          This file is copyright (c) 1995 The Philalethes Society and all
          rights including any redistribution rights are reserved by the
          copyright holder. Permission to quote from, redistribute or to
          otherwise use these materials must be obtained from the
          copyright holder directly by contacting The Philalethes,
          Nelson King, FPS, Editor, 2 Knockbolt Crescent, Agincourt
          Ontario Canada, M1S 2P6. Tel: 416-293-8071 Fax:
          416-293-8634 or CIS: 71202,22
          
          PRESIDENTS CORNER
          APRIL 1995
          
          It was through my presidency of the "World Convention of
          Churches of Christ, Disciple of Christ, Christian Church" that I
          become involved with the wonderful people of the Blue
          Mountains of Jamaica. In those Mountains the United Church
          has a private High School; Oberlin High where in 1992 they
          dedicated the 3.5 million [Jamaican dollars] Haggard Family
          Medical and Dental Clinic. Teams of volunteers, from many
          countries and areas, volunteer their services at that clinic. This
          last February Mrs. Haggard and I were in a group of 24
          workers [medical, dental and construction] going to Jamaica to
          service the satellite clinics and open up a new wing of this
          expanding mission. In the group was Robert L. Tomlinson Jr.
          MPS and President of the Jerry Marsengill Chapter. He headed
          up the construction crew of people from Oklahoma, Nebraska,
          Missouri, and Kansas.
          For sometime I have wanted to visit one of the regular Lodges
          on the Island. [Irish Constitution, Scottish Constitution, or
          English Constitution]. Nelson King FPS [Editor] had acquainted
          me with William J. Lumsden, Past Depute Grand Master,
          Jamaica and the Bahamas [SC]. Through Bro. Lumsden I
          learned of a once ever event: the Constituting of a Provincial
          Grand Lodge [IC] in Jamaica, which coincided with our visit. I
          was invited and asked Bro. Tomlinson to accompany me. The
          five Jamaican Irish Craft Lodges were the founders. In
          attendance were some five hundred Masons including Grand
          Officers from the English and Scottish Constitutions as well as
          from Ireland. It was a GRAND EVENT, highlighting the reality
          of Masonic Unity.
          I was surrounded by Masonic Leaders who said: "How do we
          deal with the religious right who have invaded our countries,
          via satellite TV, with their bigotry, prejudices and lies and now
          attack Freemasonry? Why do American Grand Lodges not
          allow other Grand Jurisdictions to have Lodges in their
          geographic territories? Glad you are finally seeing the Light
          about Prince Hall.We have, for years, worked together with
          them. How did the Shrine gain control of Freemasonry in the
          USA? We hear you have so many wanting to join the Craft that
          you have "classes" of several hundred men getting all their
          degrees in one day!" Membership in the Craft in Jamaica is a
          lengthy and involved process.
          The Masons I met were all quality leaders either in a
          profession, education, commerce or government. I began to
          understand the carefulness they exhibit before allowing
          entrance for membership. Masonry in Jamaica is EXPENSIVE,
          LIMITED AND VALUED. Their concept of the totality of the
          group supporting and utilizing the limited facilities is important
          for their well being. While many of us are struggling to bring in
          numbers, they struggle with maintenance of quality. One last
          thought: It was the first time Bro. Tomlinson and I can
          remember being in a group of some five hundred Masons
          where we did not know a single man and where our race, skin
          color and Masonic understandings were in the minority. And
          yet we were IMMEDIATELY AT HOME AND AT EASE IN
          GREAT MASONIC FELLOWSHIP. We might want to do some
          research on "THAT without which Freemasonry cannot exist."
          
          Forrest D. Haggard FPS
          President