Freemasons?

**Steelforge** · 10-20-2006, 05:30 AM

Hi,

I've noticed quite a few mentions of 'masonic' this or 'freemason' that on this forum. Would I be right in saying there are a few freemasons here?

I know next to nothing about the freemasons, but am quite intrigued. I started doing a little research on the internet the other day, but the information I found was a little vague. I had a distant relative who was a freemason but he never mentioned anything about it, my dad told me this guy was a freemason once but that was about it.

From what I read on Wiki and other sites, it seems like quite a nice organisation to be involved with - concerned with such things as upholding moral standards in society etc. Is that what it's about or is there much more?

Also what are the typical costs of being a member, both financial and in terms of time spent going to lodge meetings?

I'm quite interested in finding out more, so if anyone has any tips/advice please let me know - by PM if you'd prefer.

Thanks.

**FiReSTaRT** · 10-20-2006, 05:45 AM

Iwan, I also got curious about'em when they became more prominent in my community. There are so many conflicting accounts about the society that an outsider or even a lower-ranked insider wouldn't know much of the truth. Like in any hierarchy, different levels of initiation have different levels of knowledge and then there must be specializations as well to complicate the matters. Lower ranked members are only given the basic propaganda and higher ranked members won't reveal any more than that. The only way to learn meaningful info about them is to join.

**rtaylor61** · 10-20-2006, 05:51 AM

My dad has been a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, but not an active member in over 30 years. Yet, he maintains his membership. I'm looking for a Shavers Lodge to join.

Randy

**Steelforge** · 10-20-2006, 06:22 AM

I guess he must find it worthwhile if he's maintained his membership for so long, especially if he's not actively attending lodges.

Do you have to join your 'local' lodge (geographically), or can you join any lodge at all? And is that a serious comment about a shavers lodge, do they actually specialise into lodges for different trades/professions?

I'd probably be interested in joining up, if only to find out more initially. But I'd like to get more of an idea of what's involved first.

**rtaylor61** · 10-20-2006, 07:25 AM

Iwan,

It's a funny situation. My dad is totally commited. Yet, when I was in High School, I worked for a restaurant that had to cater for a Shriners/Masonic Lodge convention. Literally, I worked 36 hours straight. And the man in charge conveniently told us what a great job we were doing, and how impressed he was with the catering. At settlement time, he completely stiffed us on the tip, and told the boss how "horrible" things were. A couple of months later, my dad and I ran into Mr. Joel Steed (the man in charge) on the street. Dad asked if I knew who he was. I said "yes, that's the son of a bitch mother fu*^& who stiffed us on our tip after lying to us face to face". It's the only time my dad ever hit me...but he later apologized. Needless to say, I won't be involved with any of their projects! Regardless, I belive that overall it is a great organization. Yet 27 years later, I still judge them by Mr. Steed. He was a cheap bastard. But the good that they do overall, is worth mentioning and participating. I just can't get passed what this man taught me...supposedly a good man, but I learned what he was all about.

RT

**Steelforge** · 10-20-2006, 07:41 AM

I guess one just has to accept that there are both assholes and good people in all walks of life, just one of those things. The guy was probably just an asshole, nothing to do with being a freemason.

I can understand how a bad experience with a particular part of society might put you off them somewhat.

**rtaylor61** · 10-20-2006, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by Iwan

I guess one just has to accept that there are both assholes and good people in all walks of life, just one of those things. The guy was probably just an asshole, nothing to do with being a freemason.

I can understand how a bad experience with a particular part of society might put you off them somewhat.

Well, that and the fact that at one point, no one who was not a Shriner was allowed to enter the convention hall, as they were observing "sacred rites". Okay, I'm fine with that, but I did look in, and they were prancing around in unusual "costumes". Just a bit weird for my fancy. No disrespect to any Masonic Lodge members or Shriners intended...just not my cup of tea.

RT

**steve** · 10-20-2006, 11:28 AM

Freemasonry is a social fraternity that teaches men to be better husbands, fathers, citizens. There are many levels but the highest is the lodge membership. Without that, a member couldn't be in the different concordant groups (shriners, scottish rite, etc). Of course, they have their "secrets" as any fraternity (college for example) would have. These are limited to mode of recognition.

The fraternity is the oldest formal fraternity in the world and, just here in the States, donates an average of 2 million dollars to charities each day. Some include eye foundations to help people with eye diseases, children's burns hospitals, medical research and the list goes on.

Yes, like any other group of people there are good guys and less that good guys but you will find the majority are upright members of their community.

There is a lot of junk and misinformation out there from opponents that have religious or other problems with the fraternity but, like most consipriacy theories, they are just false.

The funny costumes can be related to costumes used during plays. The foundations of the teachings are taken from the building of King Solomon's temple in the Old Testament so you could naturally see the desire for costumes for dramatic effect.

I hope this helps shed a little light on your questions.

**Steelforge** · 10-20-2006, 02:34 PM

Thanks Steve. I was reading a little about freemasonry in the UK and it seems that some very well respected people are masons. The Duke of Edinburgh is I think head of the main London lodge, and the head of the local lodge is a high ranking RAF officer.

**steve** · 10-20-2006, 03:05 PM

Most of the founding fathers of America were too. I should speak to the shaving lodge comment - there is no such thing.

What does happen is that a group of masons with the same interest will sometimes form a club which is not an official part of the lodge. For example, in America, there are many masons who enjoy traveling and camping so they have formed a masonic camping club. The same may be true for ham radio operators or motorcycle enthusiasts.

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