Greetings Brothers, I came across an old post by young Brother Shahkem re: National Supreme Council, A.A.S.R.M. As a young Master, I was encouraged by the elders to search for Truth ... absolute freedom of conscience... I encourage continue study, began at 1733, Henry Price and the Lodge of England relations with Boston Freemasons; research Emperors of the East and West created in Paris in 1758; Bro. Morin (1766-1770); Bro. Joseph Cerneau; Prince Hall plus 14 - the Revolutionary War (who won and who came to the aid of the victor?); Civil War; Ancients and Moderns; role of the Grand Lodge of France - Bro. DeBulow conferred the 33 degree on Bro. Ray, Bro. Miller, Bro. Anderson, and Bro. Griffin; look into the Hayes Council, Western Jurisdiction, National Supreme Council, Imperial Supreme Council ... etc. Remember, how words are passed along ... how often are they changed based on the next brother understanding, interpretation or speech. All U.S.-base Lodges were stricken from UGLE during the War of 1812... familiarize yourselves with the actual meaning of "clandestine" it is used way too often and incorrectly. The institution of Freemasonry is essentially a philanthropic institution, philosophical and progressive. Every Freemason's duty, under all circumstances, it to aid, enlighten, and protect his brother Mason ... defend him against injustice. We all understand the Fraternity! But, whom among us are practicing operative masonry? We are place on our path through various pathways, We must live the craft and not just wear it! I was raised in Mt. Zion Lodge No. 36 of Bendersen Grand Council working under the National Supreme Council, as was my Father and Grand Father. I currently served under Cornerstone Grand Council of Deliberations working under Imperial Supreme Council. Of course at there are two tracks in Freemasonry, we should be able to recognized (compare/contrast) Grand Lodge/Grand Council... by any Letters you prefer. I seldom write these types of posts...Sincerely and Fraternally, Bro. T. Quattlebaum