FIRST LODGES

Freemasonry came to México sometime in the last twenty years of the 18th century. The scarcity of documentation is not surprising if we remember that our early brethren worked under the shadow of the Holy Inquisition. When independence came in 1821, many of the main actors are known or believed to have been Masons, but there was no Grand Lodge organization as such.

The first Lodge known to exist in México met at the shop of French watchmaker Juan Esteban Laroche, until the Inquisition arrested them while celebrating the Summer Solstice in 1791. The next mention of Freemasonry in Mexico is in 1806. In this year, a Lodge was established in Mexico City in the residence of Don Manuel de Cuevas Moreno de Monroy Guerrero y Luyando in Calle de las Ratas (today Calle Bolívar). Unfortunately, the archives of the Lodge were lost and its "columns" destroyed between 1808 - 1809, and the name of the Lodge and other details are not known. The rite under which the Lodge worked is also not known, and there is no basis for the sometimes held belief that it was the York Rite. With the dissolution of this Lodge, nothing positive is known of Mexican Masonry until 1813, when Spanish military forces were sent to Mexico in aid of her Colonial Dominion. These forces introduced the Scottish Rite, and established the first Lodges under that Rite in Mexico. However, these Lodges were exclusive to Spaniards, and to Mexicans of noble lineage, who adhered to the Spanish cause. For a number of years, these Lodges met only in strict secrecy, but the Order still flourished and, although the number is unknown, several Lodges were established.

The York or American Rite was first introduced in México in 1816 when the Grand Lodge of Louisiana chartered Lodge "Amigos Reunidos No. 8" in Veracruz and, in 1817, "Reunida La Virtud No. 9" in Campeche. Although no exact data are available, it can be assumed that these Louisiana Lodges had a short existence. In 1823, New York chartered "Triunfo de la Libertad No. 363", also in Veracruz, and in 1824, Pennsylvania constituted "Hermanos Legítimos de la Luz de Papaloapan No. 191" in Alvarado, which worked until 1837. Due to the geographic distance these three Lodges had no bearing on the introduction of the York Rite in México City.

In 1821, the Independence of Mexico established, the Lodges were able to meet more freely, and little by little the Mexicans began to withdraw from the Spanish Lodges, forming their own Lodges directed by General Nicolas Bravo. In this manner, the Scottish Rite was propagated throughout Mexico, and within a few years the Spaniards finally were working amicably with the Mexicans.

Wanting to reform the Masonic Institution, 36 Master Masons held a meeting for the purpose of organizing Lodges under the York Rite, in protest against the political involvement of the other bodies at this time. A commission from this body waited on the U.S. Minister, Mr. Joel R. Poinsett, who eventually obtained Charters from the Grand Lodge of New York for five Lodges: "Rosa Mexicana", "Federalista" and "Independencia" in 1825, and "Tolerancia No. 450" and "Luz Mexicana No. 451" in 1826.

After the receipt of these Charters, the Lodges were instituted and the officers installed by Brother Poinsett. These Lodges then formed a Grand Lodge that was formed and duly installed in 1825, under the name of "La Gran Logia Nacional Mexicana" with Don Ignacio Esteva as Grand Master. The Grand Lodge issued Dispensations and Charters throughout the country, and in 1828 there were 112 Lodges on the roster of which 90 met regularly, while the others were not active for one reason or another. Among the members were many Generals, Colonels, and other Army Officers as well as Senators, Congressman, Clergymen, and Government Employees and Merchants.

At the start, these Lodges restricted themselves to ceremonies of the Rite as well as Charity and Benevolence. And, it was not long before they met opposition from other Rites, provoking them into acts of resistance, and before long self-defense, and they took an active and practical part in the politics of the country. Some 10 or 12 of these Lodges were composed of Army Officers who moved about the country, and it appears at this time that little regard was paid to quality of members, quantity being the aim of these Lodges.

Members of the Scottish Rite also had considerable activity to increase their membership, being afraid the liberal tendencies of the leadership of the York Rite. Accordingly, strong opposition appeared among the two Rites, and both claimed to work for the benefit and uplifting of mankind. Thus, the illusions of the York Rite were lost in controversy. From the strife, a curious incident appears that permits us to discern the character of the times and the strange Masonic spirit of those Brothers. The Scottish Rite members held religious celebrations in honor of the Virgin del Pilar and Santiago de Compostela, and those of the York Rite made demonstrations in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The pulpits were used to cast insults between the two bodies by the clergy, and in the streets of the capital, it was not unusual to see Masonic - Catholic processions in which the bands, aprons and banners of Lodges alternated with candles, processional candle holders, crosses, incensors, etc.

The charged atmosphere exploded in 1827, when General Nicolas Bravo, Grand Master of the Scottish Rite, rebelled against the Government, and General Vicente Guerrero, Grand Master of the York Rite, marched to fight the rebel. Bravo was beaten at Tulancingo, and this action resulted in the practical extinction of both Rites, because on 25 October 1828, Congress (composed mostly of Scottish Rite Masons) decreed a prohibition against the existence of secret societies in the country. During the next 15 - 20 years, real Masonry reached a low ebb.

FIRST GRAND LODGES AND DIFFERENT RITES

Regressing a bit, we will view another aspect of Masonic events of the time. In 1825, the new York Rite that upon its birth plunged into the severest political wrangle, nine Brothers, full of idealism, five from the Scottish Rite and four from the York Rite, endeavored to form a Lodge subject to true Masonic principles. However, they encountered difficulties in obtaining, from either of the two Rites, letters of dispensation. Accordingly, they decided to found a new Rite to accomplish their goals, and on 22 August 1825, a meeting set forth the principles of the new organization, establishing the three symbolic degrees of Universal Masonry and six special philosophical degrees. Also, this convention authorized five Lodges, which in turn constituted the Gran Logia "La Luz" of the Mexican National Rite, which was installed on 26 March 1826. In 1830, this Rite was accepted in all parts of the country, as many of the York Rite Lodges were dormant. A number of these members went into the new organization, and by 1831 there were two additional Grand Lodges under this new Rite, one in Guadalajara with six subordinate Lodges and one in Toluca, also with six subordinate Lodges. In 1833, a general meeting of these bodies advocated many social changes. It was soon apparent that these changes would be difficult to achieve, nevertheless these reforms were accomplished, costing "rios de sangre" (rivers of blood). The American invasion of 1847 caused this body to temporarily cease its labors, and then in 1850 the cholera epidemic also seriously interfered with its work.

Conforming with the decree issued by Congress on 25 October 1828, the Gran Logia National Mexicana (the York Rite) issued a circular calling for obedience to the Law (forbidding secret societies) and declared its Lodges in suspense until better times. Notwithstanding this, several Lodges, both York and Scottish Rites, continued to work until closed by the police.

After several years of little active work, in 1848 there are traces of a German Lodge under the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, and in 1845 traces of a Lodge under the Grand Lodge of France. In 1859, a member of the Grand Oriente of New Granada arrived in Mexico City, and joined with members of the French Lodge to establish a Lodge "Union Fraternal" with a charter from the Grand Oriente New Granada. The first Master was James C. Lohse, a merchant in the city. Brother Lohse, born in New York, received his degrees in Friendship Lodge No.247 in Blossborg, Pennsylvania.

During this period there were many reactionaries among the political parties and the Lodge came under immediate attack. Brethren were insulted and molested, the Lodge work disturbed by armed men, and its members arrested. Handbills were distributed picturing Masons attacking the Holy Mother Church captained by Brother Lohse with cannon directed at the door of the Church. These actions fanned the flames, and the Lodge membership grew dramatically. In June 1863, French troops entered Mexico City and while the Lodge "Union Fraternal" remained in the city, other Lodges fled. By the end of 1863, the Lodge numbered about 200, composed of Mexicans, Spaniards, Americans, English, and Germans. Many of the French Army officers and soldiers, enthusiastic Masons, affiliated with the Lodge. Great harmony prevailed under the leadership of Brother Lohse.

In 1864, a Portuguese man, Manuel Reis, arrived in Mexico City. He was initiated into Masonry in Rio de Janeiro in 1844, moved to New York in 1856 and joined the New York Consistory and received his 32nd Degree. In 1858, he went to Havana, Cuba, being more or less active in organizing Lodges, etc. When he arrived in Mexico City he was 44 or 45 year old, and had a perfect knowledge of Masonic ritual. He eventually joined the Lodge "Union Fraternal", and because of his extensive knowledge of Masonry he became a driving force in the Lodge. Eventually, he organized the Supreme Council 33rd, and also suggested dividing up the Lodge "Union Fraternal" into three Lodges.

This was accomplished with one Lodge working in English, one in French, and one in German. In 1865, these three Lodges formed the Grand Lodge under the name "Gran Logia Valle de Mexico". Brother Lohse was the first Grand Master, a position he held until 1872. The Grand Lodge Valle de Mexico, having been duly organized, began to exercise its functions, issuing Dispensations and Charters throughout the country, and thus started its legitimate career.

(Part II) Ref. The Craftsman,VOLUME 1, NUMBER 4, November 2001

THE GRAND ORIENT

In 1820, a book entitled "Manual de Francomasonería" appeared in New York. It reached its 14th edition and it achieved wide circulation from the Rio Grande to Cape Horn. The book contained the "Estatutos de Nápoles" with a code of some 300 articles, in great part fantastic, all impractical, and in many cases, absolutely un-Masonic. However, to the book's author is due the concept of the GRAND ORIENT. According to this constitutional "jewel", the Grand Orient is the Mother Grand Lodge, governed by a council consisting of a Grand Commander, a Master of the Order, Representatives of the degrees from the 4th to the 33rd, and also representatives of the Grand Lodges of the Symbolic or Craft Degrees. This body makes the supreme governing of the Order, which according to its statutes, was approved by the Grand Orient of Naples in 1820, but no trace can be found of its having been put into practice in that territory.

In fact, the designation of Grand Orient goes back to the 18th Century. At that time, French Freemasonry, divided against itself, disowned by the Mother Grand Lodge of England and attacked by the Roman Catholic Church, was in disarray. Reorganization took place in 1772 and, for some reason, the decision was made to use the name of Grand Orient as substitute for that of Grand Lodge. However, this was still a Grand Lodge under a different name, with the three degrees of Craft Masonry ruled by an elected Grand Master. The perverse novelty of the Neapolitan invention was that it blurred the distinction between Craft Masonry and other degrees and destroyed the concept of Grand Lodge sovereignty and independence. This has been the basis for the recurring attempts, at least in Latin countries, and as we shall see below, to impose the authority of 33rd degree Supreme Councils over Grand Lodges, up to our very day.

The Supreme Council of México rejected the ideas set forth in this work, but several French members were not satisfied with this decision, and the Lodge "Emules d'Hiram" withdrew from the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council. In 1868 several other Lodges not content with the rejection of the Statutes of Naples by the Supreme Council, also withdrew, and formed the "El Soberano Gran Oriente del Rito Escocés Antiguo y Aceptado para la República de México." In 1870, there were only five Lodges left under this so-called Gran Oriente, all located in México City. The other Lodges and their Grand Lodges remained loyal to the Supreme Council.

The Lodges of the City, "Unión Fraternal", "Paz y Concordia", and "Toltecas", joined under the auspices of the Supreme Council and re-organized the Gran Logia Valle de México. Rebellious members were induced to rejoin the fold, but chose not to, and in February 1871 organized another independent mentioned earlier, "Rito Escocés Antiguo y Reformado," having three degrees above Master Mason. This body was recognized by the Rito National Mexicano, while the Supreme Council protested without avail against this unfriendly act. This Rite was recognized by the Gran Oriente of Spain, the Supreme Council of Colón, and various other bodies. However, in the end, when the representative of this Rite was denied admission to the Lausanne Convention of 1874, and this news spread in México, its Lodges began to decline. At that same Convention, the Rito Nacional Mexicano was declared to be irregular and eventually disbanded in 1884. Later, in the last years of the 19th Century or early in the 20th, a new body constituted itself under that same name.

The Grand Lodge intrigue continued, when in January 1878, under Ignacio M. Altamirano, Grand Master of the Gran Logia Valle de México, members found a letter in circulation signed by several of its officers, stating that the members in general were not satisfied with the government of the Supreme Council. Only two Lodges, "Cosmos" and "Aztecas", seconded the movement. There were other maneuverings in various Lodges, and another Grand Lodge formed, and proceeded to erect the "Gran Oriente de México. The first manifestation of this body was issued in December 1878, proclaiming themselves as the redeemers of Masonry, separated themselves from the legitimate Scottish Rite bodies, standardized the first three degrees of Symbolic Masonry, and finally, determined that to liberate themselves from the Supreme Council, they would organize another Supreme Council to make 33rd Masons.

It seems that Altamirano, being Grand Master of the Gran Logia Valle de México, declared himself Sovereign Grand Inspector of the new Supreme Council, and conferred 33rd degrees until there were enough members to constitute the so-called "Supremo Consejo del Gran Oriente de México". In their first decree issued on 1 January 1879, they declared the regular Supreme Council irregular and illegitimate. The supreme government of the Order rested in the Gran Oriente. The effect of the various actions of this body was the destruction of the Grand Lodges throughout the country, and the concentration of power in the Gran Oriente. They attracted men of good standing into the group by offering to bestow degrees from the 4th to the 33rd, and these men attracted others. The result was that these well-meaning men joined this irregular movement. By 1880, they claimed 120 Lodges, and were recognized by many Gran Oriente bodies throughout the world. This group admitted women into its ranks, having one Lodge of women working the three degrees, some advancing as far as the 14th degree. They did not use the Bible on the Altar, and so changed the work that there was nothing left to identify it with any system of Freemasonry.

As time passed, Altamirano's personal occupations became overriding and he did not have the time to devote to the Order, and operations fell into the hands of Ermilo G. Cantón, a friend. In 1898, dissolution of the Gran Oriente commenced. Cantón approached the Supreme Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, proposing a fusion of the two bodies. No one appeared to be aware of this until a circular was issued with copies of the Treaty of Fusion. The Treaty was accepted to avoid a new scandal, and the Supreme Council and Gran Oriente became one. As one might expect, several groups were not satisfied, and organized themselves into groups of "Yorkinos" and "Templarios."

During all this time, the Gran Logia Valle de México continued on an even tenor of its ways until it had control of some 48 Lodges, including several scattered throughout the Mexican states and territories. In May 1883, the Supreme Council issued its Balaustre No. XXXII, which conceded to the Grand Lodges, absolute and undisputed dominion and government of the Symbolic Lodges, charging them to be responsible before the Masonic World for order, discipline, morals, progress, dogma, etc. The transfer of power took effect on 24 January 1883, and was forever.

THE GRAN DIETA

The ink was hardly dry on the Treaty of Fusion between the Supreme Council and the Gran Oriente, when a movement started to nullify the principal clause of the Treaty: that to all intents and purposes the Gran Oriente is dead and buried. However, while all this was apparently done in good faith, the leaders of the defunct Gran Oriente appeared and called a meeting of all Grand Lodges and others pertaining to Symbolic Masonry, regular or irregular, to form a "Body Supreme" to be called "La Gran Dieta Simbólica de los Estados Mexicanos." This important change of the whole symbolic system, and violation of the recent decree of the Supreme Council, was so astonishing and ridiculous, that few paid any attention to it. Nevertheless, there were many who were not agreeable to the fusion as worked out between the two bodies claiming there were sufficient grounds for calling a general Masonic Assembly to discuss the questions. The machinery worked well in the Capital. Credentials were printed, signed, sealed and distributed, and the meeting called for February 15th, 1890. Fifteen delegates assembled, including one who carried the representation of 30 Lodges (no doubt many of them inactive), and the Gran Dieta commenced to function. The promoters of the Gran Dieta, to disguise their actions and faithful to their instincts, proclaimed this a Masonic Convention and accepted the decree of the Gran Oriente as the basis for the formation of the Gran Dieta, a full proclamation of which was made in the "Boletín Masónico". The Constitution of the Gran Dieta was promulgated during 1890, and signed by those who pretended to represent 127 Lodges and some Grand Lodges. It was rumored that some of the signatures were placed without the knowledge or consent of the interested Lodges. One of the signatures alleged to have been placed was that of General don Porfirio Díaz. Without a full knowledge of the character of the new body, Gen. Díaz was made the nominal head as Grand Master, this being the reason for many joining the movement although it is stated that the General never attended any of the meetings. Señor Cantón attended to all matters, he at that time acting as Master of "Benito Juarez" Lodge as well as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge Valle de México, and Grand Secretary of the Gran Dieta.

On October 31st, 1892, an enthusiastic Mason, Ignacio A. de la Peña, presented himself at the meeting of the Gran Dieta to prefer charges against Cantón for abuse of his authority, Cantón having presented himself in a subordinate Lodge, and without any just cause or reason suspended the officers of the Lodge. These charges were referred to a committee for investigation, but before the committee had time to investigate or report, Cantón called a meeting of the Grand Lodge Valle de México on December 7th and without trial, summarily expelled Peña from the Fraternity, for perjury and treason.

In 1894, Toltec Lodge, which had been working since 1882 under Charter from the Grand Lodge of Missouri, was ordered to surrender that Charter and take a Charter from the Gran Dieta, to work as "Toltec Lodge No. 214". It should be noted that the Gran Dieta as well as the Gran Oriente, issued Charters regardless of the Grand Lodge under which the Lodge would work, and of course received all monies. The Gran Dieta closed its sessions July 16th, 1894, and did not meet again until April 1895, owing to the sickness of Sr. Cantón. During the period that the Gran Dieta did not meet all the power was vested in the Grand Secretary. Omitted here are a lot of small complaints against this Grand Secretary, all of which point to a general discontent.

When the sessions resumed in April 1895, a new "Código de Estatutos" for the government of the Gran Dieta was promulgated as having been adopted in October 1894, which naturally caused a great deal of surprise. (During these years a number of American and English Brethren had affiliated with the Lodges under the Gran Logia Valle de México and some English speaking Lodges had been chartered, hoping that matters would be straightened out and clean Masonry would be the outcome.) The new acts by Cantón gave rise to vigorous protests from the membership, especially the English-speaking ones, the result being that many of the Brethren demited, others refused to attend the meetings and others decided to oppose the power usurped by Cantón. In June, 1895 further acts of Cantón precipitated a crisis. When "Toltec Lodge" in 1894 gave up its Charter to the Grand Lodge of Missouri, Cantón promised there would be no women Lodges in the jurisdiction, but for a celebration, in June 1895, Cantón invited the women to be present. When foreign Masons found women present at this meeting, they politely left the building.

In all his acts and decrees Cantón was backed by the "Benito Juárez" Lodge. The English-speaking Lodges began to gather data to start action for Freedom and an open letter was prepared and handed by a commission to General President don Porfirio Díaz on August 1st, 1895, who received the commission with his usual courtesy and promised he would have an investigation made and remedy the trouble. A copy of this letter was sent to all Lodges and Grand Lodges under the Gran Dieta, and immediately a flood of replies was received, setting forth other charges and sustaining those made. An audit was made of the books, and a deficit found of between $10,000 and $15,000 in the Treasury of the Gran Dieta. No trace of the expenditures could be found.

A Called Communication of the Gran Logia Valle de México was held on the night of August 13th, 1895. Cantón, now known as the "Chico Napoleon" (little Napoleon) decided he would finish the Grand Lodges. On the previous day (August 12th) he issued a decree in the name of the Gran Dieta, in which he stated that he had given Charters to four Lodges of women, but had now arrested them. Also that from that date, the Bible as well as the Book of Constitutions must be on the Altars of all Lodges. At the meeting of the Gran Logia Valle de México, held in the City of México, it was stated that they had then 28 Lodges Chartered. At this meeting, only the City Lodges were represented personally, seven outside Lodges were represented by proxies. The Lodge opened under the then Grand Master Most Worshipful Brother Ramón Y. Guzmán, and the Grand Secretary read the decree of the Gran Dieta. All present knew there had been no meeting of the Gran Dieta the previous day. The opinions of those present were not so much against the decree as the manner in which it was being forced upon them. The Grand Master stated in essence that the decree would not be obeyed and the Gran Dieta is not recognized as the supreme authority of Symbolic Masonry of the United Mexican States. A great flurry took place with the Deputy Grand Master of the Gran Dieta declaring the Grand Master and his supporters were suspended. Seeing it was impossible to continue the work, the Grand Master closed the Grand Lodge and retired. On the 17th of August, Cantón called a meeting of the Gran Logia Valle de México for a so-called reorganization of the Grand Lodge with himself as Grand Master, and his supporters as Senior Grand Warden and Secretary. They declared that the other officers were removed from office and expelled from the Fraternity, and at the same time closed the Lodges "Cosmos", "Aztecas" and "Pedro Ogazón".

On the night of the 24th of August a special meeting of the Gran Dieta was called. At this meeting the decree rejected on the 13th by the Gran Logia Valle de México was approved. The expulsion of the Grand Master and other officers of the strongest Grand Lodge in the country drew the attention of all the Fraternity, especially by those who were attempting to rebuild the Order. Shortly thereafter, President General don Porfirio Díaz, very politely but firmly announced his withdrawal as head of the Gran Dieta, and this was immediately followed by the resignation of others, and the withdrawal of all the better elements. The result was that by November of 1895, the Gran Dieta was practically extinct, although it still had some four Grand Lodges located in the interior of the country.

After the expulsion of the Most Worshipful Grand Master Guzmán and his officers, they called a meeting and organized a Grand Lodge named "Gran Logia del Distrito Federal de México". This Grand Lodge was immediately allowed to meet in an apartment furnished by the Supreme Council, and continued its activities until 1898, when it ceased to exist.

The Gran Dieta, however, continued its functions. In 1899, Brother Cantón ceased his labors, and in 1901 on the 30th of April, the Gran Dieta, at an Extraordinary Communication, desiring that Symbolic Masonry in this Republic should encounter no obstacles to stay its march toward perfection, under the primitive Laws of the Brotherhood, did, by unanimous vote of the representatives of the confederated Grand Lodges present, approve the following. "The Confederation of the Gran Dieta Simbólica of the United Mexican States, is hereby dissolved."…… "The date on which the Gran Dieta Simbólica is to terminate its labors is fixed today, April 30th, 1901."

(Part III) Ref. The Craftsman,VOLUME 1, NUMBER 4, February 2002

The GRAND LODGE

It is perhaps symbolic that the Gran Dieta vanished as the new 20th Century came in. Bro. Richard Edward Chism, member of our own Toltec Lodge No. 1, published a volume in 1899, "Una Contribución a la Historia Masónica de México", in which he referred to the Gran Dieta as a vampire which sucked the blood and life of Masonry in the country "…chupando su sangre y su vida…" Strong words, perhaps, but we may assume that the Gran Dieta was not missed, and the Grand Lodge was released from its domination.
At that time the Grand Lodge name was: Muy Respetable Gran Logia de Antiguos, Libres y Aceptados Masones "Valle de México". By 1907 it had about 1400 members in 33 lodges in activity: 16 working in Spanish in the Scottish or French Rituals; 16 working in English in the York or American Ritual; and 1 in German working in the Saint John's Ritual (Johannislogen). The two largest Lodges, Toltec No. 214 and Anáhuac No. 141 worked in English with 186 and 143 members, respectively. They are today our own Toltec No. 1 and Anáhuac No. 3. The jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge was the Federal District and the Federal Territories, but it had the right to extend charters to Lodges in any part of the country where no Regular Grand Lodge operated. A rough but official estimate is that 75% of the members were English-speaking.
The main concerns of the Grand Lodge at that time (1907-1910) seem to have been the following three:
1. To obtain official worldwide recognition. Back in 1900, it had not a single recognition from Foreign Grand Lodges, and by April 1908 it had succeeded in winning 50 recognitions, including from the Mother Grand Lodge, the United Grand Lodge of England.
2. Apply strictly for its work the basic Landmarks of the Craft:
" Use of the Bible on the altar;
" Grand Lodge sovereignty, that is, not to be subordinated directly or indirectly to any other body, rite or authority. Such a deep concern brought many frictions with other bodies, most of them considered to be "irregular" (i.e. controlled by an external body such as a Supreme Council 33º, clandestine Grand Lodges that did not respect the above Landmarks, or invaded the territories of Regular Grand Lodges).
1. Bring the Constitution closer to the York Rite. Grand Master J.C. Moorhead, assisted by others, took the lead in drafting a new Constitution, taking as standards those of New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and New México, combined with a careful study of that of the Grand Lodge of England. Although the process was slow and took apparently at least 3 years, the adoption of a new Constitution at the April 1910 Grand Communication was an element in the secession that took place at that time.

The DIVISION

In early 1910, Brother Moorhead passed away, and the work was carried on by Deputy Grand Master Brother J.J. Reynoso, who was elected Grand Master. The records at that date show 32 Lodges on the rolls: 16 English speaking, 11 Spanish speaking, 1 German, and another 4 Spanish under dispensation. Represented at the Grand Lodge were 27 Lodges, of which 16 English speaking, 10 Spanish and 1 German.
A motion was presented by Brother Manuel Levi to allow the Lodges under dispensation to have votes in the Grand Lodge. When put to a vote, the resolution was rejected by the Grand Lodge.
At that same Grand Communication, a strictly York Constitution was adopted. One of its characteristics was that from then on the office of Grand Master could be opened to candidates who did not reside in the Federal District, causing a loss of control over the Grand Lodge by a number of local Masons and presumably, through them, by the México City Supreme Council of the 33º. There is little doubt that it was the perspective of this loss of control, as result of the newly adopted Constitution, that triggered the secession.
The meeting then proceeded to the election of Grand officers with these results:
        M.W. Grand Master Bro. José J. Reynoso
        R.W. Deputy Grand Master Bro. G.W. Stevens
        R.W. Senior Grand Warden Bro. Adolfo Fenochio
        R.W. Junior Grand Warden Bro. W.H. Seamon
        R.W. Grand Treasurer Bro. H.W. Selover
        R.W. Grand Secretary Bro. Alberto Pro
The M.W. Grand Master-elect then took the oath of officer before Past Grand Master, Alberto Pro.
Immediately on the result of the election of Grand Master being made known, P.G.M. Levi together with representatives of five chartered Mexican Lodges and two under dispensation "rushed out of the Grand Lodge without sign or ceremony and in great disorder, expressing their non-conformity with Bro. J.J. Reynoso's election. There remained a representation of 20 Lodges, which constituted a majority, and the labor of the Grand Lodge was continued in order."
The members who rebelled against the election of Jose J. Reynoso, himself a Mexican, were composed mostly of those who were formerly members of the Grand Lodge "Santos Degollado". Also note the words of then Grand Master Levi in the year 1902 when he said with reference to the fusion of the two Grand Lodges. "Question. Would the proposed alliance provoke a disagreement among ourselves? Answer. We must expect it,...""
Brother Reynoso, in his remarks to the 1911 Grand Lodge said: "At the last Annual Session of this body we had 32 Lodges, of which four were under dispensation, with a total membership of 1,425, at that session we regret to say the representatives of seven Lodges expressed themselves dissatisfied with the election as decided by a large majority vote, and left the Grand Lodge room, and commenced agitating for a separation of the Lodges working under the Scottish Ritual, from those working under the York Ritual."
"It was believed that such a separation could be amicably arranged, and the discussion of such an arrangement between the interested parties had even reached the point of drawing up a basis of separation, etc. When on June 23rd 1910, we were astounded to learn that the seven Scottish Ritual Lodges mentioned above had held a secret meeting, without advice to the other Lodges of the Jurisdiction, and then and there declared the Annual Session of the Grand Lodge irregular and the elections illegal, and proceeded to elect themselves as Officers of the Grand Lodge "Valle de México." Among these representatives was our Grand Secretary, Alberto Pro, who was previously Grand Master of the Grand Lodge "Santos Degollado", who turned over to the seceders the offices and records of the Grand Master and Grand Secretary. They then demanded of the other Lodges of the jurisdiction by telegraph that such Lodges join them within three days or be declared irregular."
On July 5th, the seceded Lodges received support from the Supreme Council of 33º, which led Grand Master J.J. Reynoso to declare them irregular on July 7th. He himself set an example of Masonic congruency and spirit by giving up his Scottish Rites degrees from the 4th to the 33rd, because he considered that those bodies were in conflict with his Master Mason Degree.
Finally, the seceded Lodges were joined by 6 more from the Jurisdiction, making a total of 13. Various actions occurred, "resulting in automatically seeding out from the Grand Lodge the least desirable portion of its membership, leaving this body with its 18 truly Masonic Lodges, stronger than ever in its history."
At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in 1911, the following resolution was carried unanimously. "Be it hereby resolved, that the name of this Grand Lodge be changed from that of "Muy Respetable Gran Logia Valle de México, A.L. y A.M." to "The Most Worshipful York Grand Lodge of México, F. and A.M."
It is interesting to note that the foreign population in the Grand Lodge Valle de México had increased from 55.6% in1904 to 73.1% in 1910. In some measure this may have contributed to the rebellious behavior. At any rate, from this time on no further friction has taken place between the two Nationalities. The York Grand Lodge continued its work, and the seceders continued in their own way under the name of the Gran Logia Valle de México.
The history of the York Grand Lodge is quite complicated, and at times the powers for evil predominated, and the Craft were obligated to continue work under the most trying circumstances. Throughout our history there is enough evidence to convince one that the Fraternity was never entirely stamped out, from the time of the first Lodge up to present day, and after all the bitter controversies, there has blossomed a clean, vigorous and healthy Grand Lodge, known as the York Grand Lodge of México, F. & A.M., living up to the Ancient Charges, and in every way complying with the requirements and tenets of the Fraternity.

(Part IV) Ref. The Craftsman,VOLUME 2, NUMBER 1, April 2002

The RENEWAL - 1911 -1919

As the renamed York Grand Lodge of México entered into its new life, the Mexican Revolution had begun. The conditions of life in México in those times were unstable and dangerous: travel was uncertain and unsafe, to the extent that on a given year the Grand Master could not even attend the Annual Grand Communication. Some of the Lodges were not able to get their reports through or had to meet at different times than usual. The proceedings would be printed with omissions or mistakes, since "it is rather a hard matter for the printers to be exact when the bullets are flying around all day long". One result was that a number of foreign residents left the country in search of healthier climates.

Such were the times when the newly named York Grand Lodge of México clearly explained and stated which ground it was standing on and which were going to be its principles and ways of working.

Its membership stood at 1,188 with 18 Lodges in December of 1910, right after most of its previous members who practiced the Scottish Rite in Spanish had left it to set up what has been since then the Gran Logia Valle de México. Since 1913, the membership of the York Grand Lodge of México had started to decline slowly and steadily. By December of 1918 it was just above a thousand, actually 1,012, with virtually only 15 Lodges.

The period from January 1911 through April 1919 illustrates three different angles:

- The Definition of a Personality
- The Selection of Principles
- The Start of a Decline in Membership.

THE DEFINITION OF A PERSONALITY

In April of 1912, the newly installed Grand Master pointed out: In my short trip to the U.S. in last October and November, I discovered to my astonishment that Mexican Masonry was the general topic of conversation in nearly every Grand Jurisdiction, and the misconceptions which were found concerning it were almost unbelievable". Some Grand Lodges felt that "It would appear that the Grand Lodge Valle de México has perhaps permanently disintegrated" or even that "Masonry in México has reached its last stage". Others would simply not understand what was happening: "it appears that Masonic affairs in México like all other things in this… Republic, are so badly involved that it is difficult, if not impossible, to really know what is authority and what is not". All the Grand Lodges of the U.S. but two, Nebraska and Louisiana, with which the previous Gran Logia Valle de México had been in fraternal relations received the change of name to York Grand Lodge of México with "flattering acknowledgement". Some action was taken to explain, as well as to justify, the peculiar situation of the York Grand Lodge of México.

In those times a great deal of the official communications between Grand Lodges, on a world wide basis, was made through their mutual comment on their proceedings, comments issued by the Committee on Foreign Correspondence of each Grand Lodge and printed in their annual proceedings. This is how the York Grand Lodge of México, under the pen of Bro. Wayne A. White (three times Grand Master, 1914, 1915 and 1916, and twice Grand Secretary, 1917-1918) defined in an often drastic way the outlines of what we might call its personality.

a- The York Grand Lodge of México is the continuation of the Gran Logia Valle de México, since 70% of that Gran Logia Valle de México remained (after the 30% had seceded in April 1910), which changed its name.

The formation of the Gran Logia Valle de México in 1865 was acknowledged by the Grand Lodge of New York, which confirmed it was legitimate.

b- The York Grand Lodge of México works under York Rite laws and rituals. It was decided - in 1910 - to adopt the York Rite since practically all of its members were foreigners, mostly Americans. Being so exclusive about the York Rite led at least one Grand Lodge of the U.S. to accuse the York Grand Lodge of México of being sectarian.

c- The York Grand Lodge of México acknowledges no body as its superior, nor will it ever recognize the authority of any so-called body to govern or limit its authority.

The York Grand Lodge of México already had previously some difficulties with the Supreme Council 33º that confiscated its rights in the Masonic Temple in México City after the secession, and furthermore "as a rule in all Latin countries, the Supreme Councils controlled the Blue Lodges".

This attitude of independence brought some officers of the York Grand Lodge of México to frown upon the Scottish Rite wherever it appeared and even upon the Shrine.

d- The York Grand Lodge of México is the only Grand Lodge which can hold jurisdiction over York Rite Masons in the whole Republic of México, and it exercises such jurisdiction and will continue to exercise such jurisdiction until other York Rite Grand Lodges are organized in the States of México. Besides this exclusivity of dispensing the York Rite, an historical point was also quoted to justify a jurisdiction over the whole country: "When the Gran Dieta (a National Grand Lodge of México supreme over all of the regular State Grand Lodges, in the same way as the United Grand Lodge of England was supreme over the Provincial Grand Lodges) was dissolved on April 30, 1901, all of its Lodges in the various states were turned over to the Grand Lodge Valle de México."

Some Grand Lodges in the U.S. failed to accept such a jurisdiction over the whole Republic of México, so either they stopped recognizing the York Grand Lodge of México, or postponed its recognition. They felt that it was going beyond the bounds of its normal territory into the jurisdictions of other Mexican State Grand Lodges that had already been recognized - although these would work under the Scottish Rite. Their members were still accepted as visitors, though, by the York Grand Lodge of México.

There seems to have been an actual extension of the geographical jurisdiction from the Gran Logia Valle de México before 1910 to the York Grand Lodge of México after 1910, since the Grand Logia de México as it existed before the separation was on the lines held by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, i.e. "had upon its registers Lodges of all legitimate Rites in Freemasonry" and thus could not have invaded the Jurisdictions of State Grand Lodges where and when they existed in México, and that it had recognized.

e- The York Grand Lodge of México is modeled after the American Grand Lodges, "to work in York or American Rite". This is how it is understood by Grand Lodges in the U.S., inasmuch as for some time "a number of prominent members of the American Reviewers Guild had frequently suggested the establishment (in México) of a Grand Lodge modeled after the American Grand Lodges": they see the Brethren at the York Grand Lodge of México lifting up Masonry in México.

Those Brethren in México in turn agree and point out that they had been "striving to bring them (the Mexican Masons) up to the American standards" and are actually "the sole representatives in México of Symbolic Masonry as known in the United States" and "practice the York Rite in full accord with the American System, which is their model".

f- The York Grand Lodge of México is a Grand Lodge composed of Anglo-Saxon Genuine Masons. Practically all its members (about 1918) are foreigners. The majority of them were made Masons in Lodges of the United States and England.
 
g- The York Grand Lodge of México does not want to hear about politics. There are many mentions of the political activities of other Masonic bodies in México and from the point of view of the York Grand Lodge of México, politics seem to be the main reason for Latins to joint Masonry to the extent that "they (the Latin Lodges under Scottish Rite) fall asleep when political activity is below normal".

The York Grand Lodge of México, sticking to that premise of not getting into politics, did not make comment on the issues of the first World War, which brought one U.S. Grand Lodge to complain that "it does not breathe sympathy or good will for the United States or her allies in this war: it seems to be strictly neutral".

THE SELECTION OF PRINCIPLES

The principles put forth by the York Grand Lodge of México as its Masonic Goals are either directly stated by its Officers in their annual reports, or quoted back, with approval, from the proceedings of other Grand Lodges.

a- Scope. "Masonry is to continue to lead the World in its march towards a higher civilization", "is indeed a world organization for the promotion of peace and good will to all men".

This means the York Grand Lodge of México is here as "Pure and undefiled Ancient Symbolic Free Masonry to guide the Craft in the Republic of México" and is "heartily concerned in it"… This Grand Lodge stands as the representative of True Masonry in this Republic, and it behooves us all to see that the same is not contaminated".

b- Bases. The constituent element in Masonry are "a trust in and a loyalty to God, and the fellowship of Masons". So, its ideals are "Brotherhood of man… and the universally recognized truth of the Fatherhood of God" and as such it "strengthens the bonds of union and Brotherhood between Masons and between men".

This translates into "Masonry works unceasingly towards its idea of Universal Brotherhood by striving to raise the level of humanity and civilization… points out the way in which the members of that family may be equal with each other and worthy of the Fatherhood of God".

c- Techniques. "To be true to itself, Masonry must be active" and "In all phases of human activity, it must sustain energetically all movements which tend to raise the level of humanity, make men free, and induce equal companionship and brotherhood, and oppose those which tend to create classes, enslave men's minds or souls and destroy fraternity". "The true value of Freemasonry is not in Mysticism or philosophy, but in its practice which is noble Brotherly love, Relief and Truth… Life is a service".

A word of caution: "Masonry accomplishes its great work through individual and not united effort."

In practice, the York Grand Lodge of México "is doing business at the old stand and in the same old way" and "carries its work" in due form… and in strict accordance with its ritual and the ancient usages of the Order".

d- The Social Aspect. "In the past, the spirit of Masonry has been the cradle to civil liberty". So Masonry seems deeply engaged in the social evolution of Humanity… And as such "unrecognized in its working, Freemasonry" … will ultimately produce "the higher type of manhood… the superman of justice, truth, morality".

e- Initiation. The Proceedings of the York Grand Lodge of México from 1912 through 1919 do not reveal any particular interest for Initiation, that is, the Spiritual Evolution of the Human Being. Not even once have we found a veiled mention of the Search for Light or of its symbols.

The Landmarks are quoted only once, in an extgensive reproduction of another Grand Lodge's long report, as being of immemorial antiquity, universality and absolute irrevocability. A list of seven is recommended, that is:

1. Belief in God; 2. Belief in the persistence of personality; 3. A "Book of the Law" as an indispensable part of the furniture of every Lodge; 4. The legend of the Third Degree; 5. Secrecy; 6. The symbolism of the operative art; 7. That a Mason must be a man, free born, and of age.

THE START OF DECLINING MEMBERSHIP

One of the first moves of the York Grand Lodge of México was to renumber its Lodges. The Lodges bearing numbers under 18 retained their old numbers, so the chronological order was not strictly adhered to. Those whose number did not change were Washington 2, Cananea 4, Hiram 5, Sufragio Libre 8, Jalisco 9, Tampico 10, Esperanza 11, Sonora 12, Tehuantepec 14.

No bridge with the "Seceders"

A second move, which does not show up clearly through the proceedings, was a tendency to get back in touch with the Brethren of the Gran Logia Valle de México.

It is first presented in April 1912 as an "overture from the seceders", which the York Grand Lodge of México had "had no friction with the Mexican Lodges", but "nothing came out of the brief negotiations". Besides these contacts, or maybe in relation with them, the seceders delivered back to the York Grand Lodge of México its properties and records.

A slow change of Trend

After 1913, a decline started in its membership, as can be seen from the following figures:

Membership Number of Masons
December 31st: Before Secession

1907 1,196
1908 1,377
1909 1,500 (approx.)

Membership Number of Masons
December 31st: After Secession
1910 1,188
1911 1,203
1912 1,172
1913 1,281
1914 1,084
1915 1,149
1916 1,131
1917 1,033
1918 1,012

From the 33 Lodges in 1909 and 18 in 1910, only 15 remained in April 1919. Some Lodges had been organized and then closed down shortly afterwards, such as Chiapas (1911-1912) and Solomon (1918-1919), due to adverse conditions. Others had to return their charters due to scattered or departed membership , such as Tehuantepec No. 14 and Aguascalientes No. 15 in 1914-1915, and Creston No. 15 in 1918, or because of unacceptable conduct as in the case of one of the two Spanish-speaking Lodges, Sufragio Libre No. 8, that had its charter revoked in April 1917. Tampico Lodge No. 10 was the only Lodge to increase its membership from 35 members in 1909 to 173 in 1918. Its success is explained by the "unprecedented influx of Americans in the Port, because of the oil deposits."

(Part V) Ref. The Craftsman,VOLUME 2, NUMBER 2, July 2002

The CHALLENGES - 1920 -1929

After the First World War was over, membership in Masonry increased spectacularly, in México as well as the United States. It was reported that "Mexican Lodges are springing up almost overnight all over the country." In the United States, this came to a peak with an increase from about 2 million Master Masons in 1919 to 2,667,231 in 1922 and then a decrease to 2,490,050 in 1929. Meanwhile, in México, in the middle of strikes and revolutionary crisis, and without statistics being reported, there could be found "scattered throughout the Republic, thousands of Mexican Masons and scores of Grand Lodges, sometimes two or three occupying the same jurisdiction." In 1926, the Gran Logia Valle de México, that had started with 13 dissident Lodges in 1910 listed officially in newspapers 37 Lodges.

As to the York Grand Lodge of México, it was progressing and had secured recognition from 60 Grand Lodges in December 1929 vs 43 in December 1919. On the other hand, the number of its Lodges had fallen from 15 in 1919 to 13 in 1929, and its membership, although improving slightly from a dip down to 888 in 1925, was below the 1919 figure of 978: 927 members in 1929. There appear to be three reasons for such a lack of numerical progress: three challenges that it had to overcome during the twenties. Namely:

- The condemnation from the Scottish Rite
- The condemnation from the Grand Lodge of Texas
- The lack of potential members, largely due to the still turbulent conditions in the country

         CONDEMNATION FROM THE SCOTTISH RITE

Outbreak: American Masons against the York Grand Lodge

On November 14, 15 and 16 of 1919, the Scottish Rite Degrees were conferred upon a class of York Grand Lodge of México's Masons, from the 4th to the 32nd. Three days later, on November 19, the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of México issued its Decree (Balaustre) Nº 79 which declared the York Grand Lodge of México to be an irregular body, and stated that all its members would have to regularize themselves by affiliating with some Mexican Grand Lodge.

Curiously enough, the attack against the York Grand Lodge of México was led by Americans. They were 33rd Degree Masons of the Mexican Supreme Council, even Past Potentates of the Shrine and one was the Commander of a Knight Templar Commandery. Of the three most outstanding, one was a member of a San Francisco Lodge, and another a member and Past Master of a Kansas City Lodge. Both claimed to have been directed to investigate the conditions of Masonry in México either by Grand Bodies from the United States or by the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite in México. The third was a Past Master and at the time Secretary of Toltec Lodge Nº 1 of the York Grand Lodge of México itself, as well as Secretary of a Chapter, Commandery, Consistory and Shrine. Yet, an interesting fact should not be underestimated; the Grand Secretary of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Alberto Pro, had been the Grand Master of the Gran Logia Valle de México in 1908, before the 1910 secession from which the York Grand Lodge of México emerged, and later on, at the time of the 1910 secession, as Grand Secretary of same, had handed over all the Grand Lodge records and files to the seceders.

The Grand Master of the York Grand Lodge of México then expelled seven implicated Brethren, six of whom 33rd Degree Masons, on December 1st, 1919. Those, together with their sympathizers immediately organized an English-speaking Lodge, City of México Nº 35, under the nominal obedience of the Gran Logia Valle de México. Nominal, because in case of conflict between that Lodge and that Grand Lodge, the Grand Lodge of Canada was to be consulted for a final decision. An unusual arrangement, to say the least.

A few days later, December 26, 1919, one of the above-mentioned foreigners, High Priest of México Chapter Nº 225 of R.A.M. issued a circular letter along the lines of Balaustre Nº 79 prohibiting visits of York Grand Lodge of México members to that Chapter, as yet another step to ostracize our Grand Lodge. We can only speculate on the motivation of those brethren, but it is not farfechted to assume that the perspective of receiving the covered 33rd Degree, which could only be obtained from the Supreme Council, was a key element.

What followed was lobbying, through mail and personal contacts, exercised upon the U.S. Grand Lodges by both the Gran Logia Valle de México and the York Grand Lodge of México, the latter completing its labor with pamphlets and its 1920 through 1924 annual Proceedings.

A number of reasons would seem to explain the action of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council, from the desire to exert total control over Craft Masonry in México, down to financial motives or profane political interests. Whatever the case, the York Grand Lodge of México "nailed the flag to its mast and stood by its guns."

Within the year following the start of the crisis, one of the above mentioned American brethren who led the attack was charged and tried by his own Grand Lodge of Missouri. Meanwhile the Grand High Priest of Texas, under whose jurisdiction México Chapter Nº 225 was working, directed that the decree against the York Grand Lodge of México be withdrawn. At the same time, a second brother was suspended from Masonry in his own Lodge in San Francisco.

During 1922 and 1923 the Grand Masters of the York Grand Lodge of México had unofficial contacts with the "erring brothers" of México City Lodge Nº 35, with no results.

Back to the York Grand Lodge

It was in 1925 that the Supreme Council, under the leadership of a new Commander, revoked Balaustre Nº 79 and accepted the York Grand Lodge as regular in its circular Nº 251 of July 8th. On September 7th, 1925, the Grand Master of the York Grand Lodge of México issued an edict to release its members from the prohibitions of Masonic communication with their brethren from México City Lodge No. 35.

As a consequence, during 1926, several former members of Tampico Lodge Nº 10 and Washington Lodge Nº 6 who had withdrawn in 1919, reaffiliated with their previous Lodges. In the capital, in February 1927, the York's Grand Master "had an informal meeting with the Worshipful Master and prominent members of México City Lodge Nº 35 to inform them that they would be heartily welcomed if they wanted to affiliate with Lodges of the York Grand Lodge of México."

And therefore, on February 13th, 1928, two and a half years after withdrawal of the condemnation, and eight years after the condemnation itself and the expulsions took place, eight former members of México City Lodge Nº 35 received the oath of affiliation in Toltec Lodge Nº 1 in presence of the Grand Master. And at the following Grand Lodge annual communication on April 5th, 1919, the Past Grand Masters who had inflicted the suspensions in 1919 as Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, moved that those suspensions be lifted. The motion was carried and unanimously approved with applause.

From then on to 1930, reinstallations and affiliations from former members of México City Lodge Nº 35 kept coming in, mostly in favor of Toltec Lodge Nº 1. Approximately a total of forty Brethren entered this way into the York Grand Lodge of México.

CONDEMNATION FROM THE GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS

The First Surprise

In July 1921, an article appeared in the Houston Post to the effect that the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas with several Brethren from that Jurisdiction would come to México "in order to investigate Masonry in said Republic." The York Grand Lodge of México had neither been informed of that interest and visit nor of withdrawal of its recognition from the Grand Lodge of Texas shortly before. Two weeks later, the Grand Master of the York Grand Lodge of México was in Texas, to invite the Texan commission to stop over in Tampico to attend the dedication of the new Lodge Hall there, but they declined the invitation because they had made arrangements for their trip direct to México City.

The Condemnation

The Texas commission was headed by its Grand Master, assisted by three Past Grand Masters. Also part of the commission was the Grand Master of Louisiana and, as an observer, a Past Grand Master of California as representative of his Grand Master. Neither Arizona nor New Mexico were represented. They have been reported "to be animated with the desire to do only that which should be for the best interests of the Fraternity, and for the promotion in the Republic of México of the high ideals and principles of Masonry." But, the York Grand Lodge immediately detected that the members of that commission were either 33rd Degree men, or about to be, and that one of the Past Grand Masters of Texas was the current Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Scottish Rite for the State of Texas. Promptly, one of the Past Grand Masters of the York Grand Lodge - although demitted - wrote and had printed a pamphlet denouncing a further interference of the Scottish Rite in Mexican Masonry.

Several conferences were held by the Texas commission to discuss a proposed merger between the York Grand Lodge of México and the Gran Logia Valle de México. The Valle de México representatives immediately and unhesitatingly adopted the suggestions made by the commission, but the York representatives "were disinclined to do anything more than to extend an amnesty to their former Brethren." Later on, the York representatives determined to reject the proposal and called for an emergency communication of their Grand Lodge for October 3rd, 1921. Then, unanimously, the York Grand Lodge of México flatly rejected any merger, pointing out that no proceedings had been issued by the Gran Logia Valle de México since its formation in 1910 and that "the commission from the Grand Lodge of Texas are not well enough versed, nor can they appreciate conditions governing throughout México, without a residence among us for at least a number of years."

So, the Grand Lodge of Texas, at its following annual communication of December 1921, extended recognition to the Gran Logia Valle de México, rather than to the York Grand Lodge of México, with which it had maintained fraternal recognition for nearly thirty years.

The Defense

Through pamphlets and comments in its Proceedings, the York Grand Lodge of México progressively organized its defense. Two pieces are particularly interesting. The first is a 28 page reprint, in the April 13th, 1922 Proceedings, of the California Past Grand Master's report, as published in the Grand Lodge of California October 1921 Communication Proceedings, on the recent events in Masonry in México. The second is a 54 page analysis called "Historical Notes on Masonry in México", covering almost 120 years, prepared by its Committee on Research and published in the March 17th, 1924 Proceedings. These Historical Notes happened to be very successful: in addition to those printed in the Proceedings, 1,500 copies were printed and part of them mailed to all foreign Jurisdictions while Mexican Masons, including the Mexican Consistory itself, asked for permission to translate and print them - which "was granted with pleasure."

On the other hand, some discrete yet efficient friends rapidly backed up the York Grand Lodge of México. The Grand Lodge of California, which had been only an observer with the Texas commission, published a long and favorable report in its October 21, 1921 Proceedings, as indicated above, and "being fully advised of all the facts and circumstances" formally extended its recognition to the York Grand Lodge of México in that same Annual Communication of October 11th, 1921. Then, in March 1922, the Chairman of the Committee on Reception of Foreign Grand Lodges of Missouri, who visited México as General Grand High Priest of the Chapter of the United States and was Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Missouri, openly attended a joint meeting of Toltec Lodge Nº 1 and Anáhuac Lodge Nº 3, and from there accompanied the Grand Master of the York Grand Lodge of México on his official visit to Tampico Lodge Nº 10. The Missouri back up was rounded out in October 1922 when a Past Grand Master from that Jurisdiction visited and addressed Toltec and Anáhuac Lodges. During 1922 and 1923, the Grand Lodges of Mississippi, New Mexico, Ohio and Washington officially confirmed their recognition, and on December 5th, 1923 it was the United Grand Lodge of England that officially confirmed its recognition of the York Grand Lodge of México.

Still, a few foreign Grand Lodges either withdrew their recognition, decided to postpone it, or suspended and then restored it. During 1926, eight Grand Lodges granted their recognition, likely as a result of another surprise.

The Second Surprise

Between late 1925 and early 1926, the Brethren from Texas found out that clandestine Masons from Texas had been "regularized" in September 1925 in Nuevo Laredo, and once back in Texas had received their charters and receipts directly from the Gran Logia Valle de México. After having been summoned several times, Valle de México denied the facts, but one of those charters and a receipt found their way to the hands of the Texas Grand Master. After two different Grand Masters recommendation, in 1926 and 1927, and in spite of disapproval from its Committee on Foreign Relations, the Grand Lodge of Texas finally withdrew recognition from the Gran Logia Valle de México and recognized the York Grand Lodge of México. On January 18th, 1928 it appointed a representative before this last.

It did honestly more. In its 1928 Proceedings, it presented a review of the York Grand Lodge 1927 Proceedings - that is "antedating its recognition", and at the 1930 Annual Communication of the York Grand Lodge of México, the Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Texas delivered "a most instructive and inspiring speech" as underlined the York Reviewer.

AFTER THE CHALLENGES…

The challenges from the Scottish Rite and the Grand Lodge of Texas had run, almost simultaneously, from late 1919 until early 1928. Once over, at the Annual Communication of the York Grand Lodge of México, on April 17th, 1939, a Past Grand Master's Apron was presented to Brother Sidney Ulfelder who had been Grand Master in 1921. He had "participated in the hard times" of 1909, 1910 and 1911. He was the oldest in years and membership in the York Grand Lodge, having been raised by his father more than half a century before. Looking back and around "he was pleased to note the absence of any dissatisfaction or trouble at present."

THE LACK OF POTENTIAL MEMBERS

At the end of the 1919-1929 period, only two Lodges showed substantial increases: Tampico Nº 10 and Monterrey Nº 13. It should be noted that prior to the twenties, "Monterrey Lodge Nº 13 had been thrice cleaned out by the Revolutionists." As reported several times in the Proceedings of the twenties, the foreign population in México had been decreasing during those years, due to a general decrease in industrial activities. This is why "the number of demitted Brethren seems regrettably large." Yet, a good number of those who left made a point to keep their membership with their Lodge in México.