With the realization that freemasons were joining the Ku Klix Klan, several Grand Lodges issued statement condemning or disassociating themselves from what was called the "Invisible Empire." KU KLUX KLAN BYRON DE LA BECKWITH ALBERT PIKE .

Where We Stand In connection with certain sensational proceedings in different parts of the country, wherein the peace and order of the community has been grossly disturbed by the action of certain unidentified individuals, the attention of all Masons is called to the portion of the charge delivered to them at the time they were initiated. The Entered Apprentice Mason is told: "In the state you are to be a quiet and peaceful subject, true to your government and just to your country; you are not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently to submit to legal authority, and conform with cheerfulness to the government of the country in which you live." The Mason who follows that admonition will not become involved in "invisible government" of any sort. The Grand Lodge of Masons of Missouri and other high Masonic bodies have gone on record as being opposed to secret organizations of any sort or nature that exist for the purpose of interfering with the enforcement of law or control of government in any part of the United States. Past Grand Master Block, of Davenport, Iowa, speaking recently at a Masonic dinner at Council Bluffs, expressed himself as opposed to any pretense of Americanism that hides behind a mask. Past Grand Master Loos of Missouri, addressing the Scottish Rite brethren of the 32nd degree, at the reunion banquet held in November last, voiced similar views. The applause that greeted these speakers left no doubt as to the sentiments of their hearers. This is published merely to meet the request from some of the brethren for a definite statement as to the position of the Institution of Freemasonry. Masons do not believe in invisible government; they believe in light, they seek light, and they undertake to shed light on all that affects mankind. Masonry in principle and in practice is opposed to mob demonstrations, is devoted to the support of law and order, and does not believe in nor will it countenance "Invisible Empire" whether under white or black robes. —Scottish Rite Bulletin, February, 1923. Reproduced from Quarterly Bulletin, Newton R. Parvin, ed.. Ceder Rapids : Iowa Masonic Library, April, 1923, vol. xxiv. no. 2. p. 58.

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