Fraternal reviews

Media

Part of The Cabletow

Title: Fraternal reviews
Language: English
Year: 1957
Rights
Fulltext: MANITOBA, 1957 The Grand Lodge of Manitoba lost its Grand Master in office, the Most Worshipful James Ferguson Irwin. In the words of Most. Wor. S. H. Fahrni who delivered an eulogy during the funeral services over the remains of the distinguished brother, he said and we quote: "So ended the earthly career of one who gave so much of his life to Freemansonry in its various branches, one who rose to eminence by conscientious service that was so characteristic of him — to whom duty was a sacred obligation.” "In the passing years he has been dogged by illness and had undergone several major surgical operations, enough to lay low many a more robust man, but he invariably rose above them and marched straight on. We hoped he had done it again after his illness last July, but his power of resistance was worn too thin. His life has been one of service, to others, to his parents, to his wife and daughters, to persons less fortunate than he wherever he encountered them, to his brethren of the Craft. And now he dies in the harness of Grand Master — with him the word “harness" is the right word.” The Deputy Grand Master, Rt. Wor. David Rothstein succeeded in office. WHAT COOPERATION CAN DO. In his report, the Acting Grand Master felt that it would not be appropriate to give a message. However, he loll Jood tor thought that might help "us on our Masonic way.” And we (’note. “You have witnessed at iirst hand in the past six months what co-operation can do. Even though wre suffered a great loss, and under many difficulties, everyone, working togeLher as a team, brought the term to, I think, a successful conclusion. This then is a lesson for all to observe and imitate. Cooperation in all ledges, from the Master down to the new candidates is essential. When a Master feels he has the full support of his brethren, he can accomplish a great deal more for his lodge. Teamwork is the key to a!) success, x x x . If cooperation and teamwork is the key, lot ns endeavor by applying the principles still further, in opening more December, 1957 I’sr c 225 doors which will lead to a better understanding of our beloved Craft." ~ Most Wor. David Rothstein, Grand Master: Most Wor. Thos. C. Jackson, Grand Secretary. UNITED GRAND LODGE OF NEW SOUTH WALES, 1957 The 69th Annual Report of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales covers two Special Communications and four Quarterlies. THE SPIRITUAL URGE OF FREEMASONRY. Most Wor. Thomas Leslie Warren, re-elected Grand Master, in reporting the cordial receptions accorded him in his various visits to the lodges, commented as follows: "Wherever I go I am received by a large concourse of Brethren. I often go home wondering why do men of the world assemble on these occasions and I have come to the conclusion that there is a spiritual urge which brings them together and that it is being realized that some spiritual devotion must replace the materialistic attitude which permeated the world since the last war. I am firmly of the opinion that it is in this way we will recover some realization of our relationship with one another. At the present time there is a greater necessity for responsible men, who comprise such organizations as Freemasonry, to pause and contemplate on world affairs, particularly in respect of our nation and within our own State. If the principles of the Square, Level and Plumb Rule could be introduced generally what a leavening effect it would have." "It is in the character of our membership that we find the most important element of our strength. The mission of the fraternity is to build a character of men, which will find its truest expression in private and public morality and which will exhibit in all human relations the great principles on which Masonry is founded — Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth." One important ruling which the Grand Master made follows: "I have accordingly ruled that a candidate who has been the Respondent in Divorce proceedings (i.e. divorced by his wife), no matter on what grounds the divorce was obtained, is not eligible for admission to the Craft. Similarly, a candidate who has been the guilty Co- Respondent is ineligible. Even where a candidate has been the Petitioner (i.e. the party who sought the divorce) it should be established that nothing detrimental to the candidate's own moral behaviour came to light during the divorce proceeding."—Most Wor. Thomas Leslie Warren, Grand Master; Rt. Wor. James S. Miller, Grand Secretary. Pace 228 THE CABLCTOW GRAND LODGE OF CANADA TN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO, 1957 The 102nd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Canada, in the Province of Ontario took place in the City of Toronto on July 17, 1957. It was presided over by Most Wor. William L. Wright Grand Master. In his address, Most Worshipful Wright prefaced with an insight on the acceptance of the exalted position of Grand Master in this wise, and we quote: “It is a serious step for any Grand Lodge officer to accept this exalted position without being fully cognizant of the personal contribution he must make to the body corporate." THE DAY OF ACTION IS HERE. The Grand Master said that the big concern of humanity today is a moral one. And the Masonic Fraternity can contribute in no less degree toward a general uplift of morality. In order to accomplish this end, Most Worshipful Wright urged that “Freemasons must first instill within themselves the duty of personal, moral improvement, so that they may live as good example. The great need in Masonry is individual interest in the interpretation of our symbols and individual development of love for a Masonic way of living. Only by reconstructing our individual faith in the principles of Masonry can we best contribute to the powerful influence of our Fraternity." "Masons should ever bear in mind that the Ritual is not for the entertainment of the brethren but for their instruction, mental and moral advancement. Freemasonry has two main goals for this present age, as in fact for every age, the development of character and the realization of brotherhood. It is the genius of Masonry to take our philosophy which is old, simple and universal, and use it to bring men together and make them friends, x x x . Hanging over the world today is the ghastly fear of bombs and other forms of nuclear warfare. Men of science and experience say there is no defence against these nor can one be discovered. But' the men of science and the men of war are wrong. There is a defence against all evils of destruction. Freemasonry holds a key to it. To us has been given the secret of how men can dwell together in unity and brotherhood, x x x . Our Fraternity will not achieve its highest destiny or make any substantial impact upon society until our Masonic leaders, in fact all of us, unite in establishing a sound character in which justice, tolerance, patience, brotherhood and integrity are outward expressions of Masonic ritual."—Most Wor. William L. Wright, Grand Master, presiding; Most Wor. Harry Laishley Martyn, Grand Master, elected; Rt. Wor. E. G. Dixon, Grand Secretary. December, 1957 PaKe 227 GRAND LODGE OF NEW BRUNSWICK, 1957 The 90th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick was held in the City of Saint John on May 23. 1957 with Most Worshipful Rev. Dr. Arthur E. Coleman, Grand Master, presiding. On the state of Masonry in the jurisdiction, the Most Worshipful Grand Master rejoiced in reporting that he has found Freemasonry well built upon the ideals of the Craft. Then he went on to report that “The old Landmarks of Faith in God and Charity towards all are firm and strong. The Volume of the Sacred Law revered as the Holy Bible which has been given by our Heavenly Father to reveal to us, man’s purpose on earth and his ultimate end, which is a fuller and deeper life beyond the portals of the grave.” THE ADVANCEMENT OF MASONRY IS GAUGED BY THE QUALITY OF ITS CANDIDATES. Sometimes we became uneasy when large numbers do not offer themselves as candidates in the various Lodges. Let us not be blinded by this though, which is secondary in Masonic conduct. I think we will agree that the success in the advancement of Masonry is not necessarily large number of candidates seeking admittance, but the quality of these candidates. This question, from time to time arises: How may we obtain more men of the noblest qualities, men whose integrity will help to strengthen and enhance Freemasonry? I am sure we all agree the answer lies in ourselves, by the manner in which we as members of the Craft interpret Masonry in our individual lives; that is the true test of Freemasonry. If a Mason speaks ill of his brother; if a Mason lives contrary to the precepts of the Craft as revealed to us in the Volume of the Sacred Law, then those without will have a poor opinion of Masonry. On the other hand if a Mason sincerely attempts to live with God as his ideal then truly we need have no worry as we look into the future.” — Most Wor. Arthur E. Coleman, Grand Master, presiding; Most Wor. Donald A. Somerville, Grand Master, elected; Rt. Wor. Robert D. Magee, Grand Secretary. GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND, 1956 The 67th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was held in Auckland on November 28, 1956. It was presided over by Most Worshipful A. II. C. Cavell, Grand Master. Page 228 THE CABI,ETOW The Proceedings include impressive detailed reports on Widows and Orphans and Aged Persons funds; Fund of Benevolence; Special (War) Benevolent Fund; Annuities; Masonic scholarships and Other Masonic Charities. MASONIC ASSETS AND MASONIC LIABILITIES. ".Many brethren. in considering this question of assets, will expect me to refer immediately to our invested fund. Others will think of membership, and other again of the increasing number of Lodges and the properties controlled by such Lodges. I propose, however, to consider Masonic assets as privileges and Masonic liabilities as duties and obligations. "Viewed from this angle, I believe our greatest asset is our philosophy — our knowledge of a sound and happy way of living, representing as it does wisdom extracted from the ages, and all of which God’s plan for mankind as enunciated in the Volume of the Sacred Law. I believe, also, that our greatest liability is the proper inculcation and practice of our philosophy — a duty entrusted to us by earlier generations. This we do at present mainly, and in many instances solely, by means of our ritual. "In order, however, that we may measure up to the full discharge of our duties and make our institution a living, vital organization, it is necessary that we be something more than mere ritualists. “The great purpose of Masonry is the promotion of universal brotherhood. Is it not possible that we have not learned the lessons of Masonry, in spite of our proficiency in the ritual, if we have not as a body and as individuals a desire to extend our assistance to the outside world, where humanity, particularly the aged, is so desperately in need of help and succour? “Surely no one would suggest that our practical and visible achievements have reached such a standard that would be considered a sufficient "light" to the outside world, or as “a vision of Masonic greatness, to attract, direct and inspire.” What we know, what we think, what we believe, is in the end of little consequence. The only thing of consequence is what we do.”—Most Wor. Edgar 0. Faber, Grand Master (Inaugural address) ; Rt Wor. F. G. Northern, Grand Secretary. We read recently that English simply exclude him from the lodge lodges never suspend a member room and active work, for non-payment of dues. They December. 1957 I'age 229