Lodgeroom International Blog

I will start with the Grand Orient of the United States - 

    Grand Master Allen Peavey  [December, 2007 - April 2008] – Term: 5 Months

    Grand Master John Slifko  [April, 2008 - December 2008] – Term: 7 Months

    Grand Master Jeff Peace? [ Grand master at March 2009]

Masonic Info who are not fans of GO USA have a lot to say about this Grand Lodge and the people involved in it.
http://www.masonicinfo.com/goofus.htm
This author can not verify any or all the information provided, you will have to draw your own conclusions. I can only say that Bro. Ed King has, in this commentators eyes the best interests of Freemasonry to the fore at all times. You may not agree with what he says, but you can not disregard his dedication and commitment to Freemasonry.

So GO USA has 3 Grand masters in 2 years provided the current Grand Master lasts until December.

Is this in itself a reason for any Freemason to worry or be concerned, no of course not. There seems to be a great deal of speculation on why, who, what and  when, but that is just us being nosey. I think that is the 43rd Problem of Euclid and no one has ever solved that. Masons are nosey.

This is the web site for GO USA : http://www.gomasons.org/
Some of the previous sites are not now being used. but here you can get a good idea of what GO USA is all about.

So what does a Grand Lodge [Orient] do, what is its purpose ?

With the established Grand Lodges it seems to be fairly clear, they oversee the Lodges that work within the parameters they have set. It is usually a geographic area. But not always. So long as there is agreement between the GL’s in the same geographic area, GL’s outside will accept they both have a legitimate right of recognition.

The Grand Orient of the United States does not seem to wish to be a part of any Geographic autonomy.

Quoting from the GO USA website :

The Grand Orient of the United States of America is a masculine Masonic fraternity that works together with mixed-gender and female Masonic organisations throughout the United States and Europe. Together, these systems represent the most progressive form of Free-Masonry in America where all people regardless of race, creed, or gender can meet together as equals.

So we see here that the concept of geographic sovereignty plays no part in the thinking of either the Grand Orient’s of France or of the United States. The site continues:

Our aim is the brotherhood of all humanity through a universal chain of union extending around the globe. If you are already with us in spirit then you are welcome to join with us in Masonic lodges throughout the world.

Is there anything wrong with these concepts. Well there is if you are among the thousands of Lodges that have for several hundreds of years abided by the sanctity of Geographical Sovereignty.

I am told by members of GO USA that change is a good thing and should be welcomed. my answer is simple, you may change all you wish, but please do not try to change me or my Lodge or my Grand Lodge. I like my Freemasonry just the way it is.

Now let us move to look into the Principles as described in the web site :

Our cause is the intellectual, spiritual and social advancement of humanity. To accomplish these aims we have established the following guiding principles for Free-Masonry:

This is another area where I feel the GL is moving away from Masonic Principle into the education of the population of the planet.Toward political intent. OK, maybe I am over reacting but I think that Freemasonry has to look after Fremasonry, we elect people to do the other things in the world. They may not do such a good job, but they have been given the job. The next item supports my concerns.

2. We believe in and support the separation of religion and government, and promote religious and spiritual tolerance among all people.

3. We believe in and support the freedom of the press as a necessary component of maintaining the inalienable rights of all human beings, and that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

4. We believe in and support the need for higher education and life-long learning.

5. We believe in and support an impartial judiciary system as essential to guaranteeing the preservation of human rights.

Indeed wonderful sentiments.

You must go to the site and read for yourself, but to me it reads like a political campaign. Freemasons, from the Entered Apprentice to the Grand master are not elected by the people.

In short I say this, if you are a good Freemason these things will happen by those seeing who and what you are and they will decide that your way is the best way.

As always you must go read for yourself. You can always leave your thoughts on here if you wish.