BALTIMORE CONVENTION, 1843

William Morgan went missing in 1826

The USA's Anti- Masonic Party was formed in New York in Feb 1828.

BALTIMORE CONVENTION, 1843

A later political organization called the Anti-Masonic Party was active from 1872 until 1888.

At the Convetion'

The Committee considered it an "impropriety" to transact "business in Lodges below the Degree of Master Mason, except as such that appertains to the conferring of the inferior Degrees and the instruction therein." It credited the Grand Lodge of Missouri for bringing this to the attention of Freemasons everywhere. The Committee went on to say "Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts are not members of Lodges, nor are they entitled to the franchises of members."

Source http://www.masonicdictionary.com/baltimore.html which is an interesting read

Also this was an interesting read.. http://www.themasonictrowel.com/masonic_talk/stb/stbs/36-01.htm

I've read of this Convention before, but dont really know much about it, except for its context..

Is it as important as some people say ?

Bloke said:

Is it as important as some people say ?

Click to expand...

Pretty important. Continental Freemasonry does several things different from European Freemasonry and this convention is part of the reason. It was not long ago in Texas, for example, that all stated meetings had to be conducted in the MM degree and EAs and FCs could not sit in stated meetings.

When there were stronger anti-masonic sentiments in the US cowans and eavesdroppers were apparently more common. Keeping men out of our meetings until they were MMs gave lodges more time to be sure newer brethren were men who would follow their obligations.

Great info! Will check into it further.

Bloke, it's the main reason that most U.S. Grand Lodges are pretty much near on the same page.
It was proposed and adopted by representatives an uniform ritualistic work in the 3 degrees, the adoption of a funeral service, the adoption of a Consecration ceremony and the adoption of a ceremony of Installation to be observed the Dedication of Masonic Halls.

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