Comments on The North Eastern Corner: Of Rules and Regulations

To clarify my statement of "Lodges filled wit...

2011-12-07T14:00:18.069-05:00

To clarify my statement of "Lodges filled with men and not Masons", it had nothing to do with esoteric vs. charitable social club type lodges. I am speaking to the treatment of our Brother by the other members of the Lodge. I certainly understand that not all Masons seek what I seek...I do, however, expect them to act like Masons. Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth……”hypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us”…..men who fail to live up to these tenets and principles are just that…”men”….not Masons.

At the same time Tom, there are many men who join ...

2011-12-07T13:44:29.814-05:00

At the same time Tom, there are many men who join the craft out of simple curiosity or expectation to be given the secret key to the city's that we all know Freemasons control.
Investigation committees can only do so much and far too often there are men in lodges who in no way reflect good upon the fraternity.
Go easy on us seekers, we all cant be a level headed as you!

It is a sad but true reality that many of us ar...

2011-12-07T13:24:25.584-05:00
It is a sad but true reality that many of us are members of Lodges filled with men and not Masons.

Yeah, about that.

Look, lodges each develop their own sub-culture within the Masonic culture. Sometimes that subculture changes over time as new members influence it, and sometimes the new members simply assimilate into that culture.

If you are a metaphysical "seeker" and you joined a lodge filled with members who enjoy (for example) frequent dinners, charity functions, or even doing very little at all, is it really your mission to change that lodge to suit *your* particular vision? These brothers likely held the lodge together for some lean years, before it became cool to be a Freemason. Yes, it might be just another social club to them, but so what?

I think it's perfectly acceptable to challenge them a little - try to get some educational programs, speakers, or trivia contests with other lodges. But if they don't go for it, it's not because they aren't "Masons,", it's because they *are* men.

Fortunately, teh internetz has made it possible for the like-minded to find each other more readily. Maybe you'll be able to find a lodge more suitable for your needs, and you'll be able to have your like-minded brothers join you there. Or like Bro. Charles, above, you can start your own lodge specifically geared toward other interests.

I am sorry to hear of your troubles, Brother. It ...

2011-12-07T09:53:02.497-05:00
I am sorry to hear of your troubles, Brother. It is a sad but true reality that many of us are members of Lodges filled with men and not Masons. Continue to do what you know to be right and your Brother Masons will be there to support you.

In Brotherhood,

Jason

3M, let's get to the root of the issue. Becau...

2011-12-01T06:46:39.221-05:00
3M, let's get to the root of the issue.

Because of a need to keep your officer's line strong, there is a possibility that the best choice for WM would be a Past Master; this is unfortunately, all too commonplace in many areas.

You are a Past Master, and a fairly recent one, at that. Presumably you are still on speaking terms with the other officers, some of whom may have served under you.

You offered to step in to help, if they desired.

Knowing what I do of lodge culture, I'm assuming that none of the other mutterers and naysayers made such an offer, and they probably weren't all that helpful when you were WM a couple of years ago.

Continue to do what you think is best for the lodge, especially for the newer members and officers who will be doing the heavy lifting in the future.

Don't feel hurt by the nattering nabobs of negativity. If they aren't stepping up to do the work, they don't have any cause to complain.