A Person Of Interest (aka Suspect)

By RmOlano
17Feb08

In an article Enemies List by WB Tim Bryce, he spoke of the existence of a Masonic version of ”Nixon’s Administrations of (was) maintaining an “Enemies List” of any and all antagonists to the policies of the White House.” He further mentioned that the “activities of the people on the list were closely scrutinized by the administration and when necessary, life was made difficult for them by the administration.” Although the WB admitted his doubt about the existence of the list, he did not claim if he was going to be surprised if such list does turn out to be real. The article engages a familiar incident that may have relevance to the subject. The message of the WB Bryce’s editorial is similar to a recent formal letter received by this writer, which may somehow suggest the possibility of the reality of a list filed under “Person Of Interest (POI).”

The Grand Lodge Secretary’s letter is in behalf of the Grand Lodge of California (GLC) Grand Master’s inquiry concerning the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP) Grand Master (GM) request to investigate the information about the involvement of this writer with the rival Grand Lodge in that country. The Grand Master of all Masons in California wanted that all the facts be made available to him as the GLP GM asserted that the member in question “had been active in supporting the clandestine Grand Lodge in that jurisdiction.”

Being a member of various international and national Masonic discussion groups, which includes non-Masons and Masons under the jurisdiction of various Grand Lodges, Orients of recognized, unrecognized and/or so-called “clandestine,” the possibility of communication not only existed but occurred in regards to exchanging interactions with Masonic topics and interest. The POI however, denied that he physically visited, entered nor sat in a Lodge of “clandestine” Masons regardless if that act is considered as “actively supporting” the rival Grand Lodge.

Furthermore, the Person of Interest admitted the authorship of a number of articles, which were highly critical to GLP because of the expulsion of many regularly made Masons. Six regularly constituted Masonic Lodges, some older than the GLP itself, passed their own Lodge resolutions to form their own Grand Lodge (IGLPI). Instead of dealing with subordinate Lodges, the sitting GLP GM expelled certain members of six Lodges without any trial or appeal. This occurred after a number of Lodges from a different area declared independence and formed their own Masonic governing body calling themselves the United Grand Lodge of the Philippines (UGLP). Despite the public announcement of its separation from GLP, no one was expelled or suspended from UGLP as opposed to IGLPI. This anomaly gave the POI reason to question the apparent unbalanced approach to the issue. His thoughts are well documented in his blog –Letters and Figures and website--- Under the 9th Arch. Also during this time, GLC GM signed a memorandum stating that no Grand Officers from GLP will be admitted to any Lodges under the jurisdiction of GLC without GM’s written approval.

In light of numerous written thoughts shared in various discussion groups, blogsites and websites, it is not surprising to receive positive feedback from friends and members of IGLPI but also to receive barbs, and stones from GLP. This is no different than the pointed responses received from supporters and personal emails from one of the founders of United Grand Lodge of America (UGLA)—Jeff Peace and blog comment exchanges from the Grand Lodge Secretary of Grand Lodge of All England---Peter Clatworthy. In addition, it may be pointed out that both could be described as “irregular” or “clandestine” Masons depending on which definition was used. Moreover, while in this topic, it is noteworthy that according to GGOKCS website, a certain "Jaime Y. Gonzales" was listed as a member of Alpha Class-May01 of “Snakes” which happens to be classified by GLC as a clandestine Masonic formation.

Despite the number of Brethren who communicated with IGLPI via Masonic forums, the POI was somewhat surprised to be the subject of personal inquiry by the Grand Master of GLP at the time when both Grand Lodges were working “on a number of very serious issues pertaining to” both jurisdictions. Although the POI hardly considers himself important enough to be a part of “very serious issues,” the query caused the writer to look back on what could cause the Filipino GM to recall such an insignificant name.

Few years back while researching for Masonic articles he was writing, the POI stumbled on an entry to the Grand Lodge of Arizona’s webpage, where the GLP Grand Senior Warden posted that he would be elected as Deputy GM the following year. The writer commented in a Filipino Masons’ discussion group regarding this presumptuous remark that the point is about an election process and not about the person who made the comment. Nevertheless, the topic touched a few raw nerves from GLP members, inciting a hosting of a “Jubelum Welcome Party” in San Diego for the writer. A Past Grand Officer of GLP promised to forward the comments to the elected DGM—who is currently the GM of GLP.

After a two-year span of trying to find the whereabouts of his GLP dues card/membership ID, the POI tendered his resignation/demit from his mother Lodge last year. The callous reply via a third party to just pay and wait for the card and another empty promise were the kind of responses/lack thereof is an example of why GLC GM banned the GLP GM and any of his Grand Officers from visiting Lodges in California last year. It was fascinating to read the email forwarded by a San Diego-based Brother in which then-GLP DGM (current GLP GM) blamed Filipino Masons in the US for starting the issue, causing the non-admission of GLP officers in California without GLC GM’s written permission.

Taking advantage of the ongoing dialog between Grand Lodges, the POI requested the GLC Grand Master to ask the GLP GM to prevent members of GLP to access official GLP Records and stop publishing name, date of birth, home address, and telephone numbers including posting those information in Internet discussion groups citing official GLP records as the source. Such postings are violation of privacy and a possible source of identity theft. An email to the discussion group owners was sent to protest this breach of personal information policy. The POI made it clear to a GLP Past Grand Lodge Inspector that should the POI’s family receive unsolicited/crank emails or phone calls at his California residence, the POI would hold the PGLI as personally responsible.

Aside from a possible “Enemies List” or the milder “Person Of Interest” list, one thing that stands out is the fact that there are people who do not want to be questioned or be criticized because they believe in “benevolent dictatorship.” As the POI wrote in one of his articles--- “Freemasonry is not a dictatorial institution, therefore, no one has an absolute power and that includes the Grand Master. The day when a mere mortal start thinking of himself as a monarch of the Fraternity and the time when members accept that illusion – the organization they are in is no longer the Craft we knew. Only those with interior motives will allow that to happen and hoodwinked fools to continue to stay.” One can easily end up on a list because of the belief that, "Words are manifestation of our inner thoughts, once released it can not be taken back. Unless certain, it is wiser to keep it rather than making a noise otherwise, take ownership of your words--- spoken or written."

If a Person Of Interest can be a part of a list, it is then possible for us to allow him to wear it as a symbol. As the WB Tim Bryce’s wrote in Enemies List article, “I would probably consider it an Honor Roll of Masons, a sort of Red Badge of Courage for speaking from the heart and trying to improve the status quo… After all, we should be acting more like Masons than like the Mafia.”

...

On Recognition

By RmOlano

22Feb08

In 1922, Bro. Oliver D. Street, Senior Grand Warden and Chairman of Committee for Foreign Correspondence, Grand Lodge of Alabama speech before Bessemer Lodge No. 458 said,

“We read in our Monitors and in the effusions of Masonic orators of the "Universality of Masonry," and how that Masonry "unites men of every country, sect and opinion." We are told that ....Masons are everywhere, ready to make themselves known by the familiar words, signs and tokens and to extend succor and relief even at the peril of their own lives....we belong to so beneficial and so universal a brotherhood. It is a beautiful fiction which it is pity to destroy, but lamentable fact is there is not a word of truth in it."

The illustrious Brother then talked about “The intolerance on the part of many Masons and Masonic Bodies towards others claiming to be Masonic is so extreme that they frown even on the suggestion of getting acquainted or of even conferring together."

It is amazing to read the concluding remark from the Chairman of the committee, which investigates and recommends which Grand Lodges should Grand Lodge of Alabama, extends its fraternal recognition.

"Finally, we must rid ourselves of the self-righteous idea that by having any communication or association with Mason or Masonic bodies not already recognized as regular, we render ourselves unclean. We will not be hurt Masonically, socially or morally by meeting and discussing Masonry with men whom we may never recognize as Masons.”

Although the above article was published in 1946 book, Little Masonic Library Book 1 with introductory remarks by Carl H. Claudy, PGM, the message still rings the bells of relevance in our contemporary times. While times change, despite of inroads created in fostering social changes with view of more understanding and tolerance between human beings, there are ideas and habits that will take more time to be accepted. As ordinary humans ordinarily inhabited our Craft, it should not be surprising to see human flaws among us. Nevertheless such limitation should not stop the Brethren from realizing what Albert Pike wanted us to discern --- eloquently suggested in Mark Stavish’s book , “Freemasonry: Rituals, symbols and History of the Secret Society,“ ---- the great secret of Freemasonry, clothed in the alchemical language of the Knight of the Sun.”

...

Blind Leading Blinds

Letters and Figures
by Rudy Olano
5May07



Among other things, the delegates the 91st Annual Convention of Grand Lodge of the Philippines had spoken and confirmed that a Grand Master not individual Lodges can expel any member of GLP without any trial. The 2007 ANCOM agreed that incumbent GM has the power and control over appendant Bodies. The representatives agreed that declaration of independence from GLP is not an automatic cause of expulsion but will be based from geographical location and selection. In summary, the 91st ANCOM at Angeles City acknowledged the Grand Master of GLP's unlimited power, that he can wield power beyond the law of accepted normal and just behavior--- a "benevolent dictator."

Contrary to someone's assumption, reasons as to why "they established an independent Grand Lodge" were not missed. It is unnecessary to recapitulate how a certain personal opinion was formed as previous writings and discussions clearly illuminated which side of the fence where this writer stands. Though "all reasons" might not be fully appreciated, assuming (again) that it was ignored is again off the mark. It was acknowledged that the verdict was already made at 91st ANCOM and although it was divergent to what was hope for, the decision was noted for what it was--- the voice of majority. Though I always support the notion of agreeing to disagree of opinions, what had transpired was not an exchange of ideas but of passing a collective judgment. I disagree but the verdict was made — so be it.

Under normal conditions, one could simply consent and sail along with the majority and hope not to incur the wrath of the GM. Another option is to stand firm on the side of "that standard or boundary of right which enables us to render unto every man his just due, without distinction." Freemasonry or to be specific, Justice is a "virtue not only consistent with divine and human laws, but is the very cement and support of civil society…" There is no need to feel sorry for "them" as "they" or those who formed the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) exactly knew what "they" have done and its intended consequences. Funny thing is that probably it is "they" that are feeling sorry for someone else.

There is fundamentally wrong when an individual or group were expelled without due process. Being in a place where a "crime" is being committed does not mean the witness or witnesses are "criminals." If my memory serves me right somewhere in EA Charge was about "acting with him upon the Square; by rendering him every kind office which justice or mercy may require....and by doing to him as, in similar cases you would that he should do unto you."

Signing a paper to indicate resignation from one Grand Lodge to join another Grand Lodge (recognized or otherwise) is a different matter. However, if the entire Lodge or Lodges severed their ties and form their own Grand Lodge, the entire Lodge must be addressed not just a selected members thereof. This issue is also perplexing since one group from different Lodges was expelled while another group in different geographical location, under the same jurisdiction, declaring the formation of their own Grand Lodge was not.

Expulsion according to Albert Mackey is the equivalent of Masonic death thus must be handled in due form i.e. trial, appeal, etc. Attending an event such as declaration of independence to form another Grand Lodge is a stretch to justify "gross immoral conduct," let alone be cited as the cause of individual expulsion. Suspension if advance notification was issued maybe I could agree but expulsion? GLP did not recognize IGLPI after the latter’s formation, so what is wrong with witnessing an event open to public? Punishment must fit the crime. Signing a paper is not the same as watching people sign their names. With GLP’s GM dictatorial attitude, it is not surprising if those who watch actually went over the other side!

And this attitude is the heart of the matter. Seems to me that some of us forgot that before installation, the nominees were asked if they are willing to serve and NOT to be served. We expect that those who wear the purple of our Fraternity had already understood the meaning of humility before accepting their responsibilities. How often we say to meet on the level, act by the plumb and part upon the square, how repeatedly we hear the lecture of Justice, "... that standard or boundary of right which enables us to render unto every man his just due, without distinction." Where are the Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth in this decision if my understanding is not correct?

As I wrote before, Freemasonry is not a dictatorial institution, therefore, no one has an absolute power and that includes the Grand Master. The day when a mere mortal start thinking of himself as a monarch of the Fraternity and the time when members accept that illusion --- the organization they are in is no longer the Craft we knew. Only those with interior motives will allow that to happen and hoodwinked fools to continue to stay.

In Rodel J. Ramos article, The Legacy of Freemasons in Philippine History, he traced the Craft's influence of the shakers and movers that helped shaped the Nation but in the conclusion, he left a stinging remark, "Perhaps if more Masons were involved in our government and Filipino communities abroad, our dreams may be hastened. But many seem to be content with following the blind rather than leading them." Maybe a response could be offered and that it is because we have a case of blind leading the blinds.

Moot and academic for the issue had been swept aside,
How hopeful we are at one time, dreaming our Brethren would hear both sides,
Tactical adjustments were made, that even Bonaparte would agree,
`got everybody's attention, to Marengo's famous bon a petit.
The victor can now goose-stepped through Paris Arch de Triumph,
As the cohorts toasted their victory while, the northeast corner continued to erode.

Moot and academic as Justice is now just a word,
No meaning, no thought, nothing to show, as if it mattered at all,
It's beyond comprehension how we failed to measure up,
to the words that were spoken ,while our knees were folded up
Do we truly believed in the Search for that which was Lost,
when our action clearly showed, that there was no interest to find the Truth.

How do we forget the Lessons we often hear within the Lodge?
How do we ever lose the idea of seeking Further Light?
A worldly man thought he could be a monarch, and
the tragedy of the story was that the ANCOM made it real.
The organization morphed into what the charlatans envisioned,
a mere social status symbol—the kind of Masonry what it became.

Kind of Mason we have become.

The result of GLP's 2007 ANCOM decision will have far reaching effect not only to dissenters, now officially, "Clandestine Masons," but to the future of the Freemasonry in the Philippines. The question remains the same--- Of what we are in search of?

...

Lowly Things in High Places

Letters and Figures

by RmOlano
19Dec06


In Sept-Oct 2006 issue of Cabletow, the official magazine of Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP), an excerpt of a Past District Deputy Grand Master (PDDGM) paper delivered during Masonic Education held at Capitol Masonic Temple was published. The article briefly traced the formation of Lodges and Grand Lodges in England, U.S. and the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. Though it shed no new revelation, the absence of at least a footnote to the fact that Masonic lodges under the jurisdictions of Gran Oriente Espanol, and Grand Lodge of Scotland were in existence BEFORE the formation of lodges warranted by Grand Lodge of California and the GLP itself was notable. As if the ignoring the key role of brethren from Gran Oriente Espanol would not matter in influencing the idealism of Filipino illustrados to form their lodges in Spain and back home prior to the outbreak of open armed uprising, the article was equally silent about the continued existence of regular Masonic lodge operating in the Philippines under the jurisdiction of Grand Lodge of Scotland. The omission, whether intended or not, did enforced the punch line of the entire article---the formation of "clandestine" lodges and the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands. The PDDGM is of course entitled to his own opinion but is it really necessary to use the word "bastardo" to drive his point and follow it up with "So Mote It Be?

In The Lost Keys of Freemasonry, Bro Manly P. Hall (1901-1990) wrote that as a true Mason in search of the Truth, "He must search for the high things in lowly places and find the lowly things in the high places.” In my years of writing and posting thoughts/opinions, I found the most bitter comments and rebuttals comes from those who signed their names with “PM” and in this case, though the issue has nothing to do with my ramblings, the PDDGM’s one liner during Masonic education and published in the official magazine of GLP is simply astounding. While members and the Independent Grand Lodge of Philippine Islands (IGLPI) were declared “clandestine” by GLP, other breakaway lodges and the United Grand Lodge of the Philippines (UGLP) were not! One has to wonder the level of control and civility of some of those who wear the purple of GLP.

Where was the PDDGM first prepared to be made a Mason? Who are we? I wonder if the PDDGM remembers the fourth paragraph of the Fellow Craft Charge. Labeling somebody “clandestine” is not justification for anybody to resort to name calling, it is not only immature but also irresponsible and unMasonic.

After I wrote my thoughts relative to the breakaways and it was interesting to note that though the level of volatility of the responders to my articles were almost the same in terms of passion to defend their cause, the origins were directly opposite. United Grand Lodge of America (UGLA) supporters and one of the founders managed to find time to send me a number of not-too-friendly emails while GLP loyalist fired back for “lambasting the GM and GLP.”

Being not too familiar with details UGLA issues, I would not even restart that one however, both breakaway groups have something in common— irreconcilable differences from their Grand Lodges. While UGLA statements are more combative and directly challenged the authority, the IGLPI stance to GLP was not as confrontational. As I replied to UGLA founder email that perhaps, if they could tone down their rhetoric they might find more people to be receptive to listen to their plight as they/UGLA raised some issues worth talking about.

On the other hand, the heavy handed handling and aloofness of GLP to the issues and concern worthy of discussion could be argued as ways or rationale that numbers of GLP brethren were sympathetic to the breakaways (IGLPI and UGLP) causes. It’s unbelievable that in these day and age people/Masons still subscribed to the idea that a Grand Master can not do wrong and be accepted as “benevolent dictator.” Grand Lodges were created by lodges to serve the members interest and not the other way around. After election and/or appointment, local or Grand Lodge officers were asked if they are willing to serve NOT expected to be serve.

Somehow, it seems that the vanity of titles or alphabets after one’s name overshadowed the meaning and ideals of who we are---sadly some of us lost sight of which Temple we are building.

/rmo

Without Faith

By Rudy Olano
5May06

In The Future: Advancing Masonic Morality in both Natural Philosophy and Geometry, by Jeff Peace, the article certainly caught my attention as the title suggests a subject that could have shed further light to the study we know as Freemasonry. The use of key phrases such as morality, philosophy and geometry as the title succeeded in drawing attention and curiosity. Reading on, one could not help but realized that the piece was about promoting the “United Grand Lodge of America.” The organization claims to be “a lighthouse of the original Masonic philosophy of the early eighteenth century” and “in the position to advance the Royal Art to levels never before imagined by Masons of any generation.” The author boldly claimed that the “dream to the Free-Masons of 1717” can now “be realized for the first time.” While the article championed the virtues of being pro-activeness and exhort “our gentle Craft” to rise and “meet the challenge of generations yet unborn,” it also blamed the current Freemasonry or as the author described as “our Peculiar System of Morality, ” for the failure of “both Masonry and humanity.” The eight paragraph article concluded with an ominous declaration “to the purveyors of darkness, superstition and tyranny” of their betrayal and dramatic end of their life.

The repeated use of “Free-Masonry” in place of normally used “Freemasonry” raises the question of the purpose and motive of the writer. Skirting legal issues? The UGLA’s website has the look of a regular Masonic body. The symbols, quotations from Masonic scholars and publications such as Ancient Landmarks, Anderson’s Constitution, etc.., are liberally utilized to achieve the appearance of legitimacy. Are they? The article audaciously proclaimed that the old tradition is lifeless and that “guarded secret” should be given to the “rightful inheritance of humanity as a whole,” that is “time to restore this gift to its rightful owners.” Abandoning tradition for the sake of what? More members therefore, more paid dues? Does the UGLA really believe that if the humanity knows the “secret word,” that mankind will change and live a life without fear, hunger, and sickness?

For someone with daring to proclaim that the past--- the traditions is dead and those who clings to that notion “… will die with it,” is a sad conclusion which could only come from someone who seems to be at loss of understanding of what the Craft is all about. A system whose aim is to make a good man to be a better man is alive. What appears to be dying is the comprehension of who we are and what purpose Freemasonry exists.

Freemasonry is not about paid off dues card; it's not about achieving "32nd degree," not about making children laugh or about changing the world to New Order. It's about building a temple not made by hands but eternal in heaven. The allegory behind the study of grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy directs us to better understand ourselves. Understanding our own strengths and frailties make us appreciate the struggles within ourselves. Man will always contend with wickedness within himself, for as long as man walk on the face of this Earth, man will always be exposed to evil. That’s why we are men not gods.

The journey will take us to a rough and rugged road; it's not going to be easy but that’s what life is always been. And in that journey, it is hope that by becoming a better man, we can influence our surrounding to make it a better place. The Scottish Rite teaches us the importance of finding the balance between good and evil. The Order of Knights Templar of the York Rite dramatizes the commitment to defend or readiness to defend ones Faith. Faith is what we believe, it maybe as simple as preserving the tradition, it could be the meaning of Life or as complex as knowing the Ultimate Unknown. Without Faith is sailing without rudder – without destination. How can a Mason search for something that was supposed to be lost, if he never knew that he lost something valuable in the first place?

originally posted at http://www.geocities.com/rmolano5/ugla1.html

When a Mason a Real Man

by Rudy Olano
17Sep06

The Reverend Brother Joseph Fort Newton wrote a poem, When a Man a Mason. A lovely poem indeed, full of aspiration and heavenly reflection, but to a pragmatist --- it is a dream. To find someone who might fit into his definition is still a possibility within our lifetime. One thing that a searcher need to consider is that majority of men are still mortals trying to keep their lambskin apron spotless. What makes a man a Mason? Does the standard answer we memorized for proficiency examination is true or is it the moment when we signed a piece of paper offered by the Secretary after being asked to do so by the Master? What is the correct answer for a simple question of what makes a man a Mason? Is a philosophical response “my Obligation,” or after he signed the bylaws "as all brothers and fellows have" done before are the answers? What makes a man a Mason, his obligation or his dues card? Is it his actions or legal standing in his Grand Lodge? A man who does not practice Tenets of Freemasonry but carries an updated dues card in his wallet is legally a Mason. A man who practices the Tenets of Freemasonry but does not fulfill his responsibilities to his Lodge is not legally a Mason. A man who is not member of the Fraternity but practice the Tenets of our Fraternity is not a Mason either. He is simply--- a good man.

If we can truly satisfy the answer to the preceding inquiry then maybe we could apply the same rule as to when a man being "unmade" as a Mason. According to some brothers from Canada and UK, in their respective Grand Lodges, a Mason can sign a paper stating that he is no longer a Mason. Their interpretation of demit is different from what Brother Albert Mackey's definition. Having a law that requires members to declare or register if they are a Mason or not, the apparent practice has a strong legal overtone. I tend to believe that a brother who refused, recanted, and ignored to carry out his Obligations ceased to be a Mason, signing a paper to just a matter of legal proceeding which lead us into the next question---when a Mason became clandestine Mason?

Clandestine according to Brother Mackey, means not legal such as group of Masons meeting in a Lodge without permission or authority from a Grand Lodge. The term also applies to a Lodge which continues to meet after their charter has been suspended, arrested or revoked by issuing Grand Lodge. By definition they are still Masons who for some reasons or another, were not recognized as such by declaring Grand Lodge therefore, illegal. In his book, Lexicon of Freemasonry, he wrote that in our Fraternity we follow an axiom, once a Mason, always a Mason. This is why in United States, we use the term, ”demit” not resign. A brother can be excused from his duties from the Order but still be subjected to the moral standards of the Craft. Demit does not cancel his Obligations nor be exempt from Summons from the Master of the Lodge. No one can be “unmade” a Mason unless expelled by his Lodge and the confirmed by the Grand Lodge.

Expulsion was defined and discussed in Lexicon of Freemasonry by Brother Mackey as “the highest Masonic penalty that can be imposed by a lodge, upon any delinquent members.” This action divests a member of all rights and privileges and treats him as “he has never been admitted.” A Lodge can suspend but can not impose expulsion. Only Grand Lodge can but only within its jurisdiction. Every Mason is subjected to different rules and regulation of different Lodges .e.g. amount of dues, meeting day, time, etc.. whereas all of us share the same standard of our Obligations. Expulsion is the equivalent of death penalty in Masonic jurisprudence. The seriousness of the charges should rise to the level where the immoral conduct of the accused is detrimental to the good order and discipline of the Fraternity. Being guilty of immoral conduct, “should be the only offense visited with expulsion.” An individual Lodge may convene Masonic Court to try its member. If found guilty after due process, the sentence of expulsion has no force until the Grand Lodge confirmed the decision.

The recent developments within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines produced series of instructions from the Grand Master ordering the expulsion of members who declared independence from GLP and ordered that subordinate Lodges to severe Masonic ties from those declared to be "clandestine." While professing that "Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God" as a guiding light of the Fraternity, this action seems to be contradictory. The Craft bend over backwards to explain that universality of the fraternity applies to all and yet we are instructed to cut off our Masonic ties to those who asked questions and waited for explanation of something they don’t understand. Brother Mackey wrote in Lexicon of Freemasonry that expulsion is the equivalent of death penalty of a crime against our Craft. Does questioning authority is considered as "immoral conduct." Does declaring independence from parental protection be rewarded as a crime so heinous that brothers name were ordered be erased from the memory of our Fraternity? Where is the concept of "Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God?" Where are the Lessons that would help us build our own Temple? This is not the kind of example we could expect from the office of those who wear the purple of our Fraternity.

Knowing the token and signs does not make a man a Mason. Neither his ring, car decals, jacket, or dues card. Clandestine, legal, regular, irregular Masons in comes all shapes and forms and as member of the Craft we are somewhat familiar with the peculiarity of each. The general public seems not to care one way or another and in the big scheme of things, why should we? Freemasonry is an ideal, as the noted Masonic scholar and author Brother Albert Pike wrote in 1888, “it is a system of morality, veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols.” On whose authority that a certain group may declare that the other is illegal, whose brilliant mind decided that a Grand Lodge decision is final and cannot be contested, and who concocted the notion that only men can practice a system of morality called, Freemasonry? I may have misspoken but I do have some questions in my thought. The Reverend Brother Joseph Fort Newton wrote a poem about what makes a man to be a Mason, this humble student is asking what makes Mason to become a real man.

...

*** Photo of Rev Bro JF Newton from Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon website.

Cavite Masons

by RmOlano

9Sep06

Clandestine according to Albert Mackey, means not legal such as group of Masons meeting in a Lodge without permission or authority from a Grand Lodge. The term also applies to a Lodge which continues to meet after their charter has been suspended, arrested or revoked by issuing Grand Lodge. By definition they are still Masons who for some reasons or another, were not recognized as such by declaring Grand Lodge therefore, illegal. In our Fraternity we follow an axiom, once a Mason, always a Mason. This why we use the term,”demit” not resign. A brother can be excused from his duties from the Order but still be subjected to the moral standards of the Craft. Demit does not cancel his Obligations nor be exempt from Summons from the Master of the Lodge. No one can be “unmade” a Mason unless expelled by his Lodge and the confirmed by the Grand Lodge.

Expulsion was defined and discussed in Lexicon of Freemasonry by WB Albert MacKey as “the highest Masonic penalty that can be imposed by a lodge, upon any delinquent members.” This action divests a member of all rights and privileges and treats him as “he has never been admitted.” A Lodge can suspend but can not impose expulsion. Only Grand Lodge can but only within its jurisdiction. Every Mason is subjected to different rules and regulation of different Lodges .e.g. amount of dues, meeting day, time, etc.. whereas all of us share the same standard of our Obligations. Expulsion is the equivalent of death penalty in Masonic jurisprudence. The seriousness of the charges should rise to the level where the immoral conduct of the accused is detrimental to the good order and discipline of the Fraternity. Being guilty of immoral conduct, “should be the only offense visited with expulsion” (MacKay, p140). An individual Lodge may convene Masonic Court to try its member. If found guilty after due process, the sentence of expulsion has no force until the Grand Lodge confirmed the decision.

Having the displeasure beating a dead horse or supposedly “moot and academic” issue, I just can’t resist posing an inquiry as to the disposition of the “rest of the story.” Last time I am aware of was that the breakaway were mostly consisted of Lodges from two Masonic Districts in Central Philippines. Edict No. 232 signed by GLP Grand Master was about “certain” members of Pilar Lodge were declared as “clandestine.” Now, how in the heck brothers from a Lodge in Cavite were singled out and that their names are to be expunged from the records of the GLP by the order of the GM? What happened to the other signers of Tacloban Manifesto and Declaration of Independence who according to the document were from Lodges of Masonic District RVIII-B (Leyte) and MD RVIII-A (Samar). Are they allowed to form their own Grand Lodge while our Cavite Brethren were declared “clandestine?” Where is the rest of the story or do we have to request that “privileged” information from those selected individual deemed worthy keeper of such responsibility?What kind of horrible act that some brothers from Pilar Lodge No. 15 had done to deserve such melodramatic judgment “…so that that no more remembrance may be had of them as Masons forever?” What have they done differently from Brethren from Leyte and Samar to warrant such extreme and bordering to theatrical declaration? Why are they so special to receive the wrath of the GM?

If the GLP expect that the members will jump just because they say so, maybe our esteemed Brethren in Manila should consider that they are dealing with grown men and not yes-men nor mindless machines. The breakaways raised serious issues; we have not heard a squat from GLP except this Edict to expel some brothers from Cavite for failing to display their loyalty to the authority. This is a very disappointing development; we expect better handling of recent issues from those who hold the “purple of our Fraternity.”Where are the meanings of the level, the plumb and the square or they are just objects to “fit the diadem of eastern potentate?” We should be asking ourselves where we as the Craft is heading, instead of second guessing a conviction of someone who stood up for his belief, “…for his inflexible fidelity to his trust,” knowing full well the consequence of his decision.

Our Cavite Brethren certainly commit certain act deemed inappropriate by those in power, it is my hope that due process were granted and the rest of the us might hear the unabridged ‘rest of the story.”Aside from wondering what happened to our Brethren from Samar and Leyte, does Pilar Lodge No. 15 recommended this expulsion to the GLP? I hope this is not a case of an ass pushing the cart. Maybe I should rephrase it to-- not a case of carabao pushing the sled. The first one does not sound correct. Either way you look at it— it is ass, I mean carabao backwards.

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