Mark Coleman Wallace PhD Thesis - University of St Andrews

Modern Grand Lodge of England:
Appendix 12:
United Grand Lodge of England Minutes
Regarding the Masonic Secession
6 April 1808
A Communication from the Grand Lodge of Scotland relative to Dr.
John Mitchell and the Caledonian Lodge at Edinburgh was read, and the
proceedings of certain Individuals who seceded with Dr. Mitchell from the
Lodge were stated by the Grand master in the Chair whereupon it was Resolved
That the Thanks of this Grand Lodge be transmitted with all cordiality to
the Grand Lodge of Scotland for the above Communication.
That it is absolutely necessary for the welfare of Masonry and for the
preservation of the Ancient Landmarks that there be a superintending Power
competent to control the proceedings of every acknowledged Lodge. And that
the Grand Lodge representing by regular delegation the Will of the whole Craft
is the proper and unquestionable depository of such Power.
That it is contrary to the principles of Masonry for any Lodge to publish
its Sentiments upon Political Subjects inasmuch as the agitation of any sort of
political Question or the discussion of any public affair is strictly forbidden
amongst Masons. The Grand Lodge itself though acting for the Interest of the
whole Craft not being certifiable for departing from this Rule unless in some
case of obvious and extreme necessity.
That this Grand Lodge concurs entirely in the Justice of the opinions
which the Grand Lodge of Scotland thought itself bound to enforce, and trusts
that no Lodge under the Constitution of England will in any shape countenance
resistance to an authority exerted upon Principles universally recognised by all
true and faithful Brethren.
23 November 1808
The Acting Grand Master informed the Brethren that he had received a
communication from the Grand Lodge of Ireland applauding the Principles
professed by this Grand Lodge in its declaration to the Grand Lodge of Scotland
and desiring to co-operate with this Grand Lodge in every particular which may
support the Authority necessary to be maintained of the representative body of
the whole Craft over any individual Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Ireland pledges
itself not to countenance or receive as a Brother any person standing under the
interdict of the Grand Lodge of England for Masonic transgressions. Thereupon
it was
Resolved that the Acting Grand Master be requested to express to the
Grand Lodge of Ireland the due sense which this Grand Lodge entertains of so
cordial a communication.