Masons

[Welshwatchman]

Let's keep this thread fair and square.

No dogma of any kind please.

[Ebruner]

Always, square and on the level.

-Eddie

[theloxmyth]

2B1ASK1

Tyrian Lodge 613 and Valley of Pittsburgh, Scottish Rite.

No "cheese knife" yet, though.

[2th Dr]

Originally Posted by Ebruner

Well, I am a mason, you are quoting a 3rd party. But, we got it, you don't like masonry. No point in getting into an argument, your mind is made up.

-Eddie

I never said I don't like it. I said it is against my beliefs as a devout practicing Catholic. Yes, my mind is made up that I will go to my grave defending it. Peace out.

[TattooedGQ]

Originally Posted by 2th DR

Don't want to get into a religious debate because this is not the place for it, and is against the rules here, but if you claim to be a catholic, you need to read this:
http://www.consecration.com/default.aspx?id=46
http://www.cuf.org/faithfacts/details_view.asp?ffID=103
And read this book:
http://www.marianland.com/tanfreemas...tbemasons.html
I'm done.

I'll take a look at these when I get home from work....but either way....I have St. Peters Basilica with the keys tattooed on one arm, and a Square and Compasses on the other. Guess I'm a walking contradiction!

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by TattooedGQ

Guess I'm a walking contradiction!

Aren't we all.

[TattooedGQ]

I wouldn't have it any other way Paul!!

[Rookhawk]

Like King Solomon's followers, I head East.

[Tools]

Nellis Lodge #46, 32 degree Scottish Rite, Zelzah Shrine

Proud to follow in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers.

[Christiaan]

Originally Posted by Tools

Nellis Lodge #46, 32 degree Scottish Rite, Zelzah Shrine

Proud to follow in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers.

Medinah Shriner here

[rodrob59]

Hey, maybe you guys can give us a heads up before you take over the world. I'm not a member but always amazed that some have to tear down what they don't understand.

[Ebruner]

Originally Posted by rodrob59

Hey, maybe you guys can give us a heads up before you take over the world. I'm not a member but always amazed that some have to tear down what they don't understand.

We'll post something in the wanted to buy section a few days prior.

-Eddie

[Leasky]

Lodge Morton No.89, Shetland Isles, Scotland. Formed in 1762.

[Widows Son]

Originally Posted by Christiaan

Medinah Shriner here

Howdy Brother!!!! Putting in for my vacation soon. See you up in Lake Geneva the week following Father's Day. John Alden is anxious to meet his future bride!!

[Christiaan]

Sounds great!!

[joejitsu]

Jules Jurgensen masonic watch

[eome]

i love all the working tools displayed here.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by 2th DR

As a Catholic, I would be excommunicated from the church. I'll stay Catholic.

And as an atheist no lodge would let me in

[subtona]

At what level or how many years would one be a member before they become privy to the upper echelons motives and perks?

A couple of friends found their way to the masons in their 30's,

My impression is you have to be there a long time before you get a clue about the true nature?

Just my impressions, not judging, just asking.

[TattooedGQ]

Originally Posted by subtona

At what level or how many years would one be a member before they become privy to the upper echelons motives and perks?

A couple of friends found their way to the masons in their 30's,

My impression is you have to be there a long time before you get a clue about the true nature?

Just my impressions, not judging, just asking.

Ah everyone thinks that there's something sinister going on behind the scenes....you ALWAYS get the "Well you haven't been in long enough to know what REALLY happens" kind of response when you tell the conspiracy theorists what we do....charity, community service, etc.

I dunno, I've been in 7 or 8 years and I moved up very quickly in my lodge and I don't see anything nefarious going on....and I've sat and conversed with everyone from Politicians, to Heads of Industry, to Janitors, and Trash Collectors. We all meet on the same level where one person isn't better than the other....but the perks come the day you're "raised."

I noticed you're from NY, where do your friends live, I might know them if they're from Long Island and possibly if they're from NYC.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by TattooedGQ

Ah everyone thinks that there's something sinister going on behind the scenes....you ALWAYS get the "Well you haven't been in long enough to know what REALLY happens" kind of response when you tell the conspiracy theorists what we do....charity, community service, etc.

I dunno, I've been in 7 or 8 years and I moved up very quickly in my lodge and I don't see anything nefarious going on....and I've sat and conversed with everyone from Politicians, to Heads of Industry, to Janitors, and Trash Collectors. We all meet on the same level where one person isn't better than the other....but the perks come the day you're "raised."

I noticed you're from NY, where do your friends live, I might know them if they're from Long Island and possibly if they're from NYC.

Thanks for great response

Friends grew up in brooklyn, they may have joined about the same time as you or perhaps just before?

Can you elaborate on the term "raised" and I would be curious, what do you most enjoy out of belonging? Ie is the comraderie, networking, meeting a plumber who might fix your broken pipe during xmas dinner because your a brother or the challenge of defending it against those who go to the sinister/conspiracy thoughts etc?

[Armyguy03]

New Hope Lodge #3, PHA, Mililani HI. Need to pay my dues, deployments kept me kinda busy.

[TattooedGQ]

Originally Posted by subtona

Thanks for great response

Friends grew up in brooklyn, they may have joined about the same time as you or perhaps just before?

Can you elaborate on the term "raised" and I would be curious, what do you most enjoy out of belonging? Ie is the comraderie, networking, meeting a plumber who might fix your broken pipe during xmas dinner because your a brother or the challenge of defending it against those who go to the sinister/conspiracy thoughts etc?

Any time Gus...

Sure I can, being "raised" is what we call reaching your 3rd degree, or becoming a Master Mason, in the Blue Lodge. Which is the highest degree without going into concordant bodies (except in England or so I'm told). Once you're a Master Mason, you're a full member in the Fraternity with no restrictions.

Personally it's the camaraderie and networking. You meet guys all over the world, and are treated as family in 99.9999% of the cases. I've never met another Mason who's just like "Oh Hi, we belong to the same club." And it never hurts to do business with a Brother. Hell, a Brother did some legal contract work for me and only charged me dinner at a nice steak house.

It's a good group of guys doing good for the community and looking out for each other....nothing wrong with that.

[69mach351]

I have spoke with a few gentlemen about getting involved, but backed out after one individual left me thinking otherwise. I am hoping that this guy was an exception to the rule, because he certainly did not seem to fit in with the others.

[Armyguy03]

Originally Posted by 69mach351

I have spoke with a few gentlemen about getting involved, but backed out after one individual left me thinking otherwise. I am hoping that this guy was an exception to the rule, because he certainly did not seem to fit in with the others.

Like with any organization you have many unworthy brothers. In the military I've come across so many it's a shame, however, I never let those guide me from walking a straight path.

[East Bay Rider]

I live withing walking distance from a Masonic Lodge. I always thought I had to be invited to join but just found out that all I have to do is ask for consideration. Wish I'd have known years ago. Now I walk my dog past nearly every night hoping to find someone walking in or out to talk to about it.
So far no luck.

[Mickey®]

Nevermind on this one. Thx.

[77T]

My knowledge was limited to these guys who entertained us at the Orange Bowl Parade when I was kid.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by 2th DR

As a Catholic, I would be excommunicated from the church. I'll stay Catholic.

I have a friend who is both Catholic and a Mason.

We don't get to talk much anymore, but we used to talk a lot when he was going through his degrees.

I ask him once about being Catholic and Mason and he told me it wasn't an issue.

[69mach351]

Originally Posted by Armyguy03

Like with any organization you have many unworthy brothers. In the military I've come across so many it's a shame, however, I never let those guide me from walking a straight path.

I completely understand. Most others that I heave dealt with have been great and nothing but helpful, but the person in question I knew pretty well. Maybe someday I will look into it again. If I do, I want to be ready to take it seriously and not put on a front like this other individual.