Freemasons's topics - tribe.net

That's Interesting.. Masonic Banking ?

2010-01-04T00:40:29Z

http://www.freemasons.co.nz/cms/misc/freemasons-deposit-scheme/

posted in Freemasons - 2 replies

Masonic men surrounding a campfire in the Old West,

2009-12-03T06:12:59Z

A tale of
Masonic men surrounding a campfire in the Old West, at night,
discussing the
Fraternity and its teachings.

One old man listened patiently,
and
finally spoke up:
'I can tell you more about Masonry in a little example
than some of the
great Masonic philosophers can in books.

Everybody
stand up, and gather in a circle around the campfire.'
They did that.

'Now, everybody hold hands with the man next to him.'
They did that,
too.
'Now, what do you see, looking ahead?'
'The face of a Brother Mason
through the flames.'
'What do you feel in front of you?'
'The warmth of
the fire, and the comfort it brings on a cool night.'
'What do you feel at
your side?'
'The warm hand of a Brother.'
'OK. Now, drop the hands, and
turn around.'
They did so.
'Now, what do you see, looking ahead?'

'Complete darkness.'
'What do you feel, looking ahead?'
'A sense of
loneliness, of being alienated.'
'What do you feel at your side?'

'Nothing at all.'
'What do you feel on your backside?'
'The warmth
of the fire.'

'So it is with Masonry,' said the old man.
'In Masonic
gatherings, you can feel the warmth of Masonic interaction,
you can see the
face of a Brother through the light Masonry brings to you,
and you can
always feel the warm hand of a Brother.
When you turn away from Masonry, and
are out in the world,
you see darkness, feel alienated and alone, and do not
feel the warm
hand of your Masonic Brother.
But Masonry, and
the warmth and light it brings, are just a turn away from you.'
--
Unknown

posted in Freemasons - 1 reply

It is coming..

2009-10-27T01:01:19Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPTGjVl4Ev0&feature=sub

posted in Freemasons - 6 replies

Freemasonry's Hidden Homosexual Agenda

2009-09-16T05:03:23Z

You will get a giggle out of the ridiculousness of this one http://www.home60515.com/23.html

posted in Freemasons - 4 replies

GL attidute to Fornation

2009-07-24T12:52:02Z

Jim Said

"Sadly Grand lodges don't care about quality they want quanitity. They want GL dues rolling in. So they love one day classes and put the work back on the lodges to somehow keep the members. But that would be a different thread.... "

Here is Victoria, EA's and FC's must now complete walk throughs as an educaiton module of the Degree through which they have just passed.

They are issued a "Masonic Passport" which details their education and they cannot be advanced until they have completed their modules.

What is your GLs process for "formation", do they care or are they as Jimmy suggests ?

posted in Freemasons - 4 replies

Masonic Formation

2009-07-22T16:27:39Z

Here's a new topic of discussion. There is a movement within the Craft to move more towards "Formation" rather than simple "Proficiency". Now I realize that this is an open list, so I will speak in very general terms. I also belong in New York, so if your grand jurisdiction is different - mileage may vary.

Prior to a candidate/Brother moving forward it is necessary for them to prove proficiency in the work. Usually this is a regurgitation of a catechism and that's that. I feel that there should be more substance than that. I also feel that mentoring, in its present form, is not enough either. Taking a new Brother, showing him around and introducing him to everyone doesn't make a man a Mason either. There is a point in the center where mentoring (with active instruction) and proficiency (again, with active instruction) occurs. This is where Masonic formation rests.

I am interested in what other Brethren's take is on the subject. Does your jurisdiction use this format? What has worked? What has not?

Anyone?

posted in Freemasons - 9 replies

Freemasonry in South Australia

2009-06-26T10:40:03Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X00sJJWRsk

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Nice Digs !

2009-06-10T11:59:15Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olIjEnOHuNE

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Prince Hall Memorial Project 2009

2009-06-08T11:21:09Z

We are probably sick of him... but still ...

:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmMhew88kiI

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

What is Masonry?

2009-05-18T00:37:55Z

"because of my tattoos I am judged on my exterior on an everyday basis
when I came into Masonry, they judged me on my interior qualities instead of my exterior"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awk7w3M27wg

posted in Freemasons - 1 reply

Skype Question

2009-05-15T01:14:50Z

Does anyone know the answer to this ?
http://nonprofits.tribe.net/thread/e1b26c26-a58b-4fb3-82ce-fffbb68ca6b0

I would be interested in knowing if it can be done..

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

A Movie.. Brothers War

2009-04-03T08:02:43Z

Set in WW2.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Based on real events, the setting for Brother's War is the Eastern Front during the final days of World War II. In the midst of fierce fighting, as the Western Allies and the Russian Red Army make their advance toward Berlin, a British Army Officer attached to the Red Army discovers a secret that can shatter the unity of the Allies.

Seized by Stalin's dreaded Intelligence Service, he finds unexpected help from an enemy and fellow prisoner, a German Captain. A common bond through Freemasonry binds the two Officers by honor, oath and secrets. Joined by Anna, a beautiful Polish nurse cast adrift in the tides of war, the three are pursued by a ruthless Russian Intelligence Officer intent on preventing them from reaching Allied Command with their secret which could change the course of the war and the fate of millions.
~~~~~~~~

And.. it has guns and explosions !

http://www.brotherswar.info/

Anyone seen it ?

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

new book Dan Brown

2009-03-07T23:33:39Z

i heard that the new book of Dan Brown will be about freemasonry. What secrets do you think wil be the topic in the book?

posted in Freemasons - 2 replies

A Masonic Question..

2009-03-02T01:51:29Z

Okay. Let's assume your Grand Lodge is having a benevolent fundraising drive to meet some community need.

If you give to this, is it tax deductible ?

posted in Freemasons - 23 replies

Freemasons of Kent

2009-02-28T05:28:19Z

This popped up on the Freemasons Channel on Youtube.

It is pretty broad but I still found it interesting.

Part 1 - 7 Minutes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opY79z08dj4
Part 2 - 6 Minutes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mywtvydLibM&NR=1

Worth a look, if non-Freemason or Master Mason ..

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Victorian Bushfires.

2009-02-28T03:00:17Z

Some of you may be aware that the State in which I live was devastated by bushfires a few weeks ago.

Over 200 people died.

Freemasonry made an early response. The disaster happened on a Saturday and by Sunday individual masons were already taking action.

Monday morning Grand Lodge was assisting with material.

Soon afterward our GL committed $400,000 to start an Appeal.

Details

http://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/NewsArticle/News/tabid/267/Default.aspx?newsID=44
&
http://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/NewsArticle/News/tabid/267/Default.aspx?newsID=45

posted in Freemasons - 2 replies

Lodge Historian ?

2009-02-25T02:26:05Z

We have no such Office..

Do you '?

According to Wikipedia. .

Historian

Most lodges have a senior member who holds a particular interest in the lodge's history. In some jurisdictions, this interest may lead to appointment to formal office as the lodge's 'Historian'. The office involves the archiving of documents and artefacts, and the publishing and updating of historical information.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonic_Lodge_Officers#Historian

How about an Orator ?

posted in Freemasons - 7 replies

Lodge in a Nazi concentration camp

2009-02-23T03:15:30Z

Founded by members of a Grand Orient..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libert%C3%A9_ch%C3%A9rie

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Masonic Goals and Activities in 2009

2009-02-12T03:37:07Z

Mine is pretty simple.

Work on the Master's work and towards Installation in August while consolidating and assisting a new lodge formed in late 2008.

You ?

posted in Freemasons - 8 replies

Ten Master Masons

2009-01-06T03:16:33Z

By Author Unknown

Ten Master Masons, happy, doing fine;
One listened to a rumour, then there were nine.

Nine Master Masons, faithful, never late;
One didn't like the "Master," then there were eight.

Eight Master Masons, on their way to heaven;
One joined too many clubs, then there were seven.

Seven Master Masons, life dealt some hard licks;
One grew discouraged,then there were six.

Six Master Masons, all very much alive;
One lost his interest, then there were five.

Five Master Masons, wishing there were more;
Got into a great dispute, then there were four.

Four Master Masons, busy as could be;
One didn't like the programmes, then there were three.

Three Master Masons, was one of them you?
One grew tired of all the work, then there were two.

Two Master Masons with so much to be done;
One said "What's the use," then there was one.

One Master Mason, found a brother -- true!
Brought him to the Lodge, then there were two.

Two Master Masons didn't find work a bore;
Each brought another, then there were four.

Four Master Masons saved their Lodges fate;
By showing others kindness, then there were eight.

Eight Master Masons, loving their Lodges bright sheen;
Talked so much about it, they soon counted sixteen.

Sixteen Master Masons, to their obligations true;
Were pleased when their number went to thirty-two.

So we can't put our troubles at the Lodges door;
It's our fault for harming the Lodge we adore.

Don't fuss about the programs or the "Master" in the East;
Keep your obligation by serving even the very least.

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

A MASON'S CHRISTMAS

2008-12-24T01:18:09Z

A MASON'S CHRISTMAS

------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I don't believe in a Christmas celebration by the lodge. I don't think
we ought to have one, or be asked to contribute to one or in any way
engage in Christmas festivities."

"The Junior Mason spoke emphatically and with marked disapproval of the
little ante-room group nearby, making happy plans for Yule-tide.

"That's very interesting," commented the Old Past Master. I like to hear
points of view unfamiliar to me. Would you mind telling me why?"

"Of course not. It's very simple. Masonry is not Christian. King
Solomon, of course, wasn't a Christian, nor were either of the Hiram's.
Masonry admits to her ranks any good man of faith; Christian, Jewish,
Mohammedan, Buddhist... it makes no difference, so he has a Faith. Then,
as a lodge, we celebrate a holiday belonging to one faith. Now I
personally am a Christian, and of course I celebrate Christmas. But my
brother across the way is a Jew, who does not recognize Christianity. To
ask him to spend his proportion of lodge funds in celebrating the birth
of a Leader in Whom he does not believe would be exactly like asking me
to celebrate, with my proportion of lodge money, the birth of Confucius.
Of course, I have only one vote and the majority rules, but when it
comes to personal contributions to a Masonic Christmas celebration, my
hands will never come out of my pockets."

He shoved them deeper in as he spoke to emphasize his intention not to
spend.

"Hum!" answered the Old Past Master. "So you think your Jewish brother
across the way doesn't recognize Christianity? Don't you mean he doesn't
recognize Christ as the Son of God? Wait a minute... Oh, Brother
Samuels." The Old Past Master called across the ante-room. "Here a
minute, will you?"

The Jewish brother rose and came forward.

"I just wanted to ask you if you are in favor or against the lodge
Christmas celebration?" asked the Old Past Master.

"Me? I am in favor of it, of course, both for the lodge appropriation
and the individual contribution."

"Thank you," nodded the Old Past Master. Then as the Jewish brother went
back to his seat, he turned to the Junior Mason.

"You see, my son, our Jewish friend is not narrow. He does not believe
in Christ as the Redeemer, but he recognizes that he lives in a country
largely Christian, and belongs to a lodge largely Christian. To him the
Christmas celebration is not one of His birthday, but of the spirit of
joyousness and love which we mean when we sing, at Christmas time 'Peace
on earth, good will towards men!' If you argue that 'peace' is only a
Christian word, he might even quote to you the words of One who said 'I
bring you not Peace, but a Sword.'

"Now let me explain something to you. The Jew has just as much right to
refuse to recognize Christ as the Son of God, as you have to refuse to
consider Mohammed the Prophet the followers of Allah say he is. But as
an educated man, you must know that Mohammed was a good man, a devout
leader, a wise teacher. As an educated man, you admit that the religion
founded by Buddha has much in it that is good, and you admit that
Confucius was a wise and just leader. Were you in the land where the
birthdays of any of these were celebrated, would you refuse your part in
the people's joy in their Leader, simply because you followed another? I
trust not. Well, neither do our Jewish brethren or our Mohammedan
brethren, desire to be left out of our celebration. They may not believe
in the Divinity of Him we, as Christians, follow, but if they are good
men and good Masons... they are perfectly willing to admit that the
religion we follow is as good for us as theirs is for them, and to join
with us in celebrating the day which is to us the glad day of all the year.

"Believe me, boy, Christmas doesn't mean Christ's birthday to many a man
who calls himself Christian. It is not because of joy the He was born
that many a good man celebrates Christmas. It is because his neighbor
celebrates it, because it is a time of joy for little ones, because it
is a day when he can express his thanks to his God that he is allowed to
have a wife and family and children and friends and a lodge, because of
that very 'peace on earth' spirit which is no more the property of the
Gentile than the Jew, the Chinese or the Mohammedan.

"It is such a spirit that Masons join, all, in celebrating Christmas. It
is on the Masonic side of the tree we dance, not the Christian side.
When this lodge erects its Christmas tree in the basement and throws it
open to the little ones of the poor of this town, you will find children
of all kinds there; black, white, yellow, and brown, Jew and Gentile,
Christian and Mohammedan. And you will find a Jew at the door, and among
the biggest subscriptions will be those from some Jewish brethren, and
there is a Jew who rents cars for a living who will supply us a dozen
free to take baskets to those who cannot come. And when the Jewish
Orphan Asylum has its fair, in the Spring, you will find many a
Christian Mason attending to spend his money and help along the cause
dear to his Jewish brethren, never remembering that they are of a
different faith. That, my son, is Masonry."

"For Charity is neither Christian nor Jewish, nor Chinese nor
Buddhistic. And celebrations which create joy in little hearts and feed
the hungry and make the poor think that Masons do not forget the lessons
in lodge, are not Christian alone, though they be held at Christmas, and
are not for Christians alone, though the celebration be in His honor.
Recall the ritual: 'By the exercise of brotherly love we are taught to
regard the whole human species as one family, the high and low, the rich
and poor, who, as created by one Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the
same planet, are to aid, support and protect each other'.

"It is with this thought that we, as Masons, celebrate Christmas, to
bring joy to our brethren and their little ones, and truly observe the
brotherhood of man and the Fatherhood of God, whether we be Jew or
Gentile, Mohammedan or Buddhist." The Old Past Master ceased and stood
musing, his old eyes looking back along a long line of lodge Christmas
trees about which eager little faces danced. Then he turned to the
Junior Mason.

"Well," he said smiling, "Do you understand?"

"I thank you for my Christmas present," came the answer. "Please tell me
to which brother I should make my Christmas contribution?"

http://www.themasonictrowel.com/masonic_talk/old_past_master/mason_christmas.htm

posted in Freemasons - 2 replies

On youtube.... Proud to be a MASON

2008-11-11T18:24:45Z

What do you reckon of things like this ???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPiszTflRA0

posted in Freemasons - 6 replies

Lapel Pins

2008-11-11T02:41:21Z

Today is the 11th of the 11th and I just found a cool site with a poppy and an S&Q

http://www.gbp.net/rtj/lapels/index.html

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Advice to a Widow's Son...

2008-10-31T00:17:34Z

I have no idea if this is legitimate but it comes via a friend on Tribe from one of their friends...

~~~~~~~~~
Hey Bloke,

I have a weird little favor to ask, and I think you would be a perfect person to ask it of.........

(letter follows)

"Dear friend,

I am writing this letter to ask for your help and participation in a project I think of as a “Letter to a Fatherless Son.”

For those of you who don’t know, my son’s father was killed in an accident a few years ago. The accident occurred the same week as my son’s birthday. On the day of the accident my son was 14 years old. On the day of the funeral he was 15. The timing of the events took place like a strange rite of passage.

Well, now time has passed. This July it will be six years since my son’s father’s passing. It will also be my son Teddie’s 21st birthday.

And now comes the part where you come in. I believe 21 is a magical age – crossing over from childhood to adulthood. I think at that age, one is truly trying to begin to learn how to be a grown-up. Well, I can be the best mother I can be. I can try as hard as I can to be a lovely and wonderful woman. But I cannot be a dad and I cannot “show” him how to be a man. I can teach him what I believe to be true about manhood and how to be a good person, but I do not have the masculine energy and the masculine wisdom to give to him as a gift in the way that fathers give to their sons.

And so, I ask you…please write him and share with him: What wonderful and important qualities did your father teach you, or you wish he had taught you, if he didn’t? What does a boy need to grow up to be a good man? What wisdom of manhood is important to know? What lessons of life would you share with your son?

I know that each one of you has learned lessons in life, gifts of the universe, qualities wisdom, life experience, knowledge. As a man, as a good man (for that is what you are, or this letter would not have found its way into your hands right now) would you please share with my boy what his mamma cannot teach him? Write to him about qualities of life and lessons of wisdom a man needs to know. I call upon you to share your maturity, wisdom, love and life experience with this fatherless son.

I love my son more than anything in the world. He is a smart, kind, wonderful, witty, intelligent, talented, compassionate, generous, loving, delightful young man. But they say it takes a village to raise a child, and that is why, dear one, I call upon you to share with him what I cannot know.

I do have a deadline for putting this together in time for his birthday. Anytime during the month of June would be the best, or by the beginning of July. July 15th is the very last day for me to be able to put this together in time for his birthday. You are welcome to write whatever you want, as much or as little as you want. It can be a few sentences, a paragraph, a page or many pages, whatever feels right to you.

It’s not important how well or whether you know him. Write to him, from your heart, to a fatherless son.

I thank you, in advance, for your love, wisdom, compassion, generosity in participating I what I believe will be the greatest gift I could possibly give to my son.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

With love in my heart, I greatly appreciate your individual, unique and valuable part of this gift. I could not do this without you.

With love and gratitude,

C.H."

posted in Freemasons - 16 replies

Reactions when people find out I am a Freemason...

2008-10-24T01:37:37Z

I have a Masonic Avatar on at the moment .. I don't do that often, but people's reaction is interesting.. and generally positive and curious.

Several people have been surprised I am a Master Mason.. not really knowing much about us except the standard conspiracy theories.. and especially surprised to see a "younger" bloke who is "normal" being a member LOL..

I have been guilty of being a bit of a closet Mason. I even remember an occasion when a friend was spouting all sorts of rubbish about them and I did not say anything. Now I would.. but not then when I was still trying to understand the basics of the organisation and fraternity..

Recently one of our staff was talking about finding a mates grandfather's regalia. He was talking about all this "weird Masonic stuff" - case, apron, jewels and the like. In the past I would have just said "Oh really - that sounds like interesting stuff".. but now it was "You know I am a Mason don't you ?"...

Another close friend once made a joke about "The Evil Freemasons who run the World" and then asked "I wonder what they get up to ?"... A family member who was there just said "I am not sure - why not ask one ?" and pointed to me.. He was surprised. Interested. Curious. He is now a member of my Lodge :)

Being cautious, I am still careful who I tell in my daily life.. but have never got a hostile response.

I think a turning point was when I told my mother. Her side of the family ( thinking in the context of early to mid last century) comes from an Irish Catholic Working Class Family and in Melbourne, sectarianism was a problem from WW1 to the 1970's. Freemasons were often seen as baddies.. Knights of the Southern Cross - the goodies.. but that is speaking in very broad brush strokes.... And we all know some Irish Catholic National Heroes were Freemasons (Dan O'Connell being the best example.. ) I was concerned about my mum's reaction - which was very favourable. One of her closest cousins holds Grand Rank and had broken all the ground I thought I would have to cover. She was supportive. More interestingly - she had actually been to functions held in Masonic Premises. The only thing which had held me back was fear. And it was proved that the fear was totally unfounded....

I think a big part of my confidence to talk about Masonry is founded on the fact I now know more about it.. and it's history.. I am comfortable with being a Freemason. More than that - I am proud of it..

Anyone feel like sharing a story about telling folks they are a Mason ?

Are you an "Out and Proud" Freemason or do you hide your membership ? Me - I am still a mixture of both - I don't advertise the fact by wearing a pin and jumping up and down about it.. but I do bore my mates with Lodge stories and how much I enjoy being a Freemason and the great friends I have because of being a member.. ..

posted in Freemasons - 12 replies

How many members of this tribe are still about ?

2008-10-21T23:12:54Z

I am..

posted in Freemasons - 13 replies

I am the guy..

2008-09-13T06:15:36Z

Someone emailed me this the other week..
~~

21/07/06 10:37
"I'M THE GUY"

I'm the guy who asked to join your Masonic Lodge. I'm your Brother who
has gone through the Three Degrees of Masonry and paid my dues. I'm your
Brother who stood up in front of you and promised to Assist when called
upon. I'm your Brother who came to the meetings and no one paid any
attention to.

I tried several times to be friendly and interact, but you all had your
own buddies to talk and sit next to. I sat down several times, but none of
you, my Brothers, paid any attention to me. I hoped very much that someone
would have asked me to take part in a project or help out, but no one saw my
efforts when I volunteered.

I missed a few meetings after joining because I was sick and couldn't
be there. No one asked me at the next meeting where I had been. I guess it
didn't matter very much to others whether I was there or not.
The next meeting I decided to stay home and watch television. The
following meeting I attended, and again, no one asked me where I was the
last meeting. I'm a good guy, a good family man, one who loves his
community and his country.

You know who else I am? I'm your brother who never came back. It
amuses me when I think back on how the Heads of the organization and the
members were discussing why the organization was losing members. It amuses
me to think they spent so much time looking for new members when there I was
all the time.

Author Unknown; Published in 1st Edition of
THE HAWAI'I FREEMASON; G.R.H.;
3rd Quarter, 2006.

posted in Freemasons - 3 replies

Freemasonry - No Blokes Allowed !

2008-08-31T20:14:41Z

While we are talking about “co-masonry” at http://freemasons.tribe.net/thread/9d656745-c4cc-49e6-b5fd-2365dd62dafe I thought of the..

“Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons"

“The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) is a fraternity for women and organised by women. It was founded in 1913 and membership is open to women of any race or religion, who are able to profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies. It is concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ceremonies. Our Order has many Lodges throughout England and the Isle of Man, stretching from as far north as Carlisle and south to Lewes and Bournemouth and westwards in the Cotswolds. We also now have a Lodge in Gibraltar and two in Spain"

Source and more info http://www.hfaf.org/

posted in Freemasons - 25 replies

What is it with the atheism?

2008-08-13T22:56:40Z

I don't mean this to be rude...just wondering why Freemasons still have a problem with atheism? I also notice the phrase "stupid atheist" (and I think libertine was part of that phrase, too) and wonder what that means?

Was there a time when atheists were thought by all of society as "stupid", and that's a hold-over from then? Is the exclusion of atheists driven by the thinking (in the past) that atheists were not to be trusted?

Just wondering. I used to be an atheist at one point, but not anymore these days. Just curious why the Freemasons (apparently) have a such a dim view of them.

posted in Freemasons - 6 replies

my lodge is now integrated!

2008-07-31T06:53:49Z

YAY! My Mid-Missouri lodge has done me proud. Last week we raised an african-american as a fellow master mason in our lodge. For years missouri lodges in Kansas City and St Louis have been integrated, and we have had african-american members visit our lodge, but now we have some diversity in our own rolls. I think that even a few years ago this would have been (sadly) a difficult achievement.

Unfortunately this is not the case in other parts of this country. heck, even in some other parts of Missouri I doubt that a black man would have been granted admission to a mainstream Blue lodge. Some southern states still do not reconize Prince Hall lodges. It is indeed a shameful dark mark on our brotherhood in the US, but one that is slowly dissapating.

Gentlemen, how does diversity in your lodges look? I am curious to see if this is a trend in other parts of the country as well?

posted in Freemasons - 4 replies

Article in LA Times

2008-05-31T18:18:25Z

http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-masons18-2008may18,0,562412.story

Interesting, especially because this describes my experience in the Masonic Fraternity. I've only been a Mason since 2005 (though I was raised the first week of 2006) but the active members of my Lodge tends to be guys in their 20s and 30s. Most of us (even those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s) have tattoos. At least half (if not more) of us believe in "non-traditional" religions. Although all of our active members are white (Minnesota isn't the most diverse state in the country), we are frequently visited by Black and Mexican brothers, and interact pretty regularly with Prince Hall. Until they graduated from college, we had one brother from Serbia and another from Chile who took his degrees there. We have members of just about every income bracket except for billionaires. A great deal of us are into Martial Arts (most of whom go to the school run by one of our members, but still) and our sitting WM has competed in strong man competitions (and even won the state championship one year). And since this is Tribe, I'll state the obvious and say that a few of us are even Burners.

Now I realize this is not the norm, but I also know a few other Lodges that are moving in this direction. I remember sitting-in on a MM degree in which it was a bunch of guys who all worked together at a nearby tattoo shop were the candidates, one of whom had a giant pot leaf tattooed on his chest.

It can't just be California and Minnesota, can it?

posted in Freemasons - 8 replies

Mass. masons celebrate 275 years

2008-05-15T07:48:57Z

http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/Mass-masons-celebrate-275-years/1210026566.html

posted in Freemasons - 2 replies

This might interest..

2008-05-14T11:23:57Z

I pulled the link from another forum..

http://www.themasonicsociety.com/

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Required Intervials between Degrees..

2008-05-13T18:41:34Z

What is the minium period between degrees in your constitution ?

Ours is a minimum of twelve weeks between initiation and entering the Second Degree and a period of at least twenty-four weeks between a brother's initiation and his raising to the Third Degree.

As most of our Lodges meet monthly – that means it normally takes no less than 6 months (and often a lot longer) to become a Master Mason. It is unusual to hold special meetings for Degree Ceremonies and the number a Lodge can convene is restricted to stop Lodges becoming “Degree Factories”.

posted in Freemasons - 27 replies

Boredom

2008-05-13T00:48:16Z

My lodge has become stultifying simply because they never actually seem to do anything. Oh there are the occasional pancake breakfasts, and the regular lodge activities, and raising of members, but beyond that: nothing. The reading of the minutes sometimes takes 15 minutes by themselves. Same ol', same ol'. A lot of the new blood has fallen off simply because of the boredom.

What can one do to make things more interesting without losing the dignity which older members crave?

posted in Freemasons - 12 replies

To the Tribes Non-Mason Members

2008-05-11T09:23:36Z

It must be a bit bloody boring to be in this tribe.. not many posts and it seems a bit dead...

What made you join the tribe and what impressions has it given you of Freemasons and Freemasonry ?

posted in Freemasons - 13 replies

Scholarly interest in Masonry

2008-05-09T16:38:51Z

How many people here are members of the Scottish Rite Research Society and/or get Philolethes?

posted in Freemasons - 7 replies

Special degree work?

2008-05-07T06:45:12Z

How many lodges do a special degree that youa re aware of? Either near you or in another jurisdiction?

For instance I attended a special Communication of Nickel Plate Night at a lodge outside my jurisdiction this past weekend.

I'm an avid model railroader and I'd heard thru some folks that a lodge in Ohio that used to be a huge railroad town was still holding an annual Railroading night I got more info on it. I drummed up some interest in my lodge and we took two car loads of brothers out to see it. A very interesting afternoon touring the local railroad museum staffed by members of their lodge and open specially for us and then attending the degree which while it had a Railroading theme was not perverted beyond recognition for any regular Mason.

So anyone else know of a lodge that does something like this?

posted in Freemasons - 2 replies

The Ultimate Masonic Gift (a blog)

2008-04-20T12:49:02Z

Every man ought to be a macho macho man,
To live a life of freedom, machos make a stand,
Have their own life style and ideals,
Possess the strength and confidence, life's a steal,
You can best believe that he's a macho man
He's a special person in anybody's land.

Hey! Hey! Hey, hey, hey!
Macho, macho man (macho man)
I've got to be, a macho man
Macho, macho man
I've got to be a macho! (dig the hair on my chest)

Macho, macho man (see my big thick mustache)
I've got to be, a macho man
Macho, macho man
I've got to be a macho! (Dig broad shoulders)

Three years ago I wrote a paper titled “World Peace Through Brotherhood” which can be read at www.phoenixmasonry.org. This paper, among other things, dealt with peace among nations of the world. There is another kind of Masonic peace, that of the individual Lodge. Every Lodge is a house of peace, a no war zone. There are no worldly differences or contentious issues that plague the Lodge room, no warring camps over religion, political affiliation or culture, no prejudices because of race or economic circumstances. We leave all these biases and differences at the Lodge door and enter as one, on the level, nobody better than another. The peace of the Lodge makes the Ultimate Masonic Gift possible.

Many outside Freemasonry do not understand what a Brotherhood is all about. To them I say if you have ever been a Marine, a Navy Seal, a Green Beret, a policeman, a fireman or a lineman on a football team you instantly know what a Brotherhood is all about. But if you haven’t then you often times don’t realize what you are missing not belonging to one as you take this journey of life.

The values of American society today seem to revolve around goals of power, recognition and possessions. Men think first of having a high profile, high paying career. Then what follows of course is a car worthy of one’s station in life, a mansion for a house and vacations abroad. Those that have all that may have friends but seldom ones that are blood brothers. If a man is lucky he learns early in life that his journey on earth is about relationships. Still he has a hard time getting close to the same sex.

Women on the other hand are good at relationships. From childhood women share inner thoughts and desires with their close friends. They let their emotions come out. Women keep diaries men do not (Anne Frank). Women share secrets with each other, men wouldn’t be caught dead doing that. Women trust, men distrust. Women are open, men are reserved. Men are taught to keep their emotions and their true feelings hidden. They are taught to be MACHO MEN, to bear the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, to keep a stiff upper lip, eh wot?

Quite frankly men are not good at relationships. They keep their feelings and emotions bottled up inside. This can lead to problems. Look at the instances of someone “going postal”, bringing a gun into work and blowing away as many employees as possible. How many women have you heard doing this? Look at a group therapy session and around the circle you will see that 75% are men. Men have to be taught human interaction. Being vulnerable, letting it all hang out, having a confidant, male bonding that is The Ultimate Gift Of Freemasonry.

Awhile back in another time a wise Brother said to the Lodge’s newly raised Master Masons, “Lean on your Lodge. Your Lodge loves you.” My Prince Hall Lodge does a very good job of this. Next time you Mainstream Masons are looking to make your Lodge a better Lodge, instead of always jumping to the conclusion that it is lack of Masonic education and knowledge which is holding your Lodge back, think also about male bonding and how to make that better. You see men really do need to be close to other men, they just don’t know how to do it. The tenets of my profession as a Mason are Brotherly Love, Relief & Truth. We as Masons teach much about Relief and we provide many lessons for making a quest for Truth, but we do little to teach Brotherly Love & Affection and how to become blood brothers. But in essence that is what a Brotherhood is most about.

Everyone needs someone to confide in, someone to unburden on, even men. Everyone needs a cheer leading section to affirm their worth and reinforce their path towards understanding, even men. My rooting section is my Prince Hall Lodge. There is nothing I can’t share with them, nobody I cannot unburden my soul to. And that is The Ultimate Masonic Gift. That’s male bonding. That’s what a Brotherhood is all about. And that is something if done well makes Masonry very unique.

Source http://beehive135.blogspot.com/

posted in Freemasons - 1 reply

MASONIC SOVEREIGNTY

2008-04-14T19:21:59Z

Many will be aware of W:.Tim Bryce, PM, MPS articles accross many masonic sites and also his books... this might be of interest

MASONIC SOVEREIGNTY

by
W:.Tim Bryce, PM, MPS
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Palm Harbor, Florida, USA
"A Foot Soldier for Freemasonry"

"Tolerance: The capacity for or the practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs or practices of others."
- TheFreeDictionary.com

Have you ever seen a Masonic Lodge that basically is an entity unto itself? In other words, the Brothers of the Lodge do not like to visit other Lodges and Masonic visitors are not really made to feel welcomed in theirs. Instead of the benefits of a true fraternity where you practice universal Brotherhood, the Lodge behaves more like a club or tight knit clique. Such attitudes are a microcosm of some Grand Lodges who do not like to communicate or cooperate with others. Some Grand Lodges even want to go so far as to control communications between Masons. To illustrate, communications between Brothers in two different Grand jurisdictions is theoretically suppose to go through the Grand Lodges. If we were to take this to the extreme though, it would be a violation of Masonic law to communicate through e-mail or any other Internet protocol. It was this logic which led to my censorship on the Internet about a year and a half ago by my Grand Master at the time.

Let's consider another incident though; Masons in the Philippines recently wanted to hold a reception for all Masons in the area, regardless of the jurisdiction they belonged to. As I understand it, the idea wasn't to hold Masonic communications but rather to simply enjoy some Brotherly love and harmony. Learning of this meeting, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP) issued an order prohibiting members of his Grand jurisdiction from participating in the reception. The thinking here was that Masons in the GLP would risk exposure to clandestine Masons which, I presume, would result in some adverse affect (although I'm not too sure what).

As I interpreted the purpose of the meeting, it was intended to simply be a "mixer" whereby the parties get to know each other, and essentially would be no different than if Masons were to meet with the Knights of Columbus, Elks, Moose, etc. Even the clergy practices such "mixers" for the purpose of promoting understanding and building goodwill between religions. Interestingly, Freemasonry appears to be one of the few institutions that openly resists any attempts to promote such understanding and goodwill.

As we all know, there is a variety of interpretations of how Freemasonry is to be implemented; the Grand Lodges, the Grand Orients, Co-Masonry, Prince Hall, and others. To my knowledge, none practice devil worshiping, but rather, peace, cooperation, citizenship, community involvement, and philanthropy. I find this all rather ironic; on the one hand, Freemasonry practices religious tolerance, yet on the other it steadfastly opposes fraternal tolerance. So much so, one could conclude that Masons treat Masons like some Religions treat Masons (badly).

All of this points at the territorialism ingrained in Freemasonry and instead of being a universal system aimed at promoting Brotherhood, it has become a series of "good ole boy" clubs, hence the proliferation of politics in our institution in recent times. The difference between a true fraternity and a club is you either believe and practice its social principles on a universal basis or you do not. In this way it is somewhat like an organized religion in that you have the "faith" and the various churches to implement it. The difference in Freemasonry though is that the churches (Lodges) do not cooperate and try to sequester their flocks from each other. The Grand jurisdictions should be reminded that it is not a question of protecting the sovereignty of a particular jurisdiction, but practicing True Masonry instead. Those that practice territorialism in Masonry have essentially taken a beautiful concept and turned it into nothing but a club.

When we read of Freemasonry in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries we marvel at how Masons traveled the world and were warmly received by their Brethren. True there were differences between the Grand Lodges of England, Scotland, and Ireland, but on the whole they tried to promote the universality of the fraternity. And it was this thinking which led to the conquering and settlement of not just villages, cities and states, but whole countries and continents.

Now, instead of finding ways to work together, we viciously fight over territory and who has the correct interpretation of Freemasonry. One thing is certain, fraternal tolerance is essentially no different than religious tolerance, and as long as we practice one and not the other, we will look as foolish as the religious institutions that censor us.

Keep the Faith.

NOTE: The opinions expressed in this essay are my own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any Grand Masonic jurisdiction or any other Masonic related body. As with all of my Masonic articles herein, please feel free to reuse them in Masonic publications or re-post them on Masonic web sites (except Florida). When doing so, please add the following:

Article reprinted with permission of the author and www.FreemasonInformation.com

Please forward me a copy of the publication when it is produced.

To receive notices of Tim's writings, subscribe to his Discussion Group.

You can also "tune in" to Bro. Tim's audio podcasts at the "Lodgeroom International" (UK):

http://podcast.lodgeroominternational.com/

Also be sure to check out Tim's "Pet Peeve of the Week" (non-Masonic related) at:

http://www.phmainstreet.com/timbryce.htm

Copyright © 2008 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

posted in Freemasons - 4 replies

Co-Masonry

2008-04-10T14:35:23Z

Does anyone on this tribe know if the religous questioning for comasonry is more strict than it is for Mainstream? I'd heard that it is. Just wondering if any can confirm or deny that this is the case.

Thanks,

posted in Freemasons - 37 replies

On "Life Members"

2008-04-09T14:57:25Z

Do you have "Life Members" in your lodge/Masonic body/ semi-masonic body ?

Under what circumstances do folk get life membership ?

Do you have significant numbers of life members ?

Do they present any financial problems to the organisation which grants "life membership " ?

Do they present any social or organisational problems ?

Does giving someone holding life membership encourage them attend when they might otherwise drop off ?

Any other thoughts or ideas to share ?

posted in Freemasons - 5 replies

Grand Lodge question

2008-03-30T06:19:53Z

Does any one know of the "regularity" of Grand Lodge of Ireland? I think it is Regular but I don't want to take any chances, because the lodges of Jamaica are under dispensation from GLI... or of any info on regular Jamaican lodges. Because, I will be visiting Jamaica this summer.

Thanks for the help.

posted in Freemasons - 12 replies

Albert Pike (big breath)

2008-03-26T15:33:11Z

Detractors of Freemasonry and conspiracy theory enthusiasts often erroneously sight Albert Pike's "Morals and Dogma" as the "Freemasons Bible" and quote from this book written in the 1800's by an American senior mason who was a Brigadier-General in the Confederate Army and had a strong interest in the Scottish Rite Freemasonry.

I am a Master Mason who has never read the whole book - only extracts posted/printed by other as "evidence" of Freemasonry being "Evil" or "Anti-Christian"..

I have seen a copy - but it looks very long and very dry. What a single Mason has to say about Freemasonry so long ago seems almost irrelevant to me in the Twentieth Century and on a different Continent - and indeed about a differnet Rite... (the books whole title is "Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry")

Has anyone read Pike and what did you think ? It would also be worth replying with "never read it" to give us a feel of the frequency that the book is read by Masons.

What about his other (largely ignored) books ?

Do some of us think Pike is a Hero or do we just want him to disappear into history for good!

posted in Freemasons - 40 replies

Slight embarrasment in Lodge last night

2008-03-24T12:38:28Z

Last night we were intiating a new brother, and it ends up he was Jewish. We were not aware of this until right before the ceremony. Now that is not a problem at all because the only requirement is belief in a diety of your choice. But we did not have a Tanakh in the lodge. We checked out offices and we did have a Koran available, but oddly enough not a Tanakh. So we had to delay the ceremony until a brother could go home and fetch one that he happened to have. The candidate was willing to compromise and use a bible opened to the old testament, but we didn't want to put him in the position to have to make a compromise at all. We want all of our brother to feel comfortable at lodge with the book of sacred law that is SACRED TO THEM on the altar.

After the degree, we took a vote to obtain all 7 of the basic books of sacred laws to keep on hand. I can only think of four of them off the top of my head, The Bible, the Koran, the Tanakh, and the Bagavah Gita. I am unsure what the other three are.

So in your lodge which books are readily available for your non-Christian brothers?

posted in Freemasons - 15 replies

Any burner-masons going to Interfuse?

2008-03-14T16:45:50Z

If there are any masons who are also burners that plan on attedning Interfuse in Missouri this year, hit me up. I think a brief table lodge (or at least some brotherly toasts) are in order.

posted in Freemasons - 3 replies

Tensions

2008-02-18T06:52:25Z

Last year a new Master of my lodge was appointed, and the tension level in my lodge went up several notches. He and the Senior Warden have never got along, and both of them asked me (at different times) whose side I intended to be on. Not wanting any part of what appeared to be a forthcoming furball, I stopped attending.

Recently, I ran into a state official of Freemasonry at a charity event, and he asked me why I'd dropped from sight. When I explained the circumstances he shook his head and admitted that he'd heard similar complaints from other people. He also told me that the positions will soon be rotating, and the tensions will be lessened.

Has anyone else had similar problems to this?

posted in Freemasons - 8 replies

And the best Grand Lodge Website is .....

2008-02-17T10:36:37Z

http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/sitemap.html

That's my vote - what's yours ?

posted in Freemasons - 16 replies

Freemasonry in your City

2008-02-12T22:41:40Z

So let's start with a few questions...

How long have you been a Mason ?
What is the highest office you have occupied ?
In what City do you live ?
What is the approximate geographical area of your city ?
What is the approximate population of your city ?
Do you know how many Freemasons there are in your city ?
Does your city have a GL, what is it called ? If not, which one do you work under ?
Do you know approximately how many temples in your city ?
Do you know how many lodges there are in your city ?
How many lodges are you a member of ?
How many lodges do you regularly attend ?
How big would you say your average lodge is ?
Is there many young masons in your city, or is it an old blokes pursuit ?

Or if you don't want to answer them -just write a few paragraphs describing Freemasonry in your city...

posted in Freemasons - 6 replies

Grand Orient of the United States of America announced

2008-01-25T16:38:13Z

Interesting... anyone know anything about it ?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On Sunday evening the website of the United Grand Lodge of America was updated to reflect a new status, a new focus, and a new order of amity with worldwide Freemasonry.

The UGLA is now officially the Grand Orient of the United States of America. After months of discussion, the organization is now in amity with the Grand Orient de France and through them, with George Washington Union and Freemasons across the world.

The Grand Orient de France is the largest Masonic organization in France, and was formed in 1733. It was the only Masonic Order in France until the end of the 19th century. Its members outnumber all other French grand lodges combined.

The new Grand Orient of the United States of America's website says:
LIBERTY — FRATERNITY — EQUALITY

The Grand Orient of the United States of America is a continuation of the Masonic traditions began by brothers such as Benjamin Franklin and the Marquis De Lafayette. Our lineage can be traced back through the Grand Orient of France to the original speculative Grand Lodge of London that was established in 1717. These traditions and ideas are at the very core of Enlightenment thinking that eventually resulted in the freedoms enjoyed by every American today.

We hold true to these beliefs:
That every man is endowed with certain inalienable rights
That peace and harmony among human beings is only possible where there exists a separation between church and state
That absolute freedom of conscience is an essential element in the pursuit of happiness among all peoples
That all human beings are created equal and that equality is fundamental to democracy and freedom
What is today the Grand Orient of the United States of America began on December 27th, 2005; several lodges declared their independence from the 'Antient' Masonic system and formed a confederation of sovereign lodges under the banner of United Grand Lodge of America. In so doing, they sought to restore Modern Free-Masonry to the American continent and return to the traditional Enlightenment and cosmopolitan ideals expressed in the original Craft. This event allowed the original streams of Masonic thought still existing in Europe to once again flow freely into lodges in America.

In November of 2007, several more lodges declared their independence from the 'Antient' Masonic system and the Council of the Order was convened to formalize our relationship with our brethren in France and throughout Europe. The Council voted unanimously to change the name of the United Grand Lodge of America to the Grand Orient of the United States of America to better and more precisely identify it with the existing currents of Modern Free-Masonry throughout the world.

The Grand Orient of the United States of America is a masculine Masonic obedience that works together with the mixed-gender obedience lodges operating under George Washington Union throughout the United States. Together, these two systems represent the most liberal and progressive form of Freemasonry in America, which is open to all people regardless of race, creed, or sex.

Our aim is the brotherhood of all humanity through a universal chain of union extending around the globe. If you are already with us in spirit then you are welcome to join with us in Masonic lodges throughout the world.
http://www.burningtaper.blogspot.com/

posted in Freemasons - 20 replies

Words of a Mason

2007-12-28T00:57:10Z

About time someone did this...

Check his "Words of a Mason" vids
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=pvst29

posted in Freemasons - 4 replies

St. John the Evangelist's Festival Day ~ December 27th

2007-12-22T01:25:52Z

This was presented at our last stated meeting for the year last night. I thought it very interesting so I figured someone else here might as well.
--------------------------------------------

St. John the Evangelist's Festival Day ~ December 27th
December 2002
by Phil Elam 32°
Member, Masonic Brotherhood of the Blue Forget-Me-Not
“Erected to God and dedicated to the Holy Saints John” – these are familiar words known to every Freemason. The “Holy Saints John” are, as we know, John the Baptist (also known as “St. John the Precursor”) and John the Evangelist (sometimes known as “St. John the Divine”).
There is no proof, of course, that either of these men were ever functional Patrons of our Fraternity, and they most certainly were not Operative or Speculative Masons, but it is a fact that Freemasonry has adopted them as Patron Saints for several centuries. We know, for example, from the New Testament, that John the Baptist was born six months before Jesus, so tradition has set his birthday as June 24th. Legend has set December 27th as the Evangelist's “birthday”. These two men were exact opposites in temperament: The Baptist was an extrovert and man of action, while the Evangelist was an introvert and a man of thought, meditation, and vision.
John the Evangelist was a Galilean, and the cousin of Jesus. In his early years, he was impulsive, impetuous, and vindictive as evidenced by the time he wanted to call down fire from Heaven. During that period of his life, the Christian Master called him and his brother, James, the “Sons of Thunder”. In his later years, his disposition mellowed, and he became known as the Disciple of Love or, in Masonic terminology, “Brotherly Love.”
It is known that John the Evangelist wrote one Gospel and three Epistles. For those that are members of the Eastern Star, it is interesting to note that his Epistles were written to an “Elect Lady” who later became Electa in our Eastern Star ritual. Many Masonic scholars hold that the Gospel of St. John is of vital importance to all Freemasons – not for its Christian theology -- but for the lessons of Brotherly Love that are contained therein.
The original reason for the choice of these particular Patron Saints has been obscured by the passage of time. We cannot determine exactly why our ancient Brethren chose them rather than St. Thomas, a stonemason.
An old Latin document of our Order deposited with a Lodge at Namur, France, includes a proclamation of the Masons of Europe assembled at Cologne in 1535. It declares that Masons were called, "Brethren dedicated to St. John, first among the stars of the morning.” It further tells us that prior to 1440, the Fraternity was called the “Joannite Brothers” (John’s Brethren). It was about at that same time that we began to be known by the name, “Free Masons”.
There is a third St. John in Freemasonry, although he is not mentioned in our ritual. He is St. John the Almoner, to whom the Order of Knights Hospitalers was originally dedicated. He is included as a Patron Saint in several overseas Grand Jurisdictions. He was a native of the island of Cyprus, who in the year 608 became Patriarch of the wealthy Church of Alexandria. He caused a list of the poor of his See to be compiled, and his first official act was the distribution of 80,000 pieces of gold to the indigent and to various agencies for their betterment and relief. This was an immense sum, worth almost $30,000,000 in today's money. He continued this systematic giving until his death. His charity and beneficence won him universal admiration, and he was enrolled among the Saints of the Western as well as of the Eastern Church.
The Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity – normally represented as the top three rungs on Jacob’s Ladder in Christian religious art -- are mentioned in our catechisms. John the Baptist is represented by Faith, John the Evangelist by Hope, and John the Almoner by Charity.
Thomas Paine, a Freemason, wrote the following in his book entitled, “Origin of Freemasonry”: “The high festival of the Masons is on the day they call St. John's Day, but every enlightened Mason must know that holding their festival on this day has no reference to the person called St. John, and that it is only to disguise the true cause of holding it on this day that they call by that name. As there were Masons many centuries before the time of St. John, the holding their festival on this day refers to a cause totally unconnected with either of the Saints John.”
Many of Freemasonry’s most knowledgeable scholars believe that the real explanation of Freemasonry's connection with the Holy Saints John Festival Days is not to be found in the history of the Craft – but, rather, in the history of ancient religions. These festival days are as old as the ancient systems of worship of fire and Sun. If we travel backward in time and imagination to an unknown date when the world of men was young, we would see a time when knowledge did not exist, and the primal urges of all humanity were divided between the satisfaction of bodily needs -- hunger, thirst, warmth, light, and the instincts of self-preservation, mating, and the love of children. The men of that far-off age did not understood why the wind blew, what made the rain, or from whence came lightning, thunder, cold, and warmth. They had no conception of why the Sun climbed the heavens in the morning and disappeared at night.
All primitive people tried to explain these “mysteries” in terms of their daily lives. When angry, their emotions resulted in loud shouts and a desire to kill. What could be more natural than to think thunder and lightning were the anger of an Unknown Deity who held very their lives and well-being in His hands? What would be more logical to these primitive people than to think that the wind, the rain, the cold, and all other elements were a manifestation of an angered Unseen Presence?
The greatest manifestation of nature known to our ancient ancestors was the Sun. It was always present during the day, and its near kin, fire, warmed and comforted them at night. Under its gentle rays, crops grew and rivers rose. The Sun kept away the wild beasts by its light. Sun worship and fire worship were just as natural for men just struggling into understanding, as was the breath they drew. Early man must have observed the Sun's slow movement from north to south during the year and back again as the seasons waxed and waned. Therefore, Midsummers’ Day, the longest in terms of Sunlight, became a festival; it was the harbinger of life, just as the Winter Solstice was significant of the end of the slow decline of the Sun.
Technically, we now know that the seasons of the year are caused by the 23.5º tilt of the Earth's axis. Because the earth is rotating like a top or gyroscope, it continuously points in a fixed direction toward a point in space near the North Star. However, the Earth is also revolving around the Sun at the same time. During half of the year, the Southern Hemisphere is closer to the Sun than is the Northern Hemisphere. During the rest of the year, the reverse is true. At noontime in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun appears high in the sky during Summer and low in the sky during Winter. These two extremes are referred to as a “solstice.” Primitive man did note the change in the Sun’s movement as evidenced by astronomical observatories, such as Stonehenge on the plains of southern England.
"Solstice" is derived from two Latin words: "Sol" meaning, “sun”, and "sistere" meaning, “to cause to stand still”. The lowest elevation occurs about December 21st and is the Winter Solstice -- the first day of winter when the nighttime hours (darkness) are at a maximum and the period of sunlight is at its minimum. The Winter Solstice for 2002 will occur at exactly 7:14 pm CST on December 21st.
In ancient Egypt, for example, the god Osiris died and was entombed on December 21st and reborn on December 25th. In the earliest days of Ancient Greece, a man was selected to be a representation of the god Dionysus during the Feast of Lenaea (Festival of the Wild Women). It was on that day of the Winter Solstice that Dionysus died and was then resurrected on December 25th. During the festival, the man being “honored” was literally torn to pieces, and the pieces were then eaten by the women. Many Master Masons today will attest to the fact that that practice is still included in the Eastern Star’s initiatory ceremonies (joke).
By classical times in ancient Greece, the human sacrifice had been replaced by the killing of a goat. The goat later became the symbol for Capricorn. In Astrology, December 27th, St. John the Evangelist’s Festival Day falls under the zodiac sign of Capricorn (December 22nd – January 19th).
Capricorns are said to be practical, prudent, ambitious, disciplined, patient, careful, and humorous. These independent, rocklike characters have many sterling qualities.
How many of you Brethren were born under the sign of Capricorn? (Note: Ask for a show of hands).
Well, the choice of a goat to represent those born under the sign of Capricorn must have been a good choice, because I have heard more than one wife refer to the “old goat” -- and I can only assume they were referring to some of you Brethren (Joke).
On a more serious note, Capricorn is said to govern the knees, bones, and skin, so those born under the sign of Capricorn are subject to fractures and strains of the knees and other defects of the legs. Capricorns are also subject to skin diseases, ranging from rashes and boils to leprosy as well as anemia, Bright's disease, deafness, rheumatism and rickets. The only thing I would suggest at this point is that you NEVER, EVER forget to make your medical insurance payments!!!
Ancient Rome had dozens of gods for every purpose imaginable. By 300 BCE, the Roman Empire had combined the festivals for those gods under the name of “Dies Natalis Solis Invicti” ("Birthday of the Unconquered Sun"). This was a weeklong festival commencing on December 21st and ending on December 27th with the main feast day taking place on December 25th. It was a feast honoring the renewal of the Sun at the Winter Solstice. It included feasting, dancing, lighting bonfires, decorating homes with greens, and the giving of gifts – much like the traditions of our present-day Christmas season. Virtually all of the so-called ancient pagan religions included the nativity, death, and rebirth of a “man-god/savior”, and then the ascension of the resurrected to “heaven” where he watched over his flock while they were here on Earth. It was, in fact, the story of the nativity, death, and resurrection of the Christian Master – and it was thousands of years old before the birth of the Christian religion. This ancient legend can be traced back to at least 6500 BCE.
The early Church wanted these pagan festivals stopped, but they were very popular with the people. The solution to the problem was simple; substitute Christian meanings and Saints for pagan gods on these holidays and continue to celebrate the same ceremonies on the same dates – but under a different name. The Church felt that including this holiday into Christian observances would eventually convert those who followed the “Olde Way”.The selection of December 25th as a Christian holiday was first recorded in scholarly texts in 325 AD, although the actual practice was first decreed in 274 A.D. by the Emperor Aurelian. Since non-Christians viewed this date as the rebirth of the Sun, it made perfect sense for the Church to also mark this period as the celebration of the nativity of Yeshua ben Nazareth (Jesus). If the Church could not replace pagan holidays and celebrations, it would simply adopt them and incorporate so-called pagan symbology into its own.
Therefore, the celebration of the Summer Solstice became the Festival of Saint John the Baptist and the celebration of the Winter Solstice became the Festival of Saint John the Evangelist. The High Festival Day of the Romans became the birth date of the Christian Master.
However, it took centuries for the tradition of St. Johns’ Days and Christmas to catch on. For example, it was adopted in Ireland in the 5th century AD; the 7th century in Eastern Mediterranean countries; Austria, England and Switzerland adopted them in the 8th century; and the Slavic countries in the 9th and 10th centuries.
St. John the Evangelist teaches us to subdue our passions, one of the first lessons every new Freemason learns in Lodge. When we examine the writings of St. John the Evangelist, we see a major transformation of a young man. He goes from being a hot-tempered young radical to one who exhibits peace in his old age. He goes from being intolerant of others to working with others by sharing his theology of a “better way of life”. Above all things, John was loyal. He was the only Disciple to attend the trial of Jesus as well as being at the foot of the cross for the crucifixion. When he heard about the empty tomb on that eventful Sunday morning, he was the first Disciple to arrive. Moreover, it was he that took Mary, the mother of Jesus, into his home and cared for her until her death.
We know from the writings of St. John the Evangelist that his message is simple and straightforward -- that to know and love God is to obey His law, that the essential mark of grace is Brotherly Love, and that the ideal life is to live in fellowship with others.
It does not matter that there is no, nor never was, a Lodge of the Holy Saints John at Jerusalem. It does not matter whether the two Saints John were actually members of the Masonic Fraternity. They were selected as our Patron Saints because they exemplified the basic principles of our ancient Fraternity in their daily lives through their words and deeds. It is because Freemasonry regards the character and internal qualifications of a man that the two Saints John are fitting Patrons. Freemasonry honors them because they were living examples of the Golden Rule and their practice of love for their fellowmen, and their love of their Creator.

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Not specifically Masonic but.....

2007-12-14T04:56:58Z

A Tribes friend posted this to her Blog.......

" Promise Yourself "

• Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

• To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

• To make all your friends feel like there is something in them.

• To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

• To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and expect only the best.

• To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

• To forget the mistakes of the past and press on the greater achievements of the future.

• To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living person you meet a smile.

• To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

• To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, and too strong for fear, and to be happy to permit the presence of trouble.

I'm sure these aren't strictly Masonic but not bad priciples to live by either!

posted in Freemasons - 4 replies

Masonic Trivia

2007-12-13T13:19:11Z

As some of you may be aware – I moderate the Trivia Tribe http://tribes.tribe.net/triviarocks

Freemasonry has snuck in there a bit, one of the first threads was Masonic related - I cross posed it here at http://freemasons.tribe.net/thread/ca8baf5f-ea0a-4e2c-bea2-50171b35849c

I tend not to post to much on Freemasonry in the Trivia Tribe though....

Anyway, I thought I would start running little Trivia Boxes in my Lodges Newsletter..

If you have any material – it would be greatly appreciated if you posted the here with a source sighted.. It would need to be short ‘n sweet. If it is not - post it anyway 'cause such stuff is always interesting !

Now, I thought this was an interesting one..

“…In Launceston, Tasmania in 1844; “ St John’s Lodge played a part at the laying of a foundation stone of a Jewish Synagogue. We find that the band of the 96th Regiment, attended by permission of the colonel and officers, playing “Masonic Airs”. The return was made to the lodge room, the band playing alternatively “Burne’s Farewell” and the “Entered Apprentice”…. “

From “Some Notes on Freemasonry in Australia”
by WF Lamonby, PDGM Vic Cont, PAGDC of England.
Published 1906, London.
Page 63

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Grand Lodge Of The Philippines

2007-12-13T08:54:26Z

www.glphils.org

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Famous Filipino Masons

2007-12-13T08:47:22Z

http://www.glphils.org/famous-masons/fmroxas.htm

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Sixty Ph.D. dissertations ....

2007-12-08T14:29:18Z

<<Sixty Ph.D. dissertations produced in American universities during the past decade have focused on Freemasonry. >>

Now that sounds interesting..

http://rooseveltcenter.org/

Anyone know anything about the International Conference on the History of Freemasonry (ICHF) that is one of the links on their web site ?

http://www.ichfonline.org/

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Masonic future

2007-12-05T16:46:57Z

Well, things are interesting at the lodge.
I was approached last night at the regularly stated meeting to inquire if I would be interested in taking the Junior Steward's office for the coming year. I have been studying hard and like the lodge a lot. And I've considered where I wanted to go with it. So I suppose this is cool. Just need to bone up on some of the work involved.

I'll also be in that position during the next degree ceremony on Tuesday. We'll see how things go.

posted in Freemasons - 53 replies

Help a Bro out !

2007-12-04T23:45:18Z

From another board...

~~~~~
"I am looking for websites for the following lodges to compile a "progressive lodges" link on my website so that men in search of change can find something nearby as a resource for information and/or Masonic fellowship:

Lodge Ad Lucem No. 812 (Pittsburgh, PA)
Adobe Lodge XLI (Tuscon, AZ)
Guildhall No. 553 (Stillwater, OK)
Inner Quest No. 456 (Kansas City, KS)
Kite and Key Lodge No. 811 (Allentown, PA)
Independent Royal Arch Lodge No. 2 (New York, NY)
Lodge of the Nine Muses No. 1776 (Washington, DC)
Oriental Lodge No. 33 (Chicago, IL)
St. Albans Lodge No. 1455 (College Station, TX)"
~~~

Anyone got some URL for these ????

Private message me if you want

Thanks and Cheers

Bloke :)

posted in Freemasons - 5 replies

Not Masonic but its pretty !

2007-11-24T12:46:24Z

Eighth wonder of the world? The stunning temples secretly carved out below ground by 'paranormal' eccentric

Nestling in the foothills of the Alps in northern Italy, 30 miles from the ancient city of Turin, lies the valley of Valchiusella. Peppered with medieval villages, the hillside scenery is certainly picturesque.

Here, 100ft down and hidden from public view, lies an astonishing secret - one that has drawn comparisons with the fabled city of Atlantis and has been dubbed 'the Eighth Wonder of the World' by the Italian government.

For weaving their way underneath the hillside are nine ornate temples, on five levels, whose scale and opulence take the breath away.

Constructed like a three-dimensional book, narrating the history of humanity, they are linked by hundreds of metres of richly decorated tunnels and occupy almost 300,000 cubic feet - Big Ben is 15,000 cubic feet.

Check the pics

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=495538&in_page_id=1811

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Hawaii

2007-11-24T09:19:55Z

I know that you yanks think you got rid of Kings and Queens and the Aristocracy, but you do have one Kingdom within your midst..

Did you know Hawaii was the only Monarchy in the US?

Although that is a loose use of the word "Monarchy " - Hawaii certainly has a royal family...

http://www.answerbag.co.uk/q_view/331394

And did you know that;
"King David Kalakaua was the last King of Hawaii who reigned from 1874 to 1891..... Kalakaua was proud of his status as a 32nd Degree Mason, and local Masons came to the aid of the Friends by offering to pay for the sword. The Masons laid the corner stone at the 'Iolani Palace in 1879 and stood guard when Kalakaua lay in state after his death. "

Quote from http://www.pagrandlodge.org/freemason/0504/wwf.html
Support http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0030-8684(200008)69%3A3%3C357%3AMTOBFR%3E2.0.CO%3B2-W

This seems a good history of Freemasonry in Hawaii http://www.calodges.org/ncrl/PROM-MAS.htm

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Anyone got a pic of a rough ashlar ?

2007-11-15T12:37:01Z

I am after it for your next newsletter and cant find a good one.

Can you post it in the album of this tribe ?

Thanks !

posted in Freemasons - 5 replies

bigger or smaller???

2007-11-15T10:17:54Z

My Brothers in the Lodge and I have been discussing the future of the Lodge. One of the ideas that some of us have been throwing around is that proposed by a movement towards the European system. Epicurean Lodge in Australia went this way. A discussion on the topic can be found here: http://www.vitruvian.org/papers/backtofuture.html

So what do you think? Should there be a fight to do more activities? Do meet less but the meetings a higher quality? What is working in your Lodges?

S&F,
Steve

posted in Freemasons - 3 replies

Freemasons are the crappiest Photographers..

2007-11-10T06:00:02Z

What gives with all those grainy dark photos of lodge rooms and Grand Lodge buildings ?

Should we also run photography courses concurrently with degrees or what ?

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

I got my petition!!

2007-11-01T04:53:18Z

:) :)

posted in Freemasons - 14 replies

Relics of Solomon's Temple Uncovered

2007-10-25T21:57:52Z

Very interesting article.

Check it out at: http://debka.com/headline.php?hid=4703

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

The biggest misconception or fable is..

2007-10-23T15:14:41Z

I am on another talk thing and looking for material on...

<There are many fantasies about Freemasons, their "machinations" and especially what happens in Lodges and the goal of the “New World Order”…Haha !

What’s the most ridiculous you have heard, or heard of… the biggest misconception or fable about the Craft ?
(PS We all know about the “Morgan Affair” – if you don’t – google it) >

posted in Freemasons - 24 replies

~!! Amadeus !!~

2007-10-23T06:44:32Z

What you guys think of this movie?

posted in Freemasons - 1 reply

National Treasure "Book of Secrets"

2007-10-22T14:48:20Z

check this :) www.nationaltreasure.com

posted in Freemasons - 12 replies

Not Quite about the Craft....

2007-10-09T23:38:41Z

but it might still be of interest to some...

From the BBC at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7029513.stm

Vatican book on Templars' demise

The Knights Templar were disbanded in the 14th Century

The Vatican is to publish a book which is expected to shed light on the demise of the Knights Templar, a Christian military order from the Middle Ages.
The book is based on a document known as the Chinon parchment, found in the Vatican Secret Archives six years ago after years of being incorrectly filed.

The document is a record of the heresy hearings of the Templars before Pope Clement V in the 14th Century.

The official who found the paper says it exonerates the knights entirely.

Prof Barbara Frale, who stumbled across the parchment by mistake, says that it lays bare the rituals and ceremonies over which the Templars were accused of heresy.

In the hearings before Clement V, the knights reportedly admitted spitting on the cross, denying Jesus and kissing the lower back of the man proposing them during initiation ceremonies.

The Pope was obliged to ask for pardons from the knights - the document absolves them

However, many of the confessions were obtained under torture and knights later recanted or tried to claim that their initiation ceremony merely mimicked the humiliation the knights would suffer if they fell into the hands of the Muslim leader Saladin.

The leader of the order, Jacques de Moley, was one of those who confessed to heresy, but later recanted.

He was burned at the stake in Paris in 1314, the same year that the Pope dissolved the order.

However, according to Prof Frale, study of the document shows that the knights were not heretics as had been believed for 700 years.

In fact she says "the Pope was obliged to ask for pardons from the knights... the document we have found absolves them".

Details of the parchment will be published as part of Processus contra Templarios, a book that will be released by the Vatican's Secret Archive on 25 October.

posted in Freemasons - 8 replies

Active Masonic Forum

2007-10-09T08:15:16Z

Anyone looking for an on-line discussion forum more active than this one for discussing Freemasonry might want to try The Three Pillars site, which is an un-official successor of sorts to the now-defunct The Lodge Room. The link appears below -- discussion is in the "Forum" tab.

http://www.thethreepillars.com/index.htm

posted in Freemasons - 5 replies

Last five candidates

2007-10-06T13:43:01Z

What have the last five candidates you have initiated been like ?

Why did they petition?

Young?

Any relative in the Craft?

Still coming to Lodge ?

posted in Freemasons - 2 replies

WiSh Me LuCk :)

2007-10-04T08:20:04Z

On OcT 9, Im GoInG To bE JoINinG A DiNnEr WiTh ThE FreEmAsOnS AnD AlSo My FiRsT TiMe In A LoDgE, Im So NeRvOuS AnD EcItEd At ThE SaME TiMe....AnY AdViCe FrOm YoU GuYs???? ThAnKs

posted in Freemasons - 4 replies

Job opportunity

2007-10-02T17:25:17Z

I have a good friend in Texas that is in desparate need of a top-notch Network Administrator (Windows-based).
I don't know the details, but if you are interested, let me know and I will put you in touch with her here on tribe.

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Finally got my petition!

2007-09-29T02:38:07Z

Last night I finally got my petition from one of the men I know in the local lodge. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. Even though I haven't met other people of the lodge yet, I still feel really good about my decision. I guess the next step will be my interview if they vote to accept me. Any words of wisdom from anyone?

posted in Freemasons - 8 replies

Brothers on Bikes..

2007-09-19T15:47:19Z

This might be of interest...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
History written by Pedro Eberbach

The Victorian Masonic Motorcycle Association Incorporated, or V.M.M.A. as it is commonly known, was initially developed by a small group of active Freemasons who wanted to promote motorcycling and freemasonry, by way of a motorcycle rally.

Thus, in late 2000, the Victorian Masonic Motorcycle Rally Association was born, due mainly to the efforts of its main proponent Brother Roy Trimble, from Ararat. The aim of the rally was to raise money for charity, particularly the Freemasons Hospital, and also to raise the profile of motorcycling Masons in Victoria and the community at large.

From those humble beginnings a hugely successful rally in March 2001 started the great charitable work V.M.M.A. now continues around Victoria.

The memorable quote from that rally was “ they came in their hundreds and left thousands”. Consequently, the 2001 rally raised $4958 for the Freemasons Hospital.

Clearly the recipe for success was correct as we conducted another rally in 2002 albeit at a different venue, which enabled us to donate a further $2000 to the hospital, and $2500 to the Ionic Coaching Service to support children with educational support needs. 2002 also saw us formalise our status with the V.M.M.A. becoming an Incorporated Association in Victoria.

Keeping our charitable aims in mind our members were happy to agree to further donations, some of which include ‘Raise the Roof ‘ - $180, Mansfield Historical Society - $290, TLC for Kids - $500, Pink Ribbon Ride for Women’s Breast Cancer - $250, and Bendigo Radiotherapy Centre - $200.

So it can be seen that we sincerely believe that we are living up to the aims of V.M.M.A. which are: “to actively pursue the tenets of Freemasonry by uniting motorcycle riders from all parts of society, whilst raising the profile of motorcyclists and Freemasonry via charitable and social events”.

In 2003, V.M.M.A. had to seriously consider the implication of various event insurance requirements and therefore chose not to conduct a rally. Consequently, 2003 has been a year of consolidation where our focus has been on visiting many lodges around Victoria, whilst still quietly raising sufficient monies to support our donations program.

Early in 2003 our members were horrified to see and hear of the plight of the farming community in East Gippsland due to the massive bush fires. It was therefore decided to donate $1000 to assist them, and very pleasingly a local Orbost V.M.M.A. member and Grand Lodge Officer presented the cheque on our behalf.

Our Lodge visitation program was very successful in 2003, and it is noteworthy that as well as giving money to needy causes, some Lodges have given money to us to continue our work.

August 2003 saw a dozen or so members and partners enjoy the hospitality of brethren and families of the Echuca and Milawa Lodges, at a lodge meeting and Sunday BBQ. Typically, there hospitality like many other lodges we visit is warm and memorable. We were pleased to leave $410 with them for disbursement to their nominated charity.

November 2003 once again saw our members, and other motorcyclists support the CanTeen organization, which provides assistance to teenagers and their families affected by cancer. Although the day was wet and soggy, the teenagers were at least able to ride the last 25 km’s to their destination, which was Kryal Castle in Ballarat.

All attendees enjoyed a substantial BBQ and entertainment, before the teenagers were able to return to the Royal Children's Hospital by motorbike. This annual event attracts many riders, and although the weather was not kind in late 2003, the re-scheduling of the event to late March (2004) should give greater guarantees for the future.

These are a sample of events we support.

Naturally V.M.M.A. will be supporting other annual events such as the many motorcycle Toy Runs that occur around Victoria, and other community events.

Current membership of V.M.M.A. (at December 2003) stands at 70 members and 44 partners, not to mention the number of other family members who join us in our events and activities. Membership is not restricted to masons, and there is no requirement to have a motorcycle, although it does help.

Because of the spread of brethren and motorcyclists around Victoria, we encourage those members interested in the Craft to join a local lodge and will arrange for those introductions. Melbourne based members have the opportunity to join a local lodge or the Civil Service Lodge in North Melbourne who have willingly offered to sponsor V.M.M.A. In the future V.M.M.A. may call upon Civil Service to assist us in obtaining the necessary requirements to form a motorcycle Lodge and even to request a travelling warrant from the United Grand Lodge of Victoria (U.G.L.V.).

The V.M.M.A. has enjoyed fantastic growth over the past 4 years, and our simple aims and objectives make us attractive to a wide section of the community.

Naturally, the common bond we enjoy is motorcycling, friendship, and in most cases freemasonry. I believe we are making a difference in our ability to donate generously to those individuals and groups who require our assistance. The vibrancy and passion of the members is truly astounding, and it is particularly gratifying to see not only the happy faces of our worthy donation recipients, but the joy and satisfaction of our hard working members.

Our work has been recognised by U.G.L.V. (Freemasonry Victoria) who officially support V.M.M.A., and we are in communication with Albert Street (Freemasonry Victoria Headquarters) at every opportunity to inform them of our achievements.

I have no doubt that we will grow and continue to be recognised for our kindness and consideration in providing assistance to those who are in great need.
http://www.vmma.net.au/history.htm

Homepage http://www.vmma.net.au/ (I love the bike in the middle of the S&C!)

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Big night tonite

2007-09-19T15:47:19Z

Yep! Tonite is when I am to be raised to the level of Master Mason. Whirlwind journey here...but very interesting.
Will I need luck? I've already proved up my proficiency in Fellow Craft. SHould be fun, eh?

posted in Freemasons - 11 replies

who's on this tribe?

2007-09-12T15:56:49Z

I noticed a number of people on thois tribe probably are not freemasons, and I think that's cool. I'm wondering if everyone would like to introduce themselves, tell if they are a freemason, if so of what affiliation, and how they became interested in freemasonry regardless.

As for me: I'm a 32nd degree classical freemason, raised in 2000 at Culver City-Foshay Lodge #467 in Los Angeles, Senior Deacon of my lodge, a member of the Scottish and York Rite, and a lifelong aspirant of the mysteries and esoterica. My father was a freemason as well, but I found this out many years after his death and after I had already developed an interest in the Craft. Truly, I am the widow's son.

posted in Freemasons - 15 replies

Did you know that in 1892.....

2007-09-11T16:23:58Z

A Masonic Building was the tallest building in the world ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonic_Temple_%28Chicago%29

In extract
"The Masonic Temple Building was a skyscraper built in Chicago, Illinois in 1892. Constructed by early skyscraper pioneer, Daniel Burnham, it was briefly the tallest building in the world, at 302 feet (92 meters) tall. It was surpassed only 2 years later by the Manhattan Life Building in New York City. Although the World Building in New York had architectural details that were higher off the ground, the Masonic Temple had a higher occupied floor. In 1895, when the clock tower was removed from the Board of Trade Building it became the tallest building in Chicago."

posted in Freemasons - 5 replies

Lodges of Research

2007-09-07T15:24:31Z

I find Lodges of Research throughout international jurisdictions can be a great source of interesting information and Trivia.

Who would have thought that Freemasonry had a GL in Japan and the first Japanese Candidate was Initiated in 1864 ! There is an interesting article surrounding this Initiation at http://www2.gol.com/users/lodge1/history-e/papers/johnston04.html and other historical information on Masonry in Japan at
http://www2.gol.com/users/lodge1/history-e/history-idx.html

It all goes to Show that Freemasonry has played a part in many unexpected countries for centuries..

Does anyone else know particularly good Lodges of Research internet sites ???

posted in Freemasons - 4 replies

3rd Degree

2007-09-06T14:58:48Z

The Worshipful Master of our local lodge just called and informed me that he had me on the schedule to prove up and then receive my 3rd Degree on September 18th. Thirteen days.....and I really havn't worked on my 2nd Degree lessons yet, of course it's only been a little over a week since I received that. Ok...I'm making excuses. Can I blame it on life?

I start a new job on Monday and have lots to study for with that as well as I have to get a bunch of new Microsoft certifications so I can teach the silly subjects. Oh well....it's what I wanted to do - teach that is.

Can one be tired just from looking at the upcoming amount of work?

Sigh....not even sure if I'm venting.

posted in Freemasons - 5 replies

Happy Fathers Day Brethren

2007-09-06T00:26:24Z

Seems silly not to say "Happy Fathers Day" to the members of an organisation (which in most of its guises) is all male ..

Have a great Fathers Day Brothers !

posted in Freemasons - 7 replies

Wikipedia on Lodge Officers..

2007-09-03T03:50:45Z

This might be interesting for new and non Freemasons alike...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonic_Lodge_Officers

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Moderator Poll

2007-08-30T22:12:33Z

I don't really have time to moderate this group well, I pretty much approve membership requests and leave us all to behave like Masons, but word has come to me that I should have stepped in and chastised one or two folks for inappropriate commentary.

The two questions I have are:

Do you approve of the current "hands off - freedom of speech" approach I've been taking?

If you do not, who do you think I should pass Moderator to?

You don't have to reply here, you can email privately me if you'd like .

Fraternally,

Cathyn

posted in Freemasons - 7 replies

See a Masonic Ritual In a Lodge Room..

2007-08-28T10:24:27Z

Well - sort of (no ritual :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnvzyFv143M&mode=related&search=

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Masons online - Second Life

2007-08-27T18:30:31Z

Yes, I participate in the online world of Second Life.
Are there any others here that do so?

I have found a Masonic Temple in Second Life that has some very interesting artwork, a library of books some of us may recognize and a recreation of a lodge hall. It is very beautifully done.

But, is all this cool? It seems a bit much, but then I am new to Masonry (only 2nd Degree).

posted in Freemasons - 13 replies

What’s a Secret ???

2007-08-27T05:56:46Z

In another thread just now I proposed posting some pictures of inside a Lodge and got this response;

<<<< It's not that I am unfamiliar with the look of a lodge. I am concerned with the amount of knowledge being made available in this online world with no controls.

Perhaps a summary of what categories of things should not be posted online....or what artworks and interpretations should not be available. Or maybe if a MM were to come online in SL somehow I would be happy to show them and let them use their more experience to judge if any action need be taken.

Being only a 2nd degree mason, I know many things that I find uncomfortable if they happened to be "out in the open" so I know there has to be things there that should not be. Especially since there is much about 3rd degree that is available there.>>>>>>

Where do members of this tribe feel that the line of “public versus secret” lies ? (Please keep in mind it might vary Jurisdiction to Jurisdiction).

What is “secret” ? What’s not ?

posted in Freemasons - 3 replies

Does Anyone Check the Ads here ???

2007-08-25T04:58:53Z

I just did and found http://www.fraternalcollectibles.com/index.html
&
http://www.freemasoncollection.com/FMCX_Site/WebPagesUS/Home.htm

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

Successful night

2007-08-24T03:20:02Z

Well, all things went well tonite. I proved up 100% and am now a 2nd Degree Mason.
It was a very enlightening evening filled with many things to study and more to learn. I enjoyed it immensely.

Now I just need to hit the books to study for the 3rd Degree. No time set for it yet, but I expect to be ready within a month.

posted in Freemasons - 1 reply

National Treasure

2007-08-20T09:15:36Z

In the upcoming big budget movie "National Treasure", scheduled for a November release, Nicholas Cage tries to find the "Templar Gold" hidden by our Masonic founding fathers during the revolutionary war. This movie is openly Masonic and I feel every Mason should become aware of it because it will likely become the way the public thinks of our fraternity. If we handle it correctly it could give our fraternity a much needed boost from the publicity it will generate. Information, interviews, and video clips are available at http://nationaltreasure.movies.go.com/main.html .

I have viewed some of the clips from what I have seen the movie portrays Masonry is a positive light. I think at the very least we will need to become familiar with this movie so we can talk intelligently about it with our friends and family.

What is your reaction to this movie?

Brad Strand

posted in Freemasons - 4 replies

Lodge Birthdays

2007-08-17T04:49:32Z

So we're celebrating our lodge birthdays for this quarter tonite. Dinner and then opening in the 1st degree. Should be interesting.

posted in Freemasons - 4 replies

Are You Ready For Some Football?

2007-08-14T00:24:47Z

It's that time of year again -- time to sign up for NFL Fantasy Football Leagues.

The "Freemason Football Follies" league is here again for it's third year, and my team "21st Century Freemasons" is playing again. Anyone care to join me in this Masons-only league? I believe Jimmy participated last year... Anyone else?

To join, go to this website:

http://football.nfl.com/splash/football/nfl/single

and search for the league named "Freemasons Football Follies". If you search by draft date and type, they are 21 Aug 2007 and "automatic".

posted in Freemasons - 19 replies

Date is set

2007-08-05T14:53:58Z

Ok....the WM of our lodge has set a goal for me to be ready for my 2nd degree on 8/23. Now I guess I'm gonna have to figure out what all this means in the candidate handbook. Maybe I'll ask one of the brothers.

posted in Freemasons - 1 reply

It's official

2007-07-25T17:07:36Z

As of tonight I received my 1st degree as a Mason of the Overland Park, KS Lodge 436.
Although I had been informed that had been elected to receive it and told to show up at the lodge tonight, I had not expected to receive the degree tonight. It was....surprising and enlightening. And it was supremely interesting.

There were two of us receiving the degree - one after the other. I was fascinated by the ritual and stunned by the immediate acceptance as a brother. There were even those that asked about my wife by name to inquire if she was doing alright since they had met her.

I must say that I look forward to further learning and fellowship. Should be fun.

posted in Freemasons - 8 replies

DeMolay Golf

2007-07-24T15:42:13Z

DeMolay Golf

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2007, 12:00 NOON
WORCESTER DeMOLAY GOLF TOURNAMENT
BAY PATH GOLF COURSE, EAST BROOKFIELD, MA

Openings still available. Call 508-867-9774 for info.
Please pass the word and come on out to support the boys.

Ed Wilkins Jr., Advisor
<wilkied@excite.com>

posted in Freemasons - 1 reply

Ok, curious question......

2007-07-23T22:55:45Z

Not trying to start a religious conversation or anything, but I do have a question. I have felt drawn to the great order that is Freemasonry for over a year now. The only thing that has kept me from putting in a petition to join my local lodge is my religious preference. I am a pagan, or wiccan, however you would like to label it. I do believe in a supreme being, which I know is required, but I feel that I will be judged because predominately most Masons are Christian. I would love some input and advice as the draw is becoming stronger within me. I'm even having dreams about joining a lodge. Any help would be appreciated, and I understand if this goes against code of conduct for this tribe. Thanks, Mooncrest.

posted in Freemasons - 24 replies

Golf !

2007-07-13T15:24:42Z

I know a lot about Freemasonry..... but I did not know this...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'Freemasons invent Golf Club' - Reuters

Several authorities cite the ‘secrecy’ of the Freemasons for the ‘absence’ of early Scottish golf history records, particularly of the Royal Burgess, but this statement needs clarification and certainly there is no evidence Freemasons destroyed golfing records.

The main reason that the members of early golf clubs were Freemasons was because virtually all middle class men of ability in Scotland in the century after 1717 were Freemasons from senior law officers to skilled artisans as well as poets and writers. (Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott were masons). This was apparently because, from 1717, the Scottish 'stonemason' Freemasons, called Operative Masons, began to allow merchants and professional people, termed Speculative Masons, to join Lodges or create their own. This practice spread elsewhere in the world. For example, in France Voltaire and Napoleon were Masons as were the luminaries of the American Revolution such as George Washington who was buried with full Masonic honours.

You can now learn about the ‘secret’ world of Scottish Freemasons from Mason websites such as Grand Lodge of Antient (sic) Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland as well as public information such as The Guinness Book of Records (search on ‘Masonic’ or ‘Lodges’ in their ‘Find a World Record’) or online encyclopaedias.

The Scottish Freemasons have kept the details of their activities from at least 1599 and now publish these on the web. It would be strange if they had destroyed their golf minutes to preserve the confidentially of the members while keeping the lists of their Grand Masters and Council. In any case the negative connotations associated with being a Freemason only arose in the second half of the twentieth century, by which time the evidence of golf history was in its present state.

Extracts of the early minutes of five of the early clubs are documented in the book ‘Golf: A Royal and Ancient Game’ by Robert Clark and they read like the minutes of any modern club, parish council or tenants’ association. They note the banal details of admissions, competitions, match dinners and domestic arrangements. They do not indicate the heavy hand of Masonic traditions, beyond the fact that they date from a time when Freemasonry was strong and highly regarded. At most, they simply show that many important people who were involved with golf were Freemasons and acknowledged as such, in much the same way as modern buildings carry the plaques of the names of the local Councillors, who opened them with their chains of office. The laying of the foundations of the first purpose built golf clubhouse on Leith Links for The Honourable Company in 1768 is a case in point.

Leith, July 2, 1768

This day William St Clair of Roslin, Esq., the undoubted representative of the Honourable and Heretable G.M.M of Scotland, In presence of Alexander Keith, Esq., Captain of the Honourable Company of Goffers, and other worthy Members of the Goffing Company, all Masons, The G.M., now in his GRAND CLIMAX of GOFFING, laid the Foundation of the GOFFING HOUSE in the S.E. corner thereof, by THREE STROKES with the Mallet.

ALEXR. KEITH, C.
Wm. ST. CLAIR, G.M.M.

GMM stands for Grand Master Mason. The St Clairs of Roslyn were hereditary patrons of the Masons in Scotland for centuries and William St Clair was the first elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1736. He was Captain and prominent member of both the Leith and the St Andrews golf clubs. Apart from laying the foundation stone of the world's first golf clubhouse, his name is on the St Andrew’s minute shortening the Old Course to be eighteen holes in 1764. He died in 1778 and is buried in Roslyn Chapel.

The Royal Blackheath GC was open only to Freemasons until 1789 and, until 1825, it still contained a hardcore group of masons called the Knuckle Club who played out-of-season to avoid the non-mason members. They died out for lack of support.

The first minute books of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, which contained the most prominent Masons of the time, are still extant. The minutes of the Royal Blackheath, which was also strongly Masonic, were destroyed by a fire. The Royal Burgess GS has its minutes back to 1773, and it is not certain that there were any minutes kept before then. The only early minute books that definitely existed, but whose fate is unknown, are the first five books (prior to 1874) of the Bruntsfield Links GS, and those of Royal Musselburgh GC, (also before 1874), which had the least Masonic connections. Given that extracts of the minutes of all these clubs, except those of Royal Blackheath, had been published in R Clark’s Golf A Royal and Ancient Game in 1875, it would make little sense for the Freemasons or anyone to have destroyed them subsequently.

It is much more likely that the early records have simply been lost to fire or mislaid because of the lack of administrative headquarters of the clubs or in the decampments that the early clubs had to undertake. However, one other intriguing possibility does exist – that Robert Clark retained the Bruntsfield’s and Musselburgh’s minute books after publication of his book in 1875, maybe with a view to further research for his second edition in 1893. He would not be the first or last academic to do so. The Minutes of these clubs were then subsequently lost together, leaving Royal Blackheath’s, which, it is stated, were destroyed in a fire.

It is true that the 'Speculative' Freemasons continued the 'Operative' Freemasons' traditions of secrecy. Therefore, because many golfers at the time the early golf clubs and competitions were first convened were Freemasons, this could have influenced them into avoiding recording their sporting activities in greater depth until golf clubs were more clearly distinguished from the Freemason activities.

The Freemasons’ core traditions of self-improvement (‘making a good man better’) and the self-determination for artisans and professionals, as well as quality of service and service to others, were adopted by our modern educational institutions, trade associations and professional bodies. Equally important is the major role that the masons played in organising golf into the game we know today. At the time when ‘kolf’ died out in the Netherlands, as did its counterpart in Scotland, played as a commoners’ game round churchyards and village greens, ‘links golf’ flourished, played with a variety of clubs to holes marked by flags. From 1717 onward, when 'Speculative Masons' began to be recruited to Scottish Lodges, many early Scottish links golfers were Masons and they created the golf club and initially organised golf into what it has become. (David Hamilton and others outline the probable genesis of the game in several books reviewed in Golf Books.)

The Grand Lodge of Scotland was founded in 1736, the third Grand Lodge of Freemasonry after the English (1717) and the Irish (1725). At that time, there were about 100 Masonic lodges in Scotland and the difficulty of getting them to agree to a ‘head office’ had meant concessions had to be given to the participating lodges by way of local powers of decision; powers which were not conceded by other Grand Lodges. Even then, the Scottish Grand Lodge was only supported by a third of the Masonic lodges of the day.

It is significant that 1736 is one year after the published foundation date for the Burgess club in Edinburgh. There is little doubting the Masonic origins of the club, as many people point out. Their name and present day tradition of 'shaking in', whereby the Captain of the Burgess can admit anyone on a shake of his hand, admits of little other interpretation. However if they were an official lodge, formed at or after 1736, we could expect this to be noted in some way in the central records, which it isn't, whereas, if they did not join the Grand Lodge, but continued to meet socially and play golf, it would explain their traditions and historical relationships, such as the absence of Burgess golfers from competitions held subsequently by clubs at Leith and St Andrews associated with the Grand Master Mason, William St Clair. It thus looks probable that the early Burgess golfers masons did not join the Grand Lodge and most importantly, this set of circumstances proves the foundation date of the society to 1735, before 1736, as they had to have started meeting before this date to have made the decision to carry on even if the were not officially recognised.

The use of sport competitions and society elections looks so natural to our modern eyes, but in the pre-revolution, pre-democratic days of princes and patronage, they were very new ideas. Even the much criticised admission process of the ‘black ball’ in the Ballot Box must be seen against the practices of the day, when elections for Members of Parliament were by appointment or by open show of hands by a small number of constituency freemen and subject to monetary influence. This gave rise to the ‘pocket boroughs’ and ‘rotten boroughs’, whose removal featured so strongly in the Reform Act of 1832. Against this background, the practice of the 'black ball' to exclude undesirable members looks more enlightened than it appears at first sight to our modern eyes.

Source http://www.scottishgolfhistory.net/freemasons_early_scottish_golf.htm

posted in Freemasons - 0 replies

First trip to the Lodge

2007-07-06T15:31:51Z

I made my first trip to the local lodge last night.
I met the Lodge Master and many others. Everyone was friendly and joking much like I remember my father joking with his buddies way back when.
I turned in my petition, the Lodge Master assigned me Mentor, and then they were getting ready to hold their regular lodge meeting so went on home.
Overall, was a nice experience.

posted in Freemasons - 2 replies

FUN-DRAISING

2007-07-03T13:28:31Z

We have a Trivia night last meeting.. It was to raise funds for a local charity – but also to have some fun while doing it… We managed to raise about $1,000 – not bad for such a small Lodge…

Anyone else have suggestions for Twenty-First Century Activities in the South?

They don’t have to be fundraisers – we have done things like movie nights and gone to the pub– these have been good… but I am starting a collection of ideas as I move towards the Chair and to help our current and future Masters run a good show..

(Oh – “The South” is our “Festive Board” or social after the Lodge is closed.. We sometimes invite partners – but not always..)

posted in Freemasons - 15 replies

What keeps you interested?

2007-06-30T05:07:38Z

There was a topic on "Why join the Masons?" which I found very informative. I've not yet joined and am still researching my local lodge. I've got my own reasons for considering joining but have not made a decision one way or another just yet.

However, I still have a few questions.

What is it that Freemasons do that keeps you interested in remaining active?
What do you do that makes going to regular lodge meetings special or exciting?
What extra activities do you engage in that make you proud to proclaim your membership?

Inquiring minds want to know, eh?

posted in Freemasons - 5 replies