Tolerance and Recognition

In 1922, Bro. Oliver D. Street, Senior Grand Warden and Chairman of Committee for Foreign Correspondence, Grand Lodge of Alabama talked about "The intolerance on the part of many Masons and Masonic Bodies towards others claiming to be Masonic is so extreme that they frown even on the suggestion of getting acquainted or of even conferring together." He also said, "Finally, we must rid ourselves of the self-righteous idea that by having any communication or association with Mason or Masonic bodies not already recognized as regular, we render ourselves unclean."

Although the above article was published in 1946 book, Little Masonic Library Book 1 with introductory remarks by Carl H. Claudy, PGM, the message still rings the bells of relevance in our contemporary times. While times change, despite of inroads created in fostering social changes with view of more understanding and tolerance between human beings, there are ideas and habits that will take more time to be accepted. As ordinary humans ordinarily inhabited our Craft, it should not be surprising to see human flaws among us. Nevertheless such limitation should not stop the Brethren from realizing what Albert Pike wanted us to discern --- eloquently suggested in Mark Stavish's book , Freemasonry: Rituals, symbols and History of the Secret Society,---- "the great secret of Freemasonry, clothed in the alchemical language of the Knight of the Sun."

On Recognition

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Root Cause and Corrective Action re: IGLPI

The following is the RCCA that leads to the formation of IGLPI. This is an eye opener for those who are interested in viewing both side of the story and for Brethren who understand the importance of equilibrium in our lives.

"In 2003, many brethren were slighted when they learned about the circulation of an offer by a prospective candidate for Junior Grand Warden to foot the bill for plane tickets to the venue of the scheduled Grand Lodge of the Philippines Annual Communications. This tact was never done before. Cavite Masons were known for their independence and free choice during elections. To the extent of being labeled disunited, even nominees from Cavite were not always supported by Cavite Masons. The blatant attempt to gain support with the use of favors was considered an affront to their sensibilities and adherence to age -old tenets. Therefore, in the exercise of their lawful rights and duty, Cavite brethren filed an electioneering case against the prospective nominee.

The 2003 annual election for Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines was marked with unprecedented events. When the prospective nominee did not land in the short list of five, the electioneering case was declared moot and academic. But in an unprecedented decision of the Past Grand Masters' selection board, alternate nominees were named. The strangest development was when all five principal nominees suddenly withdrew from the race. Naturally, the two succeeding alternate nominees became the only strong contenders. The nominee charged of electioneering by the Cavite brethren won. Three years later in 2006, he became the Grand Master."

For full article see: A View of the Current History of Cavite Masons


F/
RmOlano
Hanford Lodge No. 279
GLofCA