A Royal Visit
by Eric Diamond, 32°
In 1875 His Majesty, Kalakaua,the King of Hawaii having heard of the splendor of Oriental's Third Degree, decided to pay the Lodge a visit. Why would Hawaiian royalty seek out a Blue Lodge in Chicago?
According to Hugh Cole, Oriental Lodge #33 had a reputation, even as far away as New York City, for exemplifying the degrees in a spectacular manner. Other lodges complained to the Grand Lodge that without the resources to match those of Oriental Lodge #33 they could not confer degrees comparable to the same standard. It was customary for all lodges in the state to meet the same standard! Oriental Lodge set up elaborate scenery, used special lighting effects, dressed in resplendent costumes and accompanied the degrees with organ and choir! Eventually the complaints were so frequent and vindictive that the Grand Lodge ruled simplicity, equivalent to what the poorest lodge might afford, would prevail! The effect was to diminish the affluent exemplification of degrees in Oriental Lodge though they continued to require a high standard of proficiency and appearance in conducting its work.
Meanwhile, before the ruling came down, King Kaulakaua of Hawaii and his Royal party were touring the United States. Someone suggested to the King that he should visit Oriental Lodge in Chicago if he were in the vicinity. Word reached the lodge he would attend the January 15th, 1875 meeting and a limited quantity of invitations were mailed. Admission would be by invitation! His Majesty was a member of Progress of Oceanica Lodge at Honolulu, Hawaii. By eight o'clock that evening the hall was filled to capacity by over 400 brethren. An equal number filled corridors, adjacent rooms and stairways! Mayor John Wentworth of Chicago was in attendance. The Grand Master and other celebrated and distinguished Masons were present. Following the conferral of the 3rd degree the King was among those invited to speak. His remarks brought the assembly to a rousing and standing ovation.
We often receive distinguished masonic visitors from around the world, but the visit by the King of Hawaii was one of our proudest moments. To the world he was royalty, but for a few hours that night, he was working with us, shoulder to shoulder as our brother.
It must have been quite a night. |
