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Friday, September 09, 2022

Grand Lodges of England and Scotland Issue Statements and Directives Over Queen's Mourning Period



by Christopher Hodapp

Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, the United Grand Lodge of England has issued a statement to the press (photo above - click it to enlarge).

The UGLE's Metropolitan Grand Lodge in London issued the following directives to their members:
Brethren & Companions,
Following the death of Her Majesty on 8 September, the following measures will apply:
  • There will be a period of Masonic mourning coinciding with the period of national mourning, and black ties will be worn at all Craft and Royal Arch meetings held during that period. No black rosettes will be worn.
  • There will be no suspension of Masonic meetings during the period.
  • The summons for the first meeting of each Lodge or Chapter sent out from today should be printed in black. At the meeting, immediately after the opening (and the reading of any necessary dispensation), a short period of silence should be observed.
  • The first toast at dinner is now The King and the Craft / The King and Royal Arch Masonry

The Grand Lodge of Scotland has issued the following statement Friday morning:

Dear Sir and Brother
I am writing to you following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Our thoughts and prayers are with The Royal Family at this sad time.
I wish to inform you that a period of national mourning has now commenced and will continue until the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The funeral, I understand, will take place on Monday 19 September 2022.
As a mark of respect the Grand Master Mason has directed that all Masonic activity will cease during this period of national mourning.
Further details will be circulated on Friday 9 September 2022.
Yours Sincerely and Fraternally,
William M S Semple
Grand Secretary
Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
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1 comment:

  1. Bill Achbach, Westminster, COWed Sep 14, 12:43:00 AM 2022

    Thoughts on why the difference between the two in re. "Masonic activity?" Almost seems the reverse of what one might expect, with the GL of Scotland ceasing activity and U.G.L.E. not.

    ReplyDelete

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