Freemason ? - whats the criteria?

[D_Relentless Original]

Would you be able to join if you are gay?

 

[uncutblond34]

Would you be able to join if you are gay?

Ha... I did....

 

[uncutblond34]

Screwed up, see next post

 

[uncutblond34]

The lower level masons (1-18; and in somecases 1-29), usually have no knowledge of any of this stuff at all. That is why they are quick to try to refute these claims.

Freemasonry is also a very segregated, racist and sexist organization. They would never let blacks or women into their main branch of masonry, and in order to accomidate them, created the Eastern Star (for women) and Prince Hall (for blacks) lodges, yet the implications of being a member are no less sinister.

My great grandmother (who i am not related to by blood since she adopted my grandfather) was a member of the Eastern Star. The circumstances surrounding it were shady to say the least, even though she was not a member of the main branch. One of her heirlooms of sorts was a ring my mother came into possession of which had a pentagram imprinted on it. People do not realize how vile the higher levels can be. [/QUOTE]

Well, as far as the "lower level Masons", there is no such thing. You're as much a Mason you'll ever be at the 3rd degree ( Master Mason ) Being a 32nd degree Mason for nearly 20 years now, and serving the Grand Lodge of my jurisdiction, which oversees the activities of all the lodges, I've never heard or seen any such "abuse". ANY behavior that deviates from our normal practices is strictly forbidden and dealt with swiftly.

As far as being segregated, racist and sexist..... since the beginning of time, our first requirement has been "you must be a MAN"...thats just the way it is. As far as segregated and racist, hardly. My jusrisdiction had many black members, all of whom I'm lucky enough to call a brother. Prince Hall was initiated a Mason in a military lodge during the Revolutionary War. He and the other black Masons decided to branch off and organize thier own lodges....thats the problem with all these websites claiming to be "in the know", there's not ONE of them who does any research before writing such drivel.

And regarding the Eastern Star and the "pentagram".... donesn't it strike you as rather odd that, if the star is turned in one direction, it's a Star of David, and when turned another direction, it's a pentagram ?? Have all the conspiracy theorists lost their ability to think for themselves ? Oh wait... I just answered my own question.....now all of you who subscribe to the sinister theories put your aluminum foil hats back on so we can't read your thoughts.... hehehehe

 

[UpwardCurve]

Well, as far as the "lower level Masons", there is no such thing. You're as much a Mason you'll ever be at the 3rd degree ( Master Mason ) Being a 32nd degree Mason for nearly 20 years now, and serving the Grand Lodge of my jurisdiction, which oversees the activities of all the lodges, I've never heard or seen any such "abuse". ANY behavior that deviates from our normal practices is strictly forbidden and dealt with swiftly.

As far as being segregated, racist and sexist..... since the beginning of time, our first requirement has been "you must be a MAN"...thats just the way it is. As far as segregated and racist, hardly. My jusrisdiction had many black members, all of whom I'm lucky enough to call a brother. Prince Hall was initiated a Mason in a military lodge during the Revolutionary War. He and the other black Masons decided to branch off and organize thier own lodges....thats the problem with all these websites claiming to be "in the know", there's not ONE of them who does any research before writing such drivel.

And regarding the Eastern Star and the "pentagram".... donesn't it strike you as rather odd that, if the star is turned in one direction, it's a Star of David, and when turned another direction, it's a pentagram ?? Have all the conspiracy theorists lost their ability to think for themselves ? Oh wait... I just answered my own question.....now all of you who subscribe to the sinister theories put your aluminum foil hats back on so we can't read your thoughts.... hehehehe

Ok first of all, how could you have been a 32nd degree mason for 20 years?? Your age is listed as "38"... That means you would have become a mason at 18 when the required age is 21.... and furthermore, even if you were allowed to become a mason at the age of 18, there is no way in hell you can rise through the ranks that fast. What kind of Mickey Mouse lodge did you join to enable you to do this??

Second of all, the pentagram is NOT what is called the "star of david" (which is a hexagram and has no reason to be attributed to "David" in the first place but that's another story), and no matter where it is pointing, it is still an occult symbol (i am not even a mason and i still know your shit better than you do, again, i am doubting you are really a 32nd degree mason)....

Third, if you are a 32nd degree mason, you would know freemasonry is a hierchical society, and more "secrets" are revealed the higher you ascend in the ranks. So yes, most all masons are "Lower level". If not all masons are eligible to receive the "sublime secret" then your claim that this system does not exist is complete bull...

Finally, the owners of the aforementioned website I named deals with ritual abuse victims DIRECTLY and YES even though many are young children, they are able to recall exactly what is inside of the temples and what occured to them there (i.e. the checkerboard floors, the pillars, altar, etc. if you are really a "32nd degree mason" you have seen them too) Normal children (some young as 7,8 and even 4 years old) dont recall these things. Nor were they coached, or suffer from some "mass hysteria" (which is impossible since the victims hail from all over the country and the world, and never met each other). And it isnt just one website, it is also numerous books and forums that discuss this subject and MANY victims are coming forward and saying the EXACT same things about the rituals in detail. I dont care what you call me, but you can't dispute these facts when you dont even know your masonic symbology right....

 

[Big Don]

Thanks for your answer. That is pretty tough then. It just takes one racist in a lodge and....................... I presume the votes are secret.

Yes, the balloting is secret. I've never seen anyone actually get black balled, even though I know it does happen. The membership in my lodge has one basic belief: "get more guys to join". You still have to be a decent person, of course.

 

[Principessa]

]I'm almost certain you can be a black freemason... right??? [/B]

I hope I'm not being a div, but I thought NJQT was black, so assumed her Dad is black too. Guess I could be wrong.

Please someone tell me you can be a black Freemason?!?![/QUOTE] Yup, I'm black and so is my dad. :yup: Yes, it is now possible to be a black Freemason. However, it should be noted that Freemasonry dates back to the 1600's in the Unites States and longer than that in Europe. Back then and for a few hundred years after you could not be a member if you were not free born. This pretty much excluded most black people.

The race issue is an unfortunate misconception that needs attention. Allow me to quote njqt466 from earlier in the thread. These are the requirements to petition a lodge:

-Be a man who comes of his own free will.
-Believe in a Supreme Being (the form of which is left to open interpretation by the candidate).
-Be at least the minimum age (from 18–25 years old depending on the jurisdiction).
-Be of good morals, and of good reputation.
-Be of sound mind and body (Lodges had in the past denied membership to a man because of a physical disability; however, now, if a potential candidate says a disability will not cause problems, it will not be held against him).
-Be free-born (or "born free", i.e. not born a slave or bondsman).[57] As with the previous, this is entirely an historical holdover, and can be interpreted in the same manner as it is in the context of being entitled to write a will. Some jurisdictions have removed this requirement.
-Be capable of furnishing character references, as well as one or two references from current Masons, depending on jurisdiction.

Does it say "can't be black"? No.

Have members of lodges black-balled candidates because of their race in the past? Without a doubt yes.

Not for nothing, but it's not like the Freemasons are the first or only group/club that didn't want blacks, Jews, Asians, or anybody that wasn't a W.A.S.P.

However, things are changing. Earlier this summer the Grand Lodge of Ohio held an all-degree class in one day, during which I acted as a mentor for a candidate from my lodge. There were many candidates present who were not white. I love to see this, and I applaud the lodges who were willing to base their votes based on character, not race.

Cool!

 

[Penis Aficionado]

I've read a little bit about this organization, but one thing I've never been clear about is: do you have to in fact be a mason with a lower-case 'm' -- that is, a person skilled in working with stone, brick and mortar -- to join the "Masons"? Or has that part fallen along the wayside and it's now just sort of a fraternity for grownups?

 

[Principessa]

I've read a little bit about this organization, but one thing I've never been clear about is: do you have to in fact be a mason with a lower-case 'm' -- that is, a person skilled in working with stone, brick and mortar -- to join the "Masons"? Or has that part fallen along the wayside and it's now just sort of a fraternity for grownups?

The latter and I'm not sure you ever had to actually be a mason.

 

[Penis Aficionado]

I read somewhere that the Masons were originally literal masons employed by the Knights Templar to construct their fortressses and such, and over time they sort of became junior Knights. And a lot of the weird Masonic rituals are just bastardized versions of Templar rituals that no current Masons even know the reasons for anymore.

 

[D_Relentless Original]

I read somewhere that the Masons were originally literal masons employed by the Knights Templar to construct their fortressses and such, and over time they sort of became junior Knights. .

Yes, i recall that somewhere, maybe UCB or Don could enlighten us more.

 

[uncutblond34]

Upward curve,
I said "NEARLY 20 years". I attained my 32nd degree in 1993. I was made a Master Mason in 1992. My "Mickey Mouse" lodge I'm a member of was organized in 1853. You have a right to believe what you believe, however, you know NOTHING of the workings, symbolism, or allegory of the fraternity, because you are NOT a member. There are some very good reference sites on the internet that will tell you most anything you'd ever want to know about us. Unfortunately, there are TWICE as many sites claiming to "reveal the secrets of Masonry", writen by "former upper level members", none of whom have any credit whatsoever, because they, like you aren't members, and could never prove membership when called to do so.
As I said before, you have a right to believe what you want to believe, nothing I could do or say will ever change your mind. Its just a shame you were provided terribly false information to begin with.
You make some pretty strong, though empty,accusations for someone who has NO information about themselves on this site.That's right.. I question YOUR credibility.. I've drawn the line in the sand now ! I don't play "he said, she said"... I'm sure the rest of the posters here would like you to PROVE your "knowledge" as much as I would. You've given NOTHING more than empty accusations so far. Ball is in your court, chief.

 

[Principessa]

Here's one example of the philanthropy and generosity of the Freemasons.

Scottish Rite Bichan Scholarship Awarded

Each year, the Scottish Rite Foundation Fund awards a $10,000 Scottish Rite/Bichan Scholarship to a GW Early Childhood Special Education Student who plans to engage in studies associated with childhood language disorders. This year's recipient of the scholarship is Jessica Robins.[/QUOTE]

Jessica earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and psychology from Carnegie Mellon University in May 2009 and will enter the GW Early Childhood Special Education Master's Degree Program in Fall 2009. While at Carnegie Mellon, Jessica developed a fascination with language learning and language disorders. She will pursue this interest at GW with a particular focus on language learning in children with autism spectrum disorders. Jessica wants to learn more about why some children with autism do not develop spoken language. She wants to learn how to help these children communicate through assistive technologies, such as picture boards, or alternative methods of communication, such a sign language. By working with our youngest children, Jessica hopes they can achieve the best quality of life and education possible.

 

[FuzzyKen]

I have read most of the postings here and in all honesty what I see is that many fear what they do not understand.

Usually, like many, one's first experince with Freemasons starts in High School with Demolay. That is where many start including myself.

I have not been active for many years, but this has really not been by choice, it has been because the time slot to do justice to the fine work of the Freemasons just has not existed.

Freemasonry as has been said has a very intersting and complex history which any and all can in essence find on the internet.

Many mistakenly associate the Freemasons with or consider them to be just a different version of the other more common lodges such as those of Moose or Elks. The Freemasons and the Shriners organizations are great organizations who both work tirelessly towards many chairities. These chairities help people of all races, religions and all genders. I can gurantee that others here are members and I can also guarantee that another thing common is that you will never see a Freemason asking for applause.

I watched a man that I knew as he met his sunset years find himself ill with terminal cancer. The Freemasons to which he belonged, helped him, they took care of the remainder of his hospital bills, paid his rent, and when he left this world, he was courtesey of the organization given a beautiful plot and funeral service in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California. In the first years of the 1980's, I can guarantee you that the final arrangement costs exceeded $20,000 for what was done for him. He was a great man and his brothers and the organization recognized all that he had done. It was his Lodge Brothers who took care of him and this is just the tip of the iceberg of things I have seen.

I am very offended by those who cast condescending remarks over one of the finest chairity fund raising organizations worldwide. If you want to be part of this and have the time to give, I could not come up with a finer organization and a better bunch of individuals. The only statement that I will make on the relationships between members is that it is true that Lodge Brothers do look out for each other on levels that are far and above the average call of duty. That can include helping a brother facing illnes, loss of employment, and networking to better his own position in life. I do not consider any of those things to be negatives.

 

[Penis Aficionado]

There was a "Scottish Rite" dorm for women at my college. I didn't realize it had anything to do with the Masons. It had a reputation as a dorm for spoiled, whiny bitches.

 

[jason_els]

That may be the case Ken, but always remember that any "secret society," with a long history is going to be the object of nefarious speculation by outsiders. The obverse of recognition is suspicion and the Masons never seek recognition and so tend to gather more of the latter in the public mind.

I had no idea my grandfather was a Mason until after he died I found an apron in his closet. He had never once mentioned it.

I'm not sure what to think of the Masons. They're an enigma comprised of fabulous rumors and just plain secrecy. How are people interested in the organization supposed to get an interest if it's a secret? Keep a secret too well and nobody will know to want to join.

I've been intrigued by Masonry to some degree but I find the Shriners in their silly cars to detract from what I'd like to think is an organization with some dignity. I also question the Christian-focused ideology that I've heard is part of the ideology of the Masons. Of course I don't know if that's all true or not, because all of it is a secret.

When rumor is all that someone outside has, then it's what is tended to be believed. I suggest that the Masons may do better in attracting new members by being a bit more open about their mission and ethics.

 

[uncutblond34]

Thank you, FuzzyKen... I started out as a DeMolay myself. Thanks again, Brother !

 

[Rubenesque]

So, just out of interest... could you masons be hoofed out if it were discovered you'd been discussing it?

 

[Big Don]

So, just out of interest... could you masons be hoofed out if it were discovered you'd been discussing it?

Yes, they'll take away our birthdays. :biggrin1:

Nothing has been shared that isn't already widely available.

 

[uncutblond34]

I'll second what Big Don has said..... the biggest "secret" to Freemasonry is that there really aren't any... most anything you'd want to know is available in a plethora of websites, books and shows on the History channel.HOWEVER... unless you're a member and can assimilate all the information, it really won't make any sense .It's the disgruntled members and conspiracy theorists who make the proverbial "mountain from a molehill". Aside from being slightly annoying, due to the work that we do, en mass, for charity and philanthropy, it's constantly entertaining to see some crackpot's revelations to how bad we are, that we're trying to take over control of the world, that we abuse members, yada yada yada. Hey !!!! I just had an idea for a new charity !! I'm gonna start an aluminum foil hat drive....<rolls eyes> C'mon, you know you wanna chuckle.......