The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-06-05
THE MASONIC GRAND LODGE
A Rite Not Recognizing the Existence OF q cd
Declared to he Not "A Masonic Rite.

Tho Masonic Temple was filed yesterday
by distinguished craftsmen who had assembled
10 attend tho annual session OF the Grand
Lodge. At o'clock Grand Marshal John C.
Book proclaimed from the platform that the
Grand Master ana his stan were about 10 enter
the hall. Everybody arose and remained
standing while the procession. headed by the
Grand Master advanced up the aisle. The OIL
GERS and the distinguished representatives OF
other Grand Lodges took their seats In the
east. All that were not members Of the Grand
Lodge were obliged to retire. and then the SOL
emn ceremonies OF opening began.
The music was unusually fine. George T.
Sargent rendered baritone solo with capital
taste The chorus. under the direction Of Ed
ward HOPKINS. elected hearty applause at tho
close Of It's efforts. The organ was played by
james Pearce. NJ. b.. who concluded the must
cal exercises with the Hallelulah Chorus.
Tho Grand Lodge WIS afterward declared
Tho address OF tho Grand Master was lis
tened TO with attention. He said that in
payment Of lodge dues, there had been de-
cision rendered by the Grand Master in 1876. in
these words: His dues continue to accrue
against him after such unafiliation." Tho
speaker considered the question at some length.
concluding that the decision u 1896 Is contrary
early determination Of the question. urging rs
an additional reason that owing TO long-con-
tuuel depression IN tie business ana industry
OF the country. the number OF unaiilated Ma
sons in our midst is unusually large.
Several proposed amendments TO the consti-
tuition and statutes were discussed. Five
OF them received an affirmative vote at the last
annual Communication OF the Grand Lodge.
and will come up at this session for final action.
Two Of these relate TO the Trustees Of the Hall
and Asylum Fund; the third provides for the
continuance OF the htty-cent tax" ana If 1t re-
ceiVes confirmation, Will provide sure way Tor
the payment of tho debt incurred in tho cree
ton OF the Masonic Temple; the fourth changes
the constitutional provision for amending the
statutes by max lng majority suiiice, IN place
OF tho twO-third vote now required; tho fifth
imposes certain restri Lotions upon the discretion
of the Grand Master IN granting dispensatOns
10 form new lodges.
In addition 10 these, seven other amendments
TO the statutes have been proposed, one Of which
was discussed at length 10y the Grand Master.
1t was proposed TO add the following TO one Of
the sections: Nor shall any lodge eNpend any
portion OF its receipts from initiation or affili-
alton fees Tor any purpose other than the relief
of the sick, destitute and needy, the burial Of
aS[Pafed Snes Or T Was he oyn,on
tho speaker that the Grand LO-ge had
no, bower to interfere with ne, ne imam man;
the constitution vests all general governmental
powers in the Grand Lodge and conicrs local
| governmental powers upon the subordinate
over all matters relating to its Internal con-
Germs" He concluded, therefore, that tho pro
| posed amendment might suitably be considered
| IN the subordinate lodge, but certainly not in
| the Grand Lodge
Extended reference was made 10 tho sever
| ance OF connection several years ago with the
| Grand Orient of France, The difference arose
only on 4 purely goyernmental question, Since
! then" the Grand Master said. strange reports
| have reached us, from time TO time. OF depart
| ures from the traditions and customs OF our
| fraternity. until finally the iniormation comes
| that they now profess a Masonry that
| ignores tho existence OF God, and when II
report comes TO rs that certain parties profess
| to practise Masonic rite Ia which there IS no
God, we unhesitatlngly declare that such rite
Is not Masonic. and 10 call 1t SO Is an utter per-
version OF terms; for in the full light OF our
symbolism, OF our traditions. and OF our world
wide precepts and charges, we know iuli wen
| That no atheist can DO made Mason, and that
no Goddess temple can be- erected on the ioun-
dation Of ancient FreemasOnry"
Altor the address tho Grand Secretary, James
NJ Austin, NJ. d.. presented his annual report
| showing the receipts for tho past year to have
been s9i 800. and that there nre now 81 ,29t
names in good standing in the State.
Tho report OF Treasurer Gregory ,SatterleG
| showed that the Trustees Of tho Hall and
| Asylum had paid oil between $4,000 and
329. 900 OF the debt upon tho Temple.