ANZMRC Conference
13 February 25
A centre of learning
By RW Bro Richard Dawes
The Biennial Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council (ANZMRC) was held at the NSW Masonic Club Castlereagh Street, Sydney in mid-October.
Approximately 40 brethren from throughout Australia, New Zealand and Singapore attended the conference in the Cellos Function Room. The heart of the conference was a series of erudite lectures presented by ten senior researchers.
The event was opened by MW Bro Khris Albano, Grand Master UGL of NSW and the ACT. He elaborated on the merits of masonic research and congratulated the ANZMRC on its efforts over the previous three decades and encouraged all present to continue that good work.
It was appropriate that the first formal session was a lecture by Bros Felix Pintado and Dave Angeles from Victoria on the history of Freemasonry in the Philippines. Naturally, the topic was of great interest to MW Bro Albano, who added his own thoughts to those of the speakers.
The final session on the first day of the conference saw a presentation by MW Bro Gary Bacon, Past Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland. Gary’s subject was Bro Sir Augustus Charles Gregory who he described as an iconic Australian explorer, exemplary citizen and a notable Freemason. His presentation painted a picture of a man who could truly be described as a foundation of Queensland and instrumental in the founding and early establishment of Freemasonry in the Sunshine State. Truly one of Queensland’s founding fathers.
📸Above: MW Bro Gary Bacon PGM Qld makes a strong point.
Day Two began with the presentation of a paper by David Shearer from Western Australia entitled Freemasonry and Philosophy, Freemasonry’s Debt to John Locke. Unfortunately, David could not attend due to ill health, so the paper was read by the Master of Ceremonies RW Bro Richard Dawes.
In his presentation of Scottish Freemasonry in New Zealand, Bro Tony Mansfield explored its history from initial formation in 1861 to the present day. In conclusion he explained that the recognition agreement between GLoS and GLNZ does not permit the GLoS to open a new lodge. This makes members of the Scottish Craft very aware that they cannot allow a lodge to think about dying, and every lodge must strive to maintain itself. If nothing else, the renowned determination and stubbornness of the Scottish race will see them survive.
Following afternoon tea Bro Bob Kluck from Queensland presented a challenging paper on Chevalier Ramsey, a spiritual and intellectual adventurer. As part of his conclusion, Bro Kluck said: ‘Ramsey received an education that his enquiring mind equipped him with the ability to mix within circles of influence, cajole princes to empower him with nobility and to manipulate his way through a sea of great minds, fools and sycophants.’
The second day’s proceedings ended on a high note as the conference attendees joined Discovery Lodge of Research 971 at their regular lodge meeting. A feature lecture was delivered by a team led by Bro Dr Philip Quadrio: A lost degree: Kerning’s lessons for the Sabbath Celebration. This was followed by a vigorous question and answer session which continued during the after-meeting dinner. An excellent conclusion to an excellent day.
📸Above: Dr Philip Quadrio in enthusiastic mode!
Day 3 began with an interesting and challenging presentation from David Taylor entitled From the Quarries, subtitled Where to from here? Freemasonry in the 6th Millennium A.L.
David reported on a study which investigated the current perceptions and future trajectories of Freemasonry through a comprehensive survey distributed among the global community of From the Quarries. This had engaged
over 2,000 respondents across 68 coun￾tries. The research leveraged both quanti￾tative and qualitative methodologies to paint a detailed portrait of the masonic institution’s role in contemporary society and its potential evolution.
After a well-deserved morning tea, Dr Philip Quadrio returned to deliver a paper on The Influence of JB Kerning on Masonry, fringe Masonry and beyond. In part this very erudite lecture continued the intriguing presentation given during the meeting at the Discovery Lodge of Research the previous evening.
The 9th session of the conference saw Bro Mitch Charman deliver a spellbinding presentation on The Tableaux: Alternative Perspectives of the Tracing Boards. Bro Charman made extensive use of excellent illustrations which really brought his presentation to life and gave the audience a new and deeper appreciation of the Tracing Boards, within our lodges.
At the conclusion of Bro Charman’s presentation there was a concerted rush to the dining room where attendees reinforced themselves for the final afternoon presentations.
They were not disappointed, because Bro Don Ray, from the ACT spoke about The Blue Cord. His talk took us deep into the history of Freemasonry and cast a light on many shadowy corners of the decoration of our lodge rooms and their significance to the development of our secrets and mysteries.
The final lecture of the conference was delivered by Bro Ronald Paul Ng from Singapore who compared Confucius philosophy and masonic ideals. A fascinating subject; we all learnt something. This was a particularly appropriate way of ending the conference lectures because we decided to hold the 2026 ANZMRC Conference in Singapore!
The Conference Gala Dinner was held in the attractive Cellos Room and we were entertained by the Souvenir String Quartet and Bro Aiden Bannister whose effortless magic both challenged and confounded us!
The general consensus of opinion was that the conference was a success and that much of what had been discussed was pertinent to the Craft and to those who want to promote Masonic Research throughout Australasia and Southeast Asia.