine to help consolidate his authority. The strategy was developed and successfully applied by his father, the late Omar Bongo. Omar established the Masonic order as an ante-chamber to serve as a recruitment unit for his key allies, and also as an infallible source of allegiance to consolidate his power.

Initiated first as a member of the Masonic Lodge in 1953, that is, fourteen years before becoming president in November 28, 1967, Omar Bongo, — also regarded as a religious chameleon who switched from Catholicism to Islam, and vice versa, not by virtue of whim but by hidden interests, founded two separate Masonic orders in Gabon to bind his "brethren" across the French political sphere: the Grand Rite Equatorial — affiliated with Great Orient (GO) which is left wing oriented, and the Grand Lodge of Gabon (GLG), linked to the National Grand Lodge of France (GLNF), closer to the French right wing. To gain Bongo’s trust, a politician was expected to adhere to at least one of the two orders. Almost the entire Gabonese ruling political class is part of the lodge.

Those who refuse to submit to these dictates are banished or ridiculed. Interviewed by Le Nouvel Observateur, Ernest Tomo, pastor of an evangelical church and an unsuccessful presidential candidate in August, accused the Gabonese "brethren" of orchestrating his low electoral score (308 votes, or 0.09% votes).

Standing as a candidate in the 2005 presidential elections against Omar Bongo, Ernest Tome withdrew from the race after a "divine" intervention, he was later invited to join the government, where the former President appointed him as Minister of State and a member of the Presidential Cabinet, responsible for religious affairs. He was neither given a service car, an office nor a staff to work with. During a public meeting, Omar Bongo gave his reasons: "If you’re not there, we do not see you. And we do not consider you for what you are." The man of God had blatantly refused to be initiated by the Freemasons.

Now holding the reins of Masonic power, Ali Bongo is almost certain to consolidate his power. Some of his fiercest opponents, like Andre Mba Obame, former presidential candidate and a childhood friend and a lodge member, may even come to their senses.

France-Afrique Freemasonry?

Just like in Gabon, Freemasonry is very present at the very top in many African states. Denis Sassou Nguesso, the Congolese president, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Congo – Brazzaville is linked to the National Grand Lodge of France; President Mamadou Tanja of Niger; Chad’s Idriss Deby and François Bozizé of the Central African Republic are among at least twelve African presidents linked to the “trois points” (three points) brothers.

Their adherence to this society is more often than not the cause of misfortune for their various countries. Their western counterparts on the other hand act differently. As their western counterparts do all in their power to consolidate democracy in their countries to enhance development, Freemasons within the African political circles mostly rule their countries with iron fists, while robbing the “widow and orphan”, contrary to the main objective of the Lodge, which seeks to protect the “widow and the orphan”.

After a 42 year rule in a country naturally blessed with oil resources, like one of the prosperous Gulf states, Omar Bongo left Gabon in economic shambles and among the very poor countries category (HIPC). His former father-in-law, Sassou Nguesso has also been accused of the same corrupt practices. Both appeared on a recent list which denounced African leaders with ill-gotten wealth.

Their godfathers from the French lodge, by virtue of their silence, have condoned these practices. The Nouvel Observateur article mentions how Omar Bongo, known for his generosity towards his friends showered his French "brethren" with gifts. Only a few years ago, a huge financial gift from Denis Sassou Nguesso to the GLNF was widely criticized. Equally linked to Masonic networks, although nothing is known of his adhesion to the Freemasons, Paul Biya of Cameroon recently donated a large sum of money to l’Ordre Souverain du Temple Initiatique, in a backdrop of poverty in his own backyard. Mr. Biya is known for his expansive generosity towards gurus and esoteric groups. Largesse made possible by Cameroonian taxpayers’ money.

Footnotes:


1 - GM's are not "ordained" -- I think most people would agree that the word ordained carries with it religious connotations and "installed" is far more accurate terminology.

2 - Comments by Brother TL -- In the article it said: "...Alain Bauer -- former Grand Master of the Grand Orient de France (from 2000 to 2003) ...installed Ali Bongo as head of the two local branches of the lodge, which count some one thousand members."

To the best of my knowledge and belief, The Grand Orient of France is not in amity with any of the US or Canadian Grand Lodges as well as the Grand Lodges of England, Scotland and Eire because of the GOdF's removal/disregarding of the Landmark requiring a belief in a Supreme Being. We are in Amity with the National Grand Lodge of France. If I am correct, then any Lodge in Amity with the Grand Orient of France, such as the one in Gabon, is automatically not in Amity with our Lodges, whereas the Congolese Grand Lodge you mentioned in your article as being "linked to the National Grand Lodge of France" would thus be in amity with us. Then toward the end of the article it mentions "huge financial gift from Denis Sassou Nguesso to the GLNF" which would seem to be in conflict with the earlier statement of Gabon's ties with the Grand Orient of France.

3 - For the record, Gabon's Grand Lodge is at amnesty with GLNF and is regular and Ali Bongo was installed by the GM of GLNF, GM of India (MWBro Devinder Gupta) was in attendance. -KD

4 - This comment helps to show the poor quality of this article - referring to the death of a previous president as "Kicking the bucket"

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WHO WAS HIRAM, KING OF TYRE?

WHO WAS HIRAM, KING OF TYRE?
By: Lewis M. Parker, P.G.M., New Jersey

Our Masonic tradition tells us that our Craft had three original Grand Masters. The first of these, Solomon, the King of Israel, figures prominently in our Masonic story and is still known as a great personage thirty centuries after his time. The third of this trio is the centre and Source of our deepest teaching and to him all Masons are bound by a unique tie. But the second of our Grand Masters has only a passing reference in our Ritual and outside of a Masonic Lodge is known only to a few specialists in history. Hiram of Tyre was a monarch who ruled over a powerful kingdom at the peak of his greatness. He and his people deserve to be known better by the Masonic Fraternity. The kingdom of Tyre or Phoenicia, as it was more generally known, was located on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean north of Palestine [ 1 ]. Its principal city was the seaport of Tyre, which, because of its geographical location, became a converging point of the great trade routes. Tyre became one of the foremost commercial centres of the ancient world and grew rich and powerful.

Phoenicia has just two claims to high achievement. In the first place the Phoenicians were among the first known sailors of the world. It is said they were the first to navigate upon the open sea and to chart their course by means of the stars. Thus to the men of Tyre goes the distinction of being the fathers of modern navigation. They must have been an alert and venturesome race. It is known that Phoenician sailors travelled all over the Mediterranean - sailed through the Straits of Gibraltar, down the coast of Africa, up the coast of Spain and even as far as England. If we wish to romanticize history a little we can see in our mind's eye a sea captain of Hiram of Tyre sailing through the Pillars of Hercules and gazing out upon a vast ocean - not knowing that 3,000 miles beyond his sight lay a land where 3,000 years later the name of his Royal Master would be perpetuated in Masonic Lodges

As the Phoenicians went about the Mediterranian they founded colonies in various places, the most famous of which was Carthage on the northern coast of Africa. Carthage flourished, and as the parent Tyre began to decline, Carthage carried on the Phoenician tradition. It came into conflict with the rising power of Rome, and after years of furious struggles, known as the Punic Wars, Rome was triumphant and Carthage was destroyed. But Carthage also prevailed -her general Hannibal, one of the great military commanders of all time, took an army across northern Africa, through Spain and southern France, over the Alps and down to the very gates of Rome before he was stopped. It is interesting to speculate that if Carthage had conquered Rome, our civilization, which so largely bears the imprint of Rome, might instead have been influenced by the people of Hiram of Tyre.

In the second place, the Phoenicians may claim to a high place in the history of mankind because, they were the inventors of the first known alphabets We take the alphabet so much for granted that it is hard for us to conceive of a time when it did not exist. Hiram's people were certainly possessed of intellectual curiosity and skill to formulate a way whereby the thoughts of men could be transmitted through other than oral mean&. The Phoenician alphabet influenced the Greek, and the Greek the Roman. In reading these lines you are bearing a certain mute testimony to the genius of the people over whom our second Grand Master ruled.

Solomon's name and fame are still remembered today while that of his neighbour to the North has largely been forgotten. Solomon was fortunate in having adequate chroniclers (himself included) which Hiram lacked. Solomon did not equal Hiram in wealth and worldly power, but he did surpass him in the greater and more enduring values of wisdom and of the spirit.

King Hiram of Tyre has been saved from complete oblivion in the dusty tombs of history and is remembered by Freemasons because he gave freely of his resources to aid and assist a neighbour in a great and important undertaking.

Footnotes:
(1) This is factually inaccurate. The term Palestine, or rather a version of it, was not known until the Romans expelled the land's Jewish inhabitants in the year 70 A.D. This coincides with the destruction of the 2nd Temple, also a result of Roman destruction. The Romans chose to rename the land in an effort to obliterate the memory of the Jewish people's connection to the land of Israel. -- Added Nov 10 2009 -KD
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Interview with MWBro Justice Devinder Gupta - GM of India

e-Interview with the MW Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of India, 
MW Bro. Justice Devinder Gupta, OSM.
November 2009


Brethren,

As most of my regular readers know, I have a special interest, fascination, and love for India.  A passion that has drawn me there on several occasions and has given me some of my most fond memories of Freemasonry.

So it is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the current Grand Master of India, the Most Worshipful Brother Justice Devinder Gupta, OSM.

M.W. Brother Justice Gupta, Thank you kindly for taking time out of your busy schedule to have this interview with me today.


Q.:- Come November you will have been a Freemason for 36 years and during that time you have not only risen to the pinnacle of our glorious Craft, but also in your public service, as a Chief Justice.  With such staggering personal accomplishments, how do you feel that Freemasonry has helped you to develop on a personal level?

Ans.:- Looking back I feel that there has been tremendous impact of freemasonry in my life. I was born in a family wherein we were taught to lead what in India we call a DHARMIC way of life. After joining freemasonry I found no difference in the masonic teachings and what we were taught in our family ‘to follow the straight and undeviating line of conduct as laid down for our pursuit in the volumes of the sacred law wherein the limits of good and evil are defined for our instructions. In order to follow the undeviating line of conduct, every Man is bound always to behave himself towards others, as in reason he would desire they should in like circumstances deal with him’.

On joining Freemasonry I learn that its mission is to engage and inspire good men, who believe in a Supreme Being, to live according to Masonic tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. The mission is guided by the core values of the fraternity: Freemasons strive to be honest, truthful and reliable, living in a just and upright manner. Freemasons embrace diversity of opinion, religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences. I continue to practice these principles.

During my profession as a lawyer for 23 years and later as a judge and Chief Justice for 15 years I continued to apply the principles learnt in Freemasonry.  I found that in its essence Freemasonry, as a whole, is a way, a life, of values and morals integrated together and becoming a part of us. It is not morals and values thought of and practiced in isolation or in fragments but by being integrated into our lives. And such an integrated life goes by the popular terminology in India a DHARMIC way of life.  My profession was such which gave me sufficient opportunity in my life to practice those high principles taught in Freemasonry. I think only Freemasonry could have moulded my life like that.


Q.:- At the Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges of Asia/Pacific you gave a speech on “Bringing about improvement to Freemasonry”, but more specifically about your vision of “Masonic Liberalization,“ in which you outlined an action plan in which you would implement during your tenure.  I must say that I felt it was a very ambitious plan and I wonder now, several years later if you feel that the original plan was on track or if there is anything you would change in hindsight?

Ans.:- As a matter of fact, due to some unforeseen circumstance at the last moment, I was unable to undertake journey to Sydney to attend the annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT and the Asia/Pacific Conference of the Masonic Grand Lodges. Any how I had sent my paper to be read in the Conference. I did not received any intimation whether the said paper was actually read or not, but for the benefit of my brethren, the article was made available to them.

Yes I did talk about my plan on Masonic Liberlisation saying –

“I am strongly of the view that in this era of Globalization and Economic Liberalization there is also need for what I would like to call as “Masonic Liberlisation”.  When I took over as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of India in October 2006 I suggested the following Vision and Mission Statement for Freemasonry in our country.

Vision:

• Masonic Liberalization.

Mission:

• Adopt “Each One Bring One” as a slogan so that we not only   have  more men in  Freemasonry  but also more Freemasonry in more men;
• Spread the message and philosophy of Freemasonry widely to instil more Freemasonry in men;
• Check dropouts by vigorous efforts at Lodge level;
• Endeavour to make Freemasonry more vibrant and dynamic.

In fact Grand Lodge of India has issued a circular letter to all the Lodges under its jurisdiction suggesting some of the modalities that can be followed by which such Masonic Liberlisation can be achieved.

I feel that since the problems faced by the Grand Lodges all over the world are somewhat similar, the steps suggested to be taken by Grand Lodge of India, to bring about Masonic Liberlisation, may also be relevant to Grand Lodges elsewhere, of course subject not only to the actual condition of Freemasonry obtaining in the jurisdiction of the different Grand Lodges, but also on account of the cultural, ethnic, economic and other differences, that inevitably exist between jurisdictions.  Nevertheless, I take this opportunity for sharing various steps which Grand Lodge of India has been advising the Lodges to implement, to bring about Masonic Liberlisation which I feel can bring about improvement in Freemasonry”.
  
During my tenure as the Grand Master I have tried to implement my strategy by adopting various means and mechanism. Initially I was under an impression that results might be available soon. But I was wrong. Now i realise that it is just like sowing seeds of a plant, which come to fruiting after a long gap and not at least before a decade or so. In any case the strategy has started working now. Though the results are not yet visible but I am clear in my mind and of the firm belief that I have been able to make a positive impact on the minds and outlook of the brethren which definitely will yield results the years to come.


Q.:- During your years in office, Freemasonry in India has indeed been thriving.  I have had the great honour of partaking in several Grand Lodge functions and visiting numerous lodges around India and have found that not only were the Brethren especially hospitable and friendly, but they were very much involved and ambitious about Freemasonry.  Why do you think that Freemasonry in India is so vibrant and refreshing?

Ans.:- I think it is the positive impact of the policies adopted to bring Masonic Liberlisation and spread the message and philosophy of Freemasonry as widely as possible by instilling more Freemasonry in men which has made Freemasonry vibrant in the country. As a Grand Master my effort has been to reach personally each and every Freemason and meet him on level. One to one contact with brethren and trying to remove or clarify their doubts, if any, by senior brethren has its own impact. My emphasis always has been to encourage younger masons and bring them in front to manage the affairs of the Lodge with Past Masters performing the role of advisors only.


Q.:- I have read some statistics you outlined in one of your previous speeches about the amount of lodges and their membership from year to year, and I believe that most countries would like to see the same results.

2006 – 342 Lodges, 16,500 Brethren
2007 – 351 Lodges, 17,229 Brethren
2008 – 356 Lodges, 18,004 Brethren

This massive increase I’m sure is the envy of many other Grand Lodges and I have several questions regarding them.


1 – What do you believe is the driving force behind new membership?

Ans.:- In the paper ‘Bringing about improvement to freemasonry’ I had mentioned about various circulars issued by the Grand Lodge of India to its Lodges and ways and means to be adopted and suggested that with some modification according to their own requirements the same could be adopted in various Grand Lodges. I mentioned:

In fact Grand Lodge of India has issued a circular letter to all the Lodges under its jurisdiction suggesting some of the modalities that can be followed by which such Masonic Liberlisation can be achieved.

I feel that since the problems faced by the Grand Lodges all over the world are somewhat similar, the steps suggested to be taken by Grand Lodge of India, to bring about Masonic Liberalisation, may also be relevant to Grand Lodges elsewhere, of course subject not only to the actual condition of Freemasonry obtaining in the jurisdiction of the different Grand Lodges, but also on account of the cultural, ethnic, economic and other differences, that inevitably exist between jurisdictions.  Nevertheless, I take this opportunity for sharing various steps which Grand Lodge of India has been advising the Lodges to implement, to bring about Masonic Liberlisation which I feel can bring about improvement in Freemasonry.

  
Q.:- What advice would you give to other Grand Lodges to help foster growth within their jurisdictions?

Ans.:- In detail I had mentioned about 5-‘R’s Strategy to be adopted for bringing about improvement in Freemasonry and implementation of the Vision and Mission, which ultimately would help the other Grand Lodges to foster growth within their jurisdiction. For full details my paper be read, a copy of which I am sending to you separately.


Q.:- What are the statistics for 2009?

The statistics up to 30th September, 2009 are that there are 366 Lodges and 18,559 Brethren. Out of 366 Lodges only 361 lodges are functional. One stands merged and the other four sand erased.

Statistics as on 25.10.2009 of the membership within the Grand Lodge of India


EASTERN REGION
 Lodges: 55
Members: 2322

NORTHERN REGION
  Lodges: 105
Members:  4777

SOUTHERN REGION
 Lodges: 127
Members: 8722

WESTERN REGION
 Lodges: 74
 Members: 2738

TOTAL
Lodges: 361
Membership: 18559


Q.:- In the past few years Freemasonry in India has seen several media outlets discuss Freemasonry in the public eye.  Most notably and perhaps the most well distributed was the Speaking Tree article in the Time of India.  In the past Freemasonry had been mistakenly viewed as elitist or a closed society, as the Grand Master, how do you feel the perceptions of the Indian public have changed, or have they at all?

The Grand Lodge had, in order to demystify Freemasonry adopted a unique way in conducting Divine Service. Immediately after I took over as the Grand Master I attended the 8th World Conference of the Grand Masters at Paris from 2nd December, 2006. In that Conference I read a paper ‘DIVINE SERVICE - A UNIQUE INDIAN MASONIC CEREMONY’. The broad theme of the conference was “Spiritual Openness in the Modern World” and one of its sub themes was “Exchange of live experiences of Regular Grand Lodges of the World”. It is in this context, that I shared my experience of a rather unique Ceremony, which we Grand Lodge of India had adopted in our country, for public demonstration projecting the underlying principles of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man, as propagated by Freemasonry and identifying common threads for linking these principles, with the teachings contained in the Religious Books of the Major Religions of the World. How the ceremony is conducted and what is the mechanism of making general public aware of the fundamental of freemasonry, you will find in the paper, a copy of which I am sending to you.

Since the media is also invited to attend the Divine Service, the event is often reported in the local newspapers with appropriate photographs and sometimes these Divine Services are also shown in Television by way of news clippings. The feed back so far received shows that the public is quite impressed by the Divine Service and at the end of it, are now better informed about Freemasonry and its objectives and laudable purposes.

After this step another major step was taken to allow the non-masons (families and friends of the Masons) to witness a ceremony in which Long Term Service Jewels are Presented by the Grand Lodge to those who have completed 25, 40,50 and 60 years of continued service to Freemasonry.

The Installation ceremony of the next Grand Master at Chennai will also be conducted, for the first time, in presence of non-Masons (by invitation).

The Website of the Grand Lodge is very informative also provide sufficient material of interest to a lay man.

Small cards like visiting cards are available to be given to a lay man when it is notice that he is showing some interest about freemasonry. It contains broad information about Freemasonry. Address of our Website, email and postal address with phone numbers of the Grand Secretary are mentioned therein.

Major or important masonic events are reported in the local news papers and on TV as well.

Various charitable projects are undertaken by almost all Lodges, which draws attention of the local population and then on further interest being shown by any member of the public he is made aware of the broad outliners.

The result of all these steps has been  that slowly and gradually there is positive awareness about  Freemasonry and in its principles resulting in number of people sending email requests asking more about it and expressing interest to join freemasonry. The concerned person is directed to contact a Mason in that Town and thereafter usual procedure is adopted to take him in, in case he is found to be worthy and fit.

This is how in a gradual manner we are trying to convey the message of Freemasonry to the society.


Q.:- During my last visit to India I visited the Masonic Public School, a school fully funded by the charitable endeavours of the Masonic Fraternity in India.  I know there are several other projects that Freemasons fund and I wonder if you would outline some of them briefly.

Ans.:- Tsunami hit the Coastal Region of Southern India on 26th December 2004.    In response to an appeal made by the Grand Lodge of India to provide relief to Tsunami victims, generous donations were received not only from the brethren and Lodges within the country, but also from Lodges and Grand Lodges abroad,  for providing relief to the victims of Tsunami disaster.

It was left to the Grand Lodge of India to apply the funds so received, on suitable projects to provide relief to the Tsunami victims.  Pallam Village in Kanyakumari District was one of the worst affected areas of Tsunami.  With the efforts of brethren of Lodge Travancore No.329 and other well wishers and brethren in the vicinity of Pallam Village of Kanyakumari District and donation of land by the Parish Priest of Pallam, it was possible for the Grand Lodge of India to identify a project for construction of a Community Centre for the benefit and use of the villagers of Pallam at an estimated cost of Rs.45 lakhs.

The Foundation Stone for the Community Centre was laid on 1st May, 2007.  It was possible to complete this project within a record time of less than one year. The Community Centre was inaugurated on 14th April, 2008, and a Divine Service was also conducted to mark the occasion.

The assistance to be provided to the Tsunami Victims of the Pallam Village did not end with the providing of the Community Centre.  Some of the villagers were found to be without permanent living quarters, as their huts in which they were living had been washed away by Tsunami and they were not in a position to construct for want of sufficient funds.  Their plea for providing them permanent living quarters was considered by The Grand Lodge of India therefore a new project was launched for construction of 59 houses for the villagers in two phases, by contributing 50% of the cost, On completion of 59 houses and handing over to the villagers in suitable phases the settlement has appropriately been named as ‘MASONIC NAGAR’ in A Commemorative function organised on 9th August 2009. I personally visited thrice the village, to lay the foundation stone in a masonic function, on inauguration of the Community Hall and on 9th August, 2009. The salient feature of this entire project, of which the freemasons of India are proud of, is that the Roman Catholics have been closely associated with the same. Land was provided for by the Parish Priest of Pallam, Acting Bishop was present at the time of inauguration and the Bishop himself was present when the Community Hall was inaugurated and handed over to the Village Community.


Q. Funding all of these honourable projects is done through numerous facilities, one of which is a wonderful plan called the Grand Masters Rupee Club, can you tell me a little more about that?

Ans.:- It is not the Grand Masters Rupee Club which funds the projects. Grand Masters Rupee Club is a separate scheme.  This scheme called The Grand Master’s Rupee Club was established by Grand Lodge of India in 1999.

The premise on which the scheme was based is as follows:-

If M.W. the Grand Master were to knock at the door of a brother and ask for contribution to charity, the brother would certainly give to the Grand Master at least One Rupee as his contribution.  If M.W. the Grand Master would knock at the door of the same brother the next day he would surely not hesitate to give another Rupee for a charitable cause.  Therefore, if M.W. the Grand Master would call on every brother in the country on each of the 365 days of a year, M.W. the Grand Master was sure to collect Rs.365.00 from each brother towards the cause of CHARITY.

It was therefore proposed that a scheme of Grand Master’s Rupee Club be started to which every brother in the country may, if he is so charitable disposed of, contribute in one lump, during one calendar year, an amount of Rs.365.00  @ Rs.1 per day. The Grand Master’s Rupee Club also provides that a brother may become a Life Member of the Club by making one time lump sum payment of Rs.4000/-. The funds so collected in the Grand Master’s Rupee Club is intended to provide immediate relief to deserving causes at the discretion of M.W. the Grand Master up to a maximum of Rs.1 lakh per occasion.

The Scheme has now been in operation for about 10 years. The Grand Master’s Rupee Club is now an independent TRUST with Income Tax benefit under Section 80-G of Income Tax Act.

Funding of the other projects is by separate voluntary contributions by the members of various Lodges. The Brethren makes separate contributions to he projects undertaken by the Regions, as and when the said projects are announced. In addition to this each individual Lodge or group of Lodges also undertake various charitable Projects for which funding is by the Brethren of that particular Lodge or group of Lodges. Wives of Brethren have also formed associations at various places. They either help the Brethren in implementing the projects or executing projects at their own level. Some of the details are available with me, which are sent to you as a separate document.


Q.:- If people from outside India were interested in helping out with some charitable donations, how would they go about contacting the Grand Lodge?

Ans.- Protocol demands that outside Grand Lodges have to be contacted through the Grand Secretary alone. As such the Grand Lodges or its subordinate Lodges can contact the Grand Secretary.


Q.: Recently I have seen a buzz of Internet activity from Brethren in India, from Masonic Vibes, to you yourself partaking in the sharing of Masonic information on Facebook.  I know from your biography that you had helped to spear-head the technological and computerization of the Judiciary, are you doing the same now to Freemasonry?

Ans.:- We must make fullest use of the Modern Technology. I also wish that each and member of the Grand Lodge could be computer savvy. It is very easy to interact and it enables the brethren to get information on any subject or aspect of freemasonry.

The internet has made the entire world as a small village within your reach. I have attended 8th and 9th World Conferences at Paris and Washington D.C respectively. I am already at LIBREVILLE - GABON- to attend the 11th World Conference at Libreville-Gabon from 3rd November to 7th November, 2009. During the last three years these world conferences and other visits abroad has brought me so many good friends with whom I am now in touch only by use of this technology.

The Grand Lodge will shortly undertake to update entire data about the brethren and have the date of the Regional Grand Lodges integrated so that communication is faster and details are available on tips. I went to Mauritius to install the Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Mauritius. I visited number of other Grand Lodges and have made good friends abroad. I want to remain in touch with them only to share experience and continue fraternal relations. After all we are taught to unite in the Grand Design of being happy and communicating happiness.


MWBrother Justice Devinder Gupta, I sincerely thank you for the interview and your time!

More Great Information:

• More Speeches and Writings of the MWBro
• The Grand Lodge of India Website

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Remembrance Ceremony Benediction

Nov 3, 2009
General Business Meeting with Remembrance Ceremony

Centennial King George Lodge 171

Richmond, BC, Canada

Grand Lodge of BC and Yukon







Benediction read at Lodge for Remembrance Ceremony

They shall grow not old
as we that are left shall grow old.

Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun,
and in the morning,
we shall remember them.

May we ever pray :
Lord god of hosts,
be with us yet.

Lest we forget,
lest we forget.


"The Ode" from the poem "For the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon.


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Remembrance Day Grace

Nov 3, 2009
General Business Meeting with Remembrance Ceremony
Centennial King George Lodge 171
Richmond, BC, Canada
Grand Lodge of BC and Yukon


As Chaplain I read the following at Grace for the festive board.  I did not write this, but I thought it nice to share.


Remembrance Day Grace for Festive Board

Dear Lord,

Protect our sailors while at sea
Watch over them wherever they be

Protect our soliders while at war
We pray for peace for evermore

Let us remember the wars that passed
Where lives were lost for peace to last

Now while we eat and have our fun
We spare a thought for those with none

S.M.I.B.
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Arkansas Freemasonry - Another Grand Lodge in Court

Brethren,

I would like you to read the following e-mail which outlines some controversy happening down in Arkansas.  You can see more information and previous e-mails here.  I think this story deserves to be shared and I would like to ask your help in passing it on to as many Brethren as possible.  I feel that this letter sent to me has been presented in a thoughtful manner by a concerned Brother directly involved in the incident and that as a Fraternity we need to address these type of issues.

Please review the following letter Brethren.
S&F
Bro. Ken Dennis


Dear Brother Ken,

Here are the facts and you can decide why or why not the Grand Master (Grand lodge) may have taken the actions he (they) did.


I joined Nettleton Lodge #657 in 1995. At that time I was a Human Resources Manager for a local manufacturing company and well known in the community. I knew nothing about Freemasonry in Arkansas but shortly after joining I quickly realized that many of the Brethren, especially the older members, had a prejudice against blacks and felt black men should not be allowed in Masonry. This being in direct conflict with how I had been raised and in direct conflict in what I taught and practiced on a daily basis in my job, I decided that I had two choices---either to dimit out of Masonry or stay in and try to change the attitude of the fraternity. I chose to attempt the latter.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there were no rules in our digest of Laws preventing a black man from joining. I quickly learned that the prejudice began at the very top (Grand Lodge) and filtered down to the subordinate lodges. Through education and "whispering good council" in a lot of my Brother's ears, I with the help of some others were successful in changing the attitude in our local lodge.

I moved through the chairs quickly, serving as Worshipful Master during the year 2000 and again during 2003. I also served as DDGM for four years and became well acquainted with many members of the Grand Lodge. As a matter of fact a fellow member of our lodge and a close friend of mine  (MW O.C. Boyd) was Grandmaster of Masons in Arkansas during the year 2000. He would constantly tell me that you could not fight Grand Lodge. Whether they were right or wrong---they could do whatever they wanted because they had absolute power.

During my year as Worshipful Master I accepted a petition from a black man in Jonesboro. This raised a lot of concern with Grand Lodge officers. Brother Boyd told me he was directed by Grand Lodge to inform me that if I allowed a black man to join Freemasonry in Arkansas I would be expelled from the fraternity.  I refused to back down and allowed the petition to proceed to a vote. The Committee of Investigation was also threatened and they reported "unfavorable" even though they confided in me that their investigation had turned up nothing that should have prevented the man from becoming a Mason.

My blood brother, Melvin Pickney, joined our lodge around 2000 and also became my Masonic brother. Melvin has a daughter who is married to a black man and they have a 10 year old son who is black. My daughter also has a 10 year old son but is white. We would bring our families quite often to open functions at the lodge, pancake breakfasts', etc. and we made it common knowledge that our personal goal was to have both of our grandsons become Free & Accepted Masons of Arkansas on their 21st birthdays. Our position on this matter seemed to cause some discomfort among Grand Lodge officials. All the while I continued to present educational programs at every opportunity stressing that Freemasonry should judge every man by what is in his heart, and not by his color.

In the spring of 2007 our lodge accepted a petition for the degrees from a man who worked with one of our well respected members, who was also a "Recommend-er" on the petition. The day of his scheduled Entered Apprentice initiation the Worshipful Master, who was Melvin Pickney, received an e-mail from a a Brother concerning the candidate's religion. As you well know Freemasonry does not consider a man's religion, just a belief in the one true and living God, and an Investigation Committee and the entire lodge had voted to accept this man. However, due to the concern that had been voiced, just prior to the initiation the Worshipful Master called a meeting of the following group of people: The Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Secretary, the candidate, the member voicing the concern, and the member that had recommended the candidate. The candidate was asked to explain how he practiced his religion (Wicca), and he convincingly expressed his belief in the one true and living God. The candidate was then excused from the meeting and the remaining members reviewed what had been discussed and agreed unanimously that they found no reason to not proceed with the degree. That night the candidate became an Entered Apprentice Mason in our lodge.

The Grand Lodge somehow became aware of the new EA and I personally had three conversations with the Grand Secretary (James Weatherall) about the matter. Mr. Weatherall conceded the fact that it was not a violation of the Digest of Laws to initiate a person of Wicca belief but insisted that the lodge, for the good of Masonry, should ask the new member to expel himself, which we did and he complied. The member who had recommended the new candidate, Brother John Smith, objected to the intrusion by Grand Lodge and he also expelled himself as a form of protest. The Arkansas Digest of Laws is very clear in stating that the Grand Lodge will not interfere with the subordinate lodges in any way in their selection of candidates. (Please note that this candidate expelled himself one week after he was initiated and never attended a regular meeting.)

The Digest of Laws in Arkansas has a section whereby a Mason, who admits he has committed un-masonic conduct, and wishes to avoid a trial, or "for personal reasons" can voluntarily expel himself for life without any recourse or appeal. This is the section under which Brother John Smith expelled himself. During the summer of 2007 our lodge made a request of the Grand Master to reinstate Brother Smith but he refused to even consider it. He stated that the Digest of Laws would not allow him to reinstate Mr. Smith but on many other occasions he has asserted that the Grand Master has the authority to do whatever he desires, irregardless of the Digest.

It didn't make any sense to me and other members of our lodge why Mr Smith, who was a good Mason and had done nothing un-masonic, was barred from the fraternity for life while at the same time a man who had committed un-masonic conduct, charged and found guilty by trial, and expelled from the fraternity, had language in the Digest that allowed him to re-petition his lodge after a period of time and be re-instated if the lodge so desired. We did not understand why self expulsion for personal reasons would carry with it a lifetime sentence more severe that an expulsion for un-masonic conduct, so the lodge submitted a resolution to be voted on at the next Grand Lodge session scheduled for February, 2008 requesting that the words "or for personal reasons" be stricken from the Digest.

Two relevant incidents happened in December, 2007. Early in the month Melvin Pickney(WM) and myself made a trip to Little Rock (Grand Lodge office) to research the section of the Digest that related to our lodge's resolution. We were trying to learn when the language initially went into the Digest, the intent or purpose of the language, and the number of good men who had self-expelled themselves in haste or without thinking it through and had wanted to be reconsidered but were trapped by the language. What we did find was very surprising. We found that the language had been copied from similar language in the Texas Digest and had been voted on and added to our Digest in 1999 upon the recommendation of then Grandmaster Marty Byers. What was surprising was that the words "or for personal reasons" did not exist in the original language and were never voted into the Digest by Grand Lodge delegates. The 1999 Proceedings include the section without the four words "or for personal reasons" and the best I can tell the words were added to the Digest a few years later during a reprint, but not by authority of Grand Lodge delegates.

When we discovered this discrepancy we questioned the Grand Secretary as to how it could have happened and he became visibly flustered and said he did not know how it happened. We also discussed it with several past Grandmasters and they knew nothing either. I telephoned past Grandmaster Byers to ask him but he refused to discuss it. I asked the Grand Secretary to research the "error" and let me know what he found out but he never got back to me.

Later in December, 2007 we installed new lodge officers at an open meeting where a multitude of friends and family (non-masons) were present. John Smith, the ex-member who was no longer a member for personal reasons only, attended the meeting to congratulate his longtime friend, Jerry Smith (no relation) who was being installed as the incoming Worshipful Master. No one objected to John Smith being present at the open meeting and no one even considered there might be something un-masonic by him attending.

I realize this has gotten kinda long but I have said it all to emphasize five points:

1. I have consistently expressed my thoughts on prejudice within the fraternity
2. A candidate of Wicca belief was initiated and self-expelled at the request of Grand Lodge
3. My brother and I discovered an error in our Digest of Laws 
4. Our lodge submitted a resolution in an effort to correct the Digest error 
5. John Smith attended a meeting that was open to the public

Nettleton Lodge #657 was the most active and progressive lodge in northeast Arkansas and is over 100 years old. Grand Lodge, prior to February, 2008 had never indicated in any way that Nettleton Lodge had any problems. When the Nettleton Lodge delegation of officers arrived at Grand Lodge in February, 2008 we opened our session packets and learned for the first time that Grandmaster MW R.L. Sheffield would be recommending that our charter be arrested. The reasons given were that Nettleton Lodge had initiated a candidate of Wicca belief in April of 2007 and had allowed an expelled Mason to attend a Masonic function in December, 2007. We were stunned to say the least. After arresting our charter the next order of business was considering resolutions. The Grand Secretary stated that the resolution submitted by Nettleton Lodge would not be considered because the lodge was no longer a lodge. (So much for explaining the illegal language,)

Now you have the facts and you have the reasons listed by Grand Lodge as to why they decided to arrest the charter of a 100 year-old lodge that was as active as any in the state. They made the decision to arrest the charter without even checking with the lodge officers to tell them what was about to happen or to even ask them if the reasons were valid.

I know that certain Grand Lodge officials do not agree with my position on the issue of race and I have been told by a third party that a certain Grand Lodge officer said my and Melvin's trip to Little Rock in December to do research on the Digest was the end of our Masonic careers. By the way, since Melvin was no longer an officer in 2008 he could not be expelled, as I was, for refusing to turn over the assets of the lodge so it is now alleged by Grand Lodge that he was expelled because he allowed John Smith to attend the open installation meeting. Forget the fact that the Digest of laws clearly states that no Worshipful Master can be charged with anything that occurred during his term of office after he has left office.

I hope this lengthly explanation helps you a little.

Fraternally,
Darrell Pickney

You can also view the previous e-mails here.
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Grand Lodge Arkansas and Nettleton Lodge Emails Lead-up

Brethren,

I would like to share with you a series of e-mails between myself and a Brother in Arkansas, which are the lead-up to the main article.  This is the initial e-mails explaining to me what is going on.  Please read them and share them with other Brethren.

Thank you,
Bro Ken


Darrell D. Pickney:

Brother Ken,

There is a very similar situation happening in Arkansas that is happening in West Virginia. In February, 2008, the Grand Master of Arkansas pulled the charter of Nettleton Lodge #657 without justification or valid reason,then expelled the WM, JD, Treasurer, and Secretary for failing to turn over all lodge property and cash assets to Grand Lodge. Nettleton Lodge #657 filed suit to keep ownership of its property and in July of this year was victorious in that lawsuit,

At the same time the Grand Master slandered the expelled brethren throughout the state and a second lawsuit was filed. The slander lawsuit will be heard early next year. The Grand Lodge has tried to prevent Masons in Arkansas from even discussing the situation or lawsuits.

I would like to get this information on MasonicTravels.com to hopefully help keep Arkansas Masons informed as to what is going on. I can give you any additional information you may need as I am the secretary of Nettleton Lodge #657 that was expelled and am a party to the lawsuit.

Fraternaly,
Darrell D. Pickney


MasonicTravels.com:

Greetings Brother,

If you type up an article, and try to be as objective and unbiased as possible, stating facts then I would be happy to review it.  I do carefully monitor the information I put on the site, because unlike some masonic sites on the internet, I try not to start up big controversy unless it is entirely justifiable, even then I prefer to do it from a mediator stand point.

If you are looking for shock value, I can recommend a few other places to post your information too .

S&F
Ken


Darrell D. Pickney:

Dear Brother Ken,

The reason I selected your site was because I could see that it was a serious site and very positive toward Freemasonry.  My goal in asking you to post information concerning our situation in Arkansas was not to create controversy but rather to educate and inform brethren not only in Arkansas but across the United States that abuse of power at the Grand Lodge level does exist, unfortunately more often that we care to admit. I am not looking for "shock" value, however every true Mason who learns the truth about what is happening in Arkansas would be truly shocked. I don't know how much detail you want or need but I will as briefly as possible relate to you what has occurred. If you then need specific questions answered I would be glad to do that and provide whatever documentation you may need.

During Grand Lodge session in February, 2008, without any prior discussion or notice, the outgoing Grand Master (MW R.L. Sheffield) announced that he was arresting the charter of Nettleton Lodge # 657 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Two weeks later the new Grand Master (MW James Graham) without notice, trial, or any other due process expelled five leaders of Nettleton Lodge because they would not turn over the property and cash assets of the local lodge to Grand Lodge. Grand Lodge subsequently managed to take control of the lodge building by changing the locks and Nettleton Lodge filed suit in Craighead County District Court seeking to regain ownership of their property. The suit was filed in the spring of 2008 and went to trial in July, 2009. The court ruled in favor of Nettleton Lodge #657 as sole owner of the property and cash assets.

During the course of 2008 the Grand Lodge took several actions, including statewide communications to all lodges in Arkansas alleging that theft of lodge property had occurred at Nettleton Lodge then named the individuals who had been expelled. Grand Lodge has since admitted that they had no direct knowledge that theft had occurred when they communicated such information, and in fact no theft did occur. In order to put a stop to what we feel were slanderous and defaming actions of Grand Lodge, a defamation suit was filed against MW Graham and the Grand Lodge of Arkansas during the latter part of 2008. Discovery is ongoing for that lawsuit and a date is expected to be set for trial in the spring of 2010.

I will be glad to answer any questions you might have concerning the dilemma we are facing here in Arkansas.

Fraternally,
Darrell Pickney


MasonicTravels.com:

Greetings Brother Darrell,

Thank you for the information and I'm quite interested in learning more.  What do you feel was the underlying reason for the GM to seize the assets of the Lodge?  I find it difficult to believe that he just did it on a whim, he must have had some reason (misguided or otherwise seems to be up to the courts at the moment).  Was this a personal feud between the GM and the Lodge in General or a Brother at the Lodge that sparked this harsh reaction?

I think your write-up is well done, and would like you to further elaborate as much as possible, expanding on your previous e-mail to me, write it as you would like to see it posted on the site and it sounds like something I would be very interested in reading and posting on the website.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Ken

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FREEMASONRY AND THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FREEMASONRY AND THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES

Every man who joins a Freemasons Lodge has a natural curiosity to find out as much as he can about the origins and history of the Craft. When he reads the ritual he is struck by the many allusions to ancient mysteries and if this natural curiosity is not channelled in the right direction one of two things is likely to happen. He may give up, discouraged because what he has seen is incomprehensible or he may accept what he reads literally and as a result will draw many wrong conclusions.

The constant reference to biblical stories with excerpts from the Old Testament and other sources tends to lend credence to the myth that there is a direct link between Freemasonry as practiced in our Lodges and these Biblical sources. However plausible it may sound there is nothing at all to substantiate such a link!

No less a personage than M.W. Bro. John Ross Robertson, the founder of the Toronto Telegram, a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the province of Ontario, an historian and classicist has left us this message: ‘From my research into this matter, I can find no substantive evidence that there is any evidence which would lead me to the conclusion that there is any evidence of a direct link between the Old Testaments and Freemasonry; which would substantiate a claim of direct descendancy to Masonry today and the workmen mentioned in “Holy Writ”.’

All things considered this line of research is in itself only of academic interest because there is more to Masonry than the dry bones of speculation.  

For anyone studying Masonic literature and comparative religions, the remarkable presence of common factors, common beliefs, doctrines, practices and symbols whether they are ancient or modern, civilized or barbarian, eastern or western, Christian or Pagan is quite remarkable. Regardless of the separation by virtue of knowledge, morals or customs between the great religions of the world they employ or exemplify certain of these symbols in common with each other.

Masonic literature abounds with examples of the use of some of these symbols which are displayed prominently in Lodges. In fact, many authors take great delight in showing that a certain symbol is ancient and universal and at the same time fail to go further and explain the reason for this antiquity and universality. In other words, they are content to point out that a symbol is being used but there is no solid evidence that its use ties Masonry directly to the source of the symbol. Just because it is used does not automatically establish a viable connection to any one religion.

For instance, the symbolism attached to the construction of King Solomon’s Temple is said to symbolize perfect development of mind and character because tradition dictated that King Solomon’s Temple was the most perfect structure ever erected. Nowhere does it imply that Freemasons are directly linked to the workmen referred to in the Old Testament. It is used by Masons in order to illustrate the many moral lessons to be taught and consequently it has been used quite freely and effectively.

There is no question that we can trace, and obtain direct evidence of the founding meetings of modern Masonry and there is little doubt that these early Masons used symbols which were the popular currency of their day. These symbols were used to illustrate and highlight the lessons. They became much more relevant when they were tied to something or someone in antiquity to teach a lesson or illustrate a moral point. Unfortunately this connection is misunderstood and there is now confusion and irrelevancy to upset the brethren whereas there should be clarity and understanding.

Because this happens we should seek to have it clarified. On the contrary, Masters are enjoined when installed in the Chair of King Solomon that they will without exception adhere to the ritual of the Lodge as laid down by their Grand Lodge, and this includes the symbolic use of ancient mysteries as contained in the work. The ancient mysteries that Masons, among others, use are The Mysteries of Osiris (Egypt); of Mithras (Persia); of Adonis (Syria); Of Dionysus, Bacchic and Eleusis (Greece) and the Druids (Gaul and Britain).

The ancient mysteries, in general, were established by men of great moral fibre to teach purity, to ameliorate the cruelty of the human race, refine its morals and manners and to restrain society by the obligations of fraternity.

The link, therefore, between Masonry as we know it and practice it, and the ancients mysteries is both strong and yet also quite tenuous. There is no direct link, but when we start talking about the lessons taught by these mysteries we are then on much firmer ground. The philosophies set out by Freemasonry draw quite heavily from the lessons established for us by these ancient mysteries.

Although there is a relationship between Freemasonry and the ancient mysteries, we must be careful not to over-sentimentalize the situation and claim for this relationship something that is not. We must, therefore, always be cautious and thorough in our researches and accurate in the production of information about our gentle craft.

Observations by Bro. Francis Dowe F.C.F. Former Secretary, Centennial No. 684     G.R.C.

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QUALIFICATIONS OF A TRUE MASON

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A TRUE MASON

All true Masons know that their work is not secret, but they realize that it must remain unknown to all who do not live the true Masonic life. Yet if the so-called secrets of Freemasonry were shouted from the housetops, the Fraternity would be absolutely safe; for certain spiritual qualities are necessary before the real Masonic secrets can be understood by the brethren themselves. Hence it is that the alleged 'exposures' of Freemasonry, printed by the thousands and tens of thousands since 1730 down to the present hour, cannot injure the Fraternity. They reveal merely the outward forms and ceremonies of Freemasonry. Only those who have been weighed in the balance and found to be true, upright, and square have prepared themselves by their own growth to appreciate the inner meanings of their Craft. To the rest of their brethren within or without the lodge their sacred rituals must remain, as Shakespeare might have said, 'Words, words, words. 'Within the Mason's own being is concealed the Power, which, blazing forth from his purified being, constitutes the Builder's Word. His life is the sole password which admits him to the true Masonic Lodge. His spiritual urge is the sprig of acacia which, through the darkness of ignorance, still proves that the spiritual fire is alight. Within himself he must build those qualities which will make possible his true understanding of the Craft. He can show the world only forms which mean nothing; the life within is forever concealed until the eye of the Spirit reveals it.

Reprinted from 'The Lost Keys of Freemasonry 'by Manly P. Hall. Contributed by Bro. J.A. &ott, Edinburgh Lodge, No. 736, G.R.C., Ottawa, Ont.

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PLENTY

In the second degree, we hear of the significance of the word 'plenty'. We symbolize it in Freemasonry by an ear of corn, or sheaf of wheat. Mackey informs us that in ancient symbolism, the goddess was depicted as a young nymph crowned with flowers and holding in her right hand the horn of Amalthea, the goat that suckled Jupiter; and in her left a bundle of wheat sheaves. Referring to the story told in the floorwork of the passes of the Jordan, he further quotes Burder, that, in Arabian countries dialectic differences of pronunciation are much greater between regional groups than they are in other parts of the world, thus making the pronunciation of the original work a much simpler distinction than might be at first expected. Mackey further quotes other similar incidents of pronunciation as a password in history. I refer the interested student to that entry for some food for thought.

My interests this evening, however, are more philosophical. Oxford defines the word 'plenty' as 'Abundance, as much as one could desire . . . ' In the second degree we are told of how the craftsmen were paid their wages and of their pleasant employment at the temple. I wish to juxtapose that image of well employed and well cared for workmen with the images in the first degree where we learn much of the Masonic art of charity. Benevolence has formed an important part of the teachings and organization of our craft and the committees of benevolence at Lodge, District and- Grand Lodge levels have an important role to play. We have all been reminded poignantly, in the first degree, of the role that this virtue is to play in our lives and in our Masonic character. Perhaps it is fitting to look at it in light of to how much 'plenty' we enjoy. A number of years ago, my neighbours helped me to erect a garden shed. We placed it carefully on a level, clean patio laid for the purpose. We congratulated ourselves on how weatherproof it was and snug, and that night I found myself reflecting gloomily that a very great portion of the world's people would thrill to have that small shed as their principal dwelling.

A provocative statistic came to me a year or so ago: that the very poorest earning Canadian, he who has the very lowest annual income of welfare, is still in the top 10% of the world's wage earners. Plenty indeed! We have it! A clerical brother once told me with a spark of fervour in his eye, that I should be careful when I pray 'Thy will be done’, for I was likely praying for a much lower standard of living when the world's income was equitable distributed by the will of the Grand Geometrician of the Universe. I have no doubt that he was right.

Let us not forget either, that the principal analogy of our gentle craft is that of work. Our talents are many. I look about our Lodge room and see an awesome array of abilities, skills, knowledge and influence. Do we share these? I know of a good number of Masons whose interests and involvements extend far beyond the walls of the Lodge and who contribute their talents with great vigour and energy to others in this world. There are others whose outreach is less extensive but who, through Masonic Art, extend knowledge of this philosophy to their younger brethren, influencing them to make contributions in the community and the world at large outside our portals.

What should a man do with the plenty that is his? I think that our brothers know that answer.

Masonic Education presented by W. Bro. Wm. M. White of Oakridge Lodge, No. 708, G.R.C.

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FREE BORN

Canadian Masons have all heard the Inner Guard's reply to the W. Master's question: 'How does he hope to obtain those privileges', when he states on behalf of the candidate 'By being a man, free-born . . . etc.' The question begs others. Are we not all free-born. Is there more to this necessary qualification than the obvious?

Slavery has been an all too recently accepted practice, and was only abolished in England in the year 1772 (1), and was bitterly contested in the American Civil War (1861 -1865). Therefore, it was in earlier times considered necessary that a candidate must be able to swear, and to prove through investigation, that he was 'free-born'. These early regulations have been altered over time, and the changes have not been universal. There is much available on the subject going well back into the earliest portions of our history. It must be remembered that our modern rules are largely inheritances or speculative interpretations of rules laid down in the ANCIENT CHARGES as set forth with some variations in the GOTHIC CONSITUTIONS. Since they were not precisely the same originally and have not been interpreted with entire uniformity, there are some differences of opinion in the many jurisdictions as to what the 'exclusions' are. Most originated from the14th to the 17th century A.D. as follows: REGIUS M.S., c. 1390; COOKE M.S., early 1 5th century; GRAND LODGE M.S., dated 1583; HARLEIAN M.S., No. 1942, c. 1670; ANTIQUITYM.S.,17thcentury;andBUCHANANM.S., 17th century. All of the GOTHIC CONSTITUTIONS confined the qualifications for apprentices to two categories, those relating to family, political, or social position and those relating to physical capacity. As a sample of one of the texts in full, ANTIQUITY M.S. stated: * * * 'and that the Apprentice be free-born and of Limbs whole as a Man ought to be and no Bastard. * * * Thirdly that he that shall be made, be able in all degree that is free-born of good kindred true, and no Bondsman, and that he have his right Limbs as a man ought to have.'

The difference between FREE-BORN, meaning free at the time of birth, and NO BONDSMAN, meaning free at the time of entering the Fraternity, will be observed. All, except REGIUS, say FREE-BORN, and the COOKE, HARLEIAN, and ANTIQUITY stop there, while GRAND LODGE and BUCHANAN cover both aspects. This difference was brought into prominence by action of the Grand Lodge of England in the 19th century. On Sept. 1, 1847, the United Grand Lodge changed the requirement that the petitioner be FREE-BORN to read FREE MAN, not both. Literally, a petitioner before 1847 in England had to be born-free but might be in bondage but, thereafter, one might have been born in slavery, yet, would not be excluded if free at the time of his petition. Unfortunately these and other changes became mingled some years ago with those of ANCIENT LANDMARKS. Because there were in the Old Charges certain provisions relating to the admission of apprentices, the idea became pretty well disseminated in the United States that these were irremovable LANDMARKS. Mackey's 18th LANDMARK, which has been expressly adopted by 4 Grand Lodges and is followed more or less by 13 other Grand Lodges in the United States, provides that the candidate 'shall be a man -unmutilated, free-born, and of mature age. That is to say, a woman, a cripple, or a slave or one born into slavery, is disqualified.' Happily, present practice, common sense and civil statute have shaped today's practical application of requirements in each jurisdiction. (Returning combat veterans seeking admission to the craft are not refused on the basis of physical impairments.)

The disqualification of a slave seems to have been based on the reasoning that each candidate involves himself in a solemn moral contract, and that anyone not a free agent or master of his own will and actions could not undertake the necessary obligations. Even those who had originally been in a servile state and had later acquired their liberty were considered unsuitable because it was thought that having been born into slavery and the constant domination thus submitted to, would have made clear decisions difficult, as all slavery included such a degrading of mind and abasement of spirit that no subsequent freedom could render such a candidate qualified to perform his duties as a mason. It was even stated in the past that children could not inherit a free and noble spirit except they be born of a free woman. Such thinking does not find much place with us today, and for the uninformed, the question 'are you free by birth' comes as a mild surprise.

There is a reference in the Bible where Sara demanded of Abraham, asking that he cast out this bondswoman and her son, or ‘the son of this bondswoman shall not be heir with my son’. Also, at the Grand Festival at which Abraham celebrated the weaning of Isaac, it is said that he had not paid the same compliment in the weaning of Ishmael because he was the son of a bondswoman, and consequently could not be admitted to the Freemasonry of his Father which could only be conferred upon a free-born child of a free woman.

But what is free-born? Its definition is, 'to be in a state of exemption from the control of another'. The doctrines as taught by Masons are that one should enjoy unrestricted liberty and be free in all thoughts and actions. This is carried so far in Masonry that the Grand Lodge of England will not carry out the initiation of a candidate who is only confined temporarily or has only for a short time been deprived of his liberty.

From these definitions it can be seen that the word free-born as used today by Masonry has a different meaning than that of the original interpretations. We use it in a metaphysical sense, implying that, we should be free not to act only as we wish and possibly at the expense of another, but free from the domination of passion, pride and prejudice, and from all other follies of human nature. We should be free from the delusion that we need not be obedient to the laws of nature or the civil laws of our own Country. In this sense the word freeborn is equivalent in meaning to that of integrity.

The foregoing article was prepared from a presentation made by W. Bro. Larry Burke, Harmony Lodge, No. 57, G.R.C., Binbrook, Ont. for Masonic Education, Oct. 12/88. Additional historical information was taken from Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia. (Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Company, Inc.).

(1) Originally this article had a mistake, 1721 -- Updated to 1772. 26/10/2009  KD
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Solomon and the Temple - Beyond the Craft

Masonic tradition informs us of the Temple of Solomon which was opened on Mount Moriah in the year of the world 2992 yet we never learn what became of Solomon or the Temple.

In the Second Book of the Chronicles, we discover that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel for forty years and was buried in the city of David. Solomon's son, Rehoboam, followed his father to the throne.

The Temple retained its original splendor for only thirty-three years. In the year of the world 3033, Shishak, King of Egypt, having made war upon Rehoboam, took Jerusalem, and carried away the choicest treasures. From that time to the period of its final destruction, the history of the Temple is but a history of damage, repairs, idolatry and subsequent restorations to the purity of worship. One hundred and thirteen years after the conquest by Shishak, Joash, King of Judah, collected silver for the repairs of the Temple, and restored it to its former condition in the year of the world 3148. In the year 3264, Ahaz, King of Judah, robbed the Temple of its riches, and gave them to Tiglath-Pileser, King of Assyria, who had united with him in a war against the Kings of Israel and Damascus. Ahaz also profaned the Temple by the worship of idols. In 3276, Hezekiah, the son and successor of Ahaz, repaired portions of the Temple which his father had destroyed, and restored pure worship. But fifteen years later he was compelled to give the treasures of the Temple as a ransom to the King of Assyria who had invaded Judah. Hezekiah is supposed to have restored the Temple after his enemy had retired.

Manasseh, the son and successor of Hezekiah, fell away to Sabianism which is the worship of the sun, moon, and the stars; and desecrated the Temple in 3306 by setting up altars to the host of heaven. Manasseh was then conquered by the King of Babylon, who in 3328 carried him beyond the Euphrates. Subsequently repenting of his sins he was released from captivity, and upon returning to Jerusalem he destroyed the idols and restored the Altar of Burnt Offerings. In 3380, Josiah, who was then King of Judah, devoted his efforts to the repairs of the Temple and replaced the Ark of the Covenant in the Sanctuary. In 3398, in the reign of Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar, then King of Chaldea, carried some of the sacred vessels to Babylon. Seven years afterward he took away another lot; and finally, in 3416, in the eleventh year of the reign of Zedekiah, he took the city of Jerusalem, entirely destroyed the Temple, and carried many of the inhabitants captive to Babylon.

For the fifty-two years that succeeded the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar that city saw nothing but the ruins of its ancient Temple. In the year of the world 3468 or 536 B.C. Cyrus gave permission to the Jews to return to Jerusalem, and there to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. As soon as the Decree of the Persian monarch had been formally announced to his Jewish subjects, the Tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with the Priests and Levites, assembled at Babylon under the command of Zerubbabel and prepared to return to Jerusalem, for the purpose of rebuilding the Temple. (Zerubbabel, who in the Book of Ezra, iscalled Sheshbazzar, the Prince of Judah, was the son of Shealtiel and the grandson of King Jehoiakim, or Jeconiah, who had been deposed by Nebuchadnezar and carried as a captive to Babylon.) Some few other Tribes also accompanied him to Jerusalem but the greater number remained in Babylon; even of the Priests, who were divided into twenty-four courses, only four courses returned. Cyrus also restored to the Jews the greater part of the sacred vessels of the Temple which had been carried away by Nebuchadnezzar, and five thousand and four hundred were received by Zerubbabel, the remainder being brought back by Ezra many years later.

Only forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty Israelites, exclusive of servants and slaves, accompanied Zerubbabel, out of whom he selected seven thousand of the most courageous to act as advanced guards at the head of the people. Their progress homeward was not without danger for we are informed that at the Euphrates river they were opposed by the Assyrians. Zerubbabel, however, repulsed the enemy and most of the Assyrians were slain in battle or drowned in their retreat across the river. The rest of the journey was uninterrupted, and after a march of four months, Zerubbabel arrived at Jerusalem.

Scarcely had the workmen commenced their labours, when they were interrupted by the Samaritans, who asked to unite with them in the construction of the Temple. The Jews, who looked upon the Samaritans as idolaters, refused to accept their services. The Samaritans as a consequence became their bitter enemies and caused the ministers of Cyrus to put such obstructions in the way of the construction as to seriously impede its progress for several years. With such difficulty and danger were the works conducted during this period, that the workmen were compelled to labour with the trowel in one hand and the sword in the other.

As in the building of the Temple of Solomon, the Iyrians and Sidonians were engaged to furnish the timber from the forests of Lebanon, and to conduct it in the same manner on floats by sea to Joppa. The general plan of the Temple of Zerubbabel was similar to that of Solomon but it exceeded it in almost every dimension by one-third.

The manner of the death of Zerubbabel is not recorded in Scripture. We have, however, reason to believe that he lived to a good old age, since we find no successor of him mentioned until Artaxerxes appointed Ezra as the Governor of Judea, fifty-seven years after the completion of the Temple.

The Temple was not effaced again until after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans under the emperor Titus in 70 A.D. So began the Jewish exodus from Palestine which would not see them return to Palestine until the end of the 19th century.

Other Pictures of King Solomon's Temple

• King Solomon's Temple
• King Solomon's Temple 

Sources of Information: Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry. King James Bible. Merit Students Encyclopedia.

Submitted by Bro. Brian Wilker, Tecumseh Lodge No. 144, G.R.C., Stratford, Ont.

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