AnnualReport2020

Masonic Relations

Strengthening and Improving Ties with Fellow Masons and Masonic Groups

Arkansas Masonic Grand Lodge and Shriners Reunite Few developments are as satisfying as a family reconciliation. A key breakthrough for Masons and Shriners took place at the 2019 Imperial Session. After months of behind-the-scenes discussions, representatives of Shriners International adopted a resolution promoting reunion with the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. The key proviso was that action items outlined in the resolution would come to fruition only if the Grand Lodge of Arkansas declared amity, again listing Shriners International as a recognized, civic organization. To the great gratification of the entire Shriners brotherhood, Most Worshipful Grand Master Jesse Sexton released the declaration of amity by official statement on July 16, 2019. During the schism, men were allowed to join Arkansas temples without being Masons. With the agreement now in place, all future candidates for creation in Arkansas temples must again be Master Masons, and at some point, after a period of adjustment, it can once more be stated that “All Shriners are Master Masons in good standing.” In February 2020, Imperial Potentate Jeff Sowder and members of the Imperial Divan traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, to attend the Conference of Grand Masters of North America in celebration of the fraternity’s continued partnership with Masonic efforts and organizations. While attending the conference, they encouraged Masonic unity between leaders of Shriners International and Conference of GrandMasters

Tyler Moyer, DeMolay International Master Councilor (left); Jeffrey L. Sowder, Imperial Potentate, Shriners International (center); Jared Repolge, DeMolay International Congress (right)

Each of the nearly 300 attendees paid $20 for a ticket, and the funds were given directly back to DeMolay, yielding a donation of almost $6,000. We are proud of our connection to the family of Masonic organizations, and look forward to continuing our joint efforts to promote Masonic values and ideals. A Commitment to Supporting Freemasonry During this Imperial year, members of Shriners International collaborated with members of the Northern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite to strengthen the relationship between Shriners International and Freemasonry. Working together, representatives from the two groups developed strategic plans to help increase membership. To this end, they created a marketing campaign to represent Freemasonry across North America. This included developing a new, centralized membership acquisition website, beafreemason.org . Shriners

Grand Lodge officers from around the world, and strengthened working relationships with counterparts from several Masonic- affiliated organizations. During the conference, Shriners International hosted the traditional Frank S. Land Memorial Breakfast. The event is named in honor of Past Imperial Potentate of Shriners International and founder of DeMolay International Frank S. Land, as the tenets of Freemasonry and the shared values of the two organizations are exemplified in his life and legacy. Land founded DeMolay International in 1919, served as Potentate of Ararat Shriners in 1931 and as Imperial Potentate in the 1954-1955 Imperial year. The breakfast brought the leaders of Masonry together for an hour of fellowship and camaraderie. A highlight of the program was the keynote speech by DeMolay's International Master Councilor, Noble Tyler Moyer (Zembo Shriners), who spotlighted the importance of Masonic unity.

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