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Military.com Forums Hot Topics & Current Events Freemasons In The Military Minister and Mason, Problem?|
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Basic Training |
Brothers,
I was "raised" this past October in Lodge 324 Mifflintown, PA. I am a student in Bible College and will be going into the Chaplain Candidate Program in about 1-2 years. To the best of your knowledge do you think the sailors I will be ministering to in the Navy would be unaccepting of me as a Master Mason? I'm an Episcopalian and have met MANY Episcopal Priest, Bishops and Deacons who were Masons and their congregations have no problem with it. Since I will be ministering to a lot of different individuals in the Navy, not just a set congregation, I didn't know if being a Mason and a Chaplain would pose a problem. Please help! Also, when I meet a person wearing a MM ring in public do I grip or shake his hand? Fraternally, Shawn |
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Hot Topics Moderator |
Not a problem at all in my opinion. Keep the two separate and distinct. When you are a Chaplain stick to the business of your usual vocation and when you are in lodge, stick to the business of the lodge. When you confront a brother and both are wearing your Masonic rings, only another brother will recognize that familiar friendly and brotherly grip. Do not make reference to Masonry while in uniform for others might take exception to it, but wear your Masonic ring and walk and act as such, a brother Mason. Again, there is never a problem if you are professional. Keep the fraternity to a need to know basis. Attend your local lodge and the regulars who might be on active duty will get to know you and the word will get out who you are and who are Masons and you have nothing to fear. Actually, it will be just the opposite, you will meets new friends who you did not know existed. Why do you think we are often referred to as "Travelors, or "A Traveling Man?" Good luck. Fraternally yours, /s/ Terry, PM Freemason Hot Topics Moderator |
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Basic Training |
Thank you for your relpy!
Your words of wisdom were just what the Dr. ordered. This will really help me out in my future travels. |
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Member |
The US Navy and the Masonic Order have a splendid history, going back to day one. John Paul Jones, the founder of the US Navy was a Mason.
When you are serving on active duty, no one will be offended that you are a Mason. As far as meeting other Masons, since you were made a Mason in October 2007, you should know by now, what to do when you meet a man wearing a Masonic ring. You are permitted to approach him, and render the grip of a master mason. You should check with your lodge brothers, and get some guidance, on this. They can rehearse with you, the procedure and protocols, of meeting other brothers, on the square. |
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Basic Training |
Our base chaplain is a brother. Before he entered the Chaplian Corps, he was a Methodist minister.
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Basic Training |
Now that I think about it, brother, of all the Episcopal clergy I know, more were Craftsmen than not. And they were all some of the people that I respected highly enough to seek a place in our Fraternity.
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Veteran Member |
I think WB Terry has a great point on this.
I worked for a Cwo4 that was a Freemason. He kept his Masonic affiliations and his shipboard duties separate. Bryan
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Basic Training |
I think it is very simple to keep them separate. I mean, your first and foremost duty is to walk upright with God and man. You will do just fine.
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Military.com Forums Hot Topics & Current Events Freemasons In The Military Minister and Mason, Problem?
