Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”
“I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”
Genesis 4: 8-12 N.I.V.
The Grand Lodge of Georgia has openly documented its policy of racial exclusion of “non-white men”.
In a court filing to the Superior Court of Dekalb county – civil action 09CV7552-8, are documents (attached below) which include the charges brought against the Worshipful Master of Gate City Lodge No. 2.
The charges as filled were quantified as a Violation of the Moral Law.
Specification 1 in this – That said worshipful master xx xx did in fact raise or allow to be raised in and about February 2009 in the lodge that he is the Worshipful Master, a non-white man, xx xx.
Specification 2 – This said worshipful master xx xx did commit overt act or acts against moral laws of Free and Accepted Masons and the moral duties as the Worshipful Master of Gate City lodge no 2 as follows:
- Violation of moral law from word of mouth
- Violation of moral obligation to the ancient landmarks, ancient customs, ancient traditions, ancient usages, constitution, laws and edicts working under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Georgia.
- Violation of moral official obligation was taken at the time of installation of officers.
- Violation of moral obligations of not upholding the charter of Gate City Lodge #2
- Violation of moral obligation of keeping peace and harmony in the craft by allowing the operation of a Cabal in Gate City Lodge #2
- Violation of moral obligation as pursuant to Masonic Code 1-104 without having obtained the sanction of the grand Lodge are hereby declared spurious and clandestine and of no Masonic authority whatsoever.
The Master of gate City Lodge, proclaiming his innocence, was then charged in the following manner.
Violation of the Laws of Masonry
Specification 1 In This: That said Worshipful Master xx xx did in fact embrace a formed Cabal to secretly unite to bring about and overturn with usurpation of the constitution, laws, ancient landmarks, customs and traditions of Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of ancient landmarks, customs and traditions of Free & Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of the grand Lodge of the state of Georgia, when he was elected Worshipful Master in December 2008.
Specification 2 in this – The worshipful master xx xx knowingly and willfully did in fact allow a raising of a non-white man in February 2009, which has never been done working under the jurisdiction of Grand Lodge of the state of Georgia. According to the old customs of the Grand Lodge of the state of Georgia which has existed continuously since February 21, 1734. After the fact, xx xx did allow parading xx xx to other Masonic Lodges, presenting him as a Master Mason accompanied by a letter dated February 25, 2008 on gate city Lodge#2 letterhead with the typed from xx xx xx, Grand Master.
Specification 3 In this: That the said worshipful Master xx xx did commit act or acts of destroying peace and harmony throughout the craft of Masonry in the state of Georgia.
Specification 4 in this: that said worshipful master xx xx of Gate City Lodge #2 did in fact knowingly and willfully commit this act or acts which is in conflict with the ancient landmarks and Masonic code sections 71-101, 4-101#6, 1-101, 1-201, 1-202, 1-205. Worshipful Master xx xx committed act or acts knowingly and willfully that conflicts with the ancient customs and traditions which are the immemorial usages and fundamentals of the craft which have existed from time immemorial and are unchangeable.
Specification 5 in this: That said worshipful Master xx xx of gate city lodge #2 must be tried by a trial of present and or past masters pursuant to Masonic code 83-401 and when found guilty of this charge of violation of the laws of Masonry as he would be under no less penalty than that established by Masonic code 21.106 and 21.107.
Masonic Law speak, the charges are based on committing act or acts of destroying peace and harmony, but involving the moral law as to the cabal behind the making of an “non-white” man a Mason. The disharmony seems to have stemmed from the “parading” of an African American Georgia Freemason, which is apparently now, a violation of their moral law. Never mind that the brother was made and recognized by the state, and never mind that he was acknowledged in a tiled lodge as such
Some speculation suggests that rather than drop the proceedings, the Grand Master will hold the trial to quell the misconception of racism and set the record straight, but this remains to be seen.
In the mean time, a civil filing by the Worshipful Master turned Plaintiff suggests that the Grand Lodge is in violation of its Non-Profit Status as it is now openly admitting that it discriminates based on race, which is against the public policy of the State. In the filing, it is also points out in several sections where the Grand Lodge is …an enemy of bigotry or intolerance… and also states the the Grand Lodge in leveling the charges is in violation of its contract with the member(s) when facing revocation of charters and membership privileges as members have a value property investment (contract) from their dues. Interesting to point out, the filing also says openly that “Upon information and belief, Plaintiffs show that there are currently in Georgia active, regular Master Masons of at least the following extractions in whole or in part: American Indians, East Indian, Arab/Lebanese/Egyptian, Persian/Iranian, Vietnamese, Chinese, non white Mexican/Hispanic, African-American, and Filipino, in addition to those of white/Caucasian ancestry.” So, now there seems to be a provision of the fraternity being not strictly white, which seems to countermand the white only exclusion.
The long and short of this convoluted tale comes squarely to rest on the odious claim that a “non-white man” can not be a Freemason.
I affirm, that racism is not tolerable, and bigotry, open or otherwise, is not included in our Moral Law. The brothers of Georgia are sorely mistaken in this assertion.
As I AM my brother’s keeper my “…brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground“. To let this go will put the fraternity under a curse that will send us “…driven from the ground”.
If not addressed this open proclamation could destroy the fraternity.
This is not Freemasonry in the 21st Century. This is not tolerable, on a personal level or from a Grand Lodge level, especially our Grand Lodges are an electable body from the craft lodge. Recognition of Georgian Freemasonry must be held in questioned especially if they are so ignorant to hold these ideas to be Moral Laws. If in fact they do then Recognition must be terminated.
We are our brother’s keepers and only have the Great Architect to answer to. How will we respond when he asks us how we addressed this?
More on the Gate City Lodge.
Thank you for posting this material.
For a video from Georgia about segregated proms: http://www.detentionslip.org/2009/05/segregated-prom-dance-remix.html
As one just entering the craft I find this kind of story very unsettling. Being Canadian I feel I have little understanding of the Civil rights movement in the USA, but find it unconcievable that an organization declaring themselves free thinkers, accepting of all, and believing so deeply in the fraternity of men, could allow this to happen. I truly feel sympathy for the men who believe a man should be judged first by his skin color, for they have not learned any of the fundamentals of freemasonry. In fact now that I think about it, given the location of Solomon’s Temple and it’s proximity to Africa, it would only make sense that African stonemasons were on site. Would I also be correct in thinking that Hiram was Persian?
Bro.Lightseeker,
Factually speaking Hiram would have been nothing because he never existed :0
Back to the original point the sad thing is that I believe these “Brothers” in Georgia I believe to be absolutley sincere in thier beliefs. They do believe with everything in them that Freemasonry is a White, Protestant boys club. They are acting in what they feel is a just and Masonic manner.
The profound misunderstanding of what Freemasonry is, where it began, and what it represents is only the tip of the iceberg. Who’s fault is it? This has been going on for over a century and what, now because of a publicized event we are up in arms?
Do not for one second believe that this incodent is isolated. It is rampant in the South. Only these lodges where stupid enough to put it in writing.
Amongst Prince Hall Masons we have the other side fo the coin. In Prince Hall there is a faction of racialist Islamofacists are a real problem. Let us not forget that racism is putrid, no matter what side of the isle it comes from it is not on line with Masonic morality.
Racism, sexism and homophobia are in direct opposition to Masonic morality and virtue.
Love and Life,
Raum
As a recent FC I am also disturbed by this. There is racism everywhere and it is true that no organization is perfect, but this is institutionalized racism and can not be condoned. Racism and freemasonry should be mutually exclusive.
being a brother of catholic faith from RI i know several brothers that are of all colors and creeds and ages BUT i call them ALL brother
Truly disturbing to the point that I needed to read that twice… I am an Army veteran and fairly new to the Craft, and I find this TRULY disturbing. There has to be more to this story because such activities and mind sets have to have more going on than what we know. Skin color is the most insane tenet by which to judge someone. Judgment should stem from actions and character. There is no “light” in any of this.
I am in Georgia and and shocked that this kind of thing, if true is going on. I am truly saddened.
Recognition needs to be pulled NOW from the Grand Lodge of Georgia. They are not Masons. I intend to agitate for this in Connecticut and hope everyone else of good faith does the same in their own state.
“Factually speaking Hiram would have been nothing because he never existed :0”
That is false. He writes this very comment to you, and he is a fair number of the men reading your words. Each Mason is Hiram Abif.
The rest of his comment is right on the money.
THANKS SOO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS!!
I have been painfully wrangling a racism issue within Missouri AF&AM Masonry.
Though it is denied by word, it is a Big silent Gorilla in the work. As a result, i have given up on the AF&AM Craft, and as soon as i can will be petitioning the PH Grand lodge to entry. I am saddened and embarrased by the remarks and conduct of PM’s and other, including those “Cheifs of Law Enforcment” who are members of the craft as they so gleefully bust loose with anti Black racial jokes and Demeanings. And their rages against Our “Black” “muslim” “Terrorist” “Usurper” of the Presidency, and bemoaning that
“any white person would be better”… makes me sick. Luckily i have the ability to not get up and leave or call them down rightly, which would bring all kinds of hell and regret as these are the powers players in the area.
I look foreward to the day when there will not be the aritficial man made
AF&AM vs F&AM vs PH vs APR fences, those things alone throw out all pretences to all the High Falutin Moralising.
James
Tis a sad day indeed when a few of the brethren of Georgia filed the charges
This man has been in attendance at lodge meals for several years and petitioned for membership. A committee was assigned and reported favorably the ballot was spread the the petition granted. In my view the Brethren of Gate City Lodge made the most advanced move in history in the last 100 years. There is nothing in our creed or laws that denotes a man;s skin color We are taught early on that it is the internal qualities that masonry regards. I my humble opinion I believe Gate City Lodges did the right thing by bringing in this brother. There are those in masonry in Georgia and every where else who never learned what Masonry is, none the less know how to practice it.
Great reporting Brothers..
Brother Staples you are not alone it happens in just about all states and not just the 10 or so that don’t try very hard to hide, it like Georgia or Alabama.
This is the biggest story to hit the Masonic community in a long time and has the greatest potential to force real change. The repercussions from this fubar will be felt for a long time. There is no denying it now, it was put in black and white (pun intended) when they stated “non-white man”.
Grand Master Jennings is either Brilliant by allowing this to happen, thus bringing it to the public in such a way that cannot be covered up, or the most ignorant individual I have ever seen.
I have seen elsewhere comments calling for the suspension of fraternal relations in Georgia over this. Keep in mind, the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge have done NOTHING as of yet, apart from allowing Masonic charges to proceed. No decisions have been made, no trial has been held. Further, it is my understanding that there are NO written portions of the Georgia Masonic code that prohibit black men from being made Masons. In light of the Grand Master’s letter explaining Brother Marshall’s proper membership, along with sitting with Brother Marshall in lodge, I do not believe MWBro. Jennings has any desire to see Gate City or its Master found guilty of any offense. I cannot help but believe it is most likely that the whole point of allowing these charges to be brought is to get this festering wound on the body of Georgia Masonry out on the table and dispensed with, once and for all.
Grand Master Jennings is deserving of our respect and trust. No one outside of Georgia has a right to know his plans or beliefs, but the Internet has made it impossible to keep these matters private anymore. The spotlight of the Masonic world is now pointed at him and at Georgia Freemasonry to see what happens next. That’s an uncomfortable spot to be in.
As abhorrent (not to mention ridiculous) as the situation is, Bro. Chris is correct in that no action has been taken – yet. While it’s possible that some of the GL officers are trying to sway or even punish Gate City 2, the fact is that nothing has yet taken place except the GL allowing a trial on charges. Let’s see what they do with that before calling for other GLs to de-recognize them.
Chris/Tom – I agree. This necessitates a wait an see approach, to an extent. The concern, I think that many are feeling, is that nature of the accusations being leveled and their contents. And, that in the reading of the civil filing, the expediency that they have been given.
Hopefully, as quickly as the trial is scheduled, it will be resolved favorably to quell the accusations and put this issue to pasture and remove the cowl of racism.
BeeHive, but does two individual Grand Lodge officers represent the Grand Lodge or the Grandmaster?
Brothers:
A wait and see attitude is fine. However, the media will not “wait and see”. Once you see the story in the New York Times, on Fox News, On CBS, In Time Magazine, go ahead and try to explain to outsiders that you are not a racist and a bigot who belongs to an outdated organization which fosters racial separation and hatred. See how you like being mentioned in the same breath with John Birchers and the like.
This grieves me greatly. How do I as a teacher to students of many races and backgrounds defend my membership in an organization which, when the story gets out, is labeled racist? The answer is I can’t. I will have to hide my membership. The ideals of the Fraternity are among the highest and most noble in practice today.
Just the thought that someone would bring such a charge is an abomination.
Garbage like this is sickening.
Curt Hawkes
Bretheren;
Even disgussing this shameful situation brings us,true masons, into disrepute.
Here in the UK we know of no reason why a man of any creed or race can not be made a mason. I believe that, the USA has, over the decades introduced such things as this and Prince Hall masons??
Why is it that there must be a differential in who can and can not be a mason?
I am a roman catholic mason, have been for 30 some years. I find it hard to understand WHY America introduces these shameful situations into masonry and disturbs the harmony that should exist amongst ALL masons.
I an not anti American before anyone claims that I am. infact I am eagerly awaiting the arival of a long time military brother whom I introducd to the craft in Scotland.
I just wish that all this sectairian rubbish could be oblitarated from the face of masonry and let us REAL, tolerant,fair minded men get on with what we became masons for.
Whilst on the subject can anyone explain to me why the US military have such sectarian events such the BLACK American week, MUSLIM American week etc etc
The one thing I have noticed is that they do not have a WHITE American week, is that in itself not racist??
Why do you have such lables as Irish American, Polish American etc etc.
Surely if you are American then you are American!! and you should be proud of it. I think this is why you have these racist probelms. We dont have Polish Scots or German Scots, you are either Scottish or NOT, live with it
Yours aye
Tom
What we are witnessing may very well be the end of Mainstream American Freemasonry as it exists today. The mass media will converge on this and
the cat will be out of the bag so to speak.
The truth is that 1000’s if not more Masons from all levels of responsibility have known about what has been going on and all they did was sit on thier hands.
I guess that is what happens when an initiatic school transforms into a “fraternity.”
Between this and the rampant pedophilia of the Royal Order of Jesters I don’t see how massive changes are not going to have to take place.
Love and Light,
Raum
Isn’t the Southern Poverty Law Center based in Georgia? Imagine if/when Morris Dees and company get a hold of this?
It would lead to economic collapse of the Grand Lodge of Georgia.
Love and Light,
Raum
Beehive wrote:
<>
You know Fred, I’ve investigated quite a lot on this story, long before I posted anything about it. I have been aware of what has been going on at Gate City for a couple of years now. Yes, I have ‘heard’ that two grand lodge officers instigated the filing of charges. NOT the Grand Master. NOT ‘the Grand Lodge.” TWO grand lodge officers.
IF there is impropriety in the way the charges proceed, IF there are shenanigans in the way the trial commission executes its duty (as there have been traces of already), IF the Master or the Lodge is found guilty of violating a non-existent ‘law” or some nebulous “moral law” that exists in the minds of Masons who want to keep their treehouse a white’s only club, THEN will I encourage MY OWN Grand Master to call for action to be taken by MY OWN Grand Lodge against Georgia.
But until something concrete happens in this case, I will report what I know, or say that I don’t know it all. And when something is my opinion, I will make that plain, as well. I repeat: I am inclined to give the Grand Master of Georgia the benefit of the doubt until he does something concrete to change that opinion. You don’t know what’s in his head anymore than I do. I am every bit as hot on this subject as you are, but you don’t know it all either, in spite of your posturing.
Hmm. Knifed by a formatting error.
Beehive wrote:
“Much of this information was readily available if you had chosen to investigate it more thoroughly before pronouncing what the motives of the Grand Master of Georgia are.”
You know Fred, I’ve investigated quite a lot on this story, long before I posted anything about it. I have been aware of what has been going on at Gate City for a couple of years now. Yes, I have ‘heard’ that two grand lodge officers instigated the filing of charges. NOT the Grand Master. NOT ‘the Grand Lodge.” TWO grand lodge officers.
IF there is impropriety in the way the charges proceed, IF there are shenanigans in the way the trial commission executes its duty (as there have been traces of already), IF the Master or the Lodge is found guilty of violating a non-existent ‘law” or some nebulous “moral law” that exists in the minds of Masons who want to keep their treehouse a white’s only club, THEN will I encourage MY OWN Grand Master to call for action to be taken by MY OWN Grand Lodge against Georgia.
But until something concrete happens in this case, I will report what I know, or say that I don’t know it all. And when something is my opinion, I will make that plain, as well. I repeat: I am inclined to give the Grand Master of Georgia the benefit of the doubt until he does something concrete to change that opinion. You don’t know what’s in his head anymore than I do. I am every bit as hot on this subject as you are, but you don’t know it all either, in spite of your posturing.
But that’s great! No matter who or which group instigated the trial, just the fact that a trial – based on these charges in particular – will take take place at all brings the whole situation to light. I can only see this as a good thing overall. I mean, really – how does anyone justify what they are doing, when presented like that?
Brad, are you still here? Oh, wait – I guess you’re going to mention that unless I pay your bills, then I can’t tell you, blah, blah, blah.
I don’t know what your perception of “American Freemasonry” is, but it’s obviously quite different than my own – or, I should add, that of pretty much most other Mainstream (and quite a few non-mainstream) Masons.
Be that as it may, Freemasonry is a fraternity. From the historic researchers that I keep running across, there is no evidence that it was anything else; anyone saying that it’s something mystical is probably referring to the claims of people who read something much more than was intended, or could be substantiated.
From the original article above: “The Grand Lodge of Georgia has openly documented its policy of racial exclusion of ‘non-white men’.”
This statement is already being cut & pasted to other sites on the Internet as though it is fact. I believe this to be a misleading statement. Actually, the civil filing makes a case for the exact opposite. Other than for GA Code excerpts used in the civil filing, I see no evidence that the GL of GA has “openly documented” anything at this point.
Report the news if you wish and provide commentary if you so desire – but please do not further inflame an already unpleasant scenario with things that just are not true.
I am curious as to why the Grand Master would write a letter supporting the raising of this brother, as has been reported, if he is in league with the racists. Then again on the Gate City No.2 website it is reported that one of their members Bro. Dave Herman resigned as District Deputy to the Grand Master a move apparrently spurred by the fact that the charges against his lodge were allowed to stand. Does anyon have any further insight on these matters?
Whomever filed the charges, they are not, if the documents in question are legitimate, legitimate charges or questions in and among themselves.
Or would someone here suggest that for the sake of putting to rest the idea that someone of the Jewish Race should not be a member of an officer line, due to “oral tradition” an argument should be aired? No sir, it should not.
The argument and indeed the charge is illegitimate.
African Americans can, should, and are Masons. Period.
Those white folk still living sixty years ago have lived too long already. It is no longer their Fraternity, or their world.
Aaron
Chris:
First of all I have the greatest respect for you and for the work you have done both for the Fraternity in general, and the knowledge of individual Masons in particular.
However, my point of view would be this:
Suppose at some CHIP event some anti-new world order nut made a charge of pedophilia or abuse against us (something very similar to which just happened to us involving a knife and a nut) with our local police department. The charge is of course illegitimate. Of course an investigation is carried out, we are forced to defend ourselves. There is much coverage in the newspaper, local television, etc. Without a doubt we are found innocent.
The charge was ignorant and without merit. And yet we were forced to defend ourselves in public because the police insisted upon investigating. In this hypothetical instance our reputations are damaged, the CHIP event is cast in a negative light. And Masonry looks very sketchy to some people. The nut looks like a nut.
There are differences in the Gate City affair. Those men who will be forced to defend themselves will come out looking virtuous in the public eye for there is never merit in denying a man something because of his race. The Fraternity itself will receive a black eye because of its racist members attempting to persecute an innocent man (men). Being charged by the media with being a racist is among the most serious of charges that can be brought in today’s environment. And any and all of us who fail to respond will be tarred by this.
There are many things about the situation I do not know. What I do know is that there is NO room for racism in Masonry. Public focus on it will cause enormous and potentially irreversible damage to the entire Fraternity. Therefore, I think we should all be up front in condemning the whole situation and the Grand Lodge of Georgia for allowing the charges and attendant media circus to go forward. Unless there is some very convincing explanation forthcoming very soon all Regular Grand Lodges should pull recognition. We can always kiss and make up if they rectify the situation or we discover ourselves to be in error.
But we may never recover from pervasive charges (and unjust ones where I live) of racial bigotry in the media, and on the internet.
Additionally, I could never explain to my High School Students many of whom are African Americans who I admire and respect greatly, that I belong to an institution that would even argue about, never mind keep out people because they are black. That is an abomination. And it is one they will never understand and ours will be an organization that they, black or white, would never consider joining. This is a very different world that that of post WWII.
Again, I mean this with the greatest respect and wish for many, many more years of your fine work.
Fraternally,
Curt Hawkes
I see the the seeds of the past are still being planted. Masonry in her finest hours should NOT have any color lines, but this is the better pill that had been dealt. Still in this day and age, men are carrying the beliefs of their fathers and grandfathers. That is no recognition of men, (who practice Freemasonry) who are descendents of slaves….
So glad i am not alone in my opinions against racism. I have to admit, in many ways i am in very sparce company. At least in my geographical local.
I was going to really do radical and have my PH WM and his line and hopefully The PH GM attend my Installation to the East. “Interesting thing happened on the way to the arena”… as they say. After 6 months of being told i would be Installed and making arrangements for the event. Suddenly 2 days before “Elections” I happended to stop by our Sec and he bemoaned that as i had not “Held an Elected Office”… ( when i was SD the JW left and i was voted By Acclamation to take over, guess that didn’t count) then moved to SW
as the WM left and the SW never showed up so i ended up Pro Tem for 4 months.
He stated as i had not been Elected i could be not put in the East. Over and Over about 5 times he claimed “But i have no idea what will happen during Elections”. Yeah right. Well, the night came, and several men who do not usually show up came in. Somehow, during the Elections, the New WM ended up with a 11-1 vote, he had only been a member of the lodge officially for 3 weeks as we absorbed his lodge the month before. That the Deacons passing out the ballots had to tell those getting the ballots who to vote for AND how to spell is name i found kinda wierd. HMMM i wonder who it was that didn’t vote for him? oH yeah… me, the guy sitting in the west. Then when SW came up, one of the Deacons passing out the ballots told all present, “Brother so and so has not been here in several months to be SW or WM pro tem, but said he would be tickled pink to be SW again this year to be able to be more ready for WM after that”. That i was sitting there i guess mattered not as a visiting DDGL ‘reminded him he is not to recommend anyone’. Just for the hell of it i voted for myself, seemed abit self serving though. But at least i did not have to be told who to vote for or how to spell thename again, leaving the deacons free to lend their services to those who needed it.
11-1 again… HMMM wonder who this idiot is who is not voting right with all the help going around? o yeah, me. Then, came JW, which the DDGL who is also our SEC told me he would “be all for” me having, came up, just for the heck opf it i took 2 ballots… wrote my name on one and someone else’s on the other, but for the heck of it kept the one with not my name on it.
Wow! Everyone voted for me, and i was glad to because the deacons had a heck of a time pointing to me and helping some of the men spell my name;
“j-a-m-e-s- s-t-a-p-l-e-s- he is over there sitting in the SW station”.
Well, i guess that at least they won’t have to worry about radical ol me
discoloring our pertyful lodge this year.
Somehow i think something went wrong that night. A person who never misses a meeting, sent to the back of the class, and those who never showd up being set ahead. But somehow i think racism is not a problem that should get first efforts for work.
James, who on the brighter side find this all a wonderful Buddhist lesson in Non Attatchment and Humility.
I am the Current Master of Ocean Lodge #214 F & A.M. of Brunswick Georgia. I have just left our regular communication. At this communication this topic was discussed. A motion was made, a ballot was taken and passed to send a resolution to The Grand Lodge of Georgia demanding that Grand Lodge discharge and dismiss the charges against The Worshipful Master of Gate City Lodge # 2. The Brother was found to be of good moral character following Masonic investigation and met each and every challenge placed before him and was righfully elected by Golden City Lodge #2 to receive the degrees. Being that all criteria was met under the Grand Lodge of Georgia the work should and must stand.
The days of ignorance and prejudice have not passed in the profane world. However, they have no place in Free Masonry of Georgia as they are unsupported by any of the tenants taught by our fraternity.
Fraternally Yours,
D. Michael Roberts
Curt, I don’t disagree with you. IF this gets tried in the media, the fraternity will get another black eye. One more reason why the issue needs to be resolved quickly, with forcefulness and clarity. The ball is in the GM’s court.
Greetings all:
First and foremost, Hiram did exist. We did have Hiram of Tyre. Actually, Hiram is just an adjective describing someone of goodness. Hiram Abiff does not exist. There is no biblical mention of him.
Second thing, the Order has another dark cloud that has been placed upon it. It is sad to say, but we need to come together even more so and Pray for those who oppress us. Let us not point fingers, but let us PUSH (pray until something happens) greater that is in God’s will. We are approaching the day of celebration of St. John the Baptist. We all should remember how great of man he was, so let us imitate our lives as of such. We have been battling our oppressors way before the Civil Rights Movement in the 60s and we overcame and this to shall pass.
Fraternally yours,
WM, PHA
Brother Roberts –
I would agree with you to an extent. I am a Past Master under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Georgia. Gate City Lodge and their Master did nothing wrong in regards to raising a black man. Now, in my opinion the charges should not have been filed in the first place, but they have and they must go through the trial process. However Gate City jumped the gun and basically tossed the Masonic trial process out the window and filed suit in a civil court. That is unmasonic, it violates your obligation, and further violates the Master’s oath of office. This should have not been put into the civil courts. They should have followed the Masonic Code and let the process work. The Grand Master already declared in writing that he is regular and should be received as such.
I am appalled that Gate City Lodge and the WM of the Lodge filed suit. I believe charges should be brought on that basis and on that basis only.
With Fraternal regards.
I stand by what I said. why would any Grand Master permit the charges to go to trial if he knew them to be bogus? Why would he permit the trial to be removed from the local Lodge and transferred to him? There is no indication that if the trial were held in Gate City 2 that the Lodge would convict its Master but there is every indication that they would not which is why a WM was recruited to remove the trial from Gate City 2. Why did not The GM return the trial to the local Lodge? Why is the GM holding the trial in a little 8 X 8 office?
WHY DID THE DISTRICT DEPUTY RESIGN IN PROTEST?
Chris what I can say is that my investigation reveals multiple harassment of Gate City 2 – not one or two but many emanating from Grand Lodge. This is very much of a long drawn out battle – a record of continuous beating up on this Lodge.
Now try as you might to convince me that nobody knows what’s in the mind of the GM, these actions speak for themselves. And they show a continuous effort to discredit and silence this Lodge and its members. I don’t know what is in the mind of President Obama either but I can get an idea of what he will permit and what he won’t permit by his actions.
To say a Grand Master has been presiding over Grand Lodge and yet he doesn’t know all these happenings are going on is just not believable. His refusal to stop this harassment says a lot about the man. And those who are saying that the GM is just doing this to bring this all out into the open are also attributing motives to the man. How do they know that?
Don’t you have to ask yourself why a GM would allow this to go to trial with all the negative publicity that will ensue? Is not the very act of allowing accusations which you know to be false to go forward a statement of your position in the matter? By pursuing this course has not the GM severely damaged the reputation of the Craft – WHEN THAT WAS NOT NECESSARY. All he had to do is rule the charges bogus and publish a proclamation that racism is not part of Freemasonry in Georgia and Black men are very welcome. And while he is at it he could open negotiations to recognize Prince Hall. Did he do that?
To give both sides an equal and fair shot by permitting a trial is to endorse the doctrine of moral equivalency – that racism is just another belief worthy of being decided upon by a majority vote or a trial of an accused peers. Letting the trial proceed only gives legitimacy to the claim that non whites cannot be raised in Georgia or will not be permitted to do so. It also results in a great deal of fanfare and publicity all over the pages of the press when once again – this whole matter could have been settled quickly and quietly by a forceful action on the part of the GM. Ordering a trial now gives equal validity to the claims of both sides.
All these factors say a lot about the sitting GM.
And those who say well let’s see what the other side has to say, let’s hear what the GM says and why he is doing what he is doing. Well you can wait until hell freezes over before a GM is going to tell an outsider what and why he is doing what he is doing or justify his action to anybody. That’s never going to happen. Did it happen in West Virginia?
Ultimately if this whole mess turns out favorably it will be because of the publicity given to the Georgia happenings of which Freemason Information has played no small part.
Worshipful Master and Brothers of Gate City Lodge #2:
I was forwarded some information about your current “situation” and found it so incredible that I checked your website.
Please know at “all regular Masons” should stand with you in opposing any attempt to limit or hinder the membership in our Fraternity of ” men of age, professing a belief in God, who are of good report and well recommended”.
As the 93rd Presiding Master of King Hiram’s Lodge, AF & AM, Chartered 12 Dec 1795 by MW Paul Revere, himself!. I express my outrage at the treatment surrrounding of your Bro. SS Victor Marshall. I congratulate him on appointment as an officer; may he serve with equal pleasure to himself and honor to the Fraternity.
In Fraternal Affection.
Ralph E. Desmond, WM
Ralph. E. Desmond 508 487-1881
Presiding Master
King Hiram’s Lodge, AF & AM
Provincetown MA
Chartered – 12 Dec 1795 by M. W. Paul Revere
http://www.KingHiramsLodge.org
http://www.CapeCodMasons.org
I went to a dinner meeting of a PH lodge in Iraq. My grand Lodge found out, and suspended me for a year. Incidents of this nature make me ashamed to be a Mason. Maybe we can work together, and put racism behind us.
While I enjoy the free flow of information, it should be mentioned that simply put we do not discuss what was spoke about in open lodge.
Brother Martin! WTF? suspended? My son is AF&AM, and on the spur of the moment found out about a “Masonic Meeting” In Kabul, while he was about 200 miles away on the AF/Pak border with the 82nd. His CO ok’d him to drop what he was doing and go. From what i hear, it was a PH, but even without someone to vouche, he was tried and let in. You would think in such extemity cases, the walls of retardation, and i did use that word correctly in both sences; an ” Atta Boy” “thanks for representing us” would be appropriate. My son is an sensitve and extremist when it comes to bullsht;
and any hint of racism would have caused him to chuck his craft affiliation altogether. Like me, he want to be a “Good Mason”; which means,
NO race crap! We were talking just the other night and i told him i had “had enough” of the race crap, which he has not “Thank TGAOTU” seen here yet,
and was going to change my affiliation to PH. He says i would do better to take advantage of the fact that we CAN meet and Work together and be an active bridge between the two, (perhaps if i work harder on the bridge it will have enough wieght to crush down the fence for later generations)
So, i agree with him. I should be “Tolerant of Intolerance” and build between the 2 rather than be another source of the problem.
James
Sorry, Fred. But I stand by my statements. All we have are documents, and the history of actions by men in PAST years concerning Gate City Lodge. Until GM Jennings sees this through the grand lodge process, I give him the benefit of the doubt.
And I’m guessin’ no amount of vitriol from outside of Georgia is going to influence ANY decision that gets made.
Let me put it another way: if you were the GM, and you knew your decisions were up for a general review by the assembled voting members of the grand lodge at the annual communication, wouldn’t you make damned sure that you followed the rules, stuck to the written code, and performed your job in such a manner that your decision wasn’t voted down and your work eradicated?
As for Gate City going to the civil court, I absolutely disagree with that action—except that it seems to have been done because the trial commission deliberately moved their meeting from the lodge to what amounts to a broom closet to reduce the number of members who could attend, and they SEEM to have deliberately scheduled the meeting for when the WM was known to be going out of town. If the trial commission was intractable about the date and place of the meeting, Gate City had little choice. Again, if the Grand Master was seen interfering in the process, the entire result could very well be questioned and tossed out by grand lodge as improper.
I am well aware that all of this may be hogwash, and that the plan all along may have been to uphold the white’s only unwritten “moral law” policy of Georgia. I’m not a complete moron. But all any of us outsiders have are these pieces of paper to examine, and no action taken yet. The Internet has made us all very impatient (How long ago did Frank Haas file his court case, and still it has not yet gone to trial? How long ago did the Grand Lodge of Ohio file its case against Halcyon Lodge, and still no trial?). If and when the results of these actions are decided, THEN it will be time to demand our grand lodges censure Georgia for its policies. But the opportunity exists here for change to happen, if we all stay calm and let it take place. Masonic jurisprudence is slow, deliberate and frequently inscrutable. It is designed to make sure fast, emotional changes can’t be made imprudently. It is also the most misunderstood aspect of Freemasonry. All of that can be abused to conspire against what should be common sense. Nevertheless, there is a process. See it through before we gather our pitchforks and torches.
Aye Brother Chris Hodapp
Tis a wise choice to let it run the gauntlet. Masonry has faced trial before and will not doubt face more in the future. I am confident that no Georgia law exist on paper that would deny a man membership based on skin color.
To bring this to civil court is to slap masonry in the face. Some one did not answer the questions in the preparation room honestly nor did they take the obligation as binding. We have the means and methods of dealing with wrong doing and when initiated it has worked for a couple hundred years. Masonry has no place in civil court and the brethren who brought the charges are not masons in my opinion, although they may carry a card, they have not learned the real truth of masonry.
The very act of bringing it into public light has already cast a bad name on the masons of the state of Georgia. Whether guilty or not the guilt will be presumed by the news already posted. It is my wish that the world at large knows that all the masons in Georgia are not racist and most are not even racially biased.
Again the minority within the majority has brought trouble down upon us even if they lose the civil suit, Georgia masons will be known as racist. What a pity. But as you so aptly put. Let the course of action run it’s course. The more coals we heap on the fire the hotter it gets.
Just works from an old man who has seen the beauty of masonry in the hearts of men of all walks of life, race and creed.
Regards
ole Blake
Ahh I see. A civil case is a slap in the face of Masonry. Instead I suppose they should just be able to handle their own “business” in house as they have done up untill this point?
What would be sweet justice (IMHO) would be for the UGLE to pull recognition. I wold then wager we would see the majority of lemmings tow the line.
If a GL does it, it has to be right.
Love and Light,
Raum
No, Brad. A civil case is normally the LAST resort, not the first. And the Court will be the first to tell you that. Historically in cases involving churches, fraternal groups and other organizations that have their own internal rules and jurisprudence procedures, the courts overwhelmingly steer clear of them, at least until the internal justice process of the group is completely exhausted.
In this case, Gate City is asking the court to intervene and prevent the Grand Lodge of Georgia from taking any action against them. That is NOT going to happen. No judge is going to issue such an order without Gate City first going through the process of the grand lodge’s trial and appeal process. The reasoning is, hey, you might win. You might come out unscathed. Give everybody the chance to be honorable before you go to court.
I don’t look for the Court to step in to this bucket of molasses. I could be wrong. But it’s not time yet.
For those of you who object to the court case, it was the last straw desperation move of a Mason that was getting railroaded. Its purpose was to buy time to perhaps bring public pressure and pressure by other Masons and to publicize the happening. When you take the case to civil court, the requirements require “full disclosure.” Thus all documents become public documents.
It’s basically a holding action in an action you are going to lose if you sit back and follow proper Masonic procedure. If you feel you are right and are being railroaded, you might do the same thing.
All the power and all the ability to expel even a Brother in the right rests with Grand Lodge. The deck is stacked. Chris, you should be the first person to know that.
Why don’t we see what happens. There will be plenty of time to respond.
Anyone who disagrees with bringing this issue into the courts and the light of public scrutiny because it is “unmasonic” reads as a bit of a blowhard.
The masonic courts were the place to settle this? Because they’ve done a pretty good job routing out racism in the past?
I am not a fan of the courts intervening in the matters of private organizations, but when the organization in question has so consistently shown an inability to govern itself in accordance with the principles is purports to represent, intervention is appropriate.
It is especially appropriate when that organization, as in the case of the Grand Lodge of Georgia is claiming tax exemptions. You can’t invoke the benefits of the system when it comes to taxes and then try to shirk the burden
when the courts become involved.
Furthermore, the curious faith in the Grand Lodge and in Brother Jennings seems a bit more than is deserved. The letter he wrote confirming Victor Marshall’s regularity and the appropriateness of his raising is a point of praise for the Grand Lodge? How generous of the Grand Lodge to weigh in on the “question” of whether or not a black man might actually be a legitimate master mason. Supporting the men of Gate City in doing the right thing simply isn’t enough. Its merely confirming that doing good is acceptable, not condemning wrongdoing.
If the Grand Lodge wants to come out of this clean, they cannot stop at merely vindicating Gate City they must take real steps to route out racism in Georgia masonry.
The first action should be against the two men who preferred the charges against Gate City.
Next against those lodges who openly practice racism. I’ll refer you all to this little gem from Fergus Lodge 135, no doubt among those Jennings letter was directed toward:
http: // www. ferguslodge135 . com/ [editors note – the site has since been taken down and no archive exists of the page]
Just below announcements about the local shrine is the following:
“The Grand Lodge of Georgia has accepted a Black man as a Mason in Georgia via Gates City Lodge Number 2. (scroll to see)”
Following this concerted effort against open racism in the jurisdiction should come a real discussion at the next communication of the Grand Lodge of Georgia to effect permanat change in the jurisdiction, followed by a vote to remove any Grand Lodge officers who don’t lend their full throated support to the effort.
Perhaps most important is what the effect of airing this whole issue should be on masonry across the nation. I think each of us should stop an really examine our feelings on the issue of the fraternity’s embarrassing relationship with race.
If you worry that this will be a stain on the image of masonry, you’re wrong, this is a chance to wash away a stain we’ve allowed to endure for too long.
If you are ashamed or embarrassed by whats happened, you should be. But that shame isn’t at the hands of the men of Gate City Lodge, its at the hands of all of those in the masonic community who preferred injustice and intolerance to endure in secret because we were to “masonic” to bring it to light.
Don’t just comment here! Tell the Grand Lodge how you feel. http://www.glofga.org is the Grand Lodge of Georgia site. Please keep this topic active and send a message to the Grand Lodge of Georgia.
I apologize for getting carried away.
I do think that this will turn out well but really only because of all the publicity that has been generated. I don’t know what conclusions will be drawn when that happens but in the end if all turns out well I don’t really car
“…The Grand Lodge of Georgia has openly documented its policy of racial exclusion of “non-white men”…” I am a GA mason and have never come across, read, or seen anything of that nature. As far as I know, racial exclusion is an unwritten ‘policy’, but no where to be found in the official web site of the GLoGA, nor the Masonic Code. Please provide you readers with the “documented policy”.
I must also add, that many jurisdictions practice racial exclusion, not just GA (and AL, since those are the only two mentioned in comments here). It is wrong policy, but some of us are “coming around” and have begun to accept that racism has no place in our lodges. We know there are “non-white” men who are already members of the GLoGA (Arab, Latino, Amerindian, Asian, etc etc); not to mention men of mixed race. It is time for GA masons (and others) to enter the 21st century.
Having a “holier than thou” attitude toward all GA masons is of no help. Most probably agree that a civil action was premature on the part of the brother who was charged. The GM of GA might have a purpose in allowing the charges to be brought. Perhaps he too feels it’s time for the issue to be brought to the forefront; therefore allowing the charges and a trial. Perhaps he feels that a trial will bring the natural conclusion that the charges are spurious and the brother will be found not guilty. I believe that would be the outcome; due to the charges being rather outrageous to begin with.
We should whisper words of encouragement to our brothers.
I spent 7 years active in Georgia Masonry, painting the whole Grand Lodge of Georgia and all the good Masons in that state as racists because of this one incident is wrong. Some of the finest Masons I have ever met were in Georgia. We don’t know all the facts, that being the case we need to keep our peace and let the good Masons of the state of Georgia work this out. Just my humble opinion, I speak for no one but myself.
My only thoughtrs are that the Worshipful Master of Gate City Lodge knew he was in violation of not only his obligation as a Master Mason but also as a Worshipful Master, and should be man and mason enough to suffer the consequences. Surely he knew he would be disrupting the peace and harmony of the craft.