NAUVOO LODGE

          In 1984, the Masonic Fraternity took the first steps towards
          ending the long standing rift.  A resolution was presented to
          eliminate the prohibition, and make members of the church
          eligible to join and visit Utah Masonic Lodges.  The Report of
          the Jurisprudence Committee, examining this resolution is
          interesting, in that I think it reveals some of the issues members
          of the Fraternity had struggled with for those many years.

          "...Certainly there is great merit in the proposal, since the
          Resolution and Decision are contrary to fundamental Masonic
          law.

          "...Certainly, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has
          little or no concern for or fear of the Masonic Fraternity.  They
          do, however, strongly urge their members not to join
          organizations such as ours, insisting that any time and energy
          available beyond their daily vocation and their hours of rest, be
          spent in furthering the interest of their Church.

          "... Your Committee on Jurisprudence suggest that you consider
          very carefully before you    cast your ballot on this highly
          emotional subject. Would abolishing the Standing Resolution
          have any impact on membership, for good or for ill?  Could
          members of the LDS Church become active and valuable
          members, thereby strengthening the Craft, and at the same time
          remain loyal to their faith?  Would such Church members fully
          respect our Ancient Landmark which prohibits any discussion of
          religion in a Masonic Lodge?  Would such members apply
          individual pressure on our devotees to join their Church?  Is the
          aim of abolishing the Resolution and Decision solely for the
          purpose of enlarging our membership? Is there any point in our
          taking unilateral action, without any change in the position
          presently held by the leadership of the LDS Church?  Are you
          willing to continue to defend this     deviation from Masonic
          law by retaining this restriction?(20)

          "The answer to these and other questions you may have in your
          minds are in your hands."(20)

          One portion of the report I here quote separately, reveals the
          sincere struggle and a belief of many Masons, but with which I
          personally disagree. That there are conflicts within the basic
          dogmas of these two organizations.

          "Anyone reading LDS literature quickly discovers that some of
          their (LDS) dogma is contrary to the tenets of Freemasonry.
          "(21)

          In my experience, I have found nothing in either's teachings that
          would be mutually exclusive of the other, or in conflict with any
          basic tenets.  While individual members may differ in their belief
          systems, I can find nothing which excludes the other, in the
          moral teachings, when fully examined.

          *The Results of Change*

          Over the years, there has been no mass movement of Mormons
          joining Masonic Lodges, indeed, none was expected.  The
          Fraternity was making internal adjustments to align its practice
          with its teachings.  There have been many that have joined the
          Fraternity who are active LDS, and are welcomed so long as the
          regulations of the Order are observed and respected.  Many of
          the misconceptions and misunderstandings are being dispelled,
          one on one by individuals.  I believe both are enriched by the
          experience. Certainly, it is one of my cherished affiliations, and
          never have I been asked to compromise my beliefs, or my
          associations in either institution.

          *Conclusion*

          I have heard of life-long Masons who have joined the LDS
          Church, and have unquestionably yet mistakenly accepted as
          fact that the Church prohibits membership with the Masonic
          Fraternity and demitted from their lodges.

          Likewise some LDS Members who petition Masonic lodges, get
          cold feet and drop out because some superficial similarities in
          the ritual which exist between some small portions of the LDS
          Temple rites and in the first few degrees of Masonry.

          Both of these situations are saddening and senseless.  They
          occur  because of a misunderstanding of the facts.  What the
          church discourages are affiliations which would cause a person
          to  lose interest in church activities.  I have found just the
          opposite to be the case. Freemasonry in no way that I've seen,
          detracts from church  participation, but rather encourages one to
          be fully active in his  own peculiar creeds.

          It must be remembered by all ,that Masonry readily announces
          and warns, that it offers no path to salvation, only brotherhood.
          Salvation must be sought out in our own places of worship and
          houses of faith.

          I add my own voice to that of Mervin B. Hogan:

          "It is clearly evident to anyone who acquaints himself with this
          creed (Mormonism) that there are no conflicts or
          incompatibilities whatsoever between the teachings, theology,
          and dogma of Mormonism and the philosophy, principles and
          tenets of Universal Freemasonry."(22)

          *Footnotes*

          (1)  Masons Use Service, Repect to Build Friendships.  The Salt
          Lake Tribune, Section D1, Monday February 17, 1992.

          (2)  THE ARTICLES OF FAITH of the Church of Jesus Christ
          of Latter-day Saints. History of the Church, Vol 4, pages 535-
          541

          (3)  The Relationship of Mormonism and Freemasonry.
          Anthony W. Ivens, The Deseret News Press, Salt Lake City,
          Utah. Copyright 1934. Page 8.  (Pesident Ivins was a counselor
          in the First Presidency of the LDS Church under President
          Heber J. Grant.)

          (4)  Mormonism and Masonry. By Cecil McGavin. Bookcraft,
          S.L.C., Utah. 1949. Page 187

          (5)  Nauvoo: The City of Joseph. David E. Miller and Della S.
          Miller. Copyright 1974.  Peregrine Smith, Inc.

          (6)  Book of Mormon, Helaman, Chapter 6, Verses 21-23

          (7)  The Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith - History, 1:27-28

          (8)  See (3) above. Page 179.

          (9)  Mormonism and Freemasonry: The Illinois Episode, Mervin
          B. Hogan, Copyright 1977.

          (10)  See (4) above. Pages 111-112.

          (11)  Carthage Conspiracy, The Trial of The Assassins of
          Joseph Smith.  Dallin H. Oaks and Marvin S. Hill, University of
          Illinois Press. Copyright 1975 by the Board of Trustees of the
          University of Illinois.  Second Printing 1976.

          (12)  See (11) above. Pages 66-67

          (13)  Andrew J. Allen, Diary. February 3, 1958 (Transcript),
          University of Utah, page 32.
 
 

          *Foot Notes (Continued)*

          (14)  Camp Floyd and The Mormons - The Utah War. Donald
          R. Moorman with Gene A. Sessions.  University of Utah Press,
          Salt Lake City, Utah.  Copyright 1992

          (15)  See (14) above.

          (16)  First 100 Years of Freemasonry In Utah, Vol I, 1872-
          1972, Gustin O. Gooding, Past Master of Utah Research Lodge.
          Published by Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Utah.
          Page 5.

          (17)  See (16) above.

          (18)  See (16) above. Page 31.

          (19)  See (16) above. Page 51.

          (20)  Proceedings of Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons
          of Utah. 1984, Odendahl, Salt Lake City, Utah. Page 63

          (21)  See (20) above.

          (22)  Mormonism and Freemasonry: The Illinois Episode. By
          Mervin B. Hogan. Copyright 1977 by McCoy Publishing and
          Masonic Supply Company Inc. Richmond VA.  Additional
          material and arrangement Copyright 1980 by Campus Graphics,
          Salt Lake City, Utah. Page 270.