A History of SA Freemasonry
Cont'd from previous page
A History of SA Freemasonry Cont'd from previous page
Before returning to South Africa, Col. Colin Graham Botha, as leader of the delegation, travelled to Britain for discussions with the Grand Secretaries of the United Grand Lodge of England as well as of the Grand Lodges of Ireland and Scotland, returning with the conviction that a Grand Lodge of Southern Africa, if regularly formed, would probably receive recognition subject to the approval of each Grand Lodge.
On his return, he without delay, circularised his own lodges outlining the serious situation facing them if a breach should occur between England that they should either form their own Grand Lodge or join the Scottish Constitution. Obviously the first alternative was the more preferable.
The next few months, in 1960, were eventful for European Freemasonry. Although certain of the obstacles had been removed, the two protagonists in the dispute, England and the Netherlands, were still far removed from resolving their differences and consequently the Sword of Damocles still hung over the heads of the Netherlandic brethren in South Africa.
Col. Colin Graham Botha held special meetings in February 1961 of his two Provincial Grand Lodges setting out what the formation of a Grand Lodge entailed and what the commitments of the individual brethren would be.
He also dept the other constitutions locally in South Africa and in Europe abreast of each development, since their official recognition was of paramount importance. A measure of censure from the three British Grand Lodges was initially experienced, presumably on the grounds that in their view there was no need to hasten the formation of the proposed Grand Lodge and that discussions on the formation of a United Grand Lodge might be more productive.
Fortunately, Col. Colin Graham Botha had in the interim solicited the assistance of the doyen of Masonic leaders in the country, R.W. Bro. T. N. Cranstoun-Day, English District Grand Master of the Western Division, who was an authority on Masonic constitution law and jurisprudence, in the drafting of a proposed declaration, setting out the new Grand Lodge's aims. This draft declaration was circularised to all the constitutions in Southern Africa to ascertain if they had any objection. The assurance was given that there was no intention to form a United Grand Lodge.
A convention was convened to all Netherlandic Lodges in Southern Africa for 18 February 1961, finally to decide on the establishment of the proposed new Grand Lodge.
Some 12 days prior to the holding of this decisive convention, the Masonic leaders of all the constitutions in Southern Africa met at a joint conference to discuss the issue and also "other matters consequent on the coming of a Republic". At this conference, any misgivings the other constitutions might have had regarding the reason for the formation of the proposed Grand Lodge were dispelled by the Netherlandic representatives, together with the unequivocal assurance, that the materialisation of the new Grand Lodge would not in any manner whatsoever effect or restrict the sovereign rights and discretionary powers enjoyed by the other three Grand Lodges.
After the Netherlandic delegation had retired from the meeting, the representatives of the other three, approved the following resolution for submission to their respective authorities in England, Ireland and Scotland. It read: "We, the District and Provincial Grand Masters, having jurisdiction in the Union of South Africa, South West Africa and Rhodesia under the United Grand Lodge of England, the Grand Lodge of Ireland and the Grand Lodge of Scotland - having heard and considered the statements made, and the assurances given by R.W. Bro. Colin Graham Botha - the Deputy Grand Master for the Netherlands in Southern Africa and his Executive Officers are of the opinion:
"That the proposed Grand Lodge of Southern Africa of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons fully accepts the fundamental Principles of the Craft; and is being established by the Netherlandic Lodges in conformity with the Basic Principles for Recognition as set out by our respective Grand Lodges;
That the Declaration submitted by the Netherlandic representatives securing to our respective Grand Lodges all the rights and discretionary power hitherto enjoyed by them in exercising equal Masonic jurisdiction in Southern Africa, will, when embodied in the Constitution of the proposed Grand Lodge, fully protect our present and future interests".
Although this might be regarded as hindsight, the conviction remains that the adoption of a less submissive or appeasing approach by the Netherlandic delegation at the meeting on 6 February 1961, might have secured greater sovereignty for the proposed new Grand Lodge.
At the "National Convention of Netherlandic Lodges" held on 18 February 1961, the 94 lodge in South Africa were almost unanimous in support for the new Grand Lodge. All the lodges in South Africa except one in the Transvaal voted in favour of the formation of the new Grand Lodge. That lodge, Lodge Eendracht Maakt Magt in Johannesburg and the seven in Rhodesia decided to remain under the Netherlandic jurisdiction. (Perhaps in the light of subsequent political developments in Southern Africa, a wise decision on the part of the seven lodges in Rhodesia). At this eventful meeting it was formally resolved to form a Grand Lodge, to be known as the Grand Lodge of Southern Africa. The inaugural meeting was held on 22 April 1961 in Cape Town and was attended by some 750 Masons from all constitutions. The birth of the new Grand Lodge of South Africa was described by R.W. Bro. Cranstoun-Day as the greatest event that has occurred in the Masonic history of South Africa.
M.W. Bro. Colin Graham Botha was elected as the first Grand Master, with R.W. Bro CH de Wet as Deputy Grand Master and R.W. Bro. E Conradie as Assistant Grand Master, who was to succeed M.W. Bro. Colin Graham Botha as Grand Master in 1966.
Ironically enough the impasse between the United Grand Lodge of England and Grand East of the Netherlands, had in the interim been resolved with the resignation of the Dutch Grand Master, but the die was cast!
With official recognition by the three British Grand Lodges some months later, a continued Masonic relationship between the constitution represented in South Africa was assured. Literally speaking, the only change being that the Grand Lodge of South Africa took the place of the Grand East of the Netherlands in that relationship.
At the commencement of this talk, I suggested that the Grand Lodge of South Africa should not be evaluated solely on its limited period of operation since its inception but rather in the context of the general Masonic scene in South Africa over the past two centuries. I have also endeavoured to illustrate that the Netherlandic constitution from the earliest times, was an established and influential Masonic presence in South Africa. Viewed constructively against this background, I submit it is a reasonable conclusion to make that the advent of the Grand Lodge of South Africa merely represented a transition of control of a relative number of lodges from one Masonic jurisdiction to another. It is also necessary to emphasise in this regard that by virtue of the many thousands of kilometres, the South African component of the Grand East of the Netherlands was removed from its headquarters in Holland, and with a Deputy Grand Master National as its local executive and administrative authority, it in several respects for many years did enjoy a measure of Masonic autonomy. Relatively speaking the Grand Lodge of South Africa in consequence and simply represented an extension and consolidation of that autonomy.
At the inception of the Grand Lodge of South Africa there were 88 lodges, inclusive of the one lodge, formerly forming the SA Order of Freemasonry, now dissolved, with a total membership of 4261, governed by two Provincial Grand Lodges under its immediate and direct control. The Provincial Grand Lodge of the Southern Division controlled all the lodges in the Cape, Orange Free State and Natal, with a separate Provincial Grand Lodge for the loges in the Transvaal. In 1963, the Central Division was formed to control all the lodges in the orange Free State and Natal, whilst Natal became a Provincial Grand Lodge in its own right in 1977.
At present there are 136 lodges on the register of the Grand Lodge, with a total membership of 4051 with one lodge, Lodge Makalani having been consecrated in Grootfontein, South West Africa (now Namibia) in 1973. It must, with regret, be recorded that six of these lodges are temporarily in recess, while two of the older established lodges in Cape Town have recently amalgamated with the purpose of establishing one strong and vibrant lodge as against two weak and relatively ineffective lodges, due primarily to the age factor of the majority of the individual member of these lodges and a consequent inability to encourage and attract new younger members. A further two lodges, in the platteland of the Cape Province or as you might term it, the rural or hinterland areas, have in principle agreed to a similar action to ensure a continued and aggressive activity.
The inability of several lodges in the platteland to continue to operate successfully and effectively, and this applies to lodges irrespective of constitution, is not attributable primarily to a lack of Masonic enthusiasm, but more directly to circumstances beyond the control of Freemasonry.
Let me explain. Over the past number of years, South Africa has been subjected to severe drought conditions. Couples thereto is the application of outside economic sanctions, due to the non-acceptance by the world generally of South Africa's policies over the past four decades - a subject on which I consider it would be impolitic to comment. These two prime circumstances have had a decidedly marked effect on the depopulation of the rural areas. Farmers have of necessity had to vacate their farms and with an absolute minimum possibility of employment, even much unemployment, in such areas, the drift to the cities has been pronounced, causing a decline in membership of Masonic lodges, with no alternative in some instances to the ultimate closure of certain lodges.
A further definite influence which cannot be ignored is the continued anti-Freemasonry attitude, particularly on the part of the Dutch Reformed Churches, with their strong influence, especially on the platteland, as well as in more recent years by churches of other denominations. It must be emphasised that South Africa is a vast country, with towns interspersed at great distances from each other. Inter-lodge visiting in the rural areas, a very necessary and vital part of Masonic activity, is therefore a definite problem.
Mindful of these obstacles, together with other general impediments, such as an abundance of social and home attractions and activities, as experienced world-wide, a measure of Masonic stagnation is to be expected.
On a more positive note, there are firm indications that in the foreseeable future two new lodges will be consecrated.
Perhaps at this stage I should highlight some of the achievements attained over the past 29 years.
Despite the setbacks referred to, the increase in the number of lodges under its control does confirm that there has been substantial growth in the activity of the Grand Lodge of South Africa. This growth is due very largely to adherence of a policy which enunciates the right of every Freemason to receive Masonic instruction in the language of his birth or choice. South Africa's official policy of bi-lingualism, namely the use of either English and Afrikaans as a language medium, is fully adhered to at lodge labours and is entrenched in its Constitution. In fact, the Grand Lodge goes further and has in its fold, lodges where the language of communication is German and Dutch. At a unique ceremony some four years back, in Investiture of a Portuguese speaking Presiding Master was conducted in that language.
The Grand Lodge of South Africa also permits, subject to approval, and will continue to do so, the use of any recognised ritual, other that its own, by any lodge presently under its jurisdiction or which may wish to become associated with it in future.
The only requirement is that the obligation, signs and other basic essentials will conform to its practices. It is hardly necessary to draw attention to the fact that conversely with the approval of the Grand Lodge of Israel, Lodge Ra'anana conducts its Masonic labours according to the rituals of the Grand Lodge of South Africa.
Contrary to what might be an accepted view, the Grand Lodge of South Africa has never discriminated against persons of colour and in fact it has the proud record of leading Masonic protest against such practices in South Africa in the past.
Furthermore, it was the Grand Lodge of South Africa which successfully initiated discussions with Government several years ago, to clear the way for the attendance of Freemasons, from non-Anglo Saxon communities, irrespective of race or colour, at our meetings.
History will also record that in 1977, following on a period of protracted but successful negotiations two new lodges one in Cape Town and the other in Kimberley, were consecrated initially primarily to accommodate some 40 odd coloured Freemasons, previously members of lodges operating under the jurisdiction of the unrecognised Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. These Brethren completely severed their former association and were regularly admitted as Freemasons under the Grand Lodge of South Africa at a colourful ceremony in the De Goede Hoop Temple in Cape Town in November 1977.
Today these Brethren and their lodges are fully integrated and accepted in the fullest sense, into the Masonic family of the Grand Lodge of South Africa, and serve usefully, sincerely and with distinction in a true spirit of universal Brotherhood, in all spheres and levels of our Masonic labours. It was my pleasure some two years back, shortly before his demise, to confer the rank of Past Grand Senior Warden on one of these Brethren, who over the years had served his Provincial Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge most loyally and conscientiously.
As further development, confirming irrevocably that the Grand Lodge of South Africa does not debar any Masonic brother or prospective candidate in the true sense of Brotherhood, from membership of its lodges and participation in its labours on the grounds of colour, is the initiation of an Indian brother in a lodge in Cape Town in 1989. He is accepted as a worthy Brother in all lodges.
Might I way that I will cherish the day when the first Black South African will be initiated into our Order in the Grand Lodge of South Africa. With the current rapid change of political climate in South Africa, I am confident that this dream will materialise in the not too distant future.
A highlight which bears special mention related to the Commission of Enquiry conducted by an eminent Judge of the Supreme Court of South Africa, shortly after the establishment of the Grand Lodge of South Africa, to investigate Freemasonry, the Sons of England and the Broederbond - so-called "Secret Societies". It was unanimously decided by all the Grand Lodges operating in South Africa that the leader of the delegation to put the case for Freemasonry, should be the late M.W. Bro. Edward Conradie, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of South Africa. In consequence of his able and efficient, and especially convincing manner of explaining and championing our cause, the Commission found that Freemasonry was not a threat to South Africa; Freemasonry in fact emerged not only untainted, ensuring our continued operation, but in addition, the Commission lauded the members of the Order as being citizens with high ideals and moral standards.
As I have repeatedly emphasised, the Masonic scene in South Africa is somewhat unique in that more than one Constitution has jurisdiction there. To complicate matters, whilst the Grand Lodge of South Africa operates on that level in the territory, the activities of the lodges of the other constitutions are controlled and governed by District or Provincial Grand Masters, who do enjoy a measure of autonomy on the authority of their respective Grand Lodges. The Grand Lodge of South Africa cannot therefore claim that it has complete sovereignty in South Africa. To achieve this it should have the sole right to form new lodges. However in its declaration approved and adopted at its inauguration, the status quo concerning the continued activities in their full right of the other three constitutions has specifically been maintained. The urge to acquire such sovereignty by the Grand Lodge of South Africa is understandable. In an endeavour to regularise the issue in conformity with the accepted practice in other parts of the world where several constitutions shared common authority in a particular territory and where a national Grand Lodge was subsequently established, M.W. Bro. Sidney R. Gasson, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of South Africa from 1973 to 1983, with full authority and approval of his Executive Committee, initiated a movement to have the declaration amended by negotiation with the other Grand Lodges to provide that the other constitutions should surrender their right to warrant new lodges, whilst entrenching the continued operation of all existing lodges. The proposed amendment was strongly resisted by the other constitutions and the issue still remains unresolved today, although it is not a point of dispute, nor does is strain the harmony and co-operation which is part and parcel of the mutual interplay between all four constitutions. In fact, I make bold to say that the inter-relationship between the four constitutions, on all levels, including Grand Lodge is presently of the highest order.
It was also during M.W. Bro. Sidney R. Gasson's term of office as Grand Master that a special and significant innovation was introduced, at his instigation, as a first requisite after the opening of every lodge meeting - namely a Flag Ceremony.
Homage to the National Flag was either recited aloud by a nominated Brother or by all the assembled Brethren together. [Editor's note: This has subsequently been discontinued. The flag to which the ceremony refers was not the "New South Africa" flag (shown above) but the old orange, white and blue. It is a point of interest that towards the end of the apartheid era, before the adoption of the new flag, Grand Lodge decided that the old South African flag either no longer represented the general leaning of the majority of brethren, or perhaps might be found offensive by others, and as a potential source of disharmony within Lodges, it was removed.]
The Grand Lodge of South Africa is very conscious of the necessity to maintain sound fraternal relations with all other Grand Lodges, and since its establishment in 1961 has actively embarked on a positive programme to enlarge its circle of association in this respect. Presently it enjoys the amity and the exchange of representatives with 100 other Grand Lodges with negotiations in hand for a similar relationship with a further two.
In 1981, in acceptance that its field of jurisdiction could not justifiably extend beyond the border of South Africa, the Grand Lodge, with the consent of the other Grand Lodges, changed its name of the Grand Lodge of South Africa, making it in name, if nothing else in the light of prevalent circumstances, a national Grand Lodge, a fact which is progressively being accepted more and more.
The Constitution of the Grand Lodge provides that the degrees authorised and governed by it are the first three degrees of Freemasonry and the conferred rank of Installed Master, as also the degree normally associated with the Holy Royal Arch. In 1988, the degrees of Royal Ark Mariner and Cryptic Council were also incorporated under the Supreme Chapter of the Holy Royal Arch.
Prior to August 1983, the Grand master ipso facto was also automatically the executive head and therefore the First Grand Principal of the Holy Royal Arch. It was realise however that this placed an additional burden on the incumbent of the office of Grand Master, whilst it was generally accepted that the time had arrived for the Holy Royal Arch component of the Grand Lodge to regulate its own affairs and elect its own First Grand Principal. The Holy Royal Arch of South Africa now operates as an independent entity under the Grand Lodge of South Africa with the Grand Master still holding the senior office as ex officio Honorary First Grand Principal.
I have highlighted but a few of the developments and achievement over the past 29 years, to confirm that its establishment as a supreme and entirely independent body of Freemasons in South Africa has been justified. It has however also asserted itself in other respects.
Progressively over the years there has been the conviction that the veil of secrecy which for many centuries has shrouded Masonic activity throughout the world, although it might have added a spice of mystery and aura, has in fact been the very reason why the profane world remains largely ignorant of the noble and enlightening intent and purpose of the Order, and consequently why there has been antagonism, opposition and disapproval from certain quarters.
Freemasons generally have come to realise that they in their association with the Order, basically and factually, have nothing to hide. Rather they have the right to proclaim with pride and honour that the application of its time-proven principles and tenets are essential for the betterment of mankind and greater respect and understanding among all men and all nations.
Since its conception the Grand Lodge of South Africa has consistently adopted and pursued a positive outward policy of full enlightenment and has endeavoured actively to promote the interests of Freemasonry within and without its immediate environment.
It maintains that too long has the Light of Freemasonry, in all its radiance, been allowed to be hidden from the profane world. Too long also has Freemasonry permitted ignorance of its doctrines and achievements to warp the minds and thinking of the unenlightened. Too long, although not wishing to vaunt its charitable accomplishments, has society in general been uninformed of its achievements and its endeavours in this field of activity. Equally, there is the realisation that too long has Freemasonry been denied the privilege of also exercising its influence where it is most needed and would be most beneficial.
There is also the unbridled conviction that every energy and effort should be directed towards its re-establishment in its rightful place in all stations of society in South Africa - a complex society offering an exciting challenge to Freemasonry to play a meaningful role to unite all its people into one great nation.
In this respect, a further development which is manifesting itself increasingly is the positive evidence of a greater sense of acknowledgement and acceptance of the South African character and background of the Grand Lodge of South Africa. Therefore a more pronounced desire to be identified with this affiliation and experience - the feeling of a common bond of brotherhood, patriotism and loyalty towards South Africa - a greater oneness and togetherness Masonically with our country.
The question may rightfully be asked "what are the eventual prospects of a United Grand Lodge of South Africa, embracing all lodges of all constitutions?" It would be extremely difficult to give an unequivocal answer since there is such diversity of interest and views. Although it is a known fact that among the Brethren, on lodge level, the call is becoming more pronounced, particularly as there is growing resistance to the transfer of capitation fees to the Grand Lodges overseas, especially in the light of the present unfavourable rates of exchange; I am nevertheless not optimistic that anything positive could materialise in the foreseeable future, unless there is an unexpected favourable change of heart on the part generally of the Commissioned Officers of the various Constitutions.
May I however express my personal sentiments, which I must stress do not necessarily reflect the official view of the Grand Lodge of South Africa?
Yes, I too look forward with great eagerness and anticipation to the day when all the lodges in South Africa are under one single Masonic umbrella, but I do not subscribe to the view that this umbrella should necessarily be termed the United Grand Lodge of South Africa.
There is a Grand Lodge of South Africa which over the past 29 years has established and justified itself as a supreme and independent Masonic authority, fully equipped and successfully operational in that capacity which enjoyed the recognition and amity of the larger majority of other world Grand Lodges. It has stated as a matter of policy that it will permit, as it already does, any lodge to work any approved and accepted ritual, subject to the obligation, signs and other component essentials confirming to its usages. I respectfully submit - not an unreasonable request. need I say more, other than that its door are open.
However, I would immediately add that in the light of the obvious advantages for the whole of Freemasonry in general in South Africa, the unification of all lodges of all constitutions into one single Grand Lodge will always remain negotiable and that no Commissioned Officer of any constitution should have any fear that his position would in any way be in jeopardy whatsoever.
As to the future of the Grand Lodge of South Africa. I see a promising future with all its exhilarating challenges. A future which can be faced with confidence and enthusiasm in the knowledge that the very basis on which this Grand Lodge was founded and continues to operate, is firm and secure. That its progressive approach towards the aims and objectives of Freemasonry is positive and has already succeeded in partially lifting the stigma of secrecy of former years - that there is increasing enthusiasm and willingness to discuss Freemasonry openly and objectively and constructively, wherever the subject may be broached.
I am confident that progressively, despite temporary setbacks, such as lodges going into recess and reduced membership, a tendency not isolated to this Grand Lodge, and with the correct choice of candidates and proper Masonic instruction, its membership will again increase. Also that with dedicated application and resolute perseverance, Freemasonry in South Africa, through the medium of the Grand Lodge of South Africa will in time be acknowledges for what it rightfully is and will regain and maintain an honoured place in all spheres of the South Africa society.
I see a future wherein it will tower as a shining beacon illuminating the path not only of Freemasonry in South Africa, but of all its peoples, serving as an instrument to illustrate how they can all live together in peace, unity, harmony and mutual respect and in accordance with the free and unrestricted dictates of their conscience, for the common good and welfare of all.
This is the mission of the Grand Lodge of South Africa for the future.
In conclusion I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr Alan A Cooper for allowing me to use as reference, his book "The Freemasons of South Africa" from which much of the historical information for this lecture was obtained.
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