Articles of Union

28 May 25

By W Bro Eric Vincent Yumul

The original Articles of Union signed in 1888 which formed our United Grand Lodge is on display in the Grand Master’s Office at the Sydney Masonic Centre!

Imagine Freemasonry in New South Wales before the United Grand Lodge. It was a patchwork of District and Provincial Grand Lodges, each with its own way of doing things. From the establishment of the first permanent lodge in 1820, the need for a unified voice became increasingly clear as the colony grew.

Uniting these distinct lodges was no easy feat. Decades of talks, with their fair share of setbacks, preceded the final agreement. Early attempts in the 1860s fell through, but the desire for a single Grand Lodge persisted, gaining momentum in the 1880s.

The Articles of Union isn’t just a piece of paper; it was a bridge to harmonise Freemasonry in the colony. It outlined how the merger would work and set up the new Grand Lodge’s structure. One of the biggest challenges was ensuring everyone was on the same page with ritual.

The main aim of uniting and unifying the lodges is clearly stated within the document:

‘And Whereas it is expedient in the best interests of the Craft that perfect unity shall be secured and maintained throughout this Colony and that there shall be henceforth perfect uniformity of obligation, of discipline, and of the working of all Lodges.’

The task of blending different rituals, each with its own long-held traditions, was monumental. The solution? A new ritual, carefully crafted from the English, Irish, and Scottish practices already present in New South Wales. It wasn’t just a simple mix; it was a carefully considered evolution, designed to resonate with all members.

This new ritual, adopted alongside the Articles of Union, was a testament to compromise and collaboration. It kept familiar elements while adding new features, strengthening the masonic experience. This was a significant step in solidifying the unity of Freemasonry in New South Wales and the Australian Territory.

Recommended Reading:

• Kramp and Mackaness, A history of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales (Vol. 1, Angus & Robertson, 1938)
• Shanley, Origin of our ritual Part I, Freemason Magazine (Vol 53, No 4, 2020)
• Shanley, Origin of our ritual Part II, Freemason Magazine (Vol 54, No 1, 2021)