LODGE MEETINGS SUSPENDED

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 November 1939, Page 6

LODGE MEETINGS SUSPENDED

ENGLISH FREEMASOnI? English Freemasonry, in common with other national institutions, is faced with a domestic dilemma. The Government’s restriction of public assembly has induced the Grand Lodge of England, head of the community, to suspend temporarily all meetings of individual lodges at home under its own jurisdiction. At the Quarterly Communication on September (3, which was attended by 25 officers in place of a normal attendance of about 2000 members, Grand Lodge decided (reported the Times) that the best way to comply with the Government’s demand was to ask all lodges not to hold meetings for the time being. Brigadier-General W. H, V. Darell, the Assistant Grand Master, in his speech, said; “It is hoped, however, that at an early date some means may be found to permit meetings to be resumed. We know that Masonry plays a great part in the lives of many of the people of this country, and it would be hard if brethren were deprived of this means of association and mutual support, which is of especial value in times of national stress. Many of us remember what Masonry meant in the last war, not only to our own brethren but to those from the Empire oversea who were in this country. It is a little early to consider the problems, which vary so much all over the country, but in the meantime we know that Masons in their individual capacities will give that support to their King and country in accordance with their Masonic duties.” Only those who know Masonry from within can appreciate what this interruption of its quiet routine means to a movement whose members have been accustomed at all times to resume their regular meetings in the autumn after a long summer recess. So far as one can gather, there has been no suspension of this character since the foundation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717 The suspension may arouse speculations in some minds whether English Freemasons should not suspend all lodge meetings during the war. .A similar issue arose in the early days of the Great War, and the decision then to continue lodge meetings, despite attenuated attendances, proved to be the sounder course. For the movement, irrespective of the individual services of its members in every sphere of national service, was able collectively noi only to maintain its three charitable institutions for orphan boys and girls and old people, but to organise and maintain also throe hospitals for war wounded, and to raise in addition large sums for other forms of relief. English Freemasonry also grew in membership and power during and after the was and has continued to flourish ever since.