Lavay, S.J., Father Joseph, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1854 August 12

H. R. Parsons and Anne Jones wish to obtain a dispensation from disparity of cult. Lavay also would like to know what line of conduct he should pursue in regard to the burial of Freemasons or members of other secret societies . Here is what has been done up to now or at least what Bishop Auguste Marie Martin did, if Lavay has been rightly informed. They have not refused church burial to members of secret societies but other members of the society are to attend as individuals and not in costumes or regalia. If they wish to attend in a body, they must remain at the door of the church during the ceremonies or take off their costumes before entering. They have never brought the body from the house or accompanied to the cemetery if the society was to follow in procession. There had been no difficulty up to now, when the Freemasons showed some dissatisfaction at the time of Mr. Glon 's burial. An article in The Comet asked by what right they were refused entry to the church and whether they should suffer such an outrage any longer. Lavay asks Blanc what they should do. Permit them to enter, or follow in procession, or even refuse church burial? :: VI-1-h A.L.S. French 4pp. 12mo.