Page 4 - Montana Freemason Feb 13

Montana Freemason February 2013
Greetings From The Gand East
Lux et Veritas
Brothers, to begin this correspondence, I would
like to discuss the motto of Yale University; Lux et
Veritas. This Latin phrase has been adopted by several
institutes of higher learning in the United States,
including my collegiate alma mater in Missoula.
Mottos such as these are chosen for very specific
purposes to be a guiding directive as man ventures
forward in his formal learning. It has captured my
attention this year as I ponder the state of the craft in
Montana. The phrase lux et veritas is translated into
English as light and truth. Light and truth, there are
few directives that could provide a better path for one
to follow.
It is the need for light and truth that I present this remaining elements of the Tribunal, including the
communication to the craft. Frankly, I know that
most, if not all, Masons in Montana are aware of the
fact that the current concerns in Masonry are not of
my doing. However, as the elected and installed DGM
(and Grand Master elect) I have assumed the powers,
title, and authority of Grand Master, according to code
due to vacancy in the office. As such, I am the person
who has to deal with these issues and concerns. I
have tried desperately to approach my tasks with one
concern in mind, the perseverance and integrity of the
craft and its members. I was confident, and still am,
that the lessons of Masonry can and will prevail. I
have tried to be patient and forgiving, and yet I feel
myself being torn by the actions of some members.
After many, many hours of phone calls and emails
with the members of Jurisprudence, I have focused on
some fundamental beliefs. The first, and foremost, is
that I will not venture outside the boundaries of our
Code and Constitution to provide leadership to this
Fraternity. Likewise, however, I cannot tolerate those
who are either, blatantly violating the code, or trying
to skirt within the shadows of some obscure, if not
incorrect, interpretation of our laws. Also, there needs
to be factual elements presented to illustrate the truth.
It is also necessary to dispel some of the propaganda
that has been generated without approval of the
Grand Master. As required by the Code, circularizing
without approval results in Unmasonic conduct (see
Code, section 46020 D4).
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The first point of order is to clearly establish that
the cause of these concerns does not come from the
actions of the Grand Secretary or the Tribunal, but
rather are directly related to those of my predecessor.
The Tribunal was formed according to the Code
and Constitution to deal with the actions stemming
from RW Duffy’s decision to fire an elected officer.
The minimum number of five sitting Worshipful
Masters brought charges upon RW Duffy triggering
the formation of the Tribunal by the immediate past
Grand Master. It is a fact that there were more Masters
than necessary for this to happen. There were eight or
nine with more intending to do so, but it was found to
be unnecessary to have more than the initial five. The
selection of its members and the processes involved
all were done within the parameters of the Code.
A great deal of care was taken to select Past Grand
Masters that had not served with RW Duffy, so as to
not demonstrate a bias. Those selected represented
Montana’s varied geographical regions, as well as
the living history present in Montana’s Past Grand
Masters. That is to say, as many eras of history were
represented as possible. It is also noteworthy to point
out that two of these five had served on Jurisprudence
in prior years and had a strong understanding of the
Code.
Many have questioned the timing and notice of
such to the craft of the Tribunal process. Again, the
answer is that it was dictated by the Code, and as
well as the fact that the act was committed during
the summer when most lodges are dark. It is also
a fact that RW Duffy, as then Grand Master, was
the only one who could have authorized circulating
information to lodges to give proper notice. The
Tribunal was conducted exactly in the manner for
which it was intended; the current Grand Master
had violated the code and sitting Masters called for a
trial. The members of the Tribunal found RW Duffy
unanimously guilty on all five charges and he was
removed from office.