DOCSLIB.ORG

AN INTRODUCTION to the ”SWEDISH RITE” and a Brief Historic Account of the Orders of Freemasons Within This Rite

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
AN INTRODUCTION to the ”SWEDISH RITE” and a Brief Historic Account of the Orders of Freemasons Within This Rite AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ”SWEDISH RITE” and a brief Historic account of the Orders of Freemasons within this rite Version 8 – DDFO The Swedish Rite INTRODUCTION The four Grand Lodges in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland are all working “The Swedish Rite” which was developed in Stockholm during the second half of the 18th century and finished in the year 1800 under the leadership of Duke Carl, later King Carl XIII. The four Orders, Swedish Order of Freemasons (SFMO), Danish Order of Freemasons (DDFO), The Norwegian Order of Freemasons (DNFO) and The Icelandic Order of Freemasons (IFMO), are all sovereign Masonic bodies working the same rituals. In Finland there is a Grand Chapter which as a part of the Swedish Order of Freemasons is working The Swedish Rite. The Swedish Rite has its foundation for the work follows a manuscript origin in the work led by in The Swedish Rite. when working a Lodge first Carl Friedrich Eckleff but some parts of the It is a progressive, and subsequently Duke ritual must be memorised continuous and Carl of Södermanland and performed by heart. homogenous system (the later King Carl XIII through its eleven of Sweden) during the degrees. Each degree second half of the 18th leads to the next and each century and finished in degree sums up the 1800. contents of the preceding degrees. To ensure that each degree is kept separate and distinct, different lodge rooms are used, each specially designed for its degree. The way of working is also The system is grouped unique, based on the into three divisions with lodge room, the ritual and ten degrees altogether, the individual which every brother can examination in each reach eventually. The rituals and the degree. Progression through the fundamental laws of Carl degrees is slow, especially XIII governing the system There is one ritual for in the higher degrees, still constitute – with few advancement in each although with some modifications – the degree and the Worshipful Master variation between the four countries. A brother reach the sixth degree in In The Swedish Rite the will typically reach the X about four to six years. brother is supposed to be degree after some 12-20 searching for his personal CHAPTER DEGREES years’ time after his entry development and to (VII – X): as an apprentice in the St practice friendship and John’s Lodge. The last charity. He is supposed to Very Illustrious (XI) degree called Knight 7th degree accept the Christian faith. Brother Commander of the Red During his travel through Cross is almost Most Illustrious 8th degree the degrees he is exclusively for officers in Brother supposed to grow in his the Grand Lodge. own understanding of the Enlightened Brother 9th degree ST JOHN’S (CRAFT) of St. John’s Lodge basic principles of DEGREES (I – III): Religion and Christianity Very Enlightened that should bring value to 10th degree Brother of St. 1st degree Apprentice Andrew’s Lodge his life and develop his nd relation to his fellow 2 degree Fellow Craft brother. In this way he is 3rd degree Master Mason This division is related to rituals in Great Priories also to grow in his understanding of- and his This division is closely and Supreme Councils belief in God. He is related to the rituals in but has its own rituals guided closer to the Craft lodges and the and lodge rooms. answers to eternal normal time for a brother questions: Where do I is to be a raised Master in come from, what is my two to three years. task in life and where am ST ANDREW’S I heading? (SCOTTISH) During the whole DEGREES (IV-VI): progress from the first degree to the tenth, the Very Worshipful 4th degree / brother is member of the Apprentice and The Chapter also includes same Order. Each the final (XI) degree: division of degrees: the St 5th degree Fellow of St Andrew Most Enlightened John’s Lodge, the St Brother, Knight & Andrew’s Lodge and the Illustrious Scottish Commander of the Chapter, enjoys a certain 6th degree Master of St Andrew Red Cross. This degree amount of autonomy, but is almost exclusively for they are under the rule of This division is somewhat officers in the Grand the Sovereign Grand related to Mark Master Lodge and Provincial Master / Commander. Masons and Royal Arch, Grand Masters. respectively, but has its The Swedish Rite is own rituals and lodge explicitly based on rooms. A brother can Christianity. The Danish Order of Freemasons Freemasonry arrived in Denmark when five Master Masons met in Copenhagen on November 11, 1743, and founded a lodge which would later be named St Martin. The following year, brethren from St Martin left it to found another lodge, which obtained a constitution from the Grand Lodge in London in 1745 and exists to this day under the name Z&F as the oldest masonic lodge in operation in the Nordic countries. Freemasonry arrived in Denmark when five Master Masons met in Copenhagen on November 11, 1743, and founded a lodge which would later be named St Martin. The following year, brethren from St Martin left it to found another lodge, which obtained a constitution from the Grand Lodge in London in 1745 and exists to this day under the name Z&F as the oldest masonic lodge in operation in the Nordic countries. Rite. A similar development Master by Prince Christian had occurred in the Strict Frederik who three years later Observance lodges in France in succeeded to the Danish throne 1778, and the Rite Écossais as King Christian VIII in 1839. Rectifié (Rectified Scottish Rite, He was Grand Master until his RER) survived in Switzerland death in 1848 and was from where it has spread to succeeded by his son, King other countries in recent Frederik VII. decades. In 1775, Prince Carl of Hessen In the early years, the lodges was initiated as a freemason, worked a German variant of the and he was the superior of rites used in England. In 1765, Danish freemasonry in Danish freemasonry joined the Denmark from his initiation Christian high-degree rite until his death in 1836. From called Strict Observance under 1765 to 1792, however, Danish In 1852, King Frederik VII German leadership. The Strict freemasonry was technically sanctioned that the new lodge Observance rite underwent a subordinate to the leadership in Kosmos in Helsingør could major revision in 1782 and Germany. Prince Carl was start working according to the became known as the Rectified succeeded as Danish Grand Swedish Rite. That happened in 1853, and in the same year King John’s Lodge in Copenhagen During the 20th century, a Frederik VII constituted a grew and split several times. number of irregular lodges were temporary Danish Grand Lodge The prosperity was stimulated founded. In 1959, the Danish with the task of preparing the by the great interest of the royal Order of Freemasons entered a transition to working the Grand Masters, King Frederik treaty with the St John’s Lodge Swedish Rite in all Danish VIII and his sons, King Association which now consists lodges. On January 6, 1855, the Christian X and Prince Harald, of three Lodges working the formal shift took place at a who one after the other led the three craft degrees according to special meeting of the Grand Danish Order of Freemasons Schröder’s Rite. In 1961, the Lodge in Copenhagen – this is from 1872 until 1949. Danish Order of Freemasons the origin of the New Year’s entered another treaty with the Festival of the Danish Order of Guild of Ancient, Free and Freemasons as it is celebrated Accepted Masons of Denmark today. Also in 1855 the first who work the three craft Danish St Andrew’s Lodge degrees according to the rites called Cubus Frederici Septimi approved by the United Grand (CFS) was founded in Lodge of England. Today, the Helsingør, only to move to Guild of Ancient, Free and Copenhagen two years later. Accepted Masons of Denmark consists of 40 Lodges as well as On November 16, 1858, the a Lodge of Research. St John’s proper Grand Lodge of Lodge Association and the Denmark was constituted Guild of Ancient, Free and according to the fundamental Accepted Masons of Denmark laws of the Swedish Rite, and Today, the Danish Order of do not require that their hence, work in the Swedish Rite Freemasons is divided into members confess Christianity. chapter degrees could begin. three Districts, of which one is However, if a Master Mason of The transition was completed led by the Grand Lodge of these Lodges is Christian, he on March 22, 1862, when King Denmark in Copenhagen, while can join a St Andrew’s Lodge Frederik VII appointed the first the other two are led by the and, subsequently, a Chapter of Knights and Commanders of Provincial Grand Lodges of the Danish Order of the Red Cross in Denmark, the Odense (founded 1881) and Freemasons. XI and highest degree of the Aarhus (founded 1959), Swedish Rite. The treaties imply that Lodges respectively. There are 48 St belonging to the Association or John’s Lodges and 11 St the Guild recognize the Grand Andrew’s Lodges in full Master of the Danish Order of operation and another 23 Freemasons as their superior Instructive Lodges of St John and, hence, are part of the and St Andrew which are fully amity between the Danish equipped for ritual meetings, Order of Freemasons and but not for initiation and United Grand Lodge of England promotion. In addition to the and, more generally, the world- Grand Chapter in Copenhagen wide amity of the Grand Lodges and the two Chapters of the of regular freemasonry.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Issue of Masonic Regularity, Past and Present John L
    Proceedings of the Policy Studies Organization New Series, No. 31 1527 New Hampshire Ave, NW Washington DC, 20036 Tel: (202) 483 2512 Fax: (202) 483 2657 www.ipsonet.org http://bit.ly/proceedingsofpso The Proceedings appear four times a year as an adjunct to all of the PSO journals and are among the most widely distributed sources in the policy world. All Proceedings are permanently available online at http://bit.ly/proceedingsofpso. Material for the Proceedings, including syllabi, meeting and professional announcements, scholarships and fellowships should be sent to the Proceedings editor, Daniel Gutierrez at [email protected] Sponsored by American Public University System Advisory Board Karen McCurdy Carol Weissert Southern Political Science Florida State University Association William Morgan Mark Vail Midwest Political Science Tulane University Association Catherine E. Rudder Norman A. Bailey George Mason University Norman A. Bailey Inc. David Oppenheimer Edward Khiwa Prime Oppenheimer Langston University Charles Doran Mark B. Ryan School of Advanced International Wisdom University Studies, Johns Hopkins University Guillermo Izabal Kingsley Haynes PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP George Mason University Frank McCluskey Wallace E. Boston American Public University American Public University System System Fred Stielow American Public University System John Cooper and Problems in Masonic Research We are fortunate to have scholars like John Cooper who are also Freemasons. The history of secret and ritualistic organizations has never received the attention that the subject deserves. Although their influence has been and continues to be considerable, they are viewed as having members who are enjoined to be tight- lipped about the activities. Despite the manifest differences between the branches of this fascinating group, their culture has a commonality whose consideration has been neglected, and the research problems they present for scholars have similarities.
    [Show full text]
  • Masonic Token: July 15, 1912
    WHEREBY ONE BROTHER MAY KNOW ANOTHER. VoLUME 5. PORTLAND, ME., JULY 15, 1912. Ng. 21. ery was admirable. A large class was re­ Published quarterly by Stephen Berry Co., three lodges all met separately and accepted the report and severally discharged their ceived into the Consistory. No. 37 Plum Street, Portland, Maine. members of the building committee with Presumpscot Lodge of North Windham Twelve cts. per year in advance. thanks for their faithful services. had a brilliant Past Master’s night on June Established March, 1867. - - 46th Year. St. John’s Day. 29th, with a large attendance and many Kennebec Lodge, 5, Hallowell, attended distinguished visitors. Advertisements S4.00 per inch, or $3.00 for half an inch for one year. church 23d. Bethlehem and Augusta KNights of ConstantiNe.—M. P. Silas No advertisement received unless the advertiser, Lodges attended church 23d. B. Adams; Viceroy Harmon C. Crocker; or some member of the firm, is a Freemason in Portland Commandery started at 6 o’clock good standing. Sen. Gen. Albert W. Meserve, Kennebunk; Monday, 24th, for Haverhill, Mass., topass Jun. Gen. Llewellyn Carleton; Rec. Sam­ ‘‘ The Piper.” the day at Newcastle, N. H., as the guests uel F. Bearce. of Haverhill Commandery. They returned I will take my pipes and go now, for the bees upon Eastern Star. the sill Tuesday evening. Are singing of the summer that is coming from The Grand Chapter of Maine met in Port­ the stars. St. John’s Commandery of Bangor was I will take my pipes and go now, for the little entertained by Palestine of Belfast.
    [Show full text]
  • FREEMASONRY And/ Or MASON And/ Or MASONS And/ Or SHRINERS And/ Or SHRINER and the Search Results Page
    This document is made available through the declassification efforts and research of John Greenewald, Jr., creator of: The Black Vault The Black Vault is the largest online Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) document clearinghouse in the world. The research efforts here are responsible for the declassification of hundreds of thousands of pages released by the U.S. Government & Military. Discover the Truth at: http://www.theblackvault.com NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MARYLAND 20755-6000 FOIA Case: 85473A 30 September 20 16 JOHN GREENEWALD Dear Mr. Greenewald: This responds to your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request of 15 September 2016 for lntellipedia entries on FREEMASON andjor FREEMASONRY and/ or MASON and/ or MASONS and/ or SHRINERS and/ or SHRINER and the search results page. As stated in our initial response letter, dated 19 September 2016, your request was assigned Case Number 854 73. For purposes of this request and based on the information you provided in your letter, you are considered an "all other" requester. As such, you are allowed 2 hours of search and the duplication of 100 pages at no cost. There are no assessable fees for this request. A copy of your request is enclosed. Your request has been processed under the FOIA. For your information, NSA provides a service of common concem for the Intelligence Community (IC) by serving as the executive agent for lntelink. As such, NSA provides technical services that enable users to access and share information with peers and stakeholders across the IC and DoD. Intellipedia pages are living documents that may be originated by any user organization, and any user organization may contribute to or edit pages after their origination.
    [Show full text]
  • Gould's History of Freemasonry
    GOULD'S HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD VOLUME III From a photograph by Underwood and Underwood . King Gustav of Sweden . From the painting by Bernhard Osterman . .o .o.o.o.o .o .o .o .o .o .o .o .o .o.o 0 0 0 Eas 0 xxo~ m~N o En o SNOS S,2i3[~I8I2iDS S3ZU 0 ,XHJ o ~y<~~ v o +5 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 III 3I~1Ifl 0 ZOn o Eys, 0 0 v v v 4 o~ 0 a ////~I1\`\ •O E 7S, 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ey; 0 v Gl"HOm 9H~L .Lf10HO110UH,L o E-r, v0 0 0 v 0 v IN A 0 s vw a 4 N 0 0 0 40 v E-1 0 A S vs 0 I( I H S~QZ~109 a $ u eee.e.e.e.eee .e.e.ae.a.e.e.e.e.e.e .ese.e.e.e.e.eeeeee <~ .eee0 .e.e.e.eee.e.e.e.e.oee.e .e. v Z/~~Z/~~S?/~~SZ/~~SZ/n~SZ/ti~5?/~~SZh~SZ/~15Z/~~S?h\SZ/,~5?h~S~/n~S?/\5?/~\SZ/n~S?h~S~/n~SZ/n~SZln~?!~~ W` ,~` W~ W~ W~ W` W` W` W` ~W w.! W~ W` i~W rW W` W~ W` wy y uy J1 COPYRIGHT, 1936, BY CHARLES SCRIBNER ' S SONS PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OP AMERICA ww •o •o •o ww •oww•o•ow•wo•o w•o •aoww •o•o •o•o•o•o•o •wo •o •owwwww•ow•o www•o• 0 I ° GOULD'S HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD REVISED BY DUDLEY WRIGHT EDITOR OF THE MASONIC NEWS THIS EDITION IN SIX VOLUMES EMBRACES NOT ONLY AN Q Q INVESTIGATION OF RECORDS OF THE ORGANIZATIONS OF THE FRATERNITY IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, IRELAND, THE BRITISH COLONIES, EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA AND SOUTH AMERICA, BUT INCLUDES ADDITIONAL MATERIAL ESPE- CIALLY PREPARED ON EUROPE, ASIA, AND AFRICA, ALSO o b CONTRIBUTIONS BY DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF THE FRATERNITY COVERING EACH OF THE o FORTY-EIGHT STATES, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND THE POSSESSIONS OF THE b o UNITED STATES 4 4 THE PROVINCES OF CANADA AND THE 4 COUNTRIES OF LATIN AMERICA b UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF 0 MELVIN M.
    [Show full text]
  • 2011 Commission Report
    2011 Commission Report BAJA CALIFORNIA The two groups representing the Grand Lodge of Baja California have now worked out an agreement that has unified them again into one regular Grand Lodge. The leaders of the two groups have signed the agreement, and have assured it will be ratified by both groups. The Grand Lodge of Baja California has now satisfied the standards for recognition. BULGARIA There continues to be no progress in the unification of Freemasonry in Bulgaria. Since they have previously been determined to meet the standards for recognition, there is no interest on the part of the United Grand Lodge of Bulgaria in entering discussions with the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Bulgaria, either for unification or for establishing a treaty to share the jurisdiction. Both of these Grand Lodges appear to practice regular Masonry, and both were of the same origin until they split in 2001. This Commission has urged the two Grand Lodges to resolve their differences for the past seven years to no avail; therefore this issue will not be addressed again until the brethren in Bulgaria reach some type of agreement. CYPRUS The United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Lodge of Cyprus have reached an accord whereby they will both share the jurisdiction of Cyprus, and have established fraternal relations among themselves. The Grand Lodge of Cyprus therefore now meets all the standards for recognition. CZECH REPUBLIC The Grand Lodge of the Czech Republic informed us that an irregular body calling itself the Czech National Grand Lodge was recently created by a group of dissident members who defected and formed this new organization.
    [Show full text]
  • Handbook of Masonic Law with All Page Changes to Date
    HANDBOOK HANDBOOK OF OF MASONIC LAW MASONIC LAW THE THE GRAND LODGE GRAND LODGE OF THE OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA STATE OF LOUISIANA FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS REVISED TO JUNE 29th & 30th, 2019 REVISED TO JUNE 29th & 30th, 2019 REVISED PAGES FOR INSERTION IN THIS LOOSE LEAF REVISED PAGES FOR INSERTION IN THIS LOOSE LEAF HANDBOOK RECORDING ANY CHANGES WILL BE ISSUED HANDBOOK RECORDING ANY CHANGES WILL BE ISSUED AFTER ANNUAL GRAND COMMUNICATION. AFTER ANNUAL GRAND COMMUNICATION. Preface TABLE OF CONTENTS The Grand Lodge of Louisiana, Free and Accepted Masons, during its 1978 Annual Grand Communication, instructed the committee to re-publish the Handbook of Masonic Law with all Page changes to date. The task was completed after many hours of tedious work Preface ............................................................... I throughout the year. Points of Law no longer applicable were removed, contradictions were clarified, duplications were removed. Edicts that modified the Constitution or General Regulations were Declaration of Principles ................................... iii inserted in the appropriate Article and Section, and a single index to the Law was prepared. Acts of the Legislature ...................................... v In re-writing the Handbook one or more members of the committee found points of the Law that appeared appropriate to change. The suggested changes were submitted in proper form with The Charges of a Freemason .............................viii the report of the committee to the Grand Lodge at the 1978, Annual Grand Communication. The report of the committee (including the recommended changes) was adopted by the Grand Lodge, and Constitution ........................................................ 1 the committee instructed to complete the task of having the revised Handbook of Masonic Law printed for proper distribution.
    [Show full text]
  • Shown on the Next Two Pages Is Our “Petition for the Degrees,”
    OF ANCIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ALAN W. ADKINS, P.G.M. Grand Secretary 4115 NINE MILE ROAD RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23223-4926 Dear Interested Individual: Shown on the next two pages is our “Petition for the Degrees,” which is to be completed in its entirety by a man interested in membership, who is at least eighteen (18) years of age, a resident of Virginia for the past twelve months, and who has had two Masons in good standing sign his petition. Along with the two-page petition is a “Disclosure and Authorization For Consumer Reports” form that gives the Grand Lodge of Virginia the right to perform a background check on you. Upon their completion, the petition and authorization form will need to be submitted to a local Lodge, along with the Lodge’s required fees for a petition and background check. When printing out the petition, please print it on two sides, if at all possible. Please note that documents with sensitive personally identifiable information such as Social Security numbers and birth date must be stored securely, electronic versions shall be password protected, and must be encrypted when electronically (e-mailed) transmitted. The usual process that follows is that your petition for degrees will be presented to the Lodge at its next meeting. The background check will be done and the final report is sent to you. A committee composed of three members of the Lodge will meet with you to answer any questions that you or your family may have concerning our Fraternity.
    [Show full text]
  • SECRETS and OATHS Freemasonry in Finnish Society and Public Record 1756–1996
    SUMMARY SECRETS AND OATHS Freemasonry in Finnish Society and Public Record 1756–1996 Freemasonry, as defined in this work, is the teaching of a way of life based upon traditions found within the ancient builder’s guilds. As a prerequisite for membership it requires a belief in Deity and strives to provide spiritual building elements for men who are interested in self-development. Freemasonry uses old ceremonies and rituals as a means of teaching and attempts to maintain their effectiveness by keeping them secret. Builder’s guilds or operative lodges with a mixed membership consisting of both professional builders and other individuals have existed with certainty within the British Isles from the year 1600. Developing from these communities were the speculative lodges in which discussions were held regarding subjects relating to the building profession as well as issues relating to man’s develop- ment and at the same time endeavoring to practice charitable work. In 1717 a Grand Lodge was founded in London which sanctioned a Presbyterian priest, Father James Anderson, to undertake the task of preparing a constitution based on rules, regulations and ethical guidelines of the ancient building guilds. The Anderson Constitution was published in 1723 though the backing of theology doctor Theofilus Desagulier, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of London. This created the basic concept of a moral-philosophical architecture on which to build. Since 1686 Freemasonry has off and on been accused and deemed respon- sible for conspiracies and plots against governments as well as being anti-Christ and hostile to the church. We can say that already at its birth, the cradle of Freemasonry was rocked hard.
    [Show full text]
  • Knights Templar Eye Foundation
    VOLUME LXIII JANUARY 2017 NUMBER 1 KT_EliteCC_Bomber_0117_Layout 1 11/15/16 12:53 PM Page 1 Presenting a Unique Knight Templar Fine Leather Jacket As A siR KnighT YOU hAvE EARnEd ThE RighT TO WEAR This JACKET! • Features include your choice of black or brown fine leather, tailored with outside storm flap, pleated bi-swing back, knit cuffs and waistband, two side-entry double welt pockets, two large front- Featuring A York Rite Bodies Woven Emblem flapped cargo pockets, nylon inner lining with fiberfill and and Optional “Concealed Carry” Feature heavy-duty jacket zipper. • A further option is two inner pockets to secure valuables, which are also fitted with LAST CALL “concealed carry” holster FOR WINTER straps for those licensed 2017! to carry a firearm. • Bomber Jacket comes in sizes ranging from small to 3XL (sizes 2XL–3XL are $25* extra.) • Your satisfaction is guaranteed 100% by Masonic Partners and you may return your jacket within 30 days of purchase for replacement or refund - no questions asked. • Thank you priced at just $199*, with an interest-free payment plan available. (See order form for details). Military Veterans can add their Service Branch or ORdER TOdAY Vietnam Veteran patch to their Jacket. (See choices below.) And RECEivE A * FREE “PROUd TO BE A MAsOn” ziPPER PULL! *United States Marine Corps patch provided by Sgt. Grit Marine Specialties. CALL TOLL FREE TO ORDER: IF YOU WEAR THIS SIZE: 34-36 38-40 42-44 46-48 50-52 54-56 † † sizing ORDER THIS SIZE: SML XL XXL 3XL 1-800-437-0804 MON - FRI 9AM - 5PM EST.
    [Show full text]
  • The Grand York Rite of Freemasonry of Wyoming
    The Grand York Rite Of Freemasonry Of Wyoming 2019-2020 ANNUAL PROCEEDINGS PANDEMIC YEAR September 19, 2020 Casper, Wyoming The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons The Grand Council of Cryptic Masons The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE WYOMING YORK RITE PERPETUAL MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM Casper, Wyoming- September 19, 2020 To: The Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Wyoming, the Grand Illustrious Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Wyoming, the Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Wyoming, Officers, and members of the York Rite Bodies of Wyoming; We have the Wyoming York Rite Perpetual Membership Program monies in Bonds with First Interstate Bank. These bonds guarantee a return of at least 5% per year for seven years and possibly for 20 years beginning in 2013. With the help of T. Mark Mickelson, we finally got the IRS and Bank issues resolved which were holding up the funds for dispersal. I was able to pay the full 5% for the previous three years to each of the constituent bodies with Life members. Even with all the problems and issues during this time we still had members with enough faith in the program to take out new Life Memberships and we grew the account by several thousand dollars. We paid out a total of $6,914.50 to all the bodies for the three years owed. I am personally very happy to have all the issues with this resolved and again I thank T.
    [Show full text]
  • Virginia's First Prince Hall Masonic Lodge
    Office of Historic Alexandria City of Alexandria, Virginia Out of the Attic Virginia’s first Prince Hall Masonic Lodge Alexandria Times, March 7, 2019 niversall Lodge No. 1 is being recognized this month with a historic plaque in front of its current location on East Oxford Avenue. Formally organized on Feb. 5, 1845, it was the first Prince Hall U Masonic Lodge established in the State of Virginia. Much of its founding can be traced to three residents of Alexandria. In 1835, William Dudley, Benjamin Crier and Sandy Bryant were made Master Masons in St. George Lodge, No. 32, in Liverpool, England. By 1838, all three lived in Alexandria, which was part of the District of Columbia at the time. They were admitted as members of Social Lodge in Washington, D.C. However, the three men and Rev. John Thomas, who also lived in Alexandria, applied to Deputy Grand Master Daniel Smith, of Hiram Grand Lodge, Pennsylvania, for a charter to establish a Lodge in Alexandria, which was granted on Feb. 5, 1845. The new Lodge was known as Universal Lodge, No. 10, of Alexandria, D.C., with Brother George Sims, W.M.; Edward Evans, S.W.; Dennis Bourbon, J.W.; James Evans, S.D.; Ephraim Bancroft, J.D.; Richard Garnett, treasurer; Joseph L. Gipson, secretary; William Dudley and Benjamin Crier, stewards and Sandy Bryant, tiler. Universal was the only Lodge in Virginia open to African Americans for approximately 20 years. It held its meetings on the second floor of a house on South Royal Street in the section of Alexandria then known as Hayti, despite routine intimidation against these black masons.
    [Show full text]
  • LODGE HAS COLORFUL HISTORY of PIONEERING, PROGRESS by RUTH TAUNTON
    The San Diego Union April 19, 1942 pg. B1, col. 6 _________ LODGE HAS COLORFUL HISTORY OF PIONEERING, PROGRESS By RUTH TAUNTON Free American Institutions–that was what the Masons brought with them to San Diego. More than 90 years ago, they quietly began taking over the new government of the little Spanish pueblo around Old Town plaza, first incorporated as an American city in 1850. And still without interest in public fanfare, only members of uniformed Masonic bodies will march up Fifth ace. From the former Masonic temple at Ash st. to the big building that will be dedicated Saturday afternoon at 4–another bulwark of strength in things that George Washington held dear, and another landmark in the part Freemasonry has played in building a great city. COLORFUL HISTORY San Diego Lodge 35, F. & A. M., was first granted its dispensation Aug. 1, 1851. One of the Masonic bodies that will occupy the temple on Cedar st. at Fourth ave., its history is as colorful as that of New Town itself. Probably the first Mason to come to San Diego, in the years when the Spanish and the Mexicans were making their contribution to the development of this area, was Kit Carson, of what now is Lodge No. 1 of New Mexico The American scout was here in 1828, and he was here when his countrymen were taking over in 1846. In 1836, Richard Henry Dana was in town, writing his “Two Years Before the Mast.” Commodore Sloat, who brought his U. S. warship to the California coast in 1846, was a Mason.
    [Show full text]