Back in 2006 West Virginia Grand Master Frank J. Haas piloted a number of changes through his grand lodge. The changes, sometimes called the Wheeling Reforms, included among others allowing the previously and again now forbidden Pledge of Allegiance in the lodge, Masonic youth groups to use lodge facilities, materials and media not directly associated with blue lodge Masonry, Masonic funerals for cremated Masons, and donations to charities not specifically Masonically affiliated. West Virginias next grand master quickly reversed all the changes. When Past Grand Master Haas, a West Virginia judge, voiced his objection in lodges and media accessible to non-Masons, he was summarily expelled from membership, without trial by the then grand master.
Haas sued in court, contending that he was not given proper treatment according to the grand lodges procedures. As is often the case, the suit was delayed and has yet to be heard. Past findings seem to show that the courst tend to stay out of disputes on voluntary organizations so long as the organization acts within its own bylaws.
Haas moved to Ohio. After satisfying the Ohio Grand Lodges residency requirement, he petitioned, and was voted into an Ohio Masonic lodge. With the knowledge and approval of the Ohio Grand Lodge, they conferred all three degrees. While customary courtesy has jurisdictions honoring the expulsions and suspensions in other states, in Ohio (as in North Carolina) there is nothing in Masonic law to require such considerations.
West Virginia objected to Ohios actions and exercised the only authority they had they withdrew recognition. In response, Ohio withdrew recognition of West Virginia. That is where they stand still. We can find no report on further action by the courts which were to hear the case this summer. (The North Carolina Mason, Summer/October, NC GL, pg. 5)