by Christopher L. Hodapp
UPDATE: SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2024, 8:00PM: Several weeks after this story first appeared here on February 15th, the AASR-NMJ Supreme Council publicly released the findings of an independent financial audit, plus multiple independent investigations of the allegations made against David Glattly which led to his resignation back in 2022. The results of all of these inquiries refute Glattly's version of events that he posted here at the end of December, and corroborate the accusations against him made by the internal whistleblower in the Lexington office.
Also, please see my apology on March 10th for taking any side whatsoever in this matter: My Deepest Apologies: Is Red or White Wine Best with a Plate of Crow?
The Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite NMJ has announced on its website this evening that it has voted to expel Past Sovereign Grand Commander David A. Glattly, 33° from its rolls. (Click the image below to enlarge.)
No reasons for his expulsion were stated in the post or the letter, but it comes about a month after Glattly’s long and detailed letter was published on this site at his request, explaining his side of events that led to his abrupt resignation from the SGC position in 2022.
For those who are confused by Masonic bureaucracy, appendant bodies, or jurisprudence details, it should be understood that David is a member and former Grand Marshall from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, and he remains a member of the fraternity – he's only been expelled by the Scottish Rite NMJ.
See the original post HERE: AASR NMJ Past Commander David Glattly Speaks Out
NOTE 2/16/24,11:00AM: An earlier version of this story mistakenly said David Glattly was a Past Grand Master of New Jersey. He is a former Grand Marshall. My apologies for the error.
Thanks for your post Bro. Hodapp. You've been able to explain some very strange (and sad) Masonic disputes over the past few years.
ReplyDeleteAny analysis about what just happened here beyond the post from a month ago? You always I find try to provide clear and rational understandings of Masonic "happenings".
I had the pleasure of meeting Brother Glattly while he was Commander. I found him to be a fine person and very worthy of the position. I am proud to call him Brother. I always find that when the powers that be, in this case the Supreme Council, choose not to lay all of their cards on the table there are often shenanigans involved, usually on the part of the powers that be. Just my observation. Very disappointed in taking action in this manner. Particularly in an organization devoted to Truth. Bad form Brethren, bad form.
ReplyDeleteThis really comes as no surprise to me. The Scottish Rite in our local area is full of political bureaucracy and if one doesn't fit into their mold they are shown the door. Whispering good counsel in the ear of brother is not practiced....unless you are being groomed to fit their mold. Occasionally a brother slips through the cracks but is always dealt with before advancing too far and is forced out or shown the door. In the old days it was the elite ruling class in power, but today with the diminished numbers they have been forced to allow some less than elite to rule and govern, but they must still fit the mold of those remaining elites that hold the real power in the rite. Blue Lodge politics pale in comparison to the politics in the Rite. Therefore Blue Lodge is my focus.
ReplyDeleteWell said Brother Dave. I know we are always told no higher than a Master Mason. However many think the Rite is higher and it’s noticed by many Brothers in the Blue Lodge and politics and Bureaucracy come with chasing a title that Many Brothers believe is the Top of Masonry while forgetting the basic tenants of our institution.
DeleteI’m very concerned about the raw treatment afforded Commander Glattly. Like many, I too have met men who would put their personal interests ahead of the Craft. This expulsion without any explanation to the membership of the NMJ is troubling. I will have to give serious consideration to my continuing membership in the Rite and my contributions to AASR charities.
ReplyDeleteJ.D. Marksheid, 32°
Valley of Rockville Centre
Is there any way to find the Hecht Letter, or the Anonymous letter referenced in Glattly's letter?
ReplyDeleteMinor correction - RWB Glattly is a Past Grand Marshal in NJ and not a Past Grand Master
ReplyDeleteI’m submitting this just as information without comment. Don’t expect any kind of public response from the NMJ beyond what has already been released. The NMJ is a public 501c corporation. They are subject to the same rules and regulations as any other corporation in regard to employment, EEOC, privacy, etc. There are liability issues to be considered in regard to privacy considerations. What some might consider a lack of transparency is the NMJ’s adherence to federal and State of Massachusetts law.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, that is nonsense. 501c corps have a greater, not less duty to transparency.
DeleteExpelling a member has nothing to do with employment laws or EEOC. That's just a red herring. Last I checked, Glattly hasn't been an employee of the NMJ for a number of years. And the Scottish Rite, NMJ has already PROMISED transparency. Just check their public facing Facebook page.
It’s disappointing how some in the fraternity choose to deal with respectful dissent or differing opinions. We’re supposed to be brothers and we’re supposed to be seeking knowledge and wisdom. In a group that is constantly worried about membership numbers dropping, it seems shortsighted to just expel someone with whom you disagree.
ReplyDeleteBrethren, let us remember that we only know one side of the story -- Brother Glattly's side. The Scottish RIte Supreme Council is not (and never has been) like a Grand Lodge or Grand Chapter or Grand Commandery -- the voting members (the Actives; SGIGs in the S.J.) are not chosen by the brethren, they're chosen by the other Actives, so they don't answer to the brethren the way other grand bodies do. And the deliberations of the Supreme Council (with the exception of a "show" meeting every two years) are not open to the rest of us. There's apparently more to this story than what Brother Glattly has told us.
ReplyDeleteSounds like some serious reform is essential if the Supreme Council thinks they owe nothing by way of explanation to the members who pay dues and raise money for their charities.
DeleteIt might also be worth some of the Grand Lodges to consider their continued recognition of the Scottish Rite in their jurisdictions.
Considering ending my membership. This is not the first time I have seen "upper leadership" behave this way. The first time was in Valley of Milwaukee years ago, bunch of back stabbing and infighting. Now this. Where there is smoke, there is fire. I believe an explanation to it's members for the expulsion of Glattly is deserved. The omission of an explanation seems like a leadership misstep at best. I believe whatever happens at the "top" of an organization trickles down to it's members somehow someway and I am feeling like I don't want to associate with this kind of thing. Glattly apparently didn't either and he seemed like a stand up kind of guy. If he wasn't than the leadership ought to shed some light.
ReplyDelete