Freemasonry and the feminine approach

WITH reference to the article by Pól Ó Conghaile (Irish Examiner, September 26), there is more than one exception to the fact that Elizabeth St Leger was the only lady freemason ever admitted.

There was a Mrs Catherine Badington from Princess Furance, Kentucky, USA, who was a member of a recognised masonic lodge. Also Helene, Countess Hadik, was initiated in Hungary.

In 1770, a Mrs Havard is said to have been proposed as an honorary member and initiated in Hereford, England.

Freemasonry has become withdrawn from the mainstream for a number of years, but appears to be making a steady comeback as it did in November 1929 when Colonel Claude Cane, deputy grand master of Ireland had a series of letters published in a daily newspaper.

These letters illustrated the methods and general attitudes of the masonic body on freemasonry.

However, exercising discrimination as such regarding membership, is contrary to the Human Rights Act. It is a brave or foolhardy person who risks an encounter with the European Court of Human Rights, which is a point the Grand Lodge of Ireland and subordinate lodges must keep in mind.

Troy Cremin,

Palmsprings,

Ardarrig,

Douglas,

Cork.