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Visitation Between Prince Hall and Regular Lodges

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
May I ask for some assistance/clarification Bro Glen on the word "convention" ?

Are you (and I assume it's a standard term which needs to be defined for me) using "convention" in the sense a body stylized as GL had been operating for years and then sort recognition by virtue of it having operated, or in the sense that a group of Freemasons meeting under regular warrants had a meeting (a convention) and resolved to form Grand Lodge without requesting a charter for the same, but to seek recognition for that new GL from established Regular Grand Lodge(s) which had issued their lodge warrants and then from other GLs? The later was the case with UGLV which combined lodges with EC, SC & IC warrants and also from "Grand Lodge Victoria" (est 1883 of lodges mainly from the IC) who met and declared themselves United Grand Lodge Victoria (1889) and sort and received recognition from the Grand Lodges of Ireland, Scotland and England soon thereafter. (Grand Lodge Victoria was dissolved into United Grand Lodge Victoria).

To put it another way, are you using "convention" as in by convention (by virtue of operating) or in a convention (through a meeting of Freemasons) ?

In anticipation; thanks !
In a convention
 

relapse98

Registered User
Has PH in Tennessee sought recognition? I don't know the answer to that, and I don't know the answer to your question.
I can honestly say that I don't recollect ever participating in a conversation about recognition one way or the other in my local lodge. I have also never been in a lodge conversation about global warming, the Suez Canal, Kim Kardashian, or 10 million other topics.

(I know you aren't following the thread anymore, but I'm going to reply anyways).

Frankly, I find the comparing of recognition between the 2 Grand Lodges in your state to Global Warming, Suez Canal, Kim Kardashian, etc. a little disheartning. You're talking about a discussion in your local lodge. I would think recognition between the 2 Grand Lodges is a little more germaine than keeping up with the kardashians. I will say that in my lodge, in Texas, we have discussions pretty regulary about visitation. Usually its about how we do have the right to visit, but the process is so f'ed up its almost unusable (My lodge has visited a local PH lodge and they have done the same with us - but the process sucks so bad, its amazing that the Grand Lodge of Texas put it in place. Its almost like they would really rather you not visit but threw us a bone). I'm not sure how the grand lodges will ever recognize each other if there isn't a movement from the local lodges...
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
(I know you aren't following the thread anymore, but I'm going to reply anyways).

Frankly, I find the comparing of recognition between the 2 Grand Lodges in your state to Global Warming, Suez Canal, Kim Kardashian, etc. a little disheartning. You're talking about a discussion in your local lodge. I would think recognition between the 2 Grand Lodges is a little more germaine than keeping up with the kardashians. I will say that in my lodge, in Texas, we have discussions pretty regulary about visitation. Usually its about how we do have the right to visit, but the process is so f'ed up its almost unusable (My lodge has visited a local PH lodge and they have done the same with us - but the process sucks so bad, its amazing that the Grand Lodge of Texas put it in place. Its almost like they would really rather you not visit but threw us a bone). I'm not sure how the grand lodges will ever recognize each other if there isn't a movement from the local lodges...

I try to get legislation on the topic of recognition to GL in my other jurisdictions but without being physically present to explain what's up it is frustrating. The general reaction is "We already have recognition". Sure, but there's more to it than that. There are more states than our own.

Any Brother with a vote in either GL can submit legislation to do away with the local requirement for that ridiculous process. We can't say we can go visit without the process, but we can sure say you can come visit without the process. "Change recognition of all currently recognized PHA jurisdictions to full and traditional recognition without any extra paperwork or restrictions". It takes both sides doing that to complete the sequence.

I am going through the line in Texas. At some point I will be able to submit local legislation like that.

To the other Texas PMs that are members here, if you beat me to it, that's an action worthy of all emulation.
 

MRichard

Mark A. Ri'chard
Premium Member
(I know you aren't following the thread anymore, but I'm going to reply anyways).

Frankly, I find the comparing of recognition between the 2 Grand Lodges in your state to Global Warming, Suez Canal, Kim Kardashian, etc. a little disheartning. You're talking about a discussion in your local lodge. I would think recognition between the 2 Grand Lodges is a little more germaine than keeping up with the kardashians. I will say that in my lodge, in Texas, we have discussions pretty regulary about visitation. Usually its about how we do have the right to visit, but the process is so f'ed up its almost unusable (My lodge has visited a local PH lodge and they have done the same with us - but the process sucks so bad, its amazing that the Grand Lodge of Texas put it in place. Its almost like they would really rather you not visit but threw us a bone). I'm not sure how the grand lodges will ever recognize each other if there isn't a movement from the local lodges...

From what I heard, both grand lodges wanted the process to be this way initially. Hopefully, it will evolve soon.
 

relapse98

Registered User
Submitted a request on April 21st to Grand lodge for a visit on May 23. Hadn't heard anything back, so I called today and apparently its just been sitting around in the Grand Secretary's office.. hasn't been signed by the GS, hasn't been forwarded to Prince Hall, nothing.

Once again, this process sucks so much its almost completely useless.
 

MRichard

Mark A. Ri'chard
Premium Member
Submitted a request on April 21st to Grand lodge for a visit on May 23. Hadn't heard anything back, so I called today and apparently its just been sitting around in the Grand Secretary's office.. hasn't been signed by the GS, hasn't been forwarded to Prince Hall, nothing.

Once again, this process sucks so much its almost completely useless.

Get his secretary's email and send future requests straight to her. Same thing happened to me but I followed up a few weeks later.
 

relapse98

Registered User
Oh boy, I set them off last time when they found out I communicated directly with the PHA lodge.

Well how else am I supposed to find out dates that are good for us to attend? Start emailing through the respective GS' a couple of years in advance? Sheesh.
 

oldjumpmaster

Registered User
It’s amazing what a visit to the GL will do along with a face to face discussion in regards to your request. Determine when the GS will be in and “stop by” to receive an update on the status of your visitation request.
 

MarkR

Premium Member
And then there's this:

On Saturday June 10th Anchor-Hilyard Lodge #2 F. & A.M. PHA and Cass Lodge #243 A.F. & A. M. are jointly presenting the Second Annual Masonic Unity Festive Board at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center, Bloomington MN.

~Seven Toasts (Wine, Beer and Non-Alcohol choices provided)

~Best of the High End Barbeque World with WB Jerry Oliver Catering Appetizers, Salad, Entree, and Desert

~Only Festive Board featuring both Grand Masters of the same state in the United States.

~Open event and Appendent Bodies are encouraged to wear their bling and bring a calendar to share.

~Photo Booth

~Formal Dress ( Evening attire)

+Both Grand Masters of Masons in Minnesota will be the guests of honor for the evening. Most Worshipful Grand Master John Studell of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota A.F. & A. M. and Most Worshipful Grand Master Japhus Dent Jr. of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota Prince Hall Affiliated F. & A. M.

In the ever growing climate of improving Unity and Fellowship between our Masonic Bodies we celebrate together practice of Our Gentle Craft. Both Grand Masters will respond to the Toast to Our Grand Masters.
 
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