Joint Unity Statement From The Grand Lodges of Missouri

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The State of Missouri is suffering as are many states in our country. Unfortunately, it is not the first time there has been strife due to the inequitable application of human rights and varying treatments of various groups within our state and country. Those inequities are profoundly contrary to the principles of our Order.

Our State has experienced social unrest in major cities on multiple occasions over the years and we are saddened that the issues that precipitated the unrest have not yet been fully resolved. Inequitable treatment and racial tensions are not just limited to the urban areas of our State and we must recognize the inequities where they exist and attempt to eliminate them through legal means as quickly as possible. While we recognize that there must be changes made to our legal system, the true path to restoration, equality, and healing starts with individual mindsets and proper actions.

We all know that the principles of our Masonic Fraternity can go a long way towards assuring equality and fostering the respect that is due every person of the human family when properly applied. Through exercising and practicing the masonic principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth and acknowledging that we are all created by God and therefore equal in his eyes, we cannot waiver from these principles and be considered true Freemasons. Freemasonry unites men of every race, country, sect, and opinion and conciliates true friendship among those who might have otherwise remained at a perpetual distance. It is our duty as a fraternity to influence those within our ranks to make decisions that help contribute to the repairing of the various broken systems that plague our communities.

Our respective Grand Lodges have a long and rich history in the State of Missouri which we need to share with each other and the world. Nearly 20 years ago, our Grand Lodges acknowledged, by resolution, that we are both respected and valid Grand Lodges inhabiting the same geographical area and we have worked diligently on expanding our joint activities and relationships. Our members and our respective Grand Lodges are so much more enriched because of our love and the respect we share for one another.

The death of George Floyd is a tragedy. Our members are free to make their own decisions as to what should be considered justice in this situation and while we acknowledge that we live in an imperfect world, we stand united in our strong belief that the foundations of our moral system can and must bridge the chasm that divides our state and country right now. Each member of our order is free to vote and express himself without interference from our Grand Lodge and we pray that how you choose to express yourself will be tempered with compassion and understanding for the entire human race.

We call upon all peoples of our state to not fall victim to racism, hatred or contribute to destructive expressions for the lack of progress. And to our members, be ever mindful that we are one Brotherhood and we should always be our brother’s keeper. United we will stand. Now, henceforth, and forever.

It is our ardent desire that we bond together as brothers to make our world a more just and honorable place.

May the God of Love and Peace delight to dwell with and bless you.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

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DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

In May, 1868, after several years of various parts of our country taking time to honor and remember the veterans of the civil war by spreading flowers over the graves of casualties of that war, a national movement took hold and the first national day of remembrance was held. At the time it was called Decoration day but over time has been dubbed Memorial Day. It became a National holiday effective in 1971 and was designated as being celebrated on the last Monday in May. May was originally chosen because May of each year is the most prolific for blooming flowers.

As the Memorial Day holiday approaches and we try to find time during this national pandemic to gather together as best we can and as has become our tradition, let us pause and reflect on the purpose of this holiday. A portion of the ceremony that was developed to honor our masonic brothers who chose to serve our country in the military, mentions several things that are moving and should be remembered during this holiday.

“WHILE THIS SERVICE MAY HAVE BEEN IN A TIME OF WAR OR A TIME OF PEACE, IT HAS BEEN THROUGH THEIR LOVE, LOYALTY AND ZEALOUS SENSE OF DUTY THAT WE MAY CONTINUE TO LIVE TOGETHER FREELY AND HONORABLY.

NO MATTER WHICH BRANCH THEY SERVED IN, WHATEVER THEIR JOB PATH, OR HOW MANY YEARS THEY SERVED, RAISING THEIR HAND AND COMMITTING THEMSELVES TO SERVICE IN THE MILITARY WAS A BRAVE AND SELFLESS ACT.

NOW, AS WE PAY TRIBUTE TO THOSE BROTHER WHO SO GALLANTLY SERVED OUR COUNTRY, LET US NEVER FORGET THE SACRIFICES HE AND HIS FAMILY MADE TO PRESERVE THE FREEDOMS OF THIS GREAT NATION.

HELP US TO REMEMBER THAT THE FREEDOMS WE ENJOY IN THIS GREAT COUNTRY DID NOT COME WITHOUT COST, THAT OUR BROTHERS AND THE MEN AND WOMEN LIKE THEM PAID FOR THEM WITH THEIR BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS.”

During your holiday activities, take time to close your eyes, take several deep breaths and contemplate, reflect and concentrate on exactly what this date means and the sacrifices made on our behalf. Then say a prayer for the families and loved ones who still suffer the loss of a loved one and REMEMBER.

May God bless and protect each of you and our great nation.

Fraternally

Stanton T. Brown, II
Grand Master

EDICT 4.24.20 from MWB Stanton T. Brown, II Grand Master

Grand Master, ,

Brethren,

Please refer to the attached EDICT (4.24.20) from MWB Stanton T. Brown, II, Grand Master.

This message is sent by widest dissemination by the Grand Lodge of Missouri to all Members due to the critical nature of the situation.

This is to be shared as practicle to include Social Media outlets and to be read and posted at the Lodge at the next stated communication.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Jeffrey S. Pennington
Grand Secretary

Read the Full PDF Here

EDICT April 24, 2020

TO: All Missouri Masons under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri

Whereas, on March 25, 2020, I, as Grand Master, issued an Edict suspending all lodge meetings, masonic community events and degree work through April 24, 2020; and

Whereas, the State of Missouri has issued a “Stay At Home” Order through May 3, 2020; and

Whereas, other governmental jurisdictions have issued “Stay At Home” regulations extending through later dates; and Whereas, public health authorities have issued recommendations relating to the conduct of meetings held following the expiration of said orders and regulations,

THEREFORE, under the authority of Section 2.010(k) of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri as Grand Master, I hereby issue the following additional Edict, effective immediately:

A. The Edict issued March 25, 2020 is hereby extended in full until May 3, 2020:
B. All lodges desirous of meeting may only do so to the extent the same is otherwise allowed by the laws, ordinances and regulations of the city, county or other political subdivision in which the lodge hall is located;
C. All meetings so held shall be conducted in a manner which complies with all laws, regulations, requirements and guidelines of the State of Missouri and any city, county or other political subdivision in which the lodge hall is located;
D. All meetings so held shall further be conducted in a manner which complies with all recommendations of the United States Centers for Disease Control with respect to face coverings, hand sanitation, and disease mitigation protocols;
E. Notwithstanding Section 7.060 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, all meetings shall be conducted in the First Degree of Freemasonry so as to comply with all social distancing guidelines in the practice of Masonic Ritual;
F. No degree conferral, ceremony, education or other business that cannot be conducted in a manner that complies with the above requirements may be conducted by the lodge.

It is further recommended that attendance at all meetings be limited to resident members of the lodge so as to comply with social distancing and public gathering size recommendations.

Notwithstanding the above, the Edict issued March 11, 2020 allowing subordinate lodges to cancel or postpone stated communications at the discretion of the Master when the purpose of said cancelation or postponement is to prevent or limit the exposure of officers and members of the subordinate lodge to coronavirus or some other such infectious or contagious disease of a similar nature remains in full force and effect through September 1, 2020 and all dispensations issued pursuant to that Edict remain in full force and effect.

This Edict shall remain in full force and effect until otherwise modified by further Order of the Grand Master.

Stanton T. Brown, II
Grand Master

Grand Lodge Office To Be Closed To All Visitors

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In the last 2 weeks since my Edict was issued and my subsequent announcements concerning the issues arising from the outbreak and spreading of the COVID-19 coronavirus, it seems that we know very little more concerning the long-term ramifications of this disease or how long we will have to deal with it.

What is apparent is that it is continuing to spread and still no true explanation of how communicable it is and by what method it is transmitted.

In view of the recommendations of the CDC, WHO, city, county, and State governments as well as multiple health experts and in consideration of the inherent risks involved with close contact with the general public, I am ordering that effective immediately, the Grand Lodge Office be closed to all visitors until further notice.  When there are clear and verifiable indications that the risk of infection has been controlled and abated, we will reassess the need for limiting access to the Grand Lodge office location.

The Grand Lodge staff and all personnel will continue to function and conduct all business as prescribed by our by-laws and by our obligation and commitment to serving the craft members and lodges.  Instead of face to face interactions during this time, all business will be conducted by telephone, emails or other forms of electronic communications.

It is at times like this that allow us to refocus on what is truly important and to remember the welfare of our brothers and their families.  Take this opportunity to reflect on our obligations to each other and check on ones you haven’t heard from for a while, especially our elderly members and widows.

I believe that this action is consistent with our commitment to each other and is in the best interest of all concerned.  Your patience and understanding during this trying time is requested and is greatly appreciated.

Fraternally Yours,
Stanton T. Brown II
Grand Master 2019-2020

Holiday Message

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First, I would like to wish each and every one of you a safe and joyful holiday season. It is my ardent hope that each of you can experience the joy and fulfillment this season brings and to share that joy with family and friends and especially with those who are less fortunate than you. Open your hearts and minds to the miracles that have happened in each of our lives this past year and recognize them for what they truly are: Miracles from the Great Creator of Heaven and Earth.

Every faith has stories of miracles and blessings bestowed by God, so regardless of what your personal religious beliefs may be, this time of the year has historically been recognized as a time to collectively think of others. We have the opportunity to look again at where we have been, reflect on what blessings we have received and continue to receive, and also to consider ways to spread the truly wonderful message of Freemasonry to the world. That message is that “every human being has a claim on your kind offices, do good unto all… Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind, live in peace and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you.

May the bounteous Blessings of God be upon you and keep you safe during this festive season.

Stanton Brown II
Grand Master

Thanksgiving Message

Grand Master

On behalf of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, I would like to wish each and every one of you a safe and joyful Thanksgiving season. It is my ardent hope that each of you can experience the joy and fulfillment this holiday brings and to share that joy with family and friends. This is the season for us to reflect on the past year and to be thankful for all we do have. All you need to do is look around at those who have been suffering in our brotherhood and in your community to realize how blessed most of us are. I hope you can find ways to relieve at least some of their pain and suffering by finding a way to express your thankfulness in a positive manner. May Gods grace continue to bless you. Happy Thanksgiving. – MWB Stanton T Brown II