Stealth

I recently found out something so to get to the point yes or no answers please
Here is a question for all;

Are the terms clandestine, irregular, and unrecognized considered Landmarks by GL Jurisdictions?

grandsecretary

This forum does not allow simple yes or no answers, you meed a minimum number of words.

NO.

Stealth

This is not the entire proceeding just a segment. I find it funny that it was created in 1921. Terms clandestine, unrecognized, irregular became such a thing with msm......

In October, 1921, a convention of the International Masonic Service Associations was held in Geneva, Switzerland, at which a system of determining regularity was adopted. Naturally the English system governed and seven tests were set by which regularity could be measured. This has become the measure of regularity the world over. These are:

That it was regularly established by three or more recognized Lodges or legalized by one or more recognized Grand Lodges;
That it is independent and self-governing and exercises supreme and exclusive jurisdiction;
That it limits membership to men, believing in a S.A.O.T.U., and obligated on the book of sacred law recognized by the initiate;
That it requires the display of the three great lights in every Lodge at work;
That it bars controversial, political, and religious questions from its Lodges;
That it is founded upon and adheres to the ancient landmarks, customs, and usages of the Craft;
That it does not maintain fraternal intercourse with bodies which violate these principles.
Let it be noted that religion and politics are forbidden as a matter of discussion in a regular lodge. The participation of women is forbidden. Racial lines are supposedly eradicated. This last step has been often referred to by Mason and profane alike as the tie that has held the British Empire together. The doctrine of exclusive jurisdiction has been adopted by all North American Grand Lodges and has resulted in the lodges formed among negro Americans, they (being branded irregular and clandestine) have been deprived of the privilege of regular membership by the use of the ballot in individual lodges.

The use of the ballot is a landmark and must be used to protect the peace and harmony of the fraternity socially, intellectually, religiously, politically, and influentially. It may well be said that the ballot should not be used to determine physical qualifications such as color. But what of the Doctrine of the Perfect Youth: which bars the non-male. the mentally impaired, the crippled, and the under aged?

We should have a common religious faith, too, often glibly referred to as a belief in the Grand Architect of the Universe. We should not have the absolutism of the Scandinavian or Eclectic system confining its members to Christianity, the intolerance of the Roman system with the primary purpose of preserving a ruling hierarchy, the fanaticism of the Moslem, promising physical rewards for earthly morality, or the liberality of the agnostic who (heavenly in his desire to please all) allows the atheistic nonbeliever to crawl under the tent of Masonry as is so woefully exemplified by the Grand Orient of France and its adherents. We should make Deity truly the point within the circle around the perimeter of which is room for every sect or opinion which acknowledges the Fatherhood, of God and the Brotherhood of Man.

Proceedings of the Seventh
Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference
Rocky Mountain Consistory No. 2
Denver, Colorado
July 11th 1958

grandsecretary

This is an example of an all too often used device which causes confusion between rules and regulations and Landmarks of the Order.

If a Grand Lodge can persuade the Masonic world that its rules or regulations are Landmarks then it provides that Grand Lodge with the right to determine what is and what is not Freemasonry.

The rules and regulations for "recognition" as adopted by the Grand Masters of Masons of North America, The Commission on Information for Recognition are certainly not Landmarks, particularly as the United Grand Lodge of England (referred to as "the English System") itself has never complied with its own requirements in relation to items 1,2 & 6 in your list above.

jpeffer2007

I think the the above terms, clandestine, irregular, and recognized all have legitimate places in Free-Masonry. However, it is only when they are used in their original context that they are appropriate. For example, the word Clandestine is used to describle any, and all, Masons that aren't recongnized by your particular Grand Lodge. But if you read "History of Freemasonry and the Development of the 15 Original English Masonic Lectures," the phrase Clandestine is explained differently in the lectures of the 2nd degree. The second part of the 2nd degree lecture describes a Clandestine Lodge as a lodge meeting in a secret cave planning the execution of one of the builders of the temple. This is the symbolism used to describe the word clandestine.

The words irregular and recongnized have been used in similar fashion....out of their original context. I'd encourage Masons from all jurisdictions to research these words for themselves, read Anderson's Constitutions, read masonic history and writings. Don't just take the word of some old man in the lodge.

Jamie

Stealth

Some old man! Are you saying old men are in Lodges??? What is the world coming to???? LOL..........

grandsecretary

Eh? Speak up sonny!!!

Stealth

Now that is funny Brother Peter.....

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Stealth

D. W. Brown

hahah I have to agree Bro. Stealth, I started laughing also at that one. Nice come back there Bro. Peter..

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