To understand the role of any Grand Lodge it is essential that the intended role of that body is fully explored, and that can only be done by returning to the origins of Freemasonry itself. 

Origins of Freemasonry

It is generally thought that Freemasons Lodges morphed out of the early Trade Guilds.  Certainly, there is justification for believing this, although in Europe the concept of Knighthood merged with the Masonic stories in some areas, to give an even more colourful background. This paper assumes that Freemasonry originated from the Stonemasons Guild. 

A Guild was an overarching organisation that set guidelines for Its Master Masons to follow.  It established the levels of skills within the trade and the wages that should be sought and paid. It established educational programs and insisted that this also included lessons in behaviour and moral standards be addressed. In essence it was the Trade Union of the day with a moral concept added on. It, however, devolved the enacting of its principles and tenets to the Lodge itself, and to individual Master Masons within the Lodge. In essence the Guild was Lodge centric. 

There always had to be a close relationship between the ruling classes (perhaps in many cases the Church) as each relied on the other, one for finances, and the other for skill. As buildings were finished and operative Masons were needed less, it is not a long bow to draw to say, that the ruling classes had learned a lot about the structure of the Lodge, and its operation. They could see that both its educational and organizational ability could be also important for them, hence, the emergence of speculative Masonry from the operative Lodges.  Slowly but surely the existing Lodge structure included men with business and/or academic backgrounds. 

There is no doubt that the operative Lodges had ceremonies of Initiation and progressive skill recognition but were they similar to what we have today – perhaps not. It is suggested that a number of the Clergy who had joined Lodges started to embellish what had existed in the Guild’s rituals, thus incorporating much of the Hebrew history that is contained in our degree system today. Clearly the Reverend James Anderson who wrote the Constitutions in 1723 and the Reverend John Theophilus Desaguliers (12 March 1683 – 29 February 1744) who was the Third Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England who is thought to have written the text for the Third Degree, would both have had significant influence on the ritual development. There is however some thought that the ritual development started much earlier than 1717 but may have been restricted to just one degree. 

So why create a Grand Lodge at all. Again, the Guild structure comes in to play. The guild provided a connection between the various Guilds/Lodges and provided an overall guidance for their operation and educational systems. A similar structure might therefore be good for speculative Freemasonry. 

Grand Lodges Established

On St John’s Day, 24 June 1717, four London Lodges, which had existed for some time, came together at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St Paul’s Churchyard, declared themselves to be a Grand Lodge, with Anthony Sayer elected as their first Grand Master.  This was the first Grand Lodge in the world, however. It was not alone. 

A Lodge in York which acted more like a Mother Lodge (similar to Kilwinning in Scotland), being the only lodge in its own jurisdiction had been working continually since around 1705 and functioned mainly as an ordinary lodge of Freemasons. This Lodge was titled as the Ancient Society of Freemasons in the City of York. In 1725, possibly in response to the expansion of the new Grand Lodge in London, they styled themselves the Grand Lodge of All England Meeting at York. Activity ground to a halt sometime in the 1730s but was revived with renewed vigour in 1761. 

It was during this second period of activity that part of the Lodge of Antiquity, having quit the Grand Lodge of England in London, allied themselves with their Northern brethren and became, between 1779 and 1789, the Grand Lodge of All England South of the River Trent.  

Shortly after Antiquity’s reabsorption into the London Grand Lodge she had founded, the Grand Lodge at York ceased to function again, this time for good. 

Two things stem from this history. Firstly, only four London Lodges were initially in favour of a Grand Lodge and clearly all four could not agree as Lodge of Antiquity which was London based allied with those in York some 280 Km. North. 

Clearly Grand Lodges from the outset had a difficult birth perhaps being seen as a new body interfering with what most believed was a system that had existed for many years and did not need changing. There is no doubt that the United Grand Lodge of England, which was founded on December 23, 1813, connected with Most Lodges across England and Wales but was it indeed Lodge centric, or did it introduce a bureaucratic level of Government that brought a class system into the Craft? Certainly, it did not introduce a standard form of ritual as even today there are more than 50 variations of the ritual in England alone.

The questions that really needs to be answered are “What is the role of a Grand Lodge?”  Does it expand the Masonic understanding and knowledge of its appointed members? What does it contribute to the local Lodge? Is its role to create an elite class of Freemasons for ceremonial purposes and if so what should these duties be and are they necessary?

Masonic Activity in Queensland

The first recorded Masonic activity in Queensland was in the state’s foundation year of 1859. The inaugural meeting of the North Australian Lodge (No 1098 English Constitution) was held in July 1859 in Albert Street in Brisbane. Lodges continued to form after 1859 under warrants from the Scottish. Irish, and English Grand Lodges. It was in 1896 that Clydesdale Lodge was granted a warrant by the Grand Lodge of Scotland and given the number 821. 

Discussions were obviously held from time to time to determine the possibility of forming a Grand Lodge of Queensland. Based on the following paragraph we can assume that this was active from at least 1898. 

On the evening of Wednesday, February 2^nd, 1898, a meeting of Free-Masons of the English, Scottish and Irish Constitutions was held in the Masonic Hall, Alice-street, Brisbane, Queensland, to discuss the subject of Masonic union, and subsequently the establishment of a Grand Lodge of Queensland. The following day, on the morning of Thursday, February 3^rd, 1898, the proceedings of the meeting were subsequently published in The Brisbane Courier newspaper: 

MEETING OF FREEMASONS. GRAND LODGE FOR QUEENSLAND. 

MOTION CARRIED ALMOST UNANIMOUSLY. 

In the new year, on the evening of Wednesday, February 2^nd, 1898, a meeting of Free-Masons of the English, Scottish and Irish Constitutions was held in the Masonic Hall, Alice-street, Brisbane, Queensland, to discuss the subject of Masonic union, and subsequently the establishment of a Grand Lodge of Queensland. Wor. Bro. A. M. Hertzberg of Lodge  Lamington, No. 842 S.C., attended the meeting. Due to the fact that he was not the Master or a Past Master of Lodge Lamington, Bro. Hertzberg attended the meeting in his capacity as a Past Master of Raphael Lodge, No. 1850 E.C. (Roma, Qld.), an English Constitution Lodge, of which he was a foundation member. The following day, on the morning of Thursday, February 3^rd, 1898, the proceedings of the meeting were subsequently published in The Brisbane Courier newspaper: 

A meeting of Freemasons to decide upon the advisableness of forming, and to take the initiatory steps towards establishing, a Grand Lodge of Queensland was held in the Masonic Hall, Alice-street, last evening. About400 members of the craft attended, and throughout the proceedings those present showed that they were almost unanimous in their desire that the present three distinct constitutions of Masonry should be blended under a Queensland Grand Lodge. 

Dr. John Thomson, E.C., took the chair, and specially requested Mr. J. E. Barnes, I.C., and Mr. A. Leney, S.C., to take seats on the dais on his right and left respectively. 

The Secretary, Mr. A. E. Harris, read a large quantity of correspondence from various parts of the colony, expressive of the opinions of the senders with regard to the object which the meeting had been called. The letters showed that three members of the Hinchbrook Lodge at Ingham were the only dissentients to the proposed union. The Chairman said that they had met together that evening for the second time to discuss a subject which, he thought, was of vital importance to the members of the craft throughout the colony—the establishment of Masonic union, subsequently of a Grand Lodge of Queensland. They had met together about nine years ago to discuss the same object. He was in the chair nine years ago. Since that date there had been many changes, but the change they wanted that evening was that something should be done towards rendering the present attempt at union more successful. Many factors had been at work nine years ago to prevent them succeeding,  but some of these had now disappeared. He deplored the fact that they had not with them that evening the Hon. J. R. Dickson, whose eloquent and forcible address at their last gathering showed that he was thoroughly acquainted with Masonic Jurisprudence, and who could tell them exactly what they should do. He (the chairman) was one of these who desired to see the three constitutions blended into one harmonious whole, and he was proud of the fact that he had been asked to preside over that meeting. (Applause.) He called upon the Hon. Dr. W. F. Taylor to propose the first resolution, —“That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable that a Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Queensland be formed, and that immediate steps be taken to that end.” 

Dr. Taylor said be regarded it as a very great honour to be asked by the committee to propose so important a resolution. He also remembered the meeting that had been held in that hall nine years ago, when the Hon. J. R. Dickson so eloquently addressed them in moving a resolution similar to that which he was asked to move that evening. On that occasion Mr. Dickson had brought forward the most convincing proofs of the necessity for the formation of a Grand Lodge in Queensland. He had shown them that the three constitutions, however affable they might have been in the beginning, had outgrown their usefulness, and instead of furthering the interests of Masonry in Queensland had degenerated to a very large extent into rival bodies, pushing their rival interests as far as they possibly could. That condition of affairs he had strongly deprecated and had advocated the formation of one supreme Grand Lodge for Queensland as the means by which the undesirable condition of things could be done away with. For some reason, however, the movement had fallen through, and for nine years the matter had remained in abeyance. During those nine years, he would ask, had any progress been made towards cementing the various Masonic interests in this colony. Had the members of the different constitutions worked more in harmony than before? Had less of that spirit of unseemly rivalry been evinced than was formerly the case, or had they unitedly formed some Masonic charity which would not only be a memento of themselves, but which might be useful to their children. So far as he could see and judge, they had not progressed, and they still had these three institutions, working inharmoniously, not for the common good of Masonry, but individually for the benefit of each separate constitution. Now, he would ask them what was their first duty as Masons? Was it not to forward the interests of Masonry as a whole, and show to the world that Masons knew no country, no colour, no one religion, and no caste? (Applause.) Once a man was a Mason, he was a Mason all the world over. Was it, then, their duty as Masons to show that they simply belonged to different constitutions and were determined to support those constitutions, no matter how much Masonry as a whole might suffer thereby?  (Applause.) He maintained that their first duty was to the craft. When a man who was a  Mason in his heart saw that the craft was not advancing in the direction that he knew it  should advance, that the cause of brotherly love, relief, and truth were not being advanced  as they should be, then, no matter how much love he had for his own constitution, he should inquire the reason why Masonry was not advancing more satisfactorily and more in  harmony than it was doing. Up to the present time they had no Masonic monuments, and no combined charity. True, they had in connection with their different constitutions what they called benevolent funds. They had, however, nothing to assist the widow and the orphan. If they acted unitedly as one grand constitution—as Masons in a body instead of acting individually, they would be able to do some amount of good and fulfil their duty as Masons.  (Applause.) This aspect of Masonry in Queensland he had long felt to be a great stumbling block to the outside world. There were so many Masons here in Queensland, and it might be asked—What do they do? Where are their charities? Where are their schools? Where are their benevolent asylums? Where is their hospital? They had not even a bed in the hospital; they had not even a scholarship for deserving children of Masons. So long as they remained divided as they were, so long would that be the case, and they would only make their presence felt and their value known to the public and to their descendants by acting in a united manner and erecting some monument which would not only be a source of usefulness to coming generations, but a source of credit to the founders. (Applause.) It might be asked why all these years had been allowed to elapse since the last meeting, and no movement had taken place; but perhaps the non-success of the last movement had something to do with it. Anyhow, he was determined that should the question come up again, it would have his heartiest support. (Applause.) After reviewing the steps that had led up to the present meeting being called, and explaining that it was a perfectly constituted meeting, he moved the resolution standing in his name. 

Mr. J. Spiers seconded the motion. He said that he stood there as the representative of a very large number of intelligent and enthusiastic Freemasons, who resided to the west of the Main Range of Queensland. They were all in favour of the movement, and so he could cordially support it. He thought that the time had really arrived. 

[The First Book of the Lamington Chronicles – ‘Journeys in the Spirit of Free-Masonry’ page 45] 

No Further Action

In spite of the overwhelming support for the motion it appears that nothing further happened.  Perhaps approval had been sought from the various parent Grand Lodges or that there was more opposition from the members than had been expected. 

Be that as it may Wor. Bro. A. M. Hertzberg of Lodge Lamington,No. 842 S.C. appears to  have been a driving force not only in his Lodge but the Craft in general as can be seen from  an address he delivered to his Lodge. Perhaps the reason the Grand Lodge had not proceeded to be formed was the apathy of the brethren and so this address was a call for all members to get to work. 

ADDRESS TO THE BRETHREN OF LAMINGTON LODGE 

[The First Book of the Lamington Chronicles – ‘Journeys in the Spirit of  Free-Masonry’ page 4] 

Convention of Delegates

On the evening of Monday, April 25^th, 1904, a further Convention of delegates was held at the Albert Hall¹⁶⁷, Albert-street, Brisbane, Queensland, as a preliminary to the inauguration of the Grand Lodge of Queensland on the same night. Thirty-nine Lodges were represented by seventy delegates. The Convention’s agenda was to complete the formalities required for the erection of the new Grand Lodge. On taking the Chair, the Chairman of the Executive Committee, Wor.Bro. A. M. Hertzberg, addressed the assembled delegates: 

‘Brethren—Once more I am permitted to welcome you, the present occasion being the second Convention of Delegates for the formation of the Grand Lodge of Queensland. The foundations laid by the First Convention, on the 23^rd March last, were so solid that your Executive Committee, as then constituted, had no difficulty to erect thereon the superstructure which you will be called on to-night to acclaim and confirm, and which, later in the evening, will be finally consummated.’¹⁶⁸ 

The Grand Lodge was to follow a similar constitution to that of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales. Many delegates approved, but there was still dissention among the various Lodges. 

Following the adoption of the Brethren who had been nominated for Grand office, Wor. Bro. Judge E. Mansfield¹⁶⁹, .M. 286 I.C., moved the historic motion of the evening: 

‘That the undermentioned Lodges having in open Lodge assembled, carried and subsequently confirmed a resolution to aid in the formation of a Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Queensland, it is hereby determined to establish a Grand  Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Queensland according to the ancient landmarks and established customs of Freemasonry, and it is resolved this 25^th day of April, 1904, that the said Grand Lodge be and is hereby established in accordance with the minutes of this Convention:’¹⁷⁰ 

The undermentioned Lodges consisted of thirty-nine Lodges of the Irish and Scottish Constitutions. The twenty-five Lodges of the Irish Constitution included: St. Patrick’s, 279 (Brisbane); Duke of Leinster, 283 (Brisbane); Hiram, 286 (Brisbane); United Tradesmen’s, 288 (Ipswich); Hibernia and Albion Star, 289 (Townsville); Unity and Concord, 292 (Maryborough); Star of the Border, 293 (Stanthorpe); Southern Queensland, 312 (Beenleigh); Temple, 318 (Mackay); Valley St. John, 319 (Brisbane); Mulgrave, 323 (Bundaberg); Lord Dufferin, 329 (Gympie); Edmund MacDonnell, 330 (Brisbane); West End, 331 (Brisbane); Theodore Unmack, 337 (Brisbane); Union, 339 (Brisbane); Corinthian,340 (Charters Towers); Redcliffe, 341 (Redcliffe); Wynnum, 342 (Wynnum); Rockhampton, 344 (Rockhampton); Queenton, 345 (Queenton); Toowoomba, 346 (Toowoomba); Biggenden, 347 (Biggenden); Millican, 349 (Townsville); and Dee, 353 (Mount Morgan). 

The fourteen Lodges of the Scottish Constitution included: St. Andrew, 435(Brisbane); Athole and Melville, 455 (Brisbane); Silver Cross, 504 (Brisbane); Douglas, 677 (Rockhampton);

Norman, 803 (Sandgate); St. Mungo, 805 (Coorparoo); Nundah, 806 (Nundah); Duke of Rothesay, 807 (South Brisbane); Clydesdale, 821 (Caboolture); Dalrymple, 841 (Brisbane); Lamington, 842 (Brisbane); Light of the East, 852 (Brisbane); Robert Lee-Bryce, 872 (Brisbane); and Ionic, 916 (Gin Gin). The resolution was adopted unanimously by the  assembled delegates, thereby bringing the work of the Executive Committee, and its Chairman, Wor. Bro. A. M. Hertzberg, to a completion. 

After closing the Convention, Wor. Bro. A. M. Hertzberg, acting as Worshipful Master, proceeded to appoint certain Brethren as his officers, and opened the Lodge in the First, Second, and Third Degrees. Then, acting as Grand Master, he appointed the same Brethren to act as Grand Lodge officers, and opened the Lodge as Grand Lodge. He declared the above mentioned Brethren nominated for Grand Lodge office as being duly elected. Turning to the Grand Master Elect, Bro. A. M. Hertzberg made a short speech of loyalty, and presented the Commission. The Grand Master, R.W. Bro.G. S. Hutton, took the Chair and proceeded to read his Commission: 

‘To all whom it may concern: 

We, the undersigned, being Worshipful or Master Masons of the various legally constituted Lodges mentioned in connection with our several names, and also representatives of legally  constituted Lodges having met in Convention according to rule, law, and custom laid down by the Masonic Authorities of Great Britain, Ireland, and other parts of the world, and having  decided that for the good of Antient Free and Accepted Masonry it is necessary to form a  Grand Lodge of Queensland, to be known as and designated by the title of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Queensland, have unanimously chosen you, Brother  George Samuel Hutton (Past Provincial Grand Master of the Irish Constitution) to be the first  Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Queensland now  created, and in the names of ourselves and of the various Lodges surrendering their  Warrants and enrolling themselves under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free  and Accepted Masons of Queensland, do hereby bind them and ourselves to recognize and  obey you as such. 

Given under our hand at Brisbane, Queensland, this 25^th day of April, A.D. 1904, A.L. 5904.’¹⁷¹ 

The Commission was signed by sixty-seven delegates representing the thirty-nine Lodges. 

R.W. Bro. G. S. Hutton was duly obligated as the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Queensland, whereupon he immediately appointed Wor. Bro. A. M. Hertzberg, of Lodge Lamington, No. 842 S.C., as the first Pro Grand Master to act on his behalf. Having been duly elected, V.W. Bro. C. H. Harley assumed the office of Grand Secretary, and Wor. Bro. E. Denny Day, of Lodge Lamington, No. 842 S.C., the office of Grand Treasurer. Thus, the first Grand Lodge was inaugurated on Queensland soil. The Grand Lodge’s motto was  AUSPICIUMMELIORIS ÆVI (Latin for ‘Token of a better age’),the same motto as the Order of St. Michael and St. George. Finally, the Grand Master moved, seconded by the Pro Grand Master: 

‘That his Grace the Duke of Abercorn, K.G., the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, be solicited to become the Patron of the Grand Lodge of Queensland.’¹⁷² 

The motion was carried unanimously. 

[The First Book of the Lamington Chronicles – ‘Journeys in the Spirit of  Free-Masonry’ page 78] 

The following day, on the evening of Tuesday, April 26^th, 1904, the proceedings that took place in the Albert Hall were subsequently published in The Telegraph newspaper:

‘Queensland Freemasons. 

State Grand Lodge. 

Inauguration and Establishment. 

For about 16 years or more a movement among the Freemasons in Queensland for the establishment of a State Grand Lodge has been in various and varying stages of progress. Two attempts to bring the movement to a head failed for various reasons, but towards the end of last year, a third attempt was made, and this time the effort has been crowned with signal and significant success. Last night, in the presence of between 400 and 500 members of the craft, the Grand Lodge of Queensland was established, and the first grand master and grand officers elected and appointed. In the earlier stages of the movement, the idea of a Queensland Grand Lodge was supported by many members of each of the three constitutions working in this State—namely, English, Scottish, and Irish—but in the third and latest stage the majority of brethren working under the Scottish jurisdiction in and around Brisbane, and a few past masters of the English constitution. The movement has had the official support of the Irish Provincial Grand Lodge, supported by the promised approval and recognition of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, but thus far the district grand masters of English and Scottish Freemasons in Queensland have respectively opposed the establishment of the Queensland Grand Lodge, and, it is stated, have taken certain action  against some of the leaders in the movement who came under their respective jurisdiction. However, opposition did not dismay the promoters, but rather stimulated them. A provisional committee was appointed, and the members there of elected Mr. A. M. Hertzberg as their chairman, and Messrs. C. H. Harley and C. W. Watts as their secretaries. The grand mastership having in the first instance been declined by Sir Augustus C. Gregory, district grand master of the English constitution, the position was offered to and, with the approval of the grand master of Ireland (Duke of Abercorn), accepted by him. A convention of delegates from each of the consenting lodges was held, and its meetings were adjourned from time to time until the final meeting was held last night, in  the Albert Hall. Mr. Hertzberg presided at this meeting, and the report of the provisional committee was received, and, with but few amendments, adopted. The title of the new body was fixed as “The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Queensland.” The constitution of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, with some necessary alterations, was adopted. Resolutions dealing with internal matters, levies, and past grand ranks were passed, and the first Grand Lodge officers and the Board of General Purposes and Boards of Benevolence were elected. 

The following resolution was then moved by Judge Mansfield, seconded by the Mayor of South Brisbane (Ald. W. Jones), and carried by acclamation: “That the under mentioned lodges having, in open lodge assembled, carried and subsequently confirmed a resolution to aid in the formation of a grand lodge of antient free and accepted Masons of Queensland, it is hereby  determined to establish a grand lodge of antient free and accepted Masons of Queensland according to the ancient landmarks and established customs of Freemasonry, and it is resolved this 25^th day of April, 1904, that the said grand lodge be and is hereby established  in accordance with the minutes of this convention: Irish Constitution— St. Patrick’s, 279; Duke of Leinster, 283; Hiram, 286; United Tradesmen, 288; Hibernia and Albion Star,  289; Unity and Concord, 292; Star of the Border, 293; Southern Queensland, 312; Temple, 318; Valley St. John, 319; Mulgrave, 323; Lord Dufferin, 329; Edmund MacDonnell, 330; West End, 331; Theodore Unmack, 337; Union, 339; Corinthian, 340; Redcliffe, 341; Wynnum, 342; Rockhampton, 344; Queenton, 345; Toowoomba, 346; Biggenden, 347; Millican, 349; Dee, 353. Scotch Constitution—St. Andrew, 435; Athole and Melville, 455;Silver Cross, 504; Douglas, 677; Norman, 303; St. Mungo, 805; Nundah, 806; Duke of Rothesay, 807; Clydesdale, 821; Dalrymple, 841; Lamington, 842; Light of the East,852; Robert Lee-Bryce, 872; Ionic of Gin Gin, 916.” 

Votes of thanks to the chairman, the provisional committee, and the secretaries having been passed, the convention closed, and the opening ceremonies of Grand Lodge entered upon. 

[The First Book of the Lamington Chronicles – ‘Journeys in the Spirit of Free-Masonry’ page 79] 

GRAND LODGE ESTABLISHED. 

The ceremonies of opening a Masonic lodge and then ofa grand lodge were conducted by Wor. Bro. A. M. Hertzberg, assisted by several leading brethren in the respective chairs. The Grand Lodge was opened in the presence of between 400 and 500 brethren, chiefly of the Scottish and Irish constitutions. Many of the country lodges were represented. Among the more prominent brethren present, in addition to the Grand Master elect were the following: Judge Mansfield, Dr. W. S. Byrne, theMayor of South 

Brisbane (Ald. W. Jones), Messrs. J. Cameron, M.L.A., A. J. Lamont, M.L.A., J. Stodart,  M.L.A., and G. W. B. Story, M.L.A., Revs. Dr. Frackelton, H. T. Molesworth, E. O. Gauly, and H. Griffiths (Gympie), Dr. G. 

H. Hopkins, Ald. Fish, Ald. J. Lang, Messrs. E. Denny Day, 

A. Leney, J. Huxham, W. G. French (Maryborough), V. H. Tozer (Gympie), A. McNab, F. Hiley, E. R. Gross, S. Denniston, W. Young, J. Hipwood, C. A. Clarke, W. T.Atthow,  H. J. Brown, O. W. Thurlby, C. H. Harley, C. W. Watts, R. E. Burton, R. Lee-Bryce, W. Hamilton, F. Hiley, 

G. B. Lee-Bryce, G. A. Robertson, J. B. Charlton, F. G. Hamilton, J. H. Henzell, E. J.  Atkinson, T. S. Henzell, G. Johnston, Walter Scott, C. Gehrmann, E. R. Driver, W. J. Coakes, D. R. Eden, A. C. Wylie; Hubert J. Harris, J. Kilroe, 

W. O. Hawkins, C. Stendrup, A. Lewis, D. Benjamin, C. Zoeller, S. M. Collins, &c. 

The Grand Lodge having been opened, the grand master and grand officers elect entered, and assembled in front of the dais. The presiding officer (Wor. Bro. Hertzberg) then announced to the R.W. Bro. G. S. Hutton, past provincial grand master under the Irish constitution, that he had been unanimously elected to the position of grandmaster of Queensland, and invited him to take the oath of allegiance to the constitution of the Grand Lodge of Queensland. This was done, and the grand master’s patent of office (issued on behalf of the 41 lodges constituting the Grand Lodge was read and ordered to he entered on the records. The most worshipful grand master then appointed Wor. Bro.  A. M. Hertzberg as pro grand master. He took the oath of office and then returned thanks to the grand master for the great honour conferred on him. Wor. Bro. Dr. W. S.  Byrne, who had been elected as deputy grand master, next took the oathof office, and he thanked the brethren for his election. The remaining grand officers made the necessary declaration and assumed their respective offices as follows: Senior grand warden, Wor.  Bro. W. Jones; junior grand warden, Wor. Bro. A. Hertzberg; grand chaplain, Very Wor. and Rev. Bro. H. T. Molesworth; grand treasurer, Wor. Bro. E. Denny Day; grand registrar, Wor. Bro. Judge Mansfield; president Board of General Purposes, Right Wor. Bro. Alfred Leney; president Board of Benevolence, Wor. Bro. C. W. Thurlby; grand secretary, Very Wor. Bro. C. H. Harley; honorary assistant grand secretary, Very Wor. Bro. C. W. Watts; two senior grand deacons, Very Wor. Bro. H. J. Brown, Wor. Bro. G. Hopkins; two junior grand deacons, Wor. Bro. E. R. Gross, Wor.  Bro. W. H. Woods; grand director of ceremonies, Very Wor. Bro. J. Kilroe; deputy grand director of ceremonies, Wor. Bro. W. Young; grand sword bearer, Wor. Bro.  George Johnston; grand standard bearer, Wor.Bro. E. R. Driver; grand organist, Wor. Bro. J. Abraham; grand inner guard, Wor. Bro. B. H. C. Krone; deputy grand inner guard, Wor. Bro. W. J. Coakes; grand stewards, Wor. Bros. J. B. Charlton, W. Crocker, G. Fish, W. G. French, F. B. Kavanagh, B. Lilley, G. Smallwood, J. D. Quaid, W. T. Atthow, V. H. Tozor, and J. H. Henzel. 

The GRAND MASTER then appointed Wor. Bro. J. Millican, of Charters Towers, as inspector of workings for the northern division. 

The PRO GRAND MASTER moved, and the GRAND SENIOR WARDEN seconded, the following resolution, — 

“That this, the most worshipful Grand Lodge of Queensland, hereby confirms and ratifies all acts, deeds, and resolutions of the delegates and their provisional and executive committees respectively as recorded on the minutes of their proceedings, and which form the basis of this grand lodge.” 

The motion was carried by acclamation. 

The DEPUTY GRAND MASTER moved, and Wor. Bro. Dr. HOPKINS seconded, the following resolution, — 

“That the most worshipful the grand master be requested to nominate a committee of three to assist him and the grand secretary in preparing an address to the sister grand lodges requesting recognition and cooperation, and such address be forwarded forthwith.” 

The motion was carried unanimously. The GRAND MASTER then moved,— 

“That his Grace the Duke of Abercorn, K.G., the Most Worshipful the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, be solicited to become patron of the Grand Lodge of Queensland.” 

In doing so, the grand master laid great stress upon the fact that the Duke of Abercorn, as Grand Master of Ireland, had encouraged the formation of the Grand Lodge of Queensland. 

The motion was seconded by the PRO GRAND MASTER, who said they owed a debt of gratitude to the Duke of Abercorn; who had so readily given his approval of the Queensland movement. His grace had placed but one limit on them, and that was they, should act legally in a Masonic sense. They had endeavoured to follow this injunction, and at every turn to act legally, and he felt satisfied they had succeeded. Most certainly they had not invited illegality, and they deeply regretted that anybody should suppose they had. (Hear, hear.) 

The motion was carried unanimously. 

Several telegrams and letters of apology and congratulation were received. 

Grand Master’s Address

The GRAND MASTER then delivered an address, in which he congratulated the brethren on the accomplishment of their hopes. It had been the great wish of all of them that they should have had the opportunity of acclaiming the venerable brother Sir Augustus Gregory as the first Grand Master of Queensland. Unfortunately, that distinguished brother had chosen to remain outside, and even to oppose the movement. But that had not put them aside. They had persevered and had succeeded so well that the Grand Lodge of Queensland, with 41 lodges, was now an accomplished fact. The brethren had established that Grand Lodge from a pure love of Masonry and Masonic principles, and not from any unworthy ambition or seeking of self-aggrandisement. He referred, in passing, to some of the opposition which had been manifested, but he confidently expressed the hope and belief that eventually they would all be working under one instead of three constitutions. (Cheers.) 

The Grand Lodge was then closed, and the brethren adjourned to the school hall, where a collation was provided by Mr. Armstrong. As the hour was late the only toast honoured was “The King.” The whole proceedings were characterized by great earnestness and  dignity and a resolute enthusiasm which seemed to augur well for the success of the movement. 

[extracted from The First Book of the Lamington Chronicles – ‘Journeys in the Spirit of Free-Masonry’ page 80] 

England, Ireland and Scotland Resist

Success it might have been, but The Grand Lodges of England, Ireland and Scotland failed to recognize the existence of this new Grand Lodge. Perhaps the thought was:” how could brethren in the antipodes know what a Grand Lodge should look like?” What experience do they have? Merging with other Constitutions is unheard of! This perhaps provides us with some insight into how and why some Grand Lodges have failed or lost the plot. 

The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales immediately recognized the Grand Lodge of Queensland as a sister Grand Lodge It seemed that others had taken a position of elitism where form and rank had replaced function, where ego and power had replaced brotherly love, relief and truth. This becomes even more evident when Lord Chelmsford becomes the Governor of Queensland. Although many Grand Lodges overseas and across the States of Australia soon accepted the Grand Lodge of Queensland, the Grand Lodges of England, Scotland and Ireland in particular continued not to recognize the new Grand Lodge. Despite this, the Grand Lodge of Queensland held its course, and confidence was expressed, that, the brotherly Masonic urge for unity would eventually find a way of healing the divisions  within the State of Queensland, and that the example of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales would have its influence overseas. 

Lord Chelmsford 

After arriving in Brisbane, Queensland, on Thursday, November 30^th, 1905, Lord Chelmsford was sworn in as the 10^th Governor of Queensland and representative of His Majesty King Edward VII. Born in London, England, Frederic John Napier Thesiger was educated at Winchester College, Winchester, Hampshire, and at Magdalen College of the University of Oxford. A keen cricketer, Thesiger played for the Oxford University Cricket Club (O.U.C.C.) during 1888 to 1891 and captained the Oxford XI in 1890. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with first-class honours in law in 1891. The following year, in 1892, he was elected as a fellow of All Souls College of the University of Oxford (1892– 99). In 1893, Thesiger was called to the Bar of the Inner Temple to practice law. Having joined the army Volunteer Force as an Officer in the 1^st volunteer battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment, he was promoted to Captain on Saturday, September 13^th, 1902. He had also been a member of the London County Council (L.C.C.) from 1904 to1905. His Excellency Lord Chelmsford was the son Frederic Augustus Thesiger, 2^nd Baron Chelmsford, GCB, GCVO, who was a British imperial general who came to prominence during the Anglo-Zulu War and went on to defeat the Zulu Kingdom at the subsequent Battle of Ulundi. Lord Chelmsford succeeded t the title of 3^rd Baron Chelmsford of Chelmsford, upon his father’s death, on Sunday, April 9^th, 1905, and then in July, accepted the appointment as the Governor of Queensland. 

On the evening of Monday, June 11^th, 1906, the Grand Lodge of Queensland held a Quarterly Communication meeting at the Masonic Hall, Alice-street, Brisbane, Queensland. Having recently attended the Installation of a Governor as Grand Master in New South Wales,

M.W. Bro. G. S. Hutton made an important announcement at the meeting that would reignite flames across the Craft in Queensland. His Excellency Lord Chelmsford, the Governor of Queensland, had consented to being nominated as the 2^nd Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Queensland. At the time of his nomination, Lord Chelmsford was a member of Lodge of Amity, No. 137 E.C. (Dorset, Eng.), having been Initiated on Wednesday, June 1^st, 1898. The following day, on the morning of Tuesday, June 12^th, 1906, the proceedings that took place at the Masonic Hall were subsequently published in The Brisbane Courier newspaper. 

‘QUEENSLAND MASONIC GRANG LODGE. LORD CHELMSFORD ELECTED GRAND MASTER. 

An important announcement was made at the quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge of Antient, Free, and Accepted Masons of Queensland, which was held at the Masonic Hall, Alice street, last evening. This was that his Excellency Lord Chelmsford had consented to be nominated as Grand Master. The present Grand Master (Most Wor.  Bro. G. S. Hutton), who has occupied the position since the inauguration of the constitution two years ago, had been again nominated for the position, and while thanking the brethren for their continued confidence, he asked that the nomination should be withdrawn so that he might propose as Grand Master for the ensuing year Lord Chelmsford. (Applause.) He had had the pleasure of an interview with his Excellency, and his Excellency expressed his gratification at it being proposed that he should be Grand  Master of Queensland, and he (Mr. Hutton) was sure they would receive with acclamation his nomination. (Applause.) Most Wor. Bro. A. M. Hertzberg, Pro. Grand Master, seconded the nomination, and in doing so said the proposal was one of the wisest that could possibly be made, and it was one that would do more than anything else could possibly do to bring about peace and harmony among the Masons of Queensland. (Applause.) The nomination was warmly supported by Most Wor. Bro. W. Jones, Deputy Grand Master Elect., and it was carried unanimously and with acclamation.’ 

[The First Book of the Lamington Chronicles – ‘Journeys in the Spirit of Free-Masonry’ page 101] 

Lord Chelmsford’s Installation 

On the evening of Thursday, November 29^th, 1906, about 800 Free-Masons assembled in the Concert Hall at the Exhibition Building, 480 Gregory-terrace, Bowen Park, Brisbane, Queensland, on the occasion of His Excellency Lord Chelmsford’s Installation as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Queensland. After the Brethren had arrived and taken their places, the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. G. S. Hutton, took the chair and formally opened the Grand Lodge. Seated beside him was the Pro Grand Master, R.W. Bro. A. M. Hertzberg (of Lodge Lamington, No. 31 Q.C.), and Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Dr. W. S. Byrne (of Hiram Lodge). After the formal business had been concluded, the Grand Lodge officers from other Grand Lodges were announced and received. New South Wales was represented by the Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Bro. W. C. Shipway, and the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Western Australia, M.W. Bro. The Right Rev. C. O. L. Riley, BA, MA, DD, Bishop of Perth,  had travelled all the way from the other side of the continent. An active Free-Mason, M.W. Bro. Riley, in recognition of his services to English Free-Masonry, had been granted the  honorific rank of Past Grand Chaplain by the United Grand Lodge of England in 1897.²²⁰ The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Western Australia, was then invited to preside as the Installing Master. Having taken his place, His Excellency, in his capacity as Grand Master elect, was announced and escorted into the Lodge by M.W. Bros. Hutton (Past Grandmaster), A. M. Hertzberg (Pro Grand Master), Dr. W. S. Byrne, and Dr. Frackelton. Thenceforward proceeded the ceremony of Installation. His Excellency, having taken the solemn obligation appertaining to his office, he was invested with the regalia, and placed in the chair. The next procedure was the Installation of the Grand Master’s officers. V.W. Bro. E. Denny Day, of Lodge Lamington, No. 31 Q.C., was re-Installed as the Grand Treasurer. 

Following the Installation of the Grand Lodge officers, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Western Australia, M.W. Bro. The Right Rev. C. O. L. Riley presented his address. In his address, he went to the heart of the matter, As he likened the state of mind of the mother Grand Lodges in the British Isles to parents who dislike seeing their children leave them, and concluded: 

‘I think any Grand Lodge ought to be only too delighted when they have established their children in a distant land, to see them grow so strong, so self-reliant and so independent that they are able to establish their own Grand Lodge and go their own way as a free and independent body. 

In reply, Lord Chelmsford thanked M.W. Bro. Riley and the representatives of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and confirmed that twenty-two sister Grand Lodges had now recognised the Queensland Constitution. After making reference to meeting Free Masons in Queensland who held counterviews of the Queensland Constitution, he concluded: 

‘… I should like to remind them that epithets do not constitute argument nor dissolve facts, and that courtesy is not amiss even in controversy. (Loud applause.) 

After stating that growth is a sign of progress, Lord Chelmsford confirmed that the Queensland Constitution was stronger by eleven Lodges than two years ago. In finishing his speech, Lord Chelmsford asked to be pardoned for making a personal digression: 

‘Some of you may have seen a correspondence which has passed between the District Grand Lodge of England and myself on the subject of my acceptance of the distinguished post in which I have been installed this evening. The written protest is addressed to me in my capacity as Mason, but is in effect, as I think those who have read it will agree, an indictment of me in my capacity as Governor—(applause) … I must express my regret to these gentlemen if I am unable to regard my conduct, as they do, a grave dereliction of duty; … (Applause.) I have taken this step, as I mentioned in my letter, on the advice and counsel of a brother who has held high office in England, and with the hope that it might conduce to reunion and a settlement of our unhappy divisions. (Applause.) None of us are infallible, not even the youngest of us, and I  hope that our friends and brethren who are now most unhappily sundered from us will recognise on our part an honest difference of opinion, and will at least do us all the credit of believing that reunion is the goal that we all look to and are willing to make some sacrifice to obtain. (Applause.) I make an appeal for unity to a wider circle of Masons than those represented here to-night. (Applause.) How long will you suffer this quarrel to drag on? History is full of the misery caused in the world by men continuing to fight after the original causes of quarrel have ceased to exist. The idea of a Grand Lodge in Queensland can scarcely be anathema. Why, every State in this Southern Sea has its Grand Lodge. Let us brush away the flimsy technicalities which are being woven round us to prevent a reconciliation. (Applause.) If once we can get men’s hearts to resolve that this thing shall no longer be, we shall have no difficulty in finding heads to contrive how it shall best be ended. (Applause.) That this may come about is my most sincere hope. (Loud and continued applause.) 

[The First Book of the Lamington Chronicles – ‘Journeys in the Spirit of Free-Masonry’ page 105] 

BOWS AND ARROWS 

On the morning of Friday, November 30^th, 1906, the same day that the proceedings of Lord Chelmsford’s Installation as Grand Master was published in The Brisbane Courier newspaper, the District Grand Lodge of Queensland (English Constitution), published a ‘Masonic Announcement’ in the same edition of The Brisbane Courier. In a most extraordinary display of impertinence, especially to a representative of His Majesty King Edward VII, they published the correspondence between themselves and Lord Chelmsford, dated October 26^th and 29^th. Whilst declaring having the highest respect and esteem for his representative, they had the audacity in their letters to refer to Lord Chelmsford’s actions as being irregular, illegal, clandestine, in violation of Masonic laws, and actuated by personal ambition: 

‘MASONIC ANNOUNCEMENT. 

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF FREEMASONS OF ENGLAND, QUEENSLAND. CORRESPONDENCE 

Between the DISTRICT GRAND LODGE 

And 

HIS EXCELLENCY LORD CHELMSFORD 

in reference to the unprecedented action of the Governor in violation of the Book of the  Constitutions of Grand Lodge of England. 

Norman Chambers, Creek Street, Brisbane, November 8, A.L. 5906, A.D. 1906. MEMORANDUM. 

The Board of General Purposes, with the approval of the Right Worshipful the District Grand Master, has directed that the accompanying correspondence, which has passed between them and his Excellency, Brother Lord Chelmsford, with regard to his announced acceptance of the position of Grand Master of the clandestine body styling itself the Grand Lodge of Queensland, be circulated amongst the brethren of the District, in order that they may be fully seized of the present situation, and of the facts leading thereto. The first intimation which the District Grand Lodge of England received that Lord Chelmsford contemplated associating himself with the irregularly-formed body was that appearing in the public Press on June 12 last stating that he had been elected as its head. 

At the request of the Board, I, as District Grand Secretary, waited upon the Governor, and asked that he would accord an interview to the representatives of the District Grand Lodge of England in order that they might be able to place their views before him. The Governor replied that he would he pleased to meet the representatives on the understanding—(1), that the details of the interview were not to be given to the Press, and (2), that he had fully considered the step he was taking and that he would not alter his decision. 

When the representatives of the District Grand Lodge subsequently met his Lordship, he added a third condition that the details of the interview were not to be disclosed. The promise then given precludes our representatives from being more explicit with regard to the interview. 

No further communication was received from his Excellency, but in October the Board became aware of the fact that the date of his Installation had been fixed and certain arrangements made. They therefore deemed it their duty to forward the protest contained in the letters to the Governor dated October 26, herewith presented. To these letters the Board received the reply of the same date to which the letter of Lordship in answer. 

The correspondence will speak for itself, but the Board desire to emphasise the fact that Lord Chelmsford, as shown by the conditions he imposed when granting the interview, and without affording any opportunity to the rulers of the English Jurisdiction in this State to place the facts of the case before him, had definitely made up his mind to follow a course of action which not only set at naught the provisions of our Book of Constitutions, but by becoming the partisan of an irregular body, comprising a very small minority of the Masons of this State, has deprived the great majority of the impartial assistance which they had a right to expect from one occupying the high position of Governor. The Board regret to take this step, but feel that it is only due to brethren under the English Jurisdiction that the proceedings in this important matter should be frankly and fully made known to them. 

The Right Worshipful the District Grand Master is confident that the brethren will not  be led astray by the irregular and illegal actions of any Mason, even though occupying so  exalted a civic position as does the King’s representative, but that, acting in full accord  with the provisions of the Book of Constitutions, they will in every respect loyally support the District Grand Master in maintaining the laws which, in the present instance, have been so wantonly violated. 

H. COURTENAY LUCK, District Grand Secretary. 

CORRESPONDENCE. 

The District Grand Lodge of Freemasons of England, in Queensland. 

Norman Chambers, Brisbane, 

October 26, 1906. 

To his Excellency, Brother Lord Chelmsford, K.C.M.G., Governor of the State of Queensland. 

Your Excellency, — 

In the name of the Freemasons in Queensland holding under the Grand Lodge of England, and following up the arguments and information placed before your Excellency at the interview on June 13 last, and in the absence of any subsequent communication from your  Lordship, we are duty bound to hand you our written protest against the step which, we are informed, you still have in contemplation, of becoming Grand Master of the Queensland Constitution, a body not recognised by any of the three Grand Lodges at present holding  concurrent jurisdiction in Queensland—namely, the English, Scottish, and Irish. 

In framing our remonstrance, we have not couched it in language we would have employed in addressing the Governor of the State on any other matter, but have expressed ourselves as freely as we would to any Mason whom we conceived to be taking a course of highly  prejudicial to the interests of Freemasonry. 

We sincerely trust that your Excellency will read our communication in that spirit. We desire to assure your Excellency that while we feel compelled by our Masonic duty and allegiance to express our thoughts strongly, still, as loyal subjects of his most gracious Majesty, we naturally have the highest respect and esteem for his representative. We have the honour to be, Your Lordship, 

Your Excellency’s most obedient servants, 

District Grand Master, (signed) ALFRED JOHN STEPHENSON. 

Deputy District Grand Master, (signed) ALEXANDER CORRIE. 

President of the Board of General Purposes, (signed)ERNEST W. SMITH. District Grand Registrar, (signed) CHAS. HOLMES ÀCOURT. 

District Grand Secretary, (signed) H. COURTENAY LUCK. 

While further correspondence appears to have emanated from this source the following was a short and direct reply from Lord Chelmsford. 

Government House, Brisbane, Queensland, October 26, 1906. 

Gentlemen,—I have the honour to acknowledge your communication of to-day.

As I told your representatives, who met me on June 15 last, I am not taking the step I propose to take without the concurrence and advice of a distinguished brother who has held high office in England, and who is, in my opinion, sufficiently removed from the present unhappy divisions to enable him to give impartial and disinterested advice. I do not  complain of the tone of your protest, as I always wish to give credit to the honesty of purpose of those who differ from me, but I claim the same treatment for myself, and I cannot but think  that the suggestion that I am actuated by personal ambition in taking the step I am taking is unworthy of the gentlemen who sign the protest. I do not propose now to, nor shall in the future, engage myself in the controversial matters contained in your communication.— Believe me, faithfully yours, 

(Signed) CHELMSFORD. 

[The First Book of the Lamington Chronicles – ‘Journeys in the Spirit of  Free-Masonry’ page 114] 

First Edition Queensland Freemason newspaper

On Thursday, October 15^th, 1908, another major milestone was achieved, when, under the Grand Mastership of His Excellency Lord Chelmsford, K.C.M.G., the first edition of The Queensland Freemason newspaper was published for the benefit of all Free-Masons in the State of Queensland. The newspaper accordingly presented its aspirations as ‘a Mason’s paper’: 

The Queensland Freemason, which to-day joins the journalistic community, is published to promote the best interests of the Craft as a whole. Every Mason knows at the present time the Masonic family is divided in Queensland, and not a few look forward to the day when Union will take the place of division. On that great question we propose to take no sides. We are quite content to leave the solution of it to time, which, without becoming a partisan, heals all differences and provides indue season the conditions best suited to the people. In those matters we are inclined to be optimistic and patient—content to wait and satisfied that all will come well in the end. In Masonry as in the other affairs of the world, “The thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns,” 

And when Queensland Freemasons are ready for a solid unified body it will come. Meanwhile there is good work to be done, and this journal hopes to be permitted to do some of it. It desires to be a mouthpiece for all the Constitutions in Queensland, helping each and sympathetic to all.  Its columns will be open to Masons of every rank and Constitution, and correspondence on matters of interest to the Craft generally or to one Constitution in particular will be welcomed, and, so far space permits, published. Of course, each correspondent will be answerable for his own opinions, not The Queensland Freemason. What we desire to make clear is that this journal is tied to no Constitution, and its literary columns are free to all. 

[The First Book of the Lamington Chronicles – ‘Journeys in the Spirit of Free-Masonry’ page 116] 

Mixed Allegiances

Lord Chelmsford remained as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Queensland (GLoQ) until being appointed Governor of New South Wales in 1909. 

While the GLoQ successfully withstood the turbulence created by the Provincial Grand Lodges that had been established under the parent Grand Lodges of, England Scotland and Ireland there were a number of Lodges that retained their original allegiance, and refused to recognize the local organization. The only Irish Lodge that did not join the GLoQ returned its charter and took out an English one (Kangaroo Point Lodge). Hence from 1904 until 1920, there was not only a Grand Lodge of Queensland, but also the remaining Provincial District Grand Lodges of England and Scotland — all chartering new Lodges throughout the State as the occasion demanded. 

It was clear that there were many who were of the opinion that the problem existing between the Queensland, Scottish and English Lodges would have been resolved earlier, but for the intercession of World War I. Hence on 30 April 1920, the Lodges of the Scottish and English Districts met together to form the Queensland Grand Lodge (note the different name from the Grand Lodge of Queensland), with Alexander Corrie as Grand Master. The Queensland Grand Lodge was only a temporary institution formed to facilitate a proposed unification,  

An Amalgam of Spirit

On April 21, 1921 after many years of argument The GLoQ and the Queensland Grand  Lodge (briefly formed by the English and some remnant Scottish Lodges – Note the different  wording to GLoQ) finally agreed that the two Grand Lodges could join to sponsor a Treaty or  Articles of Association to sponsor the formation of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland in an endeavour to create permanent and perpetual unity between all Queensland Freemasons.  The very wording of the ceremony conducted at its formation confirms this aim. Before the newly elected Grand Master was obligated the combined assembly of Brethren confirmed their commitment to the Treaty or Articles of Union, as did the Grand Master and his Officers. During the investiture several prayers were spoken hoping that the Unity would hold. 

Hence, the United Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Queensland came into being as an amalgam of the two earlier Grand Lodges, with a roll of 281 Lodges. By 1926, only two Lodges in the State had not joined this body, these being two English Lodges meeting in Gladstone and Silk wood. 

In spite of this amalgam of spirit the GLoQ never formally closed but merely allowed its members to continue meeting and maintaining the original number that had been allocated under the GLoQ. As Lodges merged or returned their warrants these then reverted to the GLoQ.

Acknowledgement 

The members of Clydesdale Lodge are grateful to Wor. Bro. Scott Moller and the members of Lamington Lodge for permission to include in this paper extracts from THE FIRST BOOK OF THE LAMINGTON CHRONICLES – ‘Journeys in the Spirit of Free Masonry’