‘Manitoba anniversary in May’

    

If you know me in real life, you probably noticed my intense passion for Freemasonry in Canada. The Craft’s arrival there in the 1730s, its spread westward across the nation through the ensuing century and a half, and many Masons’ prominence in civil society parallel the dynamics seen in this country, and when the Great White North becomes No. 51 of these United States, Masonic brethren will become even closer knit kin.

In the meantime, the Grand Lodge of Manitoba will reach its sesquicentenary next month and will celebrate with a big bash in Winnipeg next Friday (buy your tickets and sponsorships here).

It was on May 12, 1875 in that capital city when three lodges—Prince Rupert 240, Lisgar 244, and Ancient Landmark 288—met in convention to form the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Manitoba, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. They would be renumbered 1, 2, and 3, respectively. This colossal event occurred precisely five years to the day after the Province of Manitoba itself was established and welcomed into the Canadian nation.

Here’s how the legal paperwork looks, per the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia’s proceedings (I must have loaned out my Manitobas from that decade):

The following Preamble and Resolutions were submitted, to wit:

That whereas pursuant to the provisions of the British North America Act, Manitoba has been formed a separate and distinct Province, and as such is legally recognized as one of the confederated Provinces of the Dominion of Canada.

And whereas, there is no Grand Lodge of AF&AM existing in, or claiming jurisdiction over said Province.

And whereas, there are three constitutionally chartered Lodges in active existence therein.

And whereas, said Lodges are here duly and constitutionally represented as Lodges.

And whereas, this Convention is of opinion that the harmony, peace and highest interests of Masonry in the Province of Manitoba, require that a Grand Lodge be formed in and for said Province, and on the following conditions:

That the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Canada be adopted, Mutatis Mutandis with the following amendment:

That all bearing upon the office of District Deputy Grand Master be struck out.

And that this Convention in the exercise of its inherent rights and constitutional usage and acting under and by the instructions of their respective Lodges.

RESOLUTIONS.

1st. Resolved, That a Grand Lodge be and is hereby declared duly established on the Constitution just named.

2nd. Resolved, That the title of the Grand Lodge shall be, THE MOST WORSHIPFUL THE GRAND LODGE OF MANITOBA, ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.

3rd. Resolved, That the said Grand Lodge shall have, hold and exercise forever full and sovereign jurisdiction in and over said Province.

It was moved by R.W. Bro. W.C. Clarke, and seconded by R.W. Bro. Wm. N. Kennedy, that the Report of the Committee on Resolutions just read, be received and adopted by this Convention. Carried unanimously.

It was moved by R.W. Bro. W.C. Clarke, seconded by R.W. Bro. W.N. Kennedy,

That we, the Representatives of the three Warranted Lodges, being all the Lodges in this Province in Convention assembled, Resolve, that The Most Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Manitoba, AF&AM, be and is hereby formed upon the Ancient Charges and Constitution of Masonry. Carried unanimously.

The Grand Officers were subsequently elected and installed in due and ancient form.

And then there’s the Legislative Building!

Alas, it would be only two years into the Grand Lodge’s existence when an unmasonic and uncanadian disturbance would rock the fraternity. In 1877, a rift emerged between then Grand Master George Newcomb and Junior Grand Warden E. George Conklin. The former issued an edict concerning how lodges appointed investigating committees for petitioners; the latter, in his dual capacity as Master of the aforementioned Prince Rupert Lodge 1, refused to obey the order and soon found himself suspended. (I am unable to find this document thus far, so I cannot quote it to you.) In June of the following year, the Grand Lodge convened its third Grand Communication. There was talk of lifting the suspension if an apology was offered, but instead Conklin and several supporters disrupted the elections of officers and exited the meeting. Six months later, the rebels, including Past Grand Masters, organized a breakaway grand lodge, held two meetings of the same, and eventually found themselves expelled from Freemasonry. I mention this here because we New York Masons have schisms in our colorful history. It all sounds just bizarre in 2025.

The Magpie Mason wishes a happy anniversary to the brethren in the Keystone Province. I hope to visit one day.