New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1878-12-04
God in Masonry.

God in Masonry.
John Guthrie, in his address, as Grand
Master, to the Grand Lodge of Kansas,
on the above subject, said:
In September, 1877, tho Grand Orient
of France eliminated from its constitu-
ton the cardinal perquisite of Masonry
the belief in God and the Immortality
OF souls. While the grand Lodge will be
always anxious to receive in the most
fraternal spirit the brethren of any tore
ign Grand Lodge whose proceedings are
conducted accordingto the Ancient Land
marks of the order in which belief in
the Grand Architect is the first and most
Important, it cannot recognize as true
and genuine brethren any initiatedLodges
which thus deny or ignore that belief.
On this vital question cannot express
my views better than to adopt the Ian
guage of an ancient Grand Master Of
sister Jurisdiction: cit is the entrance
into Free-masonrY that should be especi-
ally and strictly guarded. The profane
who seeks admission has before him
difficulties to meet. he has no right to
expe It that the wav is TO be made easy to
him when the landmarks are set up for
the protection Of the brethren. The wis
dom and experience of ages have sane.
toned and made unalterable these land
marks, and it is impossible that they can
be modified to suit the whim, caprices,
tastes, or imperfectlon of one who has no
companionship with the craft. The
prosperity of Freemasonary depends on
the strict cheerful obedience to the land
marks. If they are subordinate to the
wishes or in compliance with the inter-
csts of those who are not of the Craft, the
foundation of the Fraternity will be no
stronger than the changing opinions of
men who have no association with the
Fraternity. This is so absurd that it
ought not to be spoken of only to show
the peril and ruin that must come if the
fundamental principles are dlsregarded.
The world is filled with examples which
such causes have produced, and the pro-
lection Of our Institution from like fate
is found in the fact that it rejects absol-
utelyand refuses to follow such examples.
During the past year the Grand Lodges
of England, Ireland. Scotland, and Egypt
have marked this action Of the Grand
Orient of France with their disapproval,
and severed their fraternal relations. So
far as | have been advised every Grand
Lodge that has met in America during
this time has dissolved its relations with
the Grand Orient of France The North
ern and Southern Supreme Councils OF the
A. and A. S. Rite have also taken such
action. I know this Grand Lodge will
stand faithfully by the ancient Landmarks
of the Craft, and l trust it will
take such action promptly and
explicitly, but deliberately. as will
vinaicate the integrity OF the Craft, and
unite the Grand Lodge with every other
power in the Masonic world No atheist
can be made Mason, and it follows that
we can have no fellowship with atheists
and irreligious ibertines."
4 committee was appointed on this
part of the address, who reported a series
Of preambles, and the following resolu-
ii )ns, which were adopted.
Resolped, That the Grand Lodge of
Kansas views with surprise and profound
regret the unwarranted action taken by
the Grand Orient of France in eliminat-
ing from her affirmation Of Masonic
principles the solemn declaration of
sincere belief in God and the immortality
of the soul, such action being in direct
opposition to the fundamental principles
of Freemasonry as taught and believed
among us, and being in opposition to the
Ancient charges and Landmarks of the
fraternity. -aTs
Reso!ved, That this Grand Lodge, in
consequence OF the late action of the
Grant Orient of France, does hereby re-
affirm the action heretofore had in the
severing of all Masonic intercourse with
the said Grand Orient of France
Res0lued. That the Grand Lodge will
not recognize as true and lawful Masons
any persons hailing from Lodges under
the Grand Orient of France, and all
Lodges in this Jurisdiction are hereby
directed not to admit as visitors any such
persons. zf!36
In order for the uninitiated to fully
understand the meaning and purport Of
these resolutions, we will state that in
IT'LL the ancient grand lodge Of France,
declared extinct,was formally replaced by
body called the Grand Orient of France,
but continued to work separately until
June, 1898, when it was soleranly incor-
porated with the Grand Orient, which has
continued until the present time, though
1t has been placed out of communication
with many grand lodges from some ex-
traordinary deviations from established
rules.
Several months ago the Grand Orient
of France solemnly resolved that thew
would no longer recognize the existence
Of God in any Masonic rites. Consider. 4
ing that Masonry is eminently a religious
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