Ashlar Chippings – The Square Magazine

Symbolic Masonic Penalties

During 1964 the lengthy argument about whether or not it was appropriate for penalties, symbolic though they were, should be included in the wording of the obligations.

The argument became quite fierce at times at all levels from private lodges to the Grand Lodge itself. The image here is a small portion of one of the letters dated 15th October 1964 showing the tenor of argument:

Penalties Letter

IMAGE CREDIT: Hugh O’Neill

The upshot was that Grand Lodge debated the matter and issued an instruction that lodges should decide for themselves whether or not to use a ‘permissive variation’ of the obligation with the penalties removed from the wording of the obligation but explained later in the ceremony.

Lodges then voted on the matter; some for and some against the permissive variation. Some, like my own, voted to try the variation for a period and revisit the question later. In our case after five years, as with other lodges, the decision was to revert to the traditional form.

However, in 1984 Grand Lodge mandated that the permissive variation was to become permanent and so it is. Grand Lodge, cognisant of the reasons behind rule 155 Book of Constitutions, avoided imposing any particular words, leaving that to each lodge to determine for itself.

Eligibility? – It depends.

I am reminded of a story, within my own experience, of a bright young Candidate, who on being asked “Do you believe in God ?” hesitated a moment and said “Well, it depends on what you mean by God”. The Committee were momentarily shocked by what seemed to be a rather careless or casual reply. But the W.M. remained unruffled – and very quietly he continued:-

“No, Mr …….. it depends on what you mean by God”.

The Candidate was a good talker, but he talked himself out of that lodge, and was not admitted.

Extract from Bro H Carr, AQC vol. 83, ‘Non-Conforming Candidates’, pp. 380/381

Provincial AGMs During COVID-19 Suspension

During a normal summer recess, it is common practice for Provinces to hold their Annual General Meetings. This year, the suspension prohibits these occasions.

Some provinces will perforce be expecting to replace a resigning Provincial Grand Master. Book of Constitutions rule 63, details the appointment by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master by his patent. However, although the patent may be issued, this rule holds that it cannot come into full effect until the Provincial Grand Master Designate has been installed at the first Provincial Grand Lodge, which he has summoned, after his appointment.

So, the current Provincial Grand Master having resigned and his prospective successor having received the patent, the rule prevents him from exercising the normal functions of that office until he is installed – what now?

The answer lies in rule 64, whereby the Deputy Provincial Grand Master is endowed with those powers as ‘Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge’. The procedure is a well trodden path when a Provincial Grand Master leaves office for any of a number of reasons before his term of office has expired.

This would appear to remain so in this case of suspension preventing the installation taking place. In many instances a current Deputy may be the Prov GM designate but under these two rules he cannot be entitled to the designation of Prov GM until he has actually been installed at the above mentioned Provincial meeting.

Further, rule 3 allows ‘substituted authorities’ (which can be interpreted as including a Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge) to act in Grand Lodge with the same validity as the brother he represents.

So, without so much as a blink, the rules of UGLE cover, with clarity and simplicity, a matter which some may see as deeply complex.

Article by: Hugh O'Neill

Past Master of Craft lodges under the constitution of the United Grand Lodge of England.

Member (Master 2022-2023) of Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076, the world’s premier Masonic research lodge.

Masonic historian and orator on Masonic topics.

Symbolic Masonic Penalties

During 1964 the lengthy argument about whether or not it was appropriate for penalties, symbolic though they were, should be included in the wording of the obligations.

Penalties Letter

IMAGE CREDIT: Hugh O’Neill

Eligibility? – It depends.

Provincial AGMs During COVID-19 Suspension

During a normal summer recess, it is common practice for Provinces to hold their Annual General Meetings. This year, the suspension prohibits these occasions.

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