![]() ![]() By inviting members of Hawaii’s cultural, academic, and social communities to its opening reception and in virtue of its prominent place among all of the other galleries at the Palace, the display represents an important first step towards publicly sharing the topic of Freemasonry in a way that is culturally relevant to the people of Hawaii. Not only was the newly-completed Palace’s first formal dinner a Masonic event, but also portions of the Palace’s attic was converted into a Lodge meeting space and an impromptu Masonic Temple.Ĭreating an exhibit which prominently features the Masonic lifestyle of King Kalakaua was the result of a unique collaboration between Lodge Le Progres de l’Oceanie’s Archival & Conservation Committee and the curatorial staff of ‘Iolani Palace. As well, his Masonic activities were no secret to those who kept company with him. A Mason of unequaled passion, he was among the first 33° Masons in the Orient of Hawaii, but also actively delved into the mysteries of the York Rite and the Shrine. ![]() Master of Lodge Le Progres de l’Oceanie in 1876, Kalakaua retains the extraordinary distinction of being one of the few Monarchs in history, outside of Europe, to preside over a sovereign country and a Masonic Lodge simultaneously. ![]() King David Kalakaua was also a Brother Mason who rose among the ranks of his Lodge’s administration at the same time he came into political prominence. The result was a unique and distinct architecture known as American Florentine, which incorporated American, European, and Hawaiian design flourishes. Progressively, the King acquired furniture and art from Europe, and commissioned the construction of ‘Iolani Palace for a then-unprecedented sum which exceeded $340,000. He began to envisage a Hawaiian Palace of equal prestige and grandeur. While on his travels, Kalakaua grew fond of the royal residences in Europe and the United Kingdom. He became the first Hawaiian to gain audience with Pope Leo XIII, he dined with Queen Victoria, and he discussed trade policy with President Chester A. ![]() He became the first Hawaiian Monarch to successfully travel the globe, visiting heads of state in Japan, China, Siam, Burma, India, Europe, Great Britain, and Ireland along the way. In 1881, Kalakaua left Hawaii to tour the world, in an effort to improve Hawaii’s foreign relations and to expand its economic influence. Arguably, Hawaii experienced its most politically aggressive move towards international cosmopolitanism under Kalakaua’s influence, because the King’s ambitions were not relegated exclusively to the islands themselves. Hula, surfing, and lua-the ancient Hawaiian martial art-were revived and rejuvenated after having been outlawed for several decades. Hawaiian culture experienced its first resurgence under the Kalakaua Dynasty. He was the last of Hawaii’s kings, and was affectionately referred to as the “Merrie Monarch,” in light of his magnanimous personality, his good humor, and his love of culture and finery. Ceremonially ushered by members of the Royal Order of Kamehameha the Great in accordance with protocols afforded to the high chiefs of old, esteemed representatives of Hawaii’s Grand Lodge, and Hawaii’s three oldest lodges- Lodge Le Progres de L’Oceanie, Hawaiian Lodge, and Honolulu Lodge-joined Hawaiian cultural practitioners, members of the University of Hawaii, and the Palace’s curatorial staff to browse a newly-created public exhibit highlighting the Masonic activity of King David Kalakaua, P.M., 33°ĭavid Laʻamea Kamanakapuʻu Mahinulani Nalaiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua reigned over the Hawaiian kingdom from 1874 till his death in 1883. (Photograph by Mark Leo, 32°)Īmid the fading daylight of a March evening in Honolulu, on the sacred land of an area the Ancient Hawaiians once referred to as Pohukaina, a unique and auspicious procession somberly and reverently made its way across the grounds to the lower galleries of Hawaii’s most audacious and recognizable Royal residence-‘Iolani Palace. The calabash bowls, towards the rear, are jubilee artifacts which were utilized in State celebrations, during Kalakaua’s reign. Photo: The Masonic exhibit, including a portrait of the King in full 33° regalia. ![]()
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