BOOK OVERVIEW
As part of The Glenlyon Lodge No. 346 S.C. celebration of its 175thanniversary, we have produced this commemorative book, building on the foundations of earlier efforts to chronicle the history of the Lodge since its founding in 1845.
It has been a long chase for information, which saw us poring over Lodge Minutes, consulting with venerable members and researching earlier publications. In the end, we have proudly prepared biographical sketches of some outstanding and inspiring members, uncovered the early influence on the Lodge of the Royal Lodge No. 102 E.C., and developed a roster of members who have joined the Lodge over the year.
The Lodge was named after George Murray, Lord Glenlyon, the 66th Grand Master Mason of Scotland, who was installed in 1843. There may also have been a supplementary reason to use the name “Glenlyon” in that the Lodge was founded in 1845 which coincided with Lord Glenlyon’s appointment in that year as Grand Master of the Order of the Temple in Scotland.
The Glenlyon Lodge No. 346 S.C. was among more than 100 Lodges that were chartered during his period in office, while he was still Lord Glenlyon. It was common practice amongst early Freemasons to name Lodges after Saints and Princes who were held in high esteem amongst English Freemasons.
Freemasonry is a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and demonstrated by symbols.
This conditioned reply for almost all brethren, when asked just what is Freemasonry. Although it is entirely correct, the answer is vague and leaves the question unanswered, and while much is written delving into the details, it still does not provide any real clarity.
Freemasonry is fundamentally a self-improvement, volunteer association that teaches moral, intellectual, and spiritual lessons through three initiation ceremonies. Freemasonry’s three degrees are modeled after a craftsman’s progress: Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Freemasonry was, and remains, open to all men of good reputation who profess a belief in Deity (referred to in lodge as The Supreme Architect of the Universe). By the 1750s a variety of Christian and non-Christian, European, and non-European men, and a few women, were members.
Freemasonry grew popular within cities as political, commercial, and intellectual elites gathered within Lodges. With aristocratic, and later royal patronage, Freemasonry evolved into the preeminent fraternal organization of the eighteenth century. The earliest records of American Masonic Lodges are to be found in Philadelphia, USA. History tells us that in 1732, Boston’s St. John’s Lodge was duly constituted by the Grand Lodges of England, thereby claiming the distinction of being the oldest Lodge in North America. Interwoven with the period of British Enlightenment, Masonic Lodges formed throughout Europe and the Americas. The network of Scottish, English, and Irish Lodges helped knit the British commercial empire together.
As the general origins of Freemasonry and its layered symbolism remain a mystery to the uninitiated and even for some of seasoned Brethren, there is much to learn from the treasure trove of information that exists in the Masonic world.
Masonic teachings have helped so many members over the centuries learn the skills to equip them for leadership roles in society, including areas such as politics, science and the arts.
For most, it is next to impossible to gather and grasp even a small fraction of the knowledge that has been passed down to us through the generations and remains well hidden in many centuries worth of legends and traditions. Regrettably, the most pertinent information is still transferred via word of mouth to those who are genuinely interested and willing to stay after Lodge meetings and talk with Senior Brethren.
I treasure the memory of the late nights, talking about Freemasonry and the various aspects thereof, long after the Tyler’s Toast was said and the rest of the Brethren had gone home. Ultimately, there is only so much that can be conveyed accurately via word of mouth. It is unfortunate that this tradition of talking with senior Brethren is often overlooked, and that the young Brethren are mostly left to their own devices. In a lot of cases, the new Brethren do not even know that this is an option, often just conducting their personal research online and often left more confused than when they started.
As author, my responsibility runs a bit deeper than solely compiling and similarly disseminating some aspects of the history of The Glenlyon Lodge. Thus, I gave into the particular academic allure of complementing these compilations, by finding and recording the lesser-known details and sparsely documented areas as well as missing information.
The research materials were mostly sourced from the incredible, although obscure reference online sites, and available old minutes books. There are also references to some excellent independent works and documents. Some were sourced from personal collections, and Masonic archives.
It is with reverence and sincere appreciation we thank our predecessors for their efforts in ensuring we have these records have been preserved. I trust that through the extensive use of these trusted sources, all the corroborated research and the verification efforts, we can ensure that our history will continue to live on undiluted in the minds of the next generation of Masons.
This work is my personal journey into the history of The Glenlyon Lodge and dogma of the craft. It also enumerates our Lodges’ contribution by highlighting “Freemasonry in Post-Emancipated Jamaica, 1848 – 1895”, its part played in the history of Scottish Freemasonry in Jamaica and we hope to carry that tradition, adhering to, working by, and promoting Freemasonic tenets.
Several chapters were written and rewritten numerous times to make sense of the where, the who, and the why. My idea is if I had to read one book to get up to speed with the history of The Glenlyon Lodge, then this would be it. In hindsight, it was by all accounts an audacious and foolhardy attempt to expand my personal knowledge and to distill the troves of information spanning across the constitutions.
I sincerely hope that this work will be a good stepping stone from which to advance your own personal knowledge of The Glenlyon Lodge. Thus, to the Brethren reading this, I ask that this body of research serves to compliment your individual explorations and that you always remember your charge ever to continue your daily advancement in the knowledge of our beautiful craft.
This book is intended to be a keepsake and a reference for those who desire a deeper knowledge of The Glenlyon Lodge, its proceedings, the personalities of the members, their contribution to the growth of the Lodge, and the contributions the Lodge has made to the Scottish Freemasonry in Jamaica and The Bahamas. It also includes discourses written by some of our most esteemed Brethren, as well as some honest unfiltered interviews from members. As one fellow Brethren said: “Christianity is to make bad men good, and Freemasonry is to make good men better.” And, if I might add, The Glenlyon Lodge’s mission is to make better men great!
Herein, I have also highlighted some of our challenges and how we resolved them particularly overcome them, especially in the midst of a worldwide pandemic which disrupted our lives, the economy, and our traditions. As you may imagine, we had to include an engaging article on the role of technology and how it may influence the way we conduct Lodge meetings in future.
This is the first known attempt to assemble such a vast information in one place, outside of the iCloud: A ‘must-have’ for the serious student of Scottish Freemasonry, existing Lodges members, or descendants of former Lodge members and I daresay an enjoyable read.
Scottish Freemasonry in Jamaica and The Glenlyon Lodge in particular has a rich and complex history, playing a significant role in the development of the Jamaica. Through charitable works, community service, contributing to the welfare of its Members and families and fostering dialogue on important issues, and Brethren like Worshipful Brother Samuel Constantine Burke, Esq, Freemasonry has made lasting contributions to Jamaica society. However, as stated previously, the organization faces challenges, including perceptions of secrecy, religious opposition, and still issues of racial and class inclusivity. By addressing these challenges and remaining true to its core values, Freemasonry has the potential to continue its positive influence in Jamaica.
Freemasonry and Post-Emancipation Jamaica have a rich and complex history. After Emancipation in 1838, Jamaica experienced significant social, economic, and political changes. Freemasonry, which had been established on the island since the 18th century, played a role in this transition.
Many Jamaican intellectuals and leaders were Freemasons. They saw Masonry as a way to promote social justice, equality, political development of the island and self-improvement, which aligned with their struggles for political and economic empowerment. After Emancipation in 1838, Freemasonry became a powerful force in Jamaican society, particularly among the emerging black middle class.
Freemasonry also provided a space for social mobility and community building, particularly among the emerging black middle class. Lodges were established in various parts of the island, with names like “Unity and Friendship” and “Love and Charity,” reflecting the values of brotherhood and solidarity.
However, it’s important to note that Freemasonry in Jamaica also had its contradictions. Some critics argue that Masonry reinforced class divisions and elitism, while others saw it as a means of cultural assimilation and imitation of European values.
Overall, the relationship between Freemasonry and Post-Emancipation Jamaica reflects the complex negotiations of identity, power, and social change in the Caribbean during this period.
Scottish Freemasonry in Post-Emancipation Jamaica, in particular members of The Glenlyon Lodge was characterized by:
- Freemasonry offered a sense of community and brotherhood, which was especially important for newly freed slaves and their descendants.
- Political and social activism: Many Jamaican Freemasons were involved in the struggle for political and social rights, using the fraternity as a platform for activism.
- The fraternity provided opportunities for social mobility and education, helping to empower black Jamaicans.
- The first Masonic lodge in Jamaica was established in 1738, but it wasn’t until after Emancipation that Freemasonry became more widespread among the black population.
- Freemasonry in Jamaica was closely tied to the development of the Pan-African movement and the struggle for independence.
- Jamaican Freemasons were known for their philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
- The fraternity also played a role in the development of Jamaican culture, hugely influencing music, art, and literature.
- Some Jamaican Freemasons were also involved in the formation of the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), the two main political parties in Jamaica.
- Jamaican Freemasons have made significant contributions to the development of the country, including the establishment of schools, hospitals, institutions and community organizations.
- Growth and expansion: Freemasonry spread rapidly among the newly freed slaves and their descendants, offering a sense of community and brotherhood.
Overall, Scottish Freemasonry in Post-Emancipation Jamaica served as a powerful force for social change and community building and shaping the island’s history and cultural landscape.
