Masonic Education

From the booklet – “PENETRATING THE VEIL”

– by David C. Bradley–Grand Master–1989-1990

This month’s issue is titled –

“PENETRATING THE VEIL:

GOTHIC CONSTITUTIONS.”

(As the presentations in this website are available to all readers, items involving the Second and Third Degrees will be excluded.)

GOTHIC CONSTITUTIONS

A result of this building growth was the formation of associations of freemasons in the late fourteenth century (1), by which trade secrets were protected and the business of each apprentice was the responsibility of the Master Craftsman to whom he was indentured. There is no evidence of a degree as it is known today, but there is evidence of a ceremony in operative days (2). Much of today’s knowledge is derived from documents called Gothic Constitutions, of which the Regius MS, c. 1390, is the oldest. These documents are similar to each other in content and form the basis of a simple ceremony designed to provide the apprentice with the administration of his trade (3). In general, these constitutions begin with an invocation, a reference to the seven liberal arts, followed by a legendary history, then an instruction on the manner of taking an oath, a reading of the regulations governing behaviour in and outside the trade and, finally, an oath was sworn to observe the regulations (4). The main objective appeared to be not only to preserve the operative craft, but also to reassure members that they belonged to an ancient and honourable trade.

1 The Genesis of Freemasonry, Knoop, Jones. P. 42
2 The Pocket History of Freemasonry, Pick and Knight, p. 52
3 The Genesis of Freemasonry, p. 62
4 Idem, p. 206

R.W. Bro. Robert South

From the booklet – “PENETRATING THE VEIL”

– by David C. Bradley–Grand Master–1989-1990

This month’s issue is titled –

PENETRATING THE VEIL:
THE BACKGROUND
and
THE GOTHIC CATHEDRAL.”
(As the presentations in this website are available to all readers,
items involving the Second and Third Degrees will be excluded.)

THE BACKGROUND

Masonry is as broad as human nature. Its special spirit radiates in the life of every true Mason. Initiation is the entry into this world. The new member, having completed his journey through the three ceremonies is probably perplexed by the manner of entry into this different world. It is hoped that what follows will be a strong bridge to knowledge and an even greater stimulus to pursue personal research. Let us for a moment, however, go back in time.

THE GOTHIC CATHEDRAL

The imminent arrival of the year A.D.1000 caused a feeling of doom to prevail in Western Europe.

(A.D. 2000 caused a feeling of doom to prevail, world wide. Remember the concern about that computers would possible fail due to the clocks in them being set up for the years having only two digits. R.S.)

Many imagined that it would herald the end of the world. As that year passed, however, without any upheaval, the people, in their relief, began to build cathedrals to the glory of THE God to whom they attributed their survival. As timed progressed the buildings became more open, larger and more ornate and are referred to today as Gothic Cathedrals. These towering buildings were reaching to the sky to lead man to his Saviour and to glorify a beneficent God by the exquisite sculpture and the wondrous tracery of the windows an ceilings. The Gothic cathedral became a centre of community activity as well as a house of worship. In fact, these cathedrals are still being used for the same purposes for which were built so many centuries ago. This is not the occasion to narrate the story of architecture from solid Norman to the Decorative Gothic or so to recount the subsequent decadence of the style after A.D. 1350. The concern at this time lies more with the operative mason who constructed these wonderful edifices and with the conduct of his trade.

R.W. Bro. Robert South

Over the next few months, I will be providing a series of articles from the booklet – “PENETRATING THE VEIL”

– by David C. Bradley–Grand Master–1989-1990

This month’s issue will be an introduction to these articles –

“PENETRATING THE VEIL:

PART ONE OF A RETROSPECT OF THE THREE DEGREES.

(As the presentations in this website are available to all readers,

items involving the Second and Third Degrees will be excluded.)

Chapter 1: A Preview

There is a continuity of ideas that has been known since time immemorial: justice, mercy, law, order, responsibility, respect for others and many more absolute truths. These are not taught as new subjects to Masons, but merely as a reinforcement of a natural order of a good and humane society. This continuity of ideas is found is found in the ritual. The ceremonies provide an essential base upon which to understand masonic philosophy. The message, however, is not always crystal clear, but is there for the member to discover, because comprehension comes from within oneself. Although someone else my lead a person to the door of knowledge, an individual must open it for himself.

In order to produce a permanent influence the ritual must contain some essential truth and it, therefore, tries to answer one of the age-old philosophical questions: how ought a person to live. A Mason, who is free and responsible person can live a full life that satisfies all human needs: intellectual, social, moral and spiritual. Masonry is a science, because it involves rational thought and tolerance; it is universal because of the inclusion of all cultures, creeds and races in one magnificent brotherhood of good will to all.

The historical statements in the ritual are not intended to be an accurate reflection of history, but are simple legends upon which to base the framework of masonic philosophy. The paramount consideration is not the truth or otherwise of these stories, but their underlying philosophy. The drama of the ritual illustrates the life of a Mason and, as it concerns itself with the human spirit, the philosophy is true of all time. The ritual has much greater significance than to be regarded simply as series of actions designed to admit members. Hardly anything arises suddenly from a vacuum. Members must be able to draw upon many years of masonic history, otherwise they are simply existing. A glance at the past is essential to a glimpse of the future. Everything is interconnected. No single inventor came up with a new idea. He was building on a foundation of information created by others. Time has been spent, therefore, in directing the attention of the reader to historical documents.

The candidate progresses according to the timetable of the lodge and it is assumed that he has achieved some ability in his progress through each degree. Although the ritual provides a background upon which the candidate may build his own personality and character, it is the duty of every member to assist in his unsteady steps to knowledge. The ritual is not an instructive nor a directive, it is a guardian of tradition and lays before every candidate the absolute truths of masonic philosophy. There is pain and labour in maintaining true values in a corrosive world of dangerous energies and selfish power-play. Quietness and steadiness are essential qualities, as well as enormous moral courage to achieve and maintain masonic values. Masonry attempts to inspire all members to renew their dedication to their lofty ideals presented in the ceremonies and to practice those same ideals in in their public and private lives. In this life there is only one mountain to limb and each person determines how difficult or easy the path. Sometimes the path is walked alone and sometimes in company but, if he has faith, that person will always have someone beside him. The world is streaming like lemmings into technological activity with scare a thought as to the human component. New ways to support the traditions and values of an old organization must be brought into action. It is not sufficient to just talk tolerance and brotherly love, but to ensure that they are a vibrant force and brought to the attention of every member. The charm of Masonry today is in its ideals and its principles of high character and good conduct.

The most basic source is knowledge. The task is not simply to teach, but encourage members to want to learn. The glorious philosophy of Masonry is available for all those who wish to make the effort. Masonry deals exclusively with ethics: right and wrong conduct in today’s world. In short, how to live as a human being, who nourishes life and seeks the sacred in the ordinary and leading to a journey into self- understanding. It is the song of the heart, the dance of life.

It has not been the purpose off this booklet to recite a banal account of the ritual or its history. Neither a line by line examination of the ritual nor a detail of each degree has been attempted, only parts of the ritual therefore, have been isolated for closure scrutiny by selecting and grouping together ideas that appeared to be congruous. The main objectives have been to illustrate the continuing development of masonic ceremonies by quoting from historical documents and flesh out the areas of ritual where the symbolism appears obscure. Adequate guideposts can be found in the chapter headings, where selected topics are grouped together.

R.W. Bro. Robert South

This month’s issue of Masonic Education is about “The Directions – North, East, South, West” with information provided in a booklet from our Grand Lodge’s Seminars and Workshop Committee.

From the booklet – A Walk Around the Lodge

“The Directions – North, East, South, West”

            Directions in a Masonic Lodge are very important. In the Junior Warden’s lecture, it explains why lodges are situated due east and west. There are, however, other ideas and thoughts to consider when looking at directions in the lodge.

            The direction EAST traditionally represents spiritual knowledge and consciousness – connected with emotions.

            WEST is synonymous with rational thinking – employed in everyday affairs.

            SOUTH is halfway between east and west and is the symbol of intelligence -a combination of emotion and reason. The sun is at its meridian in this direction – the brightest time of the day. In our hemisphere, most of our light comes from the southern sky.

            NORTH represents ignorance and darkness – our animal instincts only.

            Found in the directions in the lodge are the whole range of reactions – emotion, reason, intelligence and ignorance. We often employ the NORTH and the WEST and sometimes the SOUTH in our search for the meaning of life, but very rarely the EAST.

            It is also interesting to note that in the First Degree, the Northeast Angle Charge is given half way between the NORTH and EAST. This intimates to us that there are two paths in life we can follow, either light or dark. New members of the lodge sit in the NORTH because they are not advanced in their knowledge. Also, in the old days, thieves, murderers and other evil persons were buried in the north side of the cemetery. The Rough Ashler also sits in the NORTH to represent the undeveloped, unfinished character of the newly-made Mason.

R.W. Bro. Robert South

This month’s issue of Masonic Education is about “The All-Seeing Eye” with information provided in a booklet from our Grand Lodge’s Seminars and Workshop Committee.

From the booklet – A Walk Around the Lodge

“The Mosaic Pavement”

            The Mosaic Pavement is an old and familiar symbol in Masonic Lodges. It appears in Masonic ritual as far back as the early 1800s. Our fraternity’s traditions inform us that the floor of the Temple of Solomon was decorated with black and white stones. There is no direct evidence to support this statement, but in the early artists’ drawings of the temple, the floors of the building as well as the outer courts are shown as being covered with just such a pavement. Indeed, mosaic pavement was very popular and commonly found among ancient cultures. In later centuries, the black and white checkered pavement was used in many churches and cathedrals.

            The symbolic meaning connected to our Mosaic Pavement has been interpreted in many different ways. The striking pattern forcibly reminds us of the checkered nature of human life. The good times and happy days sometimes suddenly give way to sadness and despair, the ups and downs of being human. Our daily existence can be pleasant and satisfying surrounded by family and friends, but the heat can also be intense and the way hard owing to the many burdens to be carried.

            The wise man recognizes the uncertainty of human life, praises his Creator for the many blessings of the good days and relies on His support to get him through the bad times. The Star in the centre of the Mosaic Pavement is a sure reminder that God, the Great Architect of the Universe is the centre of all things here below and should be the centre of our lives as well. The Tasselated Border in our Masonic ritual is the symbol of His blessings which constantly surround us.

            Our Mosaic Pavement, too, should remind us of the rhythms and patterns of the world. Night and day, winter and summer, cloud and sun, patterns that seem endless. And yet, to the pavement, there is a limit, a border. We would do well to remember that just as the tiles are numbered, so too are our days numbered and we must live our lives accordingly – to use wisely our 24 inch gauge – to apportion the day with prayer, labour refreshment and sleep.

            Each time we look at this pavement or walk upon its surface, let us think on these things and be humbly thankful for the days that have been given to us.

R.W. Bro. Robert South

Masonic Education for January 2021

This month’s issue of Masonic Education is about “The All-Seeing Eye” with information provided in a booklet from our Grand Lodge’s Seminars and Workshop Committee.

From the booklet – A Walk Around the Lodge

“The All-Seeing Eye”

The All-Seeing Eye is a perpetual and permanent symbol in many lodges and in the work of Freemasonry. It signifies the presence and power of God.

This symbol, however, is not peculiar only to Freemasonry. It was also adopted by the Hebrews and brought with them out of bondage in Egypt.

Its earliest Masonic use was probably by William Preston in his lecture which was first published in 1772:

“……our thoughts, words and actions may be hidden from the eyes of man, yet that All-Seeing Eye, whom the sun, moon and stars obey, and under whose watchful care even the comets perform their stupendous revolutions, pervades the innocent recesses of the human heart, and will reward us according to our merits.”

The “All-Seeing Eye” is a symbol of the watchfulness and omnipresence of the Supreme Being. The phrase “All-Seeing Eye” may well have been biblical in origin. Consider the following two versus – no doubt, one could find others.

“Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4)

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)

R.W. Bro. Robert South

This month’s issue of Masonic Education is about “The Letter G” with information provided in a booklet from our Grand Lodge’s Seminars and Workshop Committee.

From the booklet – A Walk Around the Lodge

“The Letter G”

The Letter G is one of the most sacred symbols of Freemasonry. The lodge cannot open, and no work can be performed unless the sacred letter is conspicuously seen in its regularly assigned place in the lodge hall. It actually has a double symbolism – referring to God, the Great Architect of the Universe, but also to the science of Geometry (study of the earth). If the two meanings are taken together. The “G” represents to the Mason a unity of heaven and earth, of the divine with the human, of the mortal with the eternal, of the finite with the infinite.

The Letter G in the lodge room should be displayed in the most prominent location, so that it can be viewed on entering the lodge. Therefore, it should be readable from the West.

The oldest references to its position all suggest that it was “in the centre”. In the early 1700s, it was usually on the floor in the middle of the tracing board sometimes drawn in chalk. In England, it usually hangs from the ceiling in the centre of the lodge, arranged so that it can be read from the West. In the U.S.A., it is displayed in the East over the Master’s chair. That is perhaps the surest guide as to how it should be placed, because, in that position, it only be read from the West.

R.W. Bro. Robert South

This month’s issue of Masonic Education is about Masonic Education with information provided in a booklet from our Grand Lodge’s Seminars and Workshop Committee.

The title of the booklet is “A Walk Around the Lodge”.

During my term as D.D.G.M.; on the occasion of my Official Visits, I endeavoured to provide each Lodge with a different topic in my address. My addresses were usually about eight minutes. I was concerned that one of my presentations was too long. It was about twelve minutes. It was one of the most favoured and explained certain matters that were revealed to the Candidate in the Fellowcraft Degree. It was not possible to shorten it and provide the content it included. As some readers may not have yet had the opportunity to be passed to their Second Degree, the following will have similar items; but only for the Entered Apprentice Degree.

Some of the items in the above identified booklet, have already been presented during the past year. I will not repeat them. My own comments in the following, will be in brackets.

From the booklet -.

Masonic Education Within the Lodge Room

            What comes to mind immediately when you hear the words “Masonic Education”? Boring? Uninteresting? It is also true that Masonic Education is not done nearly enough. The final charge in the First Degree exhorts us to “make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge”. During some of the regular meetings in your lodge there will be no degree work. This would be an ideal time to have some Masonic Education. However, having someone stand up at the front and simply read a discourse on a topic of some sort is often not enough.

            As an educator and teacher (the actual author was not identified in the booklet), I know of two very important principles that work when dealing with students.

1. Start with the known and proceed to the unknown. Begin your speech with something which is very familiar to the listener – something they know about and then proceed to add new information or ideas. One of the best talks I ever heard in lodge was of the Second-Degree working tools as operative tools. The presenter had made up simple concrete tools – actual working samples to use during his talk. We were all familiar with the Fellowcraft tools but we were also very fascinated and interested through every minute of the presentation as he skillfully added to our knowledge of these instruments of labour.  Focusing your words on a concrete object is a very time-tested method of focusing your audience’s attention.
2. A short presentation will be remembered far longer than something of great length. This is true of students but also very true of adults. The average time between commercials on TV is 12 minutes which experts agree is the average attention span of adults. Masonic Education should be done in short stints and can often be centred on a familiar object or concept which is present right in the lodge room.

            The following is an example about Masonic Education. It is entitled “A Walk Around the Lodge”.

            There is ……  a) use of concrete objects within the lodge

                                    b) movement around the lodge

                                    c) short presentations

(During the next few months, the following subjects will be presented) ….

1. Columns of Senior and Junior Warden
2. The Ashlers
3. The Letter “G”
4. The Directions in the Lodge
5. The Mosaic Pavement
6. The All-Seeing Eye
7. Cowans and Intruders

There are various ways of presenting these items …….

1. all at one meeting
2. a few at several meetings through out the year
3. one at each meeting for several meetings through out the year

The benefits of this type of presentation are many and varied …..

• the presenter goes and stands beside the object he is talking about or in the area of the lodge which is part of his discussion
• several different presenters can be used – a change in voice and style is good
• all eyes move around the lodge and are not stranded looking at one person giving a talk from one position only – the scene continually changes
• there are many objects and symbols within a lodge room that are never really explained fully to the average members
• younger members and older members alike can benefit from a presentation like this – it is not aimed at one particular audience
• you’ve connected new ideas and learning with familiar objects that are always going to be in front of the brethren – always there reminding them of the facts, information, stories and symbolism behind our lodge rooms and the objects therein

(The above paragraphs have provided ideas with regard to the presentation of various topics of Masonic Education. As we are not permitted to meet in a Lodge Room, hopefully these monthly articles are providing enlightenment for you.

This month’s article will be with regard to – )     The Ashlers

            In the Junior Warden’s lecture we are told that “The immovable jewels are the tracing board, rough ashlar and perfect ashler …… they are called immovable jewels because they lie open in the lodge for the brethren to moralize on.” Two questions come to mind. In the first place, isn’t it nonsense to call these huge stones “jewels”?  and secondly, what moral lessons can we possibly draw from them?

The word “ashler” is part of our heritage from the “operative” stonemasons of long ago. An ashler wall is one which is composed of rectangular blocks laid in courses. An ashler is a squared stone. A “rough ashler” is a stone as it comes from the quarry, rough hewn to its intended shape but not dressed smooth. A “perfect ashler” is “perfect” in its true sense of the meaning, that is, “brought to completion, finished.

            We consider them “jewels” because of their great value – a value that come from the moral tendency they display. The rough ashler is the human mind in its original state, rude and uncultivated. The perfect ashler represents the mind improved by culture and civilization.

            The two ashlers together represent an example of progress from darkness to light (from the NE to the SE), from the ignorance to knowledge, from wickedness to virtue. They remind us to keep building and improving on our own temples, to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. They remind us of our duty to improve ourselves, and thereby improve the world in which we live.

(In most instances that I have witnessed presentations of Masonic Education, it has been provided by Past Masters. Occasionally, a junior member in a lodge has provided the enlightenment. Whoever presents a topic of interest, it should be with the approval of the Worshipful Master.)

R.W. Bro. Robert South

As I was preparing the October 2020 Issue of Masonic Education; I realized that on October 14^th, I will be celebrating my 45^th Anniversary of becoming a Mason.

A time for reflection and I remembered one of the mottoes that I try to live by.

“I try to learn from other people’s mistakes, because I am quite sure that I will not live long enough to learn all of them, from my own.”

Hopefully, the Brethren who read this article will learn from mine.

On October 14^th 1975, I was initiated in Doric Lodge No. 455 G.R.C. in Little Current. My sponsors were my father, Bro. Robert South and my brother-in-law, Bro. Wilmer John Aelick. I could not have had a better father or a brother-in-law. Shortly after my Initiation, my father went off to Florida for the winter and my brother-in-law; who had been promoted and transferred to Iroquois Falls with the Ontario Provincial Police, returned to his home.

Early in 1976, I attended Lodge in order to prove my proficiency in the Entered Apprentice Degree and to be Passed to the Fellowcraft Degree. Early that morning, I was polishing door-knobs of various businesses in Little Current with a little yellow booklet in my left hand. “Polishing door-knobs” is an expression used to mean conducting property checks of businesses which might have had the entrance doors left un-locked.

I am embarrassed to admit that in proving my proficiency, I did a very poor job. After the proving, the Candidate is asked to exit the Lodge Room and the Worshipful Master inquires if the Brethren are satisfied with the proficiency of the Candidate. Of course; at the time, I was not aware of this. I was subsequently Passed and eventually Raised. For many years, I thought that there must have been serious debate as to whether or not I should proceed. W. Bro. Jack Hayes; in answer to my inquiry, confirmed this thought. He had reminded the Brethren about the situation with my sponsors and that it was the Lodge’s responsibility to make sure that I was prepared for the next step in Masonry.

A few years passed; embarrassed as I was, I didn’t attend Lodge. One day, I happened to meet my father on the street and I advised him that I wasn’t getting anything out of Masonry and Masonry wasn’t getting anything out of me. I asked him how to get out of it. We just happened to be near the office of W. Bro. Keith Legge, the Master of the Lodge. Father, advised me to see him. Bro. Legge made arrangements for V.W. Bro. Lawrence Peck to work with me. When I returned to Lodge to prove my proficiency in the Fellowcraft Degree, I believe I had it 100% correct. Similar results were achieved in the proving my Master Mason’s Degree.

Brethren; not every Mason who sponsors a Candidate is capable for whatever reasons, able to help with teaching ritual. It is incumbent on all of us to mentor a new member.

Shortly after becoming a Master Mason; in April 1980, the O.P.P. transferred me to Spanish.  The Detachment Commander – was a Brother and a line officer in Espanola Lodge No. 527. Bro. Ralph Brown made my work schedule convenient for me to attend Lodge. I would subsequently affiliate with the Lodge become a line officer. Unfortunately, my performance of presenting the Junior Warden’s Lecture was not my best work. Should you have an opportunity to become the J.W., commence early to prepare this Lecture. Also, should you be in the position of having two or more Candidates for your presentation, assemble them on one side of you so that your attention is not divided. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to present the Lecture to my sister-in-law’s son and two other newly initiated members into a Lodge in Sault Ste. Marie. I was quite pleased with my presentation.

In the Spring of 1985, I received a telephone call from R.W. Bro. Kenneth R. Shore to visit him the next time I was in Espanola. The purpose of his request was to ask that I consider being elected as the Lodge’s Junior Warden. The end of my term in Spanish Detachment was approaching. I was concerned that I might be transferred to a location that would not be conducive to attend Lodge in Espanola. If this occurred, the Lodge would be needing to search again for another Junior Warden. I declined the offer. I returned to our home in Spanish and had another phone call. This one was from W. Bro. Terry Brouse. I reiterated my concern about the pending transfer. As I was now being encouraged by a second senior member of the Lodge, I reconsidered the offer. In June of 1988; the Brethren of Espanola Lodge entrusted me to serve as their Worshipful Master.

Should you have an opportunity to become the Worshipful Master of your Lodge; don’t miss it.

In recognition of the Centennial Celebration of Doric Lodge, the members issued a history of their Lodge in the Town of Little Current. A portion of the book reported that there had been many fraternal / social organizations instituted in the town; but many had failed, while the Masonic Lodge survived. Might it be that the “ritual” had made this possible. In many cases, the success of the Lodge might have to do with a Brother helping a junior member learn his work. This creates a bond and strengthens a Lodge.

One winter, a few years ago, I received an email from the Installing Master, requesting that I present one of the obligations. I accepted this opportunity. Unfortunately, I did not have an Ontario Mason to work with. As there is a bit of give in take in presenting an obligation, I should have known better. I was very embarrassed; and vowed to myself not to present any more ritual. After reflection; and presenting other work, I have regained my confidence.

Please learn from my mistake. If you are planning on presenting a new piece of work; especially if it is a give and take situation as with an obligation, find a Brother to help you.

Many years ago; my Father advised me that Masonry would not make me rich with money in your pocket, but it will make rich with what you will learn and the friends you will make. 

I wish to thank my Brethren for their patience, support, encouragement, trust and the opportunities that they have provided me throughout my Masonic career.

R.W. Bro. Robert South

Periodically; during my almost 45 years as a Mason, I have heard comments, even questioned by Masons in New York State about The Morgan Affair. Hopefully the following issue will provide some enlightenment to my fellow Brethren with regard to this matter.

My reference for August’s Issue of the Masonic Education is again from our Grand Lodge (of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario) publication known as “Whence Come We” (1980).

The Morgan Affair and its Aftermath

            About 1823 a bricklayer and stone mason by the name of William Morgan, some fifty years made his appearance in Batavia, New York. He claimed he was a Freemason, and was exalted to the Royal Arch on May 31, 1925. He lost the confidence of his brethren, and bad feeling arose between them. The following spring Morgan began to threaten that he would publish an exposure of the Masonic secrets. On September 11, 1826, he was arrested for petty theft. The next day he was released, and left in a coach, escorted against his will by several other men. He was carried to Fort Niagara, on the Canadian frontier, where he was held until September 19. After that there was no reliable trace of him of him. Some say he was taken to Canada, and given $500 to leave the country. Others say that he was taken out in the Niagara River and pushed overboard. Whatever the truth of the matter, it seems clear that his abductors were Freemasons, who were incensed over his threatened exposures and determined to silence him.

            His disappearance triggered an anti-Masonic crusade that raged across the country. It began with citizens’ meetings in Batavia, and a public denunciation by the Rev. David Bernard who had himself been a Mason. A book that purported to be Morgan’s exposure was published in December. In January 1827 an Anti-Masonic Convention was held in Seneca, New York. In August 1828 the Anti-Masonic political party was established, to contest the New York election. A National Convention took place in Philadelphia in 1830, and the party had a candidate in the presidential elections of 1832 and 1836. In short, a large segment of public opinion was mobilized.

            The effect on Masonry was widespread and devastating. All over the United States lodges closed their doors. Bro. John C. Palmer summarized the results. “In 1827, two hundred and twenty-seven lodges were represented in the Grand Lodge of New York. In 1835, the number had dwindled to forty-one. Every lodge in the state of Vermont surrendered its charter or became dormant; and the Grand Lodge, for several years, ceased to hold its sessions. As in Vermont, so also in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut; and in a lesser degree in several other states.” The low point for Masonry was reached in 1840, and recovery was slow.

            The Craft in Upper Canada was also affected. The P.G.L. held its last meeting in 1829. There were some twenty-six lodges on the Provincial Register in 1826. Eighteen either ceased to work altogether or else became dormant within the next decade.

R.W. Bro. Robert South