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| 1 | General Category / General Board / Re: Greetings on: 02/14/10 at 11:54:53 |
| Started by Dave Hensley | Post by parsonsmasons | |
| This country has seen fierce and bitter political contests, but no other has approached the bitterness of this campaign against the Masons. No society, civil, military or religious, escaped its influence. No relation of family or friends was a barrier to it. The hatred of Masonry was carried everywhere, and there was no retreat so sacred that it did not enter. Not only were teachers and pastors driven from their stations, but the children of Masons were excluded from the schools, and members from their churches. The Sacrament was refused to Masons by formal vote of the Church, for no other offense than their Masonic connection. Families were divided. Brother was arrayed against brother, father against son, and even wives against their husbands. Desperate efforts were made to take away chartered rights from Masonic Corporations and to pass laws that would prevent Masons from holding their meetings and performing their ceremonies." Reverend Brother John C. Palmer, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, says in his little classic of the Craft, Morgan and anti-Masonry (Volume 7 of The Little Masonic Library, published by The MASONIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION in 1925):"The pressure was so strong that withdrawals by individuals and bodies were numerous. In 1827, two hundred and twenty-seven lodges were represented in the Grand Lodge of New York. In 1835, the number had dwindled to forty-one. Every Lodge in the State of Vermont surrendered its Charter or became dormant; and the Grand Lodge, for several years, ceased to hold its sessions. As in Vermont, so also in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut; and in lesser degrees in several other states. The Masonic Temple was cleft in twain; its brotherhood scattered, its trestleboard without work; its working tools shattered. Thus Masonry endured the penalty of the mistaken zeal of those fearful brethren who thought that the revealing of the ritual to profane eyes would destroy the Order and who hoped to save it by removing the traitor within the camp."Space here is not sufficient to retell the interesting, often exciting, and always varied story of the political campaigns which were predicated on, and took much of their ammunition from, the anti-Masonic excitement which followed the Morgan affair. It is not to be supposed that the abduction and alleged--never proved--murder of Morgan was the sole cause of this outburst, any more than was the assassination in 1914 the sole cause of the World War. Both were triggers which set off guns which, in turn, caused other explosions.Suffice it here that a wave of hysteria was seized upon by able politicians, fanned by demagogues, increased by the righteous indignation of good men and true who saw not beneath the surface, helped onward by press and pulpit with the best of intentions but little understanding, until the whole east flamed with passion and Freemasons were spit upon in the streets, lodges threw away their charters, and Freemasonry bowed its head to a storm as unjust and undeserved as all religious persecutions have always been.Like any other hysteria, this passed. Passions wore themselves away. A few sturdy and brave men stood staunchly by, a few Grand Lodges with high courage and the strength of the right never ceased to proclaim their allegiance to the principles of the Order. Little by little, Freemasonry raised its head; one by one, lodges took heart; brother by brother, Craftsmen returned to their Altars.After a period following almost twenty years of more or less complete eclipse, the sun of Freemasonry shone again, and the world was treated to a spectacle that has been a heartening lesson to millions and will be to counted millions yet to be born anew at the sacred Altar of Freemasonry--the strange sight of an Order many had thought dead, suffering from uncounted thousands of stabs to the heart, coming again to life to grow and thrive and attract to it then. as it had in the historic past, men of the highest character.It is for this that the Craft of today can offer thanks to the Great Architect for the Morgan affair. Dreadful as it was to the men who lived through it, terrible in its consequences to the brethren who suffered, it demonstrated again--and it may be hoped and believed, once for all--that the underlying faith of Freemasonry, its Ancient Landmarks, its foundation upon Deity and the Great Light. together are stronger than any evil, more lasting than any calumny, more enduring than any human passions.Forever and forever, So mote it be ! |
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| 2 | General Category / General Board / Re: Greetings on: 02/14/10 at 11:51:54 |
| Started by Dave Hensley | Post by parsonsmasons | |
| Commonplace and unexciting truth seldom catches up with scandalous, electrifying, remarkable falsehood! William Morgan had disappeared. Freemasons had been convicted of abducting him. A body had been found and identified as Morgan. That better evidence and a less excited jury had later reversed this identification was anti-climatic. The stories of Morgan's "murder" persisted. Thurlow Weed, whom history shows as an unscrupulous opportunist, no matter what the exact truth of his activities with the body may have been, added fuel to the flames.Weed died in 1882, On his death bed he stated that in 1860 (twenty-two years before) John Whitney, who had been convicted in the conspiracy charge, confessed to him the full details of the murder of Morgan. According to this alleged confession, Whitney and four others carried the abducted Morgan in a boat to the center of the river, bound him with chains, and dumped him overboard. Weed stated--and here his memory failed him--that Whitney had promised to dictate and sign this confession, but died before he could do so. But Whitney died in 1869 nine years after!Whitney did indeed tell a story--not to Thurlow Weed, who was his accuser in the conspiracy case and whom he hated--but to Robert Morris. This story is both the most probable and the best attested of any we have, as to the true fate of William Morgan.Whitney told Morris that he had consulted with Governor Clinton at Albany, relative to what could be done to prevent Morgan executing his plans to print the expose. Clinton sternly forbade any illegal moves, but suggested the purchase of the Morgan manuscript, for enough money to enable Morgan to move beyond the reach of the influence and probable enmity of his associates in the publishing enterprise. From some source (Masons? Governor Clinton ?) Whitney was assured of any amount needed, up to a thousand dollars, which was a great sum in those days.In Batavia Whitney summoned Morgan to a conference in which the bribe was temptingly held forth. On the one hand, the enmity of all, persecution, continual danger--it is not improbable that threats were mingled with the bribe! On the other hand, money, safety, freedom from a plan to publish which held much of danger. If Morgan would take five hundred dollars, go to Canada, "disappear", his family would be provided for, and later sent to him!Morgan agreed. He was to be arrested and "kidnapped", to make it easy to get away from Miller and his associates. Whitney feared that without some such spectacular escape, Morgan might at the last moment decline to go through with the plan, fearing reprisals from his friends in the publishing venture.Whitney told Morris that two Canadian Masons received Morgan from the hands of his "kidnappers" at Ft. Niagara, traveled with him a day and a night to a place near Hamilton, Ontario, where they paid him the five hundred dollars, receiving his receipt and signed agreement never to return without permission of Captain William King, Sheriff Bruce, or Whitney.Later there were two other "confessions" of complicity in the "murder" of Morgan-- neither consistent with the facts. Doubtless they were of the same hysterical origin which leads so many notoriety seekers to confess crimes which by no possibility they could have committed.Did William Morgan choose the easier way, disappear with five hundred dollars from a dangerous situation, eliminating from his responsibilities a wife and family suddenly burdensome, and, in a new freedom, ship on a vessel from Montreal and out into the world, there to come to an unknown end ?Or was he basely murdered by Masons who thought the crime less than the evil results to follow on the publication of Morgan's Book. No man knows. No incontestable evidence can be adduced--or was ever adduced--definitely to prove either solution. All that is undoubted is that William Morgan was apparently kidnapped and did disappear.It is difficult, a hundred years after, to understand the extent and power of the widespread excitement and passions this incident created. For the fame and infamy of the Morgan affair spread over an immense territory. It was the beginning of an anti-Masonic sentiment which grew and spread like wild fire. meetings were held, the Order was denounced by press and pulpit. An anti-Masonic paper was started--with Thurlow Weed as Editor-- soon joined by the Anti-Masonic Review, in New York City. The many groups in Pennsylvania, already opposed to any oath bound society (Quakers, Lutherans, Mennonites, Dunkards, Moravians, Schwenkfelders, German Reformed Church) were aroused to a high pitch of feeling against the alleged "murderers" and "kidnappers"--the Freemasons.The anti-Masonic excitement spread--and fast and far. Gould, in his History of Free-Masonry, thus epitomizes the spirit of that time:"This country has seen fierce and bitter political contests, but no other has approached the bitterness of this campaign against the Masons. No society, civil, military or religious, escaped its influence. No relation of family or friends was a barrier to it. The hatred of Masonry was carried everywhere, and there was no retreat so sacred that it did not enter. Not only were teachers and pastors driven from their stations, but the children of Masons were excluded from the schools, and members from their churches. The Sacrament was refused to Masons by formal vote of the Church, for no o |
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| 3 | General Category / General Board / Re: Greetings on: 02/14/10 at 11:49:05 |
| Started by Dave Hensley | Post by parsonsmasons | |
| THE MORGAN AFFAIR STB-MR33Perhaps the most romantic story of Freemasonry, the fuel which the alleged abduction and murder of William Morgan supplied to the anti-Masonic hysteria of a hundred years ago, and the gradual emergence of the Ancient Craft from the cloud which threatened to extinguish it, is a tale which all Freemasons may ponder to their enlightenment.William Morgan, a brickmason, lived in Batavia, New York, from I824 to 1826. Accounts of him differ widely, as they do of any notorious person. Few are so wicked as to be without friends; few are so good they have not their detractors. from the estimates of both enemies and friends, the years have brought an evaluation of Morgan which shows him as a shiftless rolling stone; uneducated but shrewd; careless of financial obligations: often arrested for debt; idle and improvident; frequently the beneficiary of Masonic charity.That he was really a Mason is doubtful; no record of his raising or Lodge membership exists, but it is certain he received the Royal Arch in Western Star Chapter R. A. M. No. 33 of LeRoy, New York;. It is supposed that he was an "eavesdropper" and lied his way into a Lodge in Rochester by imposing on a friend and employer, who was led to vouch for him in Wells Lodge No. 282 at Batavia. Judge Ebenzer Mix, of Batavia, a Mason of unquestioned reputation, wrote of this alleged Masonic membership: "There must have been a most reprehensible laxity among the Masons both of Rochester and LeRoy; for there was no evidence educed, then or afterwards, that he ever received any Masonic degree save the Royal Arch, on May 31, 1825, at LeRoy."At any rate, he visited Lodges, was willing to assist, made Masonic speeches, took part in degrees. When Companions of Batavia asked for a Royal Arch Chapter, he was among those who signed the petition. But suspicion of his regularity began to grow, and his name was omitted as a member when the Charter was granted.Just how much this incident inspired the enmity he developed for the Fraternity is only a guess; doubtless it had much to do with it. Enemy he became, and it became known that he had applied for a copyright on a book which was to "expose' Masonic ritual, secrets and procedure. In spite of the deep resentment which this proposed expose created, Morgan entered into a contract (March 13, 1826) with three men for the publication of this work. These were: David C. Miller, an Entered Apprentice of twenty years standing, stopped from advancement for cause, who thus held a grudge against the Fraternity; John Davids, Morgan's landlord; and Russel Dyer, of whom little is known. These three entered into a penal bond of half a million dollars to pay Morgan one fourth of the profits of the book. Morgan boasted in bars and on the street of his progress in writing this book. The more he bragged, the higher the feeling against him ran, and the greater the determination engendered that the expose should never appear. Brethren were deeply angered. fearful that were the "secrets" of Freemasonry "exposed", the Order would die out. Feeling ran high.Matters came to a head in September, 1826. Morgan was arrested for the theft of a shirt and tie. Of this he was acquitted, but immediately rearrested for failure to pay a debt of $2.68, and jailed. After one day behind bars, some one paid the debt. When he was released he left in a coach with several men, apparently not of his own free will. He was taken to Ft. Niagara and there confined in an unused magazine. Then Morgan disappeared!What happened to William Morgan? Enemies of the Craft said Freemasons had kidnapped and murdered him, to prevent the publication of his expose. Freemasons, of course, indignantly denied the charge. As time went on and Morgan was not found, members of the Craft disavowed any approval of any such act, if it had been committed. Governor Clinton, Past Grand Master, issued proclamation after proclamation, the last one offering two thousand dollars reward "that, if living, Morgan might be returned to his family; if murdered, that the perpetrators might be brought to con dign punishment."It was not too difficult to discover that Masons were concerned in Morgan's hundred and twenty five mile journey to Ft. Niagara. Three members of the Craft--Chesebro, Lawson and Sawyer--pleaded guilty to conspiracy to "seize and secrete" Morgan, and, together with Eli Bruce, Sheriff, and one John Whitney, all served terms in prison for the offense.But murder could not be proved for no body was found.In October, 1827, a body was washed ashore forty miles below Ft. Niagara. Morgan's widow "identified" the body, although it was dressed in other clothes than her husband had worn alive; was bearded, although Morgan was clean shaven; had a full head of hair, although Morgan was bald ! Thurlow Weed, Rochester Editor, was accused of having the corpse shaved and of adding long white hairs to ears and nostrils, to simulate the appearance of Morgan. The first inquest decided that this was, indeed, the body of William Morgan.Three inquests were held in all. The third decided, on the unimpeachable evidence of Mrs. Sara Monroe, who minutely described the body, its marks, and the clothes it wore, that the corpse was not William Morgan, but Timothy Monroe, of Clark, Canada, her husband.Commonplace and unexciting truth seldom catches up with scandalous, electrifying, remarkable falsehood! William Mo |
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| 4 | General Category / General Board / Re: Greetings on: 02/14/10 at 11:45:44 |
| Started by Dave Hensley | Post by parsonsmasons | |
| A Masonic third degree is not an online college degree and because it is not an accredited degree; you cannot obtain your Masters degree online nor via online classes. Unlike other degree programs online or offline in colleges and universities, the Master Mason degree is only offered by Masonic lodges. However, that is not to say you cannot obtain an online education about Freemasonry and benefit from your continuing education and online studies because there is a wealth of Masonic information on the internet. Masonic Third Degree Similarities to College Courses and Online Degrees Continuing Education: Your Master Mason degree is the beginning of your continuing education. Online classes and Masonic courses are few, therefore your Masonic knowledge will be obtained from Masonic books, instructor led Masonic education classes and Schools of Instruction as well as online learning from many of the excellent Masonic websites available to you. Programs of "Study" •Masonic Ritual: Masonic ritual teaches us lessons learned in the Holy Scriptures, around which Freemasonry evolves. Some members choose to learn, excel and "master" Masonic ritual. These members may go on to become Masonic lecturers, helping others to learn ritual or may be requested to become a District Deputy Grand Lecturer who teaches Masonic education to lodges within his district. So, if education and teaching is your forte; there is a place for Masonic instructors and mentors within every lodge. •Fraternal Brotherhood: Much like a university degree, others join the fraternity for both the social aspect of lifelong brotherhood as well as the fellowship enjoyed by its members. •Masonic Charity: Members of the fraternity believe in and actively participate in Masonic charity to various and innumerable worthwhile causes which creates a satisfying feeling of "giving back" to their local communities. There are many avenues for participation in the activities of your lodge, therefore it is best to find the areas where you will be the happiest in your new Masonic home. Masonic Participation: There are a variety of ways to serve and to benefit,...a period of duty on the Stewards’ Committee, waiting on the brothers who have previously waited on you, learning to participate as a sideliner in the degree work until you are comfortable to help in the work; supporting the Lodge simply by regular attendance at Stated and Special Meetings, calling on a brother who is ill; bringing wives, families and friends to social functions, taking up the study of Masonic research, and, of most special importance,... partaking of all the good fellowship which is available to you through your Lodge •Lodge Officers: Some take the path toward ascending through the Masonic officer chairs to ultimately arrive "in the East", which is to be elected as the Worshipful Master of the lodge, and whose chair sits in the East. They fulfill roles having to do with not only the ritual work of each specific officer's position, but lodge officers govern lodge operations including audits and budgets and insure that peace and harmony prevail both within the lodge room and outside its walls. The Masonic Third Degree...Lifelong Study Just as college or university degrees prepare students for a lifelong career in their chosen field, financially, your Masonic degree will prepare you to spiritually practice the tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, each day of your life and attempt to help others do so, as well. After receiving your Masonic third degree, ...unlike an accredited degree, which may take only 4 to 12 years of your time, it is most probable that you will continue your Masonic studies for the rest of your lifetime. Masonic Third Degree...The Journey Freemasonry is a fraternal organization based on a belief in a Supreme Creator. Universally, HE has various names around the world. Freemasonry centers around what our Creator, no matter what each of us call him, wishes for us. The foundation of a universal brotherhood of man begins in the Holy Scriptures. Freemasonry is spiritual and does not tell its members the specifics of what to believe or how to believe. An individual member's personal religion is an important part of who he is. A Master Mason degree does not change this..., but builds upon each man's faith in our Creator. Masonic Third Degree...The Masonic Virtues The Masonic Virtues of tolerance, prudence, faith, hope, and charity are not simply spoken words, but these, too, are put into practice in the lives of Freemasons. Masonic Third Degree...The Masonic Ring of a Master Mason Masonic Ring: Like most colleges and university online schooling, you may purchase your Masonic ring after you have completed your Masonic third degree. Once you have been raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, this ring is a daily reminder of your faith in the Creator, your continuing education, and your belief in the Masonic tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth as well as your moral duties and boundaries. These are aptly exemplified in the Masonic artwork, above, which is entitled "Ancient of Days". While you may not receive Master's Degree, online,... may your Masonic Third Degree assist you in charting your Masonic course with wisdom and humility...and it is my hope that you may experience its many rewards, spoken and unspoken, for which y |
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| 5 | General Category / General Board / Re: Greetings on: 02/14/10 at 11:43:59 |
| Started by Dave Hensley | Post by parsonsmasons | |
| Masonic Lodge secrets are much sought after by those who are not members of the fraternity. However, the Freemason secret is much easier to decipher than most people would believe. Masonic Secrets in the Masonic Lodge If you see a man who is wearing a Masonic lapel pin, a set of Masonic cufflinks or Masonic jewelry...he is most probably a Mason and belongs to one of the thousands of Masonic lodges across the world. Does this mean he knows the Masonic secrets? Yes....most probably he does. Q: Why won't he divulge these Masonic signs, the Masonic handshake and the Masonic Passwords? A: He is an honorable man. He promised upon his word to keep them secret. Q: How can I find out these Masonic secrets? A: If you are an honorable man; you might want to learn about how to become a Freemason. Masonic Passwords While many people falsely believe that possessing the Masonic passwords are the keys that will unlock all of the Masonic secrets,... however, in truth, these Masonic passwords can be likened more to an ancient formality which the Freemason fraternity strives to maintain. Q: If I am not a Freemason, but possess the Masonic passwords, will I be able to get into a Masonic lodge and learn their Masonic secrets? A: It is highly doubtful. The reason is that Freemasonry is a brotherhood of men, most of whom have long term ties to their lodge and their lodge brothers. Think of it this way,... if you have a football uniform and show up at the door to the locker room of one of the National football teams, the security guard...(we call him a Tiler),... would ask for your credentials, (your Masonic password) for admittance. If you know the password, you might gain entrance, but once inside, if you are unknown to the Coach,...(we call him the Worshipful Master); he is going to test you to determine your authenticity. In other words, if you knock on the door, are somehow able to prove your false authenticity, and do gain admittance,...you should be ready and able to play football. If you are not ready, the Coach will not let you suit up. The true "key to the lock" of Masonic lodge secrets is when a man becomes a Freemason. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Masonic Ritual Q: I have heard that Masonic Ritual is one of the Masonic lodge secrets. Is it? A: Yes. Q: What happens during Masonic ritual? A: Much of Masonic ritual is based upon the Holy Scriptures. Once the Holy Scriptures become more meaningful to you, you will see that Masonic ritual is a method of inculcating (teaching) their values. Freemasonry is not a part of any specific religion. In fact, believing in a Supreme Being is one of its qualifications in most jurisdictions around the world. Freemasonry is about spiritual enlightenment, brotherly love, relief and charity to those who are misfortunate. It is a group of men who wish to give back to others, as God intended us to do. Once a man becomes a member and understands its true purposes, the few Masonic lodge secrets are not as important to Freemasons as the spirituality felt during the Masonic ritual and the emotional and social benefits of having "brothers" who believe in your worth. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Freemason Degree Ritual Q: Is Freemason degree ritual a secret,...and, what exactly is degree ritual? A: Freemason degree ritual, is, indeed, a secret. There are 3 degrees within Freemasonry, Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason. Masonic degree ritual is about bringing a new candidate from darkness (their old ways which may not be pleasing to the Creator) to light (walking in harmony with other men who attempt to please God by their actions in life). The actual ritual is performed in play form and as such, is quite dramatic. In the ritual, with the help of other men, a man turns away from his grievous past ways and is reborn to seek the light which our Creator desires for us. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Freemason Code Books Q: Are Freemason Code Books part of the Masonic lodge secrets? A: Yes. Q: What is in these code books? A: Theycontain parts of the ritual which is several hundred years old. However, even if you could read the code book,... without going through the physical ceremonial ritual of rebirth to become a Master Mason, the words within the book can be very confusing and not very helpful toward understanding the meaning of each degree in its entirety. This might best be likened to viewing the musical notes of a song sheet compared to hearing the song sung. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Masonic Secret handshakes (also called Freemason grips) Q: Why are these Freemason handshakes part of their Masonic lodge secrets? A: See below. Freemasonry is an ancient fraternity of men, whose lodge symbolically represents King Solomon's Temple in biblical times. Like Solomon's Temple, only those who are pure of heart and who seek enlightenment in the principles our Creator has set down for us in the Holy Scriptures are allowed to enter the Masonic Temple. |
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| 6 | General Category / General Board / Re: Greetings on: 02/14/10 at 11:42:06 |
| Started by Dave Hensley | Post by parsonsmasons | |
| Why? It is discourteous to point out others mistakes in front of the lodge brethren. If you are in possession of a mind which allows you to be able to perform each and every degree and ceremony, perfectly, please advise the Worshipful Master of such that he may take advantage of your services to mentor others. 15. EXHIBIT GOOD POSTURE: Why? Good posture is necessary while within the Lodge room. Lounging, leaning and slovenly attitudes should be avoided. Poor posture is considered poor Masonic etiquette. 16. NO PRACTICAL JOKES NOR OFF-COLOR STORIES: Why? The great lessons of Masonry, which are taught by our ritual, should never be demeaned by levity or pranks. The lodge room is not a proper location for the telling of practical jokes, pranks, horseplay nor off-color stories. 17. USE PROPER MASONIC NAMES: Why? It is common courtesy to be accurate in speaking a brother’s name, so it is proper Masonic etiquette to address officers, members, and visitors by their correct Masonic titles and addresses. 18. ENTERING LODGE AFTER THE MEETING HAS BEGUN: If a brother should enter the Lodge after the opening ceremony is under way, he should go to the Altar to salute the Master. If he must leave before the meeting is over, the correct Masonic etiquette of his departure is that he should salute the Presiding Master at the Altar before he departs. The salute should always be given properly and not in a careless or perfunctory manner. 19. ALL PRAYERS AT LODGE FUNCTIONS ARE NON-SECTARIAN: Freemasonry is worldwide and holds no sectarian views. Non-sectarian means not sectioned into one, specific religion. Freemasonry embraces all religions. A Mason may choose the religion of his choice in his private life but should be aware and open to the fact that others among the brethren do not necessarily share nor were they brought up with the religious dogmas and beliefs that you, personally, embrace. Why? Prayers at lodge functions should be scrupulously in keeping with Masonic teachings. The Masonic Etiquette of offered prayers is that they should never be an expression of specific sectarian views or dogmatic creeds. It is a matter of courtesy that all prayers, speeches and discussions at Masonic affairs avoid sectarian, controversial or political tones. Prayers are best directed to the Creator, the Master Architect of the Universe and not toward specific religious teachings such as Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, Muhammad, Jehovah, Allah etc. To do so omits the religions of others within the brethren, which can cause conflict and therefore not be harmonious to the whole. In the spirit of non-sectarianism, we must remember that since the day that our Creator found that Man created the Tower of Babel to glorify themselves; it is HE who changed man's language into the many diverse languages now spoken on Earth. In so doing, our Creator has many names across the world. 20. TURN CELL PHONES OFF: All cell phones should be turned off before entering the lodge room so as not to disrupt the proceedings. Read more: http://www.masonic-lodge-of-education.com/masonic-etiquette.html#ixzz0fX7fMbye |
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| 7 | General Category / General Board / Re: Greetings on: 02/14/10 at 11:41:08 |
| Started by Dave Hensley | Post by parsonsmasons | |
| 6. SPEAKING: If you wish to offer a predetermined motion or matter for discussion, advise the Master beforehand. Why? Advising the Master before the meeting that you intend to bring up a specific motion or a matter for discussion is an important courtesy. You may, indeed, do it without advising him in advance, but the Master may have plans of his own for that meeting, for which your proposed motion or discussion may not easily fit into the allotted time frame. As a courtesy to him, his work, and his dedication to the members, it is best to ask him privately, beforehand, if he will be able to recognize you to speak your purpose. This saves "face" for both of you. You will not publicly be refused and he will not have to seem disagreeable or arrogant in his refusal of your motion. If you wish to speak, (see number 6.), above. 7. OBEY THE GAVEL: You must immediately obey the gavel. Why? Failure to immediately obey the gavel is a GRAVE DISCOURTESY and VERY poor Masonic Etiquette. The Master is all powerful in the lodge and his word is final. He can put or refuse to put any motion. He can rule any brother out of order on any subject at any time. He can say what he will, and what he will not, permit to be discussed. Brethren who think him unfair, arbitrary, unjust, or acting illegally have redress. The Grand Lodge can be appealed to on any such matter. However, in the lodge, the Master’s gavel denotes his emblem of authority, is supreme. When a brother is rapped down, he should obey at once, without any further discussion. It is VERY bad manners to do otherwise. In fact, it is perilously close to the line between bad manners and a Masonic offense. Masonic etiquette decries anyone who does not obey the gavel. 8. TURNING YOUR BACK: Never turn one’s back on the Master to address the lodge without first receiving permission from the Master to speak. Why? Any debates that are in motion must be conducted using proper Masonic etiquette. One always stands to order when addressing the chair. Customs differ in various jurisdictions as to the method of salute, however some salute should always be given when addressing the Master. Two brethren, both on their feet, simultaneously arguing a motion, who are facing each other and ignoring the Master is unacceptable. 9. SALUTE: Some lodges (not all) offer salutes to the Master. Each of the brethren will salute the Master when they enter and when they leave their Masonic Mother lodge room or any other Masonic lodge room. Some lodges offer salutes to the Senior Warden. Why? The Masonic etiquette of saluting the Master is your renewed pledge of fealty and service. It is your public display of decorum before all other brothers of your obligation. It shows your courteous respect for all that the Master stands for and shows that you acknowledge his authority. Salutes should reflect your heart-felt respect for all that for which he stands. The salute to the Master is your pledge of honor and service, your publicly shown obligation. A lazy, sloppy or improper salute is to be Masonically impolite and, thus, to exhibit poor Masonic etiquette. 10. BALLOTING: Do not enter or leave the lodge room during a ballot. Why? It is discourteous to leave the lodge room during a speech, during a degree, etc. There are several natural periods, such as at the end of one section and before the next begins, or when the Master puts the lodge at ease until the sound of the gavel. Then, and only then, you may leave the lodge without being considered rude. It is Masonic Etiquette that all brethren are expected to vote when requested to do so. Failure to cast your ballot not only results in your failure to share in your duties, but is in direct disobedience of the Master’s request. 11. VOTING IS MANDATORY: When an issue is put to a vote, all brethren should vote. Why? A brother who does not vote is discourteous because he skews the ballot. He becomes the weak link in a strong chain. No matter what the reason of his non-vote, he injures the lodge’s ballot, its value and its secrecy. Failure to vote can injure a lodge’s feeling of brotherhood, and by that injury, can injure the Masonic fraternity. No matter what reason you may privately hold about voting, it is poor Masonic Etiquette to fail to vote when requested to do so by the Master. 12. SMOKING: No smoking in the lodge room. Why? While there are lodges who allow smoking during the business meeting (and you must be guided by the customs of your Mother Lodge), the ceremonies you take part in and watch are solemn occasions. In most lodge rooms, it is considered VERY disrespectful to smoke while the ceremonies are taking place. Smoking may take place in other parts of your building or outside and during refreshment. 13. SHOULDERING THE WORK: It is good Masonic Etiquette to accept a request made in the name of the lodge if it is within your abilities. Why? A lodge is a working "beehive of industry". A request made of you from your lodge acknowledges that the lodge trusts you to competently fulfill such a request based upon your knowledge. 14. CORRECTION OF VERBAL ERRORS: Lodge customs state that no one except for the Worshipful Master or his prearranged designee, may correct any mistake that may occur during the course of a Ceremony, and even he does so only when the error is a serious one. Why? It is discourteous to point out |
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| 8 | General Category / General Board / Re: Greetings on: 02/14/10 at 11:39:24 |
| Started by Dave Hensley | Post by parsonsmasons | |
| Unfortunately, Masonic Etiquette ...or Blue Lodge Etiquette, (as it is called in the United States) is largely unpublished as well as unspoken, therefore, up until now, it has been more difficult to learn its rules and nuances. You may study ritual work, degree work, floor work and know all Masonry’s glorious history, Masonic symbols, jewels, etc. but there is very little written about how to comport yourself so you do not look foolish or be regarded as disrespectful. Some are small things, and some are not, but your Lodge conduct is continually on display. Few Masonic mentors include a list of proper Lodge behavior, as they have learned it, themselves, incident-by-incident, and usually learned by them after their having made an error and being kindly informed by another member as to the correct Masonic etiquette of the situation. CONFORMING TO MASONIC ETIQUETTE Over time, and by watching others, members conform themselves to exhibit proper Masonic etiquette behavior to learn lodge customs. As a newly Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft or Master Mason, it is expected that you will exhibit the proper decorum and propriety in observance of the formal requirements which govern behavior in polite societies... BEFORE someone takes you aside to explain your errors...or you wouldn’t be reading this. RULES OF MASONIC ETIQUETTE THE MASTER'S AUTHORITY: During his term in office, the brother who has been elected as Master is the most powerful member of the Lodge. He also shoulders all of its many responsibilities. The Worshipful Master has the authority to: 1. Rule any brother out of order on any subject at any time. 2. Decide what can and cannot be discussed. Should a brother believe that the Master is arbitrary, unjust or unfair or is acting in an illegal manner, he can appeal to the District Deputy Grand Master. If that officer agrees that the appeal is a valid one, he will forward the complaint to the Grand Master. If, however, that brother insists on speaking after the Master has ruled that he is out of order, he may be committing a Masonic offense. Courteous brethren accept the requests made by the Master to serve on various committees such as the examination committee, the investigation committee and other duties, as determined by the Lodge’s needs. The following items are not Masonic offenses, They are simply a lack of Masonic Etiquette…or in other words, considered to be “bad form” or bad manners. So… Let’s begin: 1. WALKING BETWEEN THE ALTAR AND THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER: Brethren do not pass between the Altar and the East when the lodge is open. Why? As a courtesy to the Master, it is necessary that the three Great Lights which shine their eternal light and wisdom upon the Master to help him govern the lodge should never be in shadow, not even for a millisecond, during the processes of an initiation or degree work. 2. SITTING IN THE EAST: Brethren do not take a seat in the East without an invitation... even if all other seats are full. Why? While all Brethren within a tiled room are equal to one another, and the officers are servants of the brethren, all lodge officers have worked and studied long and hard for their lodge. It is, therefore, the Master’s prerogative to recognize this devotion and their loyalty by inviting distinguished visitors or a special member whom the Master wishes to honor to sit with him in the East. In other words, if you were in church, synagogue or mosque and the pews were full, would you go up and sit beside the Pastor, Rabbi or Imam (Muslim Priest)? 3. ALWAYS FULLY DRESSED: Brethren do not enter their Lodge room either without their apron nor while putting on that apron…not even the tying of its strings. Why? In respect to the formalities of their Lodge, officers expect that the Brethren will have the courtesy to enter it fully dressed and ready for the labor. They should not have to wait for a member to be fully "dressed", even just tying or adjusting their apron, to salute that member. It is expected that you will be properly and entirely dressed when you pass by the Tiler and enter your lodge room. 4. STAND WHEN YOU SPEAK: No man sits while speaking in the lodge room, no matter if he addresses an officer or another brother. Why? All lodge activity is based on each man in the lodge as being a servant of the Brethren. This includes the Worshipful Master and his officers. While the man, himself, who has been elected Worshipful Master does not gain any special honor, personally, as the Worshipful Master, it is to the Worshipful Master as the Master of the Lodge that a member stands to address. It is simply a form of respect ...and no different than attending a shareholder’s meeting or a City Council meeting. It is expected that if you wish to address the audience, you will stand so all may see who is speaking. 5. TALKING: "Side" talk while a degree is being conferred is considered bad manners. Why? The lodge room is a Temple of the Great Architect of the Universe. The brethren within are working to make the best ashlars (stones) for His spiritual temple. Just as it is impolite to talk in a church, synagogue or mosque service, so it is improper to distract the officers, the workers in the degree or the candidate. Talking without asking to do so shows irreverence for the proceedings. God’s house is not for social conversation within |
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| 9 | General Category / General Board / Re: Greetings on: 02/14/10 at 11:32:28 |
| Started by Dave Hensley | Post by parsonsmasons | |
Anti-masonry,  NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Richard E. Fletcher, 1-301-588-4010 Anti-Masonry Heating Up The Masonic Information Center has had a dramatic increase in the number of requests for information to respond to attacks from anti-Masonic critics. Particularly, attacks from the religious community. In an attempt to try to understand why these attacks are increasing and what is behind the nature of them, the Masonic Information Center invited Chip Berlet, author of Right Wing Populism in America; Too Close for Comfort, to participate in a discussion at a recent Masonic Information Center Steering Committee Meeting. Mr. Berlet brought with him a number of books on conspiracy thinking in contemporary America and several books, originally published in the 18th century, claiming that "the enlightenment was a conspiracy promulgated by the Freemasons to undermine established belief structures". He then went on to discuss how religious extremists view the reading and interpretation of religious texts and how people fuel their religious philosophy around what is wrong in society. The concept is to define which organizations (in their view) create social and religious instability in the world, and then work to get rid of these organizations. Once a group is demonized, then it becomes the central focus of challenge between right and wrong. To the conspiracist, the hero becomes the person who sounds the alarm that a group is evil. It was also pointed out that many religious extremist groups had very high hopes for a major catastrophic event to occur at the beginning of the new millennium. When nothing they had anticipated occurred, their anger, frustration, and disappointment were unleashed in the form of attacks on groups they label as anti-Christian or involved in a "worldwide conspiracy" to take over the world. When this happens, Freemasonry is almost always at the top of their "enemies" list. The Masonic Information Center is deeply concerned about these new attacks and realizes that many Masons would like to have good information to help them respond locally. We have a variety of publications available to respond to the attacks from religious extremists and conspiracy theorists. |
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| 10 | General Category / General Board / Re: Greetings on: 02/14/10 at 11:30:25 |
| Started by Dave Hensley | Post by parsonsmasons | |
| CHARGES OF A FREE-MASON, EXTRACTED FROM The Ancient RECORDS of LODGES beyond Sea, and of those in England, Scotland, and Ireland, for the Use of the Lodges in L ONDON: TO BE READ At The Making of N EW B RETHREN, or when the MASTER shall order it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The General Heads, VIZ I. Of GOD and RELIGION. II. Of the CIVIL MAGISTRATES, supreme and subordinate. III. Of LODGES. IV. Of MASTERS, Wardens, Fellows, and Apprentices. V. Of the Management of the Craft in working. VI. Of BEHAVIOUR, viz. 1. In the Lodge while constituted. 2. After the Lodge is over and the Brethren not gone. 3. When Brethren meet without Strangers, but not in a Lodge. 4. In Presence of Strangers not Masons. 5. At Home and in the Neighbourhood. 6. Towards a strange Brother. I. Concerning GOD and R ELIGION. A Mason is oblig'd by his Tenure, to obey the moral Law; and if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Atheist nor an irreligious Libertine. But though in ancient Times Masons were charg'd in every Country to be of the Religion of that Country or Nation, whatever it was, yet 'tis now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that Religion in which all Men agree, leaving their particular Opinions to themselves; that is, to be good Men and true, or Men of Honour and Honesty, by whatever Denominations or Persuasions they may be distinguish'd; whereby Masonry becomes the Center of Union, and the Means of conciliating true Friendship among Persons that must have remain'd at a perpetual Distance. II. Of the CIVIL MAGISTRATES supreme and subordinate. A Mason is a peaceable Subject to the Civil Powers, wherever he resides or works, and is never to be concern'd in Plots and Conspiracies against the Peace and Welfare of the Nation, nor to behave himself undutifully to inferior Magistrates; for as Masonry hath been always injured by War, Bloodshed, and Confusion, so ancient Kings and Princes have been much dispos'd to encourage the Craftsmen, because of their Peaceableness and Loyalty, whereby they practically answer'd the Cavils of their Adversaries, and promoted the Honour of the Fraternity, who ever flourish'd in Times of Peace. So that if a Brother should be a Rebel against the State he is not to be countenanc'd in his Rebellion, however he may be pitied as an unhappy Man; and, if convicted of no other Crime though the loyal Brotherhood must and ought to disown his Rebellion, and give no Umbrage or Ground of political Jealousy to the Government for the time being; they cannot expel him from the Lodge, and his Relation to it remains indefeasible. III. Of LODGES. A LODGE is a place where Masons assemble and work: Hence that Assembly, or duly organiz'd Society of Masons, is call'd a LODGE, and every Brother ought to belong to one, and to be subject to its By-Laws and the GENERAL REGULATIONS.It is either particular or general, and will be best understood by attending it, and by the Regulations of the General or Grand Lodge hereunto annex'd. In ancient Times, no Master or Fellow could be absent from it especially when warn'd to appear at it, without incurring a sever Censure, until it appear'd to the Master and Wardens that pure Necessity hinder'd him. The persons admitted Members of a Lodge must be good and true Men, free-born, and of mature and discreet Age, no Bondmen no Women, no immoral or scandalous men, but of good Report. IV. Of Masters, WARDENS, Fellows and Apprentices. All preferment among Masons is grounded upon real Worth and personal Merit only; that so the Lords may be well served, the Brethren not put to Shame, nor the Royal Craft despis'd: Therefore no Master or Warden is chosen by Seniority, but for his Merit. It is impossible to describe these things in Writing, and every Brother must attend in his Place, and learn them in a way peculiar to this Fraternity: Only Candidates may know that no Master should take an Apprentice unless he has sufficient Imployment for him, and unless he be a perfect Youth having no Maim or Defect in his Body that may render him uncapable of learning the Art of serving his Master's LORD, and of being made a Brother, and then a Fellow-Craft in due time, even after he has served such a Term of Years as the Custom of the Country directs; and that he should be descended of honest Parents; that so, when otherwise qualify'd he may arrive to the Honour of being the WARDEN, and then the Master of the Lodge, the Grand Warden, and at length the GRAND MASTER of all the Lodges, according to his Merit. No Brother can be a WARDEN until he has pass'd the part of a Fellow-Craft; nor a MASTER until he has acted as a Warden, nor GRAND WARDEN until he has been Master of a Lodge, nor Grand Master unless he has been a Fellow-Craft before his Election, who is also to be nobly born, or a Gentleman of the best Fashion, or some eminent Scholar, or some curious Architect, or other Artist, descended of honest Parents, and who is of similar great Merit in the Opinion of the Lodges. And for the better, and easier, and more honourable Discharge of his Office, the Grand-Master has a Power to chuse his own DEPUTY GRAND-MASTER, who must be then, or must have been formerly, the Master of a particular Lodge, and has the Privilege of acting whatever the GRAND MASTER, his Principal, should act, unless the said Principal be present, or interpose |
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