WHERE IS THE CRAFT IN ALBERTA GOING?

May 25, 1987

M.W. Bro. A.O. Aspeslet, PGM

Reading the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Alberta, A.F. & A.M. for the year 1986 one is struck by the fact that there were no less than 18 motions presented during that Communication designed to change the Constitution.

This appears to be a disastrous situation, for it appears to say one of two things: first that we are developing a propensity to change the Constitution to suit a few, or on the other hand that there is something basically wrong with our Constitution. With the first of these two questions in mind, (for I cannot believe that the second has any validity), I decided to take a look at past Proceedings to see what has happened previously and if in fact any answer to the question could be determined.

Attached at Appendix "A" will be found all the motions put forth at the Annual Communications for the years 1930 through to and including 1986, that dealt with changes to the Constitution. This list gives some idea as to the thought behind the motion and how the Craft dealt with each one. During the period under review, a period of 57 years, 145 motions to alter the Constitution were presented. This is an average of 2.54 motions per year.

The period under review was then divided into two periods as follows: (1) From 1930 through the repeal of the 1936 Constitution to the approval of our present Constitution in 1969, a period of 40 years. In 18 of those 40 years no motions for change were presented. During this period, 62 motions were presented for an average of 1.5 per year. (2) From 1970 to 1986 no motions for change were presented during the first three years 1970-1973. From 1973 to 1986 however, 83 motions to change the Constitution were presented, for an average of 5.5 per year.

This shows that during this latter period that the motions to change the Constitution increased by well over 300%. It is very interesting to note also that during the period between 1973-1976, 23 or 27.7% of the 83 motions presented dealt with methods to gratify our egos. These motions provided for, Lapel pins, Badges and bars thereto, Jewels, Decorations on Aprons, additional ranks, exemptions from dues, etc. Is this where we are going?

Do we have too many well meaning brethren who seem to think that our Craft should adopt the ideas and methods of other clubs and organizations, who must have pages of publicity for every nickel that they put into the organization? Does this mean that we have fallen into the original sin of Ignorance and Selfishness? Are we so busy with the administrative side of the Craft, that we have forgotten the true purposes of Freemasonry? Have we forgotten the ninth paragraph of the general Charge at Installation? "The man who, without courting applause, is loved by all noble minded men etc."; (I am sure that with this audience I need not quote further.)

The General charge also states that the true Mason goes about his life without ostentation. We pledge ourselves not to make any change in the body of Freemasonry (Ancient Charge No. 11), yet we continually promote ostentation by creating new pins and ribbons that may be worn, so the general public may observe what wonderful Masons we are and to give Masonry publicity. To do such things is to make radical changes in the body of Freemasonry, for it is basic to our philosophy not to "court applause". (General Charge) All this outward ostentation to attract public notice is said to let the public know that we exist and come asking to join the order.

This is a false assumption. The method to get candidates is to demonstrate (without medals and pins) that the order is composed of good men and true, and that it is a privilege to join such a group. It would appear to me that we have lost sight of the fact that one of the reasons that our Fraternity has been so highly prized over the years, is that it does not operate like other organizations. A primary reason for the longevity of Freemasonry was - and is - that Masonry has always had a clear purpose and commitment.

It has been a common cause, not a common language or religion or nationality, which has united Masons. In our York Rite Ritual we tell the candidate that the Masonic institution is to make its votaries wiser, better, and consequently happier. Not a word about mass action or pressure groups. Brethren the purpose of our Craft is the same today as it has been since the stones were hewn for King Solomons Temple. That is, to take a good individual and try to make a better man out of him.

THAT IS ALL It would appear from reading the proceedings of our Grand Lodge that at one time the brethren attended Grand Lodge to discuss Masonry. Of late it would appear that the brethren attend grand Lodge for a social weekend with all its little side shows. The tail has begun to wag the dog. We wonder why it is that we do not get many new members and have trouble keeping the ones we do get. Where have we gone wrong is the cry? There have been many questions posed in this paper, they have been left for you to answer. For me, suffice it to say, that Freemasonry does not require labels, or lapel pins, or Jewels.

What is required are brethren who can assist us in our search for improvement and strength of character in the individual man, and thus improve our community. Masonry is non-sectarian and non-political; it teaches men to act upon the square, keep the tongue of good report, maintain secrecy, and practice charity. It seems to me also that Freemasonry prefers to carry out its charity without publicity. The Talmud says, "To give to charity in secret is greater than Moses. Brethren our basic philosophy has worked well until the last twenty years and there is no reason to think that it doesn't still work.

Bibliography Proceedings of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Alberta. 1930 to 1986. APPENDIX "A" MOTIONS PRESENTED AT THE GRAND LODGE OF ALBERTA TO CHANGE THE CONSTITUTION 1930-1986 1930 1. To allow Canadian Rite to work in the E.A. degree. Lost. 2. To add a question re: insurance in candidate questionnaire. Lost. 3. That no petition for initiation or affiliation may be withdrawn after referral to an investigating committee without special permission of the Grand Master. Carried. 4. That a P.M. declare which lodge he represents (if a member of two or more lodges) when voting at Grand Lodge or a District meeting. Sec 265 Carried. 5. To amend section 29. Grand Lodge meetings to be held alternately in Edmonton and Calgary. Referred to a committee to report at the next annual communication. Carried. 1931 6. To increase the per capita and allocate part of these to a Benevolent fund. Carried. 7. That lodges requesting a trial commission to pay expenses of such commission. Carried. 8. That Grand Lodge is not opposed to constituent lodges attending church parades in regalia. Carried. 9. That only plain white aprons be used. Lost. 10. That Honorary rank of P.J.G.W. be conferred on a brother in Winnipeg and one in Vancouver who had been very useful to this Jurisdiction by keeping in touch with our beneficiaries in those areas. Carried. 1932 11. To amend sections 117 - 121 to provide for a Committee on the Work. Lost. 12. Amends sections 67, 177. 206 Grand Secretary's duties. Lost. 13. That a 12 month demit be extended for a further year at the request of the brother concerned. Referred to Committee. 1933. 14. There be a 50 cent levy on per capita to the benevolent account for the year 1933. Carried. 15. That the election of the G.M. & any D.D.G.M. to be elected take place on the first day of the Grand Communication. Carried. 16. Amend section 31, delete 5, insert 3. Carried. 17. Amend section 236, name or names need not appear in the lodge notice. Carried. 18. Section 167 to allow lodges working in Canadian Rite be allowed to carry on business in any degree. Carried. 19. That a demit may be issued showing a brother's indebtedness. Lost. 1935 20. That the business portion in a Canadian Rite lodge must be done in the third degree except for the degree; when only that degree being worked is to be used. Lost. 21. Amend section 161, that lodges Canadian Rite at emergent meetings may be opened in either the 1st or 3rd degree and closed without form. Lost. 22. Amend section 162. Delete week and specific week from this section dealing with lodge meetings. Lost. 23. That the station of the lodge Chaplain to be in the East. Carried. 24. That the Stewards Canadian Rite be stationed on either hand of J.W. Carried. 1936 25. That petitioners maimed by war service & possessing all other qualifications, by unanimous open vote in lodge have the degrees conferred. Lost. 26. That sufficient funds be appropriated to continue publication of the Bulletin. Carried. 1937 NIL 1938 27. Amend section 188 Initiation Fee. Delete $40.00, substitute $25.00. Carried. 1939 NIL 1940 28. To ban the publication or circulation of material relating to any matter within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Alberta. Carried. 29. That the Grand Lodge form a Committee on the Work. Carried. 30. That when the lodge remits the dues of members on active service, Grand Lodge would remit the per capita tax. Carried. 31. That a candidate may receive the degrees in another lodge, if unforeseen circumstances prevent him from attending his mother lodge. Lost. 32. That the W.M., Wardens, Treasurer, and Secretary to be elected by ballot at a regular meeting, and installed at the next regular meeting, the day and hour of these meetings to be specified in the by-laws. Lost. 1942 NIL 1943 NIL 1944 NIL 1945 NIL 1946 NIL 1947 NIL 1948 33. That the ornamentation of a P.M.s apron be the 47th problem enclosed in a circle with the name of the Grand Lodge and apron edged in a fringe. Lost. 34. Section 114. That the election of officers may be in May or November. Carried. 1949 NIL 1950 NIL 1951 NIL 1952 35. To change the week of Grand Lodge Communication. Referred to Committee. 36. Section 165. Amend to allow Canadian Rite to work in E.A. degree. Lost. 37. Must have full fifty years active service for 50 year jewel. Carried. 1953 NIL 1954 NIL 1955 38. Use of canvas Canadian Rite. Carried. 1956 39. Lodge Canadian Rite to be opened in 3rd Degree when only item on the agenda is business. Lost. 40. To transfer $67,500.00 from relief surplus account to benevolent account. Carried. 1957 41. That Tyler be appointed by the W.M. Lost. 42. Hold 1959 communication in Lethbridge. Carried. 43. Section 186. Not more than 5 candidates in one evening. Carried. 44. That a biographical sketch of candidates for J.G.W. be published. Carried. 1958 45. That lodges may have one officer for the position of SecretaryTreasurer. Carried. 46. That meetings falling on a statuary holiday may be moved forward or back not more than one week. Carried. 47. Sections 190 - 191. Clarification of these two sections regarding jurisdiction of lodges. Carried. 48. Multiple raising of candidates permitted. Carried. 49. To form a committee to clarify sections 276 - 278, regalia. Carried. 1959 50. Committee of Number 49 reports. Adopted. 1960 NIL 1961 NIL 1962 NIL 1963 NIL 1964 NIL 1965 51. Ballot to Grand Lodge to close at 3:00 P.M. Carried. 52. Approve issue of extra Rituals Canadian Rite. Carried. 1966 53. General amendments to 17 sections of the Constitution. Carried. 54. That M.M's vote at District Meetings. Lost. 55. Change in rules of trials and proceedings thereon. Carried. 1967 56. Section 28. That Grand Lodge Communication be held on 2nd Saturday instead of 2nd Wednesday. Tabled 57. To have notices of motions printed. Lost. 58. That Grand Lodge remit per capita when dues from members are noncollectible. Lost. 59. That when the lodge remits the dues of a 50 year member, that the Grand Lodge remit the per capita tax. Lost. 1968 60. The change date of Communication. Lost. 61. To amend section 131 re per capita. Lost. 1969 62. Repeal 1936 Constitution, adopt New Constitution. Carried. 1970 NIL 1971 NIL 1972 NIL 1973 63. To strike a fifty year P.M.s jewel. Carried. 64. A life member who is a member of another lodge paying per capita for him, to be absolved from per capita by another lodge when they elect him to life membership in their lodge. Carried. 65. To make Grand Secretary's rank that of R.W. Bro. Carried. 66. To adopt a 25 year pin with 5 year bars to be attached. Carried. 67. To allow M.M's. to vote at Grand Lodge. Lost. 68. To elect all officers in the constituent lodge. Lost. 69. To ballot with an "X" at Grand Lodge. Carried. 70. To hold Grand Lodge communication on 3rd Friday of June. Carried. 71. Minor changes to Trial rules. Carried. 1974 72. To raise per capita to $5.00, reduced to $3.00. Carried. 73. To change time of balloting. Carried. 1975 74. To create a 60 & 75 year bar to the 50 year P.M.s Jewel. Carried. 75. Grand Lodge Communication to be 2nd Friday of June. Carried. 76. That the per capita for the 2 years prior to S.N.P.D. by returned to the Lodge. Lost. 77. Provide Rituals to all M.M.'s. Carried. 78. To increase the per capita. Carried. 1976 79. To adopt a 25 year pin. Carried. 80. Section 401 Committee to meet quarterly. (Benevolent) Carried. 81. To provide for a 50 year lapel pin. Carried. 82. To suspend after one year in arrears. Lost. 83. To present a Secretary's jewel after 5 years. Carried. 84. Grand Lodge Communication for 1977 to be in Lethbridge. Carried. 85. To provide Secretary/Treasurer jewel after 5 years. Carried. 86. To elect all officers of the Lodge. Lost. 87. To eliminate the wearing of Cuffs. Lost. 1977 88. To provide 25 year pin and certificate. Carried. 89. To assure that there is an election for the J.G.W. Carried. 1978 90. To hold Grand Lodge in Red Deer in 1980. Carried. 91. When there are two nominations for J.G.W. the committee need not act. Carried. 92. That 50 year lapel pin be a substitute for the 50 year jewel. Lost. 93. % of relief fund to the general fund for Administration. Carried. 94. Increase per capita. Lost. 95. Increase fees for certificates. Carried. 1979 96. To change place of meeting of Grand Lodge. Carried. 97. To provide Constitutional Legislation for Research Lodges. Carried. 98. To set aside three year rule for sections 81-83; per capita. Lost. 99. Continuous service not required for 25 year pin. Carried. 100. To expand number of lodges eligible for M., W., & Deacons Assn. Carried. 1980 101. Move Grand Lodge Communication to Red Deer. Carried. 1981 102. To remove Grand Secretary, as Secretary of all committees. Lost. 103. To increase per capita to $10.00. Carried. 104. To move Grand Lodge Communication to mid-week. Lost. 1982 105. Ornamentation of aprons 100 year lodges. Carried. 106. To exempt life members from per capita. Lost. 107. P.M.s to be members of M.W. & Deacons Assn. Lost. 1983 108. Grand Lodge Communication to Grand Prairie. Carried. 109. Form IB must be signed by Candidate. Carried. 110. To install lodge officers on date of consecration. Lost. 111. Recognition of Grand Chaplain (V.W. Bro.) Carried. 112. To move Grand Lodge Office to Calgary. Referred to Committee. 113. 100 year lodges to have aprons trimmed in Gold. Carried. 114. Allow two extra weeks for Grand Lodge returns from lodges. Carried. 115. Limit requirement for automatic appeal. Carried. 116. To confer Hon. P.G.M. rank on retiring Grand Secretary. Lost. 117. Allow two extra weeks for return by lodge of work completed. Carried. 118. That when a candidate for reinstatement is rejected he may apply again in one year. Carried. 1985 119. Gold braid on aprons of 100 year lodges. Carried. 120. To increase Grand Stewards from 6 to 12. Lost. 121. Grand Lodge office to be in Calgary. Carried. 122. Change trial appeal requirements. Withdrawn. 123. Grand Lodge to be in Amity with all concordant bodies. Carried. 124. Change name of R & E committee. Lost. 125. To create office of Grand Historian. Carried. 126. Canadian Rite to open only in E.A. degree for lodge business. Lost. 127. To reconstruct the B. of G.P. Referred to Committee. 1986 128. Move Grand Lodge Communication to Medicine Hat. Carried. 129. To use canvas Canadian Rite. Lost. 130. Registered letter to member after one years arrears. Lost. 131. Registered letter of dual member in arrears to other lodge. Lost. 132. Cannot S.N.P.D. in more than one lodge at the same time. Lost. 133. Confirm legality of an affiliate with Grand Lodge prior to vote. Lost. 134. Double registered letter to members in arrears. Lost. 135. Change in election of Honorary members. Carried. 136. 2/3 vote for honorary members only required. Carried. 137. Change time of start of Grand Communication. Carried. 138. Long service ribbon for Organist (10 years). Carried. 139. V.W. rank for Grand Organist & Grand Chaplain. Carried. 140. V.W. rank for Grand Tyler. Carried. 141. Change in ballot procedure for D.D.G.M. Carried. 142. D.G.M. to act as D.D.G.M. with respect to Research Lodges. Carried. 143. Structure and powers of B. of G.P. Carried. 144. Trial procedure amendments. Carried. 145. Review structure of B. of G.P. and District Wardens. Tabled.