Grand Lodge of Ireland - History
by Br. Robert C. Blackburn - 1991
When discussing Freemasonry's origins, attention is normally focused on two locations : England and Scotland. England, for its part, possesses some tantalizing clues about the fraternity's ancient past. England can also claim the world's first Masonic "grand lodge", the "Grand Lodge of England", which was founded in London in 1717. Scotland, on the other hand, has produced some of Freemasonry's most important historical records. It is from Scottish documents, dating to the late 17th Century, that the transition from "operative" to "speculative" Freemasonry is most clearly seen. Moreover, Scotland has its well-publicised Rosslyn Chapel. But Ireland, too, has had its part to play in this story; one no less important, but curiously omitted, from most Masonic histories.
Ireland is known for its medieval castles, monasteries, and cathedrals. Not surprisingly, its Masonic ties are early and well-documented. One of Irish Freemasonry's prized relics, the "Ball's Bridge Square", dates to 1507. Discovered in Limerick in 1830, it bears the Masonic inscription: "I will strive to live with Love & Care Upon ye Level By ye Square." In 1629, Bishop Bedell, who was Bishop of Kilmore and Provost of Trinity College, Dublin, recorded in his diary: "The petition of the Freemasons and Bricklayers of Dublin answered." By 1688, a lodge of speculative Masons was meeting at Trinity College, Dublin. A "Tripos" or speech, dating to that same year, includes the notation: "From Sir Warren, for being Freemasonised in the new way, five shillings." A catechism, known as the Trinity Manuscript, bears the endorsement: "Free Masonry February 1711". It is the earliest known document to recognise three classes of Mason, each with its own secrets.
The Grand Lodge of Ireland is the world's second oldest Masonic grand lodge. Its first known meeting occurred on June 26, 1725. According to the Dublin Weekly Journal, more than one hundred "gentlemen" met at "the Yellow Lion in Warbrough Street" and later went to "King's Arms". The procession included "the Masters and Wardens of the Six Lodges of Gentlemen Freemasons, who are under the jurisdiction of the Grand Master and the Private Brothers all in coaches", it being a rainy day. A new Grand Master, Rt. Hon. the Earl of Ross was then elected. The election of a "new" Grand Master, of course, implies that the Grand Lodge of Ireland was in existence before 1725. Just how long before, however, is not known.
During the 18th Century, Ireland had hundreds of Masonic lodges throughout the countryside. While the Grand Lodge met in prominent civic and guild hall buildings in Dublin, such as the Tailor's Hall in Back Lane, the Cutler's Hall in Capel Street, and the Assembly Rooms on South William Street, most lodges met in inns, taverns, and coffee houses. Military regiments at this time carried Irish Freemasonry around the world, establishing lodges and creating fraternal ties that last to this day. A few examples are illustrative. Lodge No. 218, attached to the 48th Foot, brought Freemasonry to Cuba in 1763. Irish Masonic lodges were chartered in Jamaica in 1767. In 1769, Br. Jeremiah French, a Captain in the 29th Foot and member of Lodge No. 322, became the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts' first Senior Grand Warden. In 1775, Lodge No. 441, attached to the 38th Foot in Boston, initiated Prince Hall and fourteen African- Americans into Freemasonry. It was through an Irish Masonic lodge, therefore, that "Prince Hall" Masonry came into being. In 1781, Br. Brownrigg, a member of Lodge No. 441, became the Grand Lodge of New York's first Senior Grand Warden. In 1783, an Irish Masonic lodge was established in Barbados. Irish Freemasonry's influence, clearly, was far reaching. It even altered the course of English Freemasonry and helped introduce a new Masonic body, the "Royal Arch", to the world.
English Freemasonry, during the early 18th Century, was suffering from neglect. In 1751, it was divided into two Grand Lodges: the Antients Grand Lodge (properly titled the "Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of England according to the Old Institutions") and the premier Grand Lodge of England (derogatorily referred to as the "Moderns"). For many years, Masonic scholars accused the "Antients" of being a splinter group. This was not the case. The Antients Grand Lodge was formed by London-area Irish Freemasons who were denied admittance to local English lodges. The Antients, though less "aristocratic", proved better organized and very popular. It also aggressively charted its own lodges throughout the British Empire. The Antients undeniable success resulted in its merger with the Grand Lodge of England in 1813. Much of the Antients' Irish-based ritual went on to replace that of the "Moderns" in the new United Grand Lodge of England. It should also be noted that the term "Ancient", when used today in "Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons", is a nod to the Antient (Ancient) Grand Lodge and, consequently, Freemasonry's underlying Irish heritage.
By the early 19th Century, Irish Freemasonry spanned the globe. Back in Ireland, however, it was about to face two serious challenges. The "Famine" struck Ireland in 1823. Not only did the population suffer starvation and emigration, there was also political unrest. Indeed, some Masonic lodges became focal points of nationalist sentiment. Consequently, Freemasonry, together with other "secret societies", was suspended in Ireland until 1825. The next assault came from the Roman Catholic Church. Rome's criticism of Freemasonry was not new. That had begun in 1738 with Pope Clement XII's "In Eminenti". Subsequent Popes Benedict XIV and Pius VII issued their own condemnations in 1751 and 1821. But "Quo graviora", issued by Pope Leo XII in 1826, was different. It was widely publicized in Ireland and many Catholic Freemasons, threatened with excommunication, were pressured to resign. Daniel O'Connell, an Irish patriot and ardent Catholic, was one of these.
Notwithstanding such difficulties, the Grand Lodge of Ireland persevered. To better administer its worldwide lodges,the Grand Lodge delegated some of its authority to subordinate, "provincial" grand lodges in 1868. In 1869,"Freemasons' Hall", located on Molesworth Street in Dublin, was completed. This was the first Grand Lodge space specifically built for Masonic meetings. It remains the seat of Irish Freemasonry to this day.
There are some 850 lodges presently operating under the Irish Constitution. The Grand Lodge of Ireland supervises all provincial grand lodges (Northern and Southern Ireland and overseas), the Metropolitan Dublin lodges, and all foreign and military lodges operating outside a provincial grand lodge. There are thirteen provincial grand lodges in Ireland and twelve overseas (Bermuda, Far East, Ghana, India, Jamaica and the Bahamas, Natal, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa (Northern), Southern Cape, Zambia, Zimbabwe). Unlike other Masonic jurisdictions, Irish Craft Masonry recognized four Masonic degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master Mason, and Installed Master. There are no ciphers or study-aids for learning Irish Freemasonry's rituals. It is still done, as it has always been done, "mouth to ear". Toward that end, the Grand Lodge of Ireland and its provincial grand lodges hold "Lodges of Instruction" to ensure that Irish Freemasonry's traditional working is maintained.
Br. Robert Blackburn received his Masonic degrees in Ireland in 1991 while completing a Master of Philosophy Degree in Medieval Studies at University College Dublin. He is a plural member of Dalkey Lodge No. 261, Dalkey, Ireland, and Middleton-Ionic Lodge No. 180. He is also the author of "Masonic Middleton: Freemasons and their lodges in Middleton, Wisconsin."
A Brief History
Someone once said that wandering was second nature to Irishmen; the spirit of adventure or economic necessity or both. For centuries have driven them all over the Globe, and so it is only to be expected that Irish Freemasons would bring over with them their zeal for the Craft and their distinctive practices wherever they may be dispersed.
In East Asia, the Erin Lodge No. 463 I.C. was warranted at Shanghai on 4th October 1919 and worked until it closed down during World War II. Postwar troubles hindered its full revival and it relocated to Hong Kong in 1952, where Shamrock Lodge No. 712 I.C., had previously been warranted in 1946. Together they formed the Inspectorate Area of Hong Kong &China.
Until the early1950's, when the idea of founding an Irish Constitution Lodge in Singapore began to take form, the centre of Irish Freemasonry in the Far East was therefore the Inspectorate Area of Hong Kong and China, with the Grand Inspector located in Shanghai and his "representative" in Hong Kong. Freemasonry in Malaya and Singapore was an English and Scottish affair, represented by the District Grand Lodges of the Eastern Archipelago and Middle East respectively.
Singapore - Lodge St Patrick No.765 I.C.
It was not until 1952 that positive action was taken to establish an Irish Masonic presence, when R W Bro H E Swabey, Grand Inspector of the Inspectorate Area of Ireland for Hong Kong & China, wrote to W Bro W E Hutchinson suggesting that a Lodge under the Irish Constitution should be founded in Singapore.
Below is a photo taken in 1952 with the Founding Members
The views were sought of the Sister Constitutions, both of whom replied that a Lodge under the Irish Constitution would be welcomed. At the same time the Masonic Hall Board agreed to place the present facilities in the Temple at Coleman Street at the disposal of such a Lodge, if it were formed.
Accordingly, a meeting of Brethren associated with the Irish Constitution was held on the 2nd of April 1953. At this meeting, which was also attended by some Brethren from the Sister Constitutions, it was decided that action should be taken to establish a Lodge. The decision was taken at a subsequent meeting, that same year, to open a Petition for a Warrant and settle the issues of Dues and so on. A decision was finally taken late in 1953to proceed with the project.
The Petitioners met in January 1954(some forty Brethren had signed the Petition) and the name Lodge 51. Patrick was adopted as that of the proposed Lodge.
The founding officers designate were elected, viz :
W Bro W E Hutchinson Worshipful Master
Bro R J Grove White Senior Warden
Bro A Rhind Junior Warden
Those Brethren elected to the three Principal offices were all initiates of Irish Constitution Lodges. The Petition, finally signed by over 50 Brethren, was forwarded to R W Bro Swabey in Hong Kong and the news was received in March 1954 that the Warrant had been granted at a meeting of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, held in Cork, in March 1954. It is interesting to note that the Petition included the names of such well known Singapore Freemasons as W Bro B C J "Buck" Buckeridge and W Bro Derek Coupland.
Lodge Singapore No. 7178 E.C. and Lodge St. Andrew No.1437 S.C. supported the Petition and, to this day, play a role in the installation ceremony of the Master-elect of Lodge St. Patrick. The Constitution and Dedication Ceremony of Lodge St. Patrick No.765 Irish Constitution was held in this Temple on 5th June, 1954, presided over by R W Bro Swabey, and assisted by Brethren of the English and Scottish Constitutions.
The foundation of Lodge St. Patrick resulted in the boundaries of the Inspectorate Area of Hong Kong and China being extended to encompass Malaya. Following the death, in 1956, of R W Bro Swabey; W Bro G F Rhodes was appointed Grand Inspector, with Bro A W S Smith as Assistant in Hong Kong and Bro Dr Charles B Wilson as Assistant for Singapore.
Bro C B Wilson was the very first initiate of Lodge St. Patrick and subsequently enjoyed an active Masonic career, achieving the honor of being appointed Grand Inspector for the Inspectorate Area of South East Asia. He was also the brother in-law of the founding Senior Warden of Lodge St. Patrick, Bro R J Grove-White - I suspect his connection with Lodge St. Patrick is therefore far more than mere coincidence.
Lodge St Patrick has over the years grown from strength to strength. Lodge St Patrick is recognized as a happy, active and vibrant Lodge with high standard workings. The Lodge also takes pride in its full charity and social calendar.
Malaysia- Lodge Emerald in the East No. 830 I.C.
In 1966 Lodge Emerald in the East No. 830 was erected in Kuala Lumpur, thereby extending the Inspectorate Area. It is said that history is surely made when the right men are in the right place at the right time. The place was Kuala Lumpur in the mid nineteen-sixties and the men were local Brethren like Bros Kingsley Oorloff, J W Hendersen, A W Martin, P S Lai and R K Panikkar. Men all well versed in the ways of the English and Scottish Constitutions, though not quite conversant with the usages of the very Irish Lodge they were seeking to engender.
W Bro C C Bowman and Bro Arthur Livingstone who played pivotal roles in the establishment of Lodge Emerald held consultations with V W Bro C B Wilson, Assl. Grand Inspector and V W Bro A J Bruford, Lodge St. Patrick's Director of ceremonies. A Petition under the sponsorship of Lodge St. Patrick was sent to the Grand Lodge or Ireland for a Warrant of Constitution which, the strong objections of the English and Scottish Districts notwithstanding, was granted in 1966.
With the Warrant in hand and with support especially from Klang Lodge, a pioneering group of Brethren formed an organizing Committee to discuss the realities and mechanics of actually getting the lodge started. The first meeting of the Committee was finally held on 9th October, 1966, at Read Masonic Temple in Jalan Damansara, KualaLumpur. Although not present at that meeting, V W Bro C Wilson was unanimously elected Founder Master with :
W Bro Kingsley Oorlott - Senior Warden
Bro Arthur Livingstone - Junior Warden
W Bro C C Bowman - Secretary
V W Bro D A J Brutord - Director of Ceremonies
With the formation of Lodge Emerald in the East, the Inspectorate Area of Hong Kong, China and Malaya was now split into two, the Hong Kong Lodges forming the Inspectorate Area of the Far East and Lodge St. Patrick combining with Lodge Emerald in the East to form the Inspectorate Area of Singapore and Malaysia (later renamed South East Asia). R W Bro C B Wilson was appointed Grand Inspector and V W Bro D A J Bruford his assistant.
Overseas District Grand Rank
In 1970 a new honor, Overseas District Grand Rank, was created to give recognition to those Past Masters of overseas Lodges not under the jurisdiction of a Provincial Grand Lodge. The first recipient was the late W Bro Yeo Tiam Siew of Lodge St. Patrick and a Founder Member of Lodge Emerald in the East who had the honor of being invested ODGR by the M W Grand Master when he visited Lodge St Patrick in 1970.
Thailand - Morakot Lodge No. 945 I.C.
More recently, Irish Freemasonry has again been spreading in South East Asia, this time in Thailand. Until 1993, when Lodge Pattaya West Winds No. 1803 S.C. was consecrated, followed by a French Lodge in 1994, there was only one Lodge working in Thailand; Lodge S1. John No.1 072 S.C., which meets in Bangkok. In fact, all though some eighty years elapsed between the erection of Lodge St. John and the foundation of Lodge Pattaya West Winds, within another two years, Thailand had gained three new Lodges representing three Constitutions.
In early 1994, when a group of dedicated Masons in Thailand conceived the idea of erecting an Irish Lodge in Bangkok; Lodge St. Patrick and Lodge Emerald in the East agreed to sponsor it with enthusiastic moral and financial support of many Brethren in Singapore and Malaysia, a petition for a Warrant of Constitution was made, and subsequently granted by the Grand Lodge of Ireland. And so, and once again on April Fools Day, but this time on 1st April 1995 and in Pattaya, Thailand, Morakot (meaning Emerald in Thai) Lodge No. 945 I.C. was dedicated.
Alive & Well
Irish Freemasonry therefore, although comparatively young in South East Asia when measured alongside our venerable Brethren from the English and Scottish Districts, is alive, well and prospering. Brethren, I will leave you with one last amusing recollection from RW Bro Charles Wilson who, when visiting the dedication ceremony of a new Lodge in Rajah Brooke's country, recalls a feeling of unease as he spied the sign on the gate to the Masonic Temple, which read: "Last Brother To Enter, Please Close The Gate To Keep The Tigers Out".
Lodge St Patricks group photo on the occasion of the visit of
The Most Hon. Dermot Richard Chichester, Most Worshipful Grand Master,
7th Marquess Of Donegall Grand Lodge Of Ireland
Singapore, 15th October 1983