GRAND LODGE

of

ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF

IRELAND

QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION – THURSDAY 2nd JUNE, 2016

at

FREEMASONS’ HALL, MOLESWORTH STREET, DUBLIN

Present:-

M.W. Grand Master Douglas T. Grey, on the Throne

R.W. Deputy Grand Master Rodney L. McCurley

R.W. Assistant Grand Master Leslie J. Nixon

R.W. Senior Grand Warden R. Arthur Keppel

R.W. Junior Grand Warden Bernard V.A. Woods

R.W. Grand Treasurer Richard Ensor

R.W. Grand Registrar N. John Hunter

R.W. Grand Secretary D. Barry Lyons

R.W. Grand Director of Ceremonies Sam Young

R.W. Senior Grand Chaplain The Rev. Canon T. Henry Trimble

R.W. Junior Grand Chaplain The Rev. Richard W. Moore

V.W. Senior Grand Deacon William R.T. McClenaghan

V.W. Junior Grand Deacon John C. Clarke

V.W. Grand Superintendent of Works David T. Young

V.W. Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Cecil Wellwood

V.W. Grand Steward David W. Gibson-Brabazon

V.W. Grand Sword Bearer David Henderson

V.W. Grand Stewards of Charities James Kilpatrick

Kenneth McClure

V.W. Grand Almoners Kevin Spring

James B. McBain

V.W. Grand Organist John N. Rowden

V.W. Grand Lodge Standard Bearer W. Raymond Robinson

V.W. Grand Master's Standard Bearer Noel Simpson

As V.W. Grand Inner Guard Morgan J. McCreadie

V.W. Assistant Grand Secretaries for Instruction A. Gordon Allen

James Gilchrist

There were also present:- the Provincial Grand Masters of Antrim, North Connaught, South Connaught, Meath, Midland Counties, Munster, North Munster, South Eastern, Tyrone & Fermanagh, Wicklow & Wexford, Bermuda, the Far East and South East Asia; the Chairman of the Metropolitan Board; R.W. Bros. Charles W. Olden, J. Kenneth Dunne, Robert S. Hackett, Geoffrey G. Ashton, G. Hugh Milne, Leslie Evans and St. Clair Brinkworth Tucker, Past Provincial Grand Masters; the Provincial Deputy Grand Masters of Armagh, South Connaught, Down, Londonderry & Donegal, Meath, Tyrone & Fermanagh, Wicklow & Wexford, Bermuda, the Far East and South East Asia; R.W. Bros. John R. Hadden, Oswald Steenson and Edward C.W. Smith, Past Provincial Deputy Grand Masters; R.W. Bro. Selwyn S. Davies, Past Senior Grand Warden; R.W. Bro. Michael W. Walker, Past Grand Secretary; R.W. Bro. Arthur D.S. Moran, Past Grand Registrar; R.W. Bros. Allen G. Megarry and William J. Dyer, Past Grand Directors of Ceremonies; V.W. Bros. John L. Frazer, T. Robert McDowell, Basil Elliott, John A. Graham and Alan Stewart, Past Grand Deacons; V.W. Bro. Ralph McGuckin, Past Grand Superintendent of Works; V.W. Bros. Ivor A. Moloney and James C. Stanley, Past Grand Stewards of Charities; V.W. Bros. William T.H. Balmer and Albert T. Wilson, Past Grand Almoners; V.W. Bros. David Penpraze, John J. Ramsay, John Gault and John A. Boddy, Past Grand Master’s Standard Bearers; R.W. Bros. Gordon A. Thompson and Andrew A. McL. Spiers, Past Foreign Representative; and other Senior Brethren.

SISTER CONSTITUTIONS REPRESENTED

The following Grand Lodges were represented:- Scotland, British Columbia, Canada in Ontario, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Andorra, Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil (G.O.), Colombia, Mato Grosso, Sao Paolo, Venezuela, Gabon, Guinea, Senegal, Japan, Israel and the Prince Hall Grand Lodges of the Caribbean, Colorado, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas and Washington.

APOLOGIES FOR NON-ATTENDANCE

Apologies for non-attendance were received from:- The V.W. Grand Steward of Charities, John Edens and the Grand Inner Guard; the R.W. Provincial Grand Masters of Down, Armagh, Londonderry & Donegal, New Zealand, Natal and Southern Cape; R.W. Bros. Robert J. Thomson, William Shortland, Robert Quigley, Harvey Heavener, R. Wilson Mark, Basil Fenton and Alan Campbell, Past Provincial Grand Masters; R.W. Bro. Anthony M.D. Allen, Grand Inspector for Botswana; the R.W. Provincial Deputy Grand Masters of Antrim, North Connaught, Midland Counties, India and Natal; R.W. Bro. Michael J. Ward, Past Grand Senior Warden; R.W. Bros. Rev. Canon George N. Little and Rev. Selwoode Graham, Past Senior Grand Chaplains; R.W. Bros. Rev. Charles McCurdy, Rev. Canon Philip Knowles and the Rev. W. Warren Porter, Past Junior Grand Chaplains; V.W. Bros. Robert J. Robinson, Sam Boyle and Ivan Gillespie, Past Grand Deacons; V.W. Bro. Cecil Taylor, Past Assistant Grand Treasurer; V.W. Bros. Dennis R. Millen, Past Grand Steward of Charities; V.W. Bro. Edward Brownell, Past Grand Almoner; V.W. Bros. Donald H. Finlay, William J. Dixon, W. James Copes, Kwesi O-P Ackah and Robin Newenham, Past Grand Master’s Standard Bearers; and the Representatives of the Grand Lodges of Tasmania, Belgium, Denmark, Greece (Nat), Luxembourg, Norway, Romania, Swiss (Alpina), Alberta, Nebraska, New Jersey, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of North Carolina.

DELEGATIONS FROM SISTER CONSTITUTIONS

Prior to the opening of Grand Lodge, the Grand Director of Ceremonies escorted delegations from visiting Sister Grand Lodges into Grand Lodge:-

The Grand Lodge of Estonia was represented by M.W. Bro. Anti Oidsalu, Grand Master.

The Regular Grand Lodge of Italy was represented by M.W. Bro. Fabio Venzi, Grand Master.

The United Grand Lodges of Germany were represented by M.W. Bro. Christoph Bosbach, Grand Master.

The Grande Loge Nationale Francaise was represented by R.W. Bro. Jean-Pierre Rollet, Deputy Grand Master.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland was represented by the M.W. Grand Master Mason, Bro. Charles Ian Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont; and R.W. Bro. David Begg, Grand Secretary.

The United Grand Lodge of England was represented by the R.W. Junior Grand Warden, Bro. the Rev. John Railton; and the V.W. Deputy Grand Chancellor and Past Grand Sword Bearer, Bro. John Hamill

OBITUARIES

The Grand Master referred to the recent deaths of R.W. Brother Thomas C B McBain, Past Provincial Grand

Master, South Eastern and Foreign Representative of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky; and V.W. Brother John

McC Glass, Past Grand Master’s Standard Bearer.

The Grand Director of Ceremonies called a salute to the memory of all our Departed Brethren.

WELCOME

Grand Lodge being opened, the Grand Master formally welcomed our distinguished visitors and the R.W. Junior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England replied suitably, on behalf of all the delegations.

MINUTES

On the proposal of the R.W. Senior Grand Warden, seconded by the R.W. Junior Grand Warden, the Minutes of the March 5th 2016 Communication of Grand Lodge, which had been circulated, were taken as read, confirmed and signed.

NOMINATION OF THE GRAND OFFICERS FOR 2017

In accordance with Grand Lodge Law No. 43, the Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes nominated the following Brethren to be the Grand Officers for 2017:-

Grand Master Douglas T. Grey

Senior Grand Warden Bernard V.A. Woods

Junior Grand Warden Harvey F.J. Heavener, Past Provincial Grand Master of Wicklow & Wexford; P.M. of Lodge No. 877, Arklow

Grand Treasurer Richard Ensor

Grand Registrar N. John Hunter

Grand Director of Ceremonies Sam Young

Senior Grand Chaplain The Rev. Canon T. Henry Trimble

Junior Grand Chaplains The Rev. Richard W. Moore

The Rev. Edwin W. Hunter, P.M. of Lodge No. 27, Cork; Prov. Senior Grand Warden, Munster

Senior Grand Deacon David W. Gibson-Brabazon

Junior Grand Deacon David Henderson

Grand Superintendent of Works David T. Young

Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Cecil Wellwood

Grand Steward W. Raymond Robinson

Grand Sword Bearer Brian L. Ebbs

Grand Stewards of Charities Ciaran M.J. McAteer, P.M. of Lodge No. 760, Rosetta; Prov. Grand Registrar, Down

John Richardson, P.M. of Lodge No. 134, Lurgan; Prov. Grand Almoner, Armagh

Eric J. Sheppard, P.M. of Lodge No. 163, Birr; Prov. Grand Steward of Charities, Midland Counties

Grand Almoners Derek Brennan, P.M. of Lodge No. 249, Metropolitan

David J. Lyness, P.M. of Lodge No. 776, Antrim; Prov. Deputy Grand Master, Antrim

Grand Organist John N. Rowden

Grand Lodge Standard Bearer Brian W. Gardner, P.M. of Lodge No. 842, Crawfordsburn; Provincial Grand Secretary, Down

Grand Inner Guard David L. Blair, P.M. of Lodge No. 138 Londonderry; Prov. Assistant

Grand Master, Londonderry & Donegal

W. Brother C. Desmond Mullock, Past Master of Lodge No. 395, Dublin, was nominated as Auditor of the Grand Lodge Accounts for the year 2016.

REPORT OF THE GRAND LODGE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES

The Board approved a change of name for the St. Andrew Lodge of Harmony No. 111, to be known as St. Patrick’s and St. Andrew Lodge of Harmony, No. 111.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Connecticut, the Board recommended the name of W. Bro. Gordon A. Chestnutt, Past Master of Lodge No. 280, Moyarget, be sent forward for consideration by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Connecticut, as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, the Board recommended the name of V.W. Bro. David Henderson, Past Master of Lodge No. 775, Ballymena, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, the Board recommended the name of V.W. Bro. James McGookin, Past Master of Lodge No. 431, Ballymena, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of Virginia, as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Grand Lodge of Ecuador, the Board recommended the name of W. Bro. William T.I. McElfatrick, Past Master of Lodge No. 775, Ballymena, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of Ecuador, as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Grand Lodge of Peru, the Board recommended the name of W. Bro. Archibald D. Wilmont, Past Master of Lodge No. 38, Ballintoy, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of Peru, as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Grand Lodge of Quebec, the Board recommended the name of W. Bro. J. Leslie Sibbald, Past Master of Lodge No. 478, Dublin, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of Quebec, as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Grand Lodge of Washington, the Board recommended the name of W. Bro. Ramon H. Gillis, Past Master of Lodge No. 397, Dublin, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of Washington, as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, the Board recommended the name of W. Bro. Kenneth W. Ruddock, Past Master of Lodge No. 730, Dublin, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, the Board recommended the name of W. Bro. Thomas Fitzpatrick, Past Master of Lodge No. 397, Dublin, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island, the Board recommended the name of W. Bro. Brian D. Ellis, Past Master of Lodge No. 214 (old), Dublin, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island, as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Grand Lodge of Estonia, the Board recommended the name of W. Bro. William Kirk, Past Master of Lodge No. 369, Downpatrick, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of Estonia, as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Icelandic Order of Freemasons - Grand Lodge of Iceland, the Board recommended the name of W. Bro. Neil A. Coey, Past Master of Lodge No. 208 (old) Ballymacarrett, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of Iceland, as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

A vacancy having arisen in the Representation of the Grand Lodge of Slovenia, the Board recommended the name of W. Bro. George Finnigan, Past Master of Lodge No. 724, Newtownards, be sent forward for consideration by the Grand Lodge of Slovenia, as a suitable Brother to act as their Grand Representative here. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.

The Board considered, and approved, the provision of reserved seating for Past Provincial Grand Masters, at Communications of Grand Lodge.

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At the conclusion of the Stated Meeting of the Board, a Special Meeting had been held in accordance with Grand Lodge Law No. 66, at which were submitted the Accounts of Grand Lodge for 2015. The Accounts were considered in detail and explanations given by the Grand Treasurer. Following the presentation, the Board agreed unanimously that the Accounts, as presented, be recommended to Grand Lodge for adoption, with special thanks being expressed to Bro. Colin Forbes and his team, Don Moore and Janet Smith, in the Accounts Office.

The Grand Treasurer explained a number of salient features of the accounts to Grand Lodge and commended them; they were proposed and seconded by the Senior Grand Warden and the Junior Grand Warden and passed unanimously.

GRAND LODGE OF INSTRUCTION

Read letter from the Grand Lodge of Instruction seeking Grand Lodge approval for the re-election of V.W. Bro. James McFarland as Grand Secretary for Instruction and the re-election of V.W. Bros. A. Gordon Allen and James Gilchrist as Assistant Grand Secretaries for Instruction. Recommended to Grand Lodge. Confirmed.