ARSON ATTACK - MASONRY UNDER FIREAt about 11pm on the evening of Sunday 18th January, the Co-Masonic premises in Corry Street, Newtownards in Northern Ireland, owned by Lodge St. Patrick and used by other lodges and chapters of The International Order of Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain, were burgled, ransacked and torched. There was extensive damage to the main room, the temple, ante room and ground floor, with curtains set on fire and the floor burnt through. There was also extensive smoke damage. Some items are now with the police for forensic examination. It is fortunate that no one was in the building at the time. This attack is not an isolated incident. On 11th June 2004, Co-Masonic premises in Northampton, used by Co-Masons of Lodge Mercury, were burgled and damaged. Again, the intent was not merely theft, but also violation. More recently, vandals smashed the notice board and fencing at the Order's British headquarters in Surbiton, Surrey. The International Order of Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain, admits men and women on equal terms, without distinction of race, colour, ethnic origin or personal belief system. This surely is an approach that is valid in troubled regions of the world, and in particular, Northern Ireland, where the cost of conflict has been so much human misery and loss. The attack has been condemned by local politicians, in particular the Alliance Party. We are also grateful for the expressions of support from other Masons and Masonic bodies, particularly Irish Grand Lodge who have kindly offered substitute premises. This is an expression of the true value of Masonry which comes to the fore in times of difficulty. Though the arsonists may have attacked the physical infrastructure of Freemasonry, they will never be able to destroy the invisible bonds of fraternity which are beyond their reach. As one internet brother put it in an internet forum: "regardless of obedience, Masons around the world will be saddened about the burning of your lodge…" Photographs reproduced by kind permission of the Newtownards Chronicle to whom we are extremely
grateful. | 
