PGM Hass From WV Get Unexpected Help From Prince Hall Grand Lodge

D. W. Brown · 08-10-2008, 02:52 PM

The Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Frank Hass of west Virginia has received some unlikely help from Robin Griffith the current Grand Master of West Virginia's Prince Hall masons. Brother Griffith has filed an amicus brief in support of Brother Hass and asking the court to reject the dismissal request by the Grand Master of WV. You can read a copy of the brief here.

One reason cited in the brief for the dismissal request from the Grand Lodge of West Virginia reads:

"The Defendants' position in their motion to dismiss is, in its essence, that the authority of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia is absolute and the courts of the United States and, particularly this Court, have no authority to question the Grand Masters will."

If not to compound the problems for West Virginia's Antient Grand Lodge the, judge assigned to the case is an African-American female.

chgregory · 08-10-2008, 03:51 PM

My Brothers,

I am glad to see this action by the PH GL. I beleive every Grand Lodge in the US should follow suit. The problem with that is the only tool each GL has to deny recognition of VW Masons, which is as wrong as MW Griffith.

It might well be the only choice, but it would be a sad day for all masons.

S&F,

D. W. Brown · 08-10-2008, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chgregory

My Brothers,
The problem with that is the only tool each GL has to deny recognition of VW Masons, which is as wrong as MW Griffith.

Brother Gregory can you please clarify what you meant here for me?

chgregory · 08-10-2008, 07:49 PM

Brother Dale,

Certainly, I am glad to explain.

I feel every Grand Lodge in the US should send a brief (like our PH Brothers) to the court in support of Brother Haas, the only issue is that if they did the GL of WV could feel forced to react, and eventually, some lodges would no longer recognize others in the outcome.

That would be a shame for all brothers everywhere. The only real punitative action one Grand Lodge can take against another is to deny recognition, which punishes the Grand Lodge very little, but is pretty hard on the membership.

I think I might have failed to say what I meant very clearly. This entire issue hurts my heart and my soul. I believe strongly in our brotherhood, and things that hurt it, hurt me, and likely every mason. It is sad that issues like this arise.

All of our Most Worshipful brothers are "in concept" guided by the principles of friendship and brotherly love. This issue and the whole set of issues involved are not consistent with either tenet. We as men and masons should never allow this kind of discourse to be part of our lodges or our lives. To talk about any issue and find resolution is normal and necessary, but unilateral action by any leader in any masonic group is most likely wrong for so many reasons.

The PH GL of WV shows a great deal of clear thinking, that should be copied by all other grand lodges, but I doubt it will for fear of starting a "banning" war that would certainly damage our organization.

I hope this gives you and all of the readers a much clearer picture of my thoughts. I am first and foremost your brother, and while I may be passionate about treating all persons (and especially a brother in masonry) in the way we would like to be treated, I will still suffer with an amount of sadness over this issue. I am sorry if I failed to be clear, because clear, frank and open discussion of topics like this will help us build understanding. Forgive my all too brief answer, but sometimes I tend to become too wordy.

S&F,

Mystic knight · 08-11-2008, 03:18 PM

Outside courts should never meddle in our affairs. No matter what. Should they be allowed to dictate what happens in Masonry it would set a very dangerous precedent. It sends the message that we as Masons cannot manage our affairs. And it's our fault for not having a mechanism in place for these kind of situations. It is ASSumed that the Grand Master and his GL entourage will be good men that will act in a Masonic manner for the good of Masonry, their jurisdiction and their members. But obviously there are those "little men" that put their ideology first. Personal power is more precious to them than the craft in general. They have betrayed us, our organization and are not fit to be members let alone leaders.

Remember the film War of the Worlds when the fiery runaway train rips past the horrified onlookers. We are those horrified bystanders and the GL of West Virginia is the fiery runaway train. It needs to be derailed before it ruins our fraternity. They just keep making it worse.

Thus, some kind of oversight Committee is needed to act in rare circumstances. A process should be made for when the Committee is activated. The Committee would be made up of Master Masons (not necessarily GL officers, but not excluding them either) from 12 jurisdictions. They could then solve the problem without the interloping of women, Cowans or those lacking Masonic authority.

chgregory · 08-11-2008, 03:29 PM

My Brothers,

I would agree, but I suspect that the Grand Lodges would be unwilling to give up power. A central authority to oversee (or to soften the impact) allow open and free exchange is a brilliant idea. Well said, as always Brother Mystic Knight.

S&F,

Mystic knight · 08-11-2008, 04:05 PM

This "Central authority" would change members every year or even after every duty much like a jury. It would include regular Masons from all jurisdictions as long as they were Master Masons in good standing. Less chance for corruption or power hungry zealots. Remember this Committee is for the good of Masonry in general. To ensure that Masonic ideals and process are respected and enforced. Each GL would not give up that much power. The idea here is that this Oversight Committee would not come into play very often. There would be strict rules that would prevent it being used for frivolous matters. The Committee is not out to usurp the authority of GL. If a major injustice were to occur and/or something that harms Masonry outside the given jurisdiction then it would come into play. The growing embarrassing mess of the GL of West Virginia is a prime example of when the Oversight Committee would come into play.

They would decide: 1. If M.W. Bro. Haas and R.W. Bro. Bosely should be reinstated and possible compensated for the disgraceful way they were treated.

2. If M.W. Bro Charlie Montgomery should be expelled or disciplined in some way.

3. If other GL officers should be disciplined.

4. If the vote was indeed legal and should stand.

5. If a legitimate Masonic vote was tampered with or improperly nullified and the discipline to be served with said offenses.

chgregory · 08-11-2008, 04:14 PM

My Brother,

That sounds like "mother's milk to my ears" I agree!

S&F,

D. W. Brown · 08-12-2008, 02:00 AM

Oh My you may be on to something there, let's run with this for a little.

I like the idea of a random selection of Master masons for each incident. I think it would need to be a state wide selection, in the current Antient system. In the GOUSA though it could be representatives from random lodges in other states even a level above for International needs.

I think the members selected would need to kept secret, except from the accuser, defendant and their council until after the decision is rendered.

That may make no sense but I just spent 4 hours with the entire cast of Alabama's Grand Lodge officers, raising my friend and I'm tired.

You all know me I could not resist but ask the Grand Master a few pointed questions about many topics talked about on here.

I'll have to get to that in the next day or two.

Psi Brr · 08-12-2008, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D. W. Brown

...I just spent 4 hours with the entire cast of Alabama's Grand Lodge officers, raising my friend and I'm tired.

You all know me I could not resist but ask the Grand Master a few pointed questions about many topics talked about on here.

I'll have to get to that in the next day or two.

I hope it's a discussion I can be involved in. This sounds like it will be interesting.