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Member |
Could you clarify (a little)? I thought I read one poster say that Master Mason could be reached in a day. Someone else said it depends on the lodge. How could it be so hard? Or are you referring to the approval process just to be accepted? |
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Member |
Please don't be confused. The application and approval process can take about a month. The applicant(petitioner) makes the application to the lodge. Then the individual is investigated, to ensure that he has no felony record, and is of good moral character ,and not an atheist. Once the investigation is completed, and the lodge votes to accept the petitioner, then he is invited to attend the initiation (first degree, entered apprentice) ceremony.
The ceremony takes an evening. Then the newly made entered apprentice must wait a minimum of one month before he can proceed to the Fellow craft (2d degree). This ceremony takes an evening. Then he must wait one month before proceeding to the Master Mason ceremony (3d degree). So you see, the process from the first submittal of the petition, to the final completion of the Master Mason degree can take about 4(four) months. The Grand Lodge of Virginia (and many other grand lodges in the USA) has an annual "one-day class" where the ENTIRE process, all THREE degrees, are conferred on an individual in one day. (The applicant must submit a petition, and pass the investigation, and be voted on unanimously, just like any other candidate). This one-day class usually occurs once a year, on a Saturday. You arrive at the lodge hall at 6am for breakfast, then the degree work takes all day, and by the evening, you are a Master Mason. The Grand Lodge of Missouri usually has a huge one-day class, and bring over 2000 men into the fraternity in one day. Please feel free to contact me directly, if you have any questions. The Grand Lodge of Virginia web site has information on one-day classes. Could you clarify (a little)? I thought I read one poster say that Master Mason could be reached in a day. Someone else said it depends on the lodge. How could it be so hard? Or are you referring to the approval process just to be accepted?[/QUOTE] |
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Member |
Man, you are WAY out of line. There is nothing Islamic in Masonry. ( I lived in Saudi Arabia for a year, and I have studied Islam extensively. I assisted in the initiation of a Muslim into our fraternity. I consider that one of the high points of my Masonic career.)
The Shriners (Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) is NOT a masonic organization, but an organization of men who are masons. There is a "wall of separation" between the organizations. A man must be a master mason in good standing before he may join the Shrine, and if he resigns the masons, he must also resign the Shrine. The Shrine was organized in the late 19th century by a group of men, who met weekly for lunch in New York. Billy Florence, a major broadway actor, wanted the organization to have some "flair" and "pomp and circumstance", and after reviewing several ideas, they settled on an Arabian Nights theme. The Shriners are a "party army", of masons who enjoy socializing, camaraderie, and partying. They have conventions and parades, and a jolly good time. The organization also has a serious side. They run a network of 22 orthopedic and burns hospitals for children. ALL treatment is FREE in these hospitals. The symbols of the Shrine are the crescent. The claws of a bengal tiger, connected by a ferrule of gold. The Sphinx, which existed thousands of years before the prophet Mohammed was born, is also a symbol of the Shrine. The Shrine has an Arabian "theme", but is NOT Islamic. To learn more about the Shrine, see: www.shrinershq.org And remember, the name of the organization is Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. If you take the initials of this group: A A O N M S, and rearrange the letters you will get: A M A S O N. Every Shriner is A MASON.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: cemab4y, |
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Member |
Thank you, Brother, for making this place for us. I am at least 3rd generation Mason. I am also a Royal Arch.
The Knights Templar live on in the Commanderies. Seek them out. As a gift, I gave my father Born in Blood. It now awaits me. More books recommended can be found under "The Hiram Key." Apparently the author has written 3 books, each reference the Hiram Key in the title. The most recent is apparently a spiritual journey of Freemasonry. |
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Member |
Although the York degrees take longer...
And are organized in separate lodges... continuing up to 32nd degree. Here you find the Mark Master... Knight Templar, etc degrees. All lead to 32nd degree. 33rd is an honorary, and it has been my priveledge to know several upon whom the 33rd degree has been confered. |
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THE ROBOCOP |
Thanks for participating Brother. You are always welcome here! |
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Member |
Great reading "bros", glad there are are quite a few of us, lots of "light" in here. Pasadena Consolidated #272. Son is a Staff SGT in the US Army, 18 years AD and wears the Square and Compass proudly as well. Just back from Iraq, hurt but healing! God Bless All!
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Lead Moderator MILITARY HISTORY Freedom!!! -------------------  Proud Member Derelict Veterans Group -------------------  |
In search of more light...
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THE ROBOCOP |
I think that I was as surprised as you to see how many of our Brethren are not only in the military, but online with us at Military.com. This discussion forum was created by request, for the purpose of having one more way for us to connect, and it's getting a good response. Thanks for sharing with us the news of your son. Let him know that we are grateful for his service and for his sacrifice. I can only imagine how pleased you are to have him back home. Thank you for participating here with us. You are always welcome here. Fraternally, Rob R. Forums Administrator JW - Cabarrus Lodge 720 AF & AM |
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Lead Moderator MILITARY HISTORY Freedom!!! ------------------- Proud Member Derelict Veterans Group ------------------- |
Sticks isn't posting as much as he used to. A shame. He was always on the mark.
Brett S. Greenfield 318 OF&AM |
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Member |
Any insight into the Prince Hall masons? Is there a big difference?
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Member |
I know very little about Prince Hall, except what I have found through some Masonic Historians.
Prince Hall lodges were founded by predominantly freed black men, who were denied entry into Masonic Lodges (for reasons of racism, birth, what have you...) As such, these fine men founded their own lodges. When they applied for charters from their various state Grand Lodges, the GLs would not recognize them because of the existance of other lodges in the same jurisdiction (IE Albany NY has both a Masonic and a Prince Hall lodge.) Prince Halls are recognized by the Grand Lodge of England. In recent years, there has been a push to join together these Masonic lodges under the banner of a unified Freemasonry. But, because of the whole GL recognition factor, even though I have no problem with giving a Prince Hall brother the real grip, they are considered by the GL as false Masons. This may have since changed. |
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suspended permantly |
I heard from a college friend that templar is old English, is this true? |
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THE ROBOCOP |
I don't know my friend. You'll have to ask a Templar for that information. |
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French I believe, same time frame as the Teutonic knights. |
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New Member |
cemab4y-
I attempted to contact you fm the email address that auto-loads fm your profile, guess it goes to someone else. On the top of page 2 you asked me to contact you for more info, so, now you will hopefully get this post. Very interested in more info. When I go on leave this summer, I plan on looking up someone fm the local Lodge/Temple, the one in my hometown. This forum is very informative and I enjoy reading all the communication from the Brothers here. Take care all BroncoPauly out |
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New Member |
First post on military.com so please bear with me. I am a Committee Member of BSA TRoop 82 located at Cherry Point NC. We are located on a Marine base in eastern NC. Our troop has been chartered for 56 years, which is a long time for some of the southern troops. We have discovered quite a few historical artifacts that have the listing of National Sojourners Chapter 301. They were the Charter Representatives that created our Troop in 1950. From what I can tell with my research, this is also a part of the Masons that are associated with the senoir enlisted in the military. Unforturnately there is no longer a chapter here, and even after 17 years active duty status I still am not Senior enough in the enlistd ranks to join, if I wanted to. Does anyone here know of them or their history? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
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Lead Moderator MILITARY HISTORY Freedom!!! ------------------- Proud Member Derelict Veterans Group ------------------- |
Thanks for you service to the Boy Scouts..I really enjoyed that as a child. Re Sojourners...I cant help but I found this link: http://www.nationalsojourners.org/bchapter.html |
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Member |
My email is charles.martin20@us.army.mil I am in Iraq.
Please contact me anytime with your questions about Freemasonry. I am delighted to answer either in an email or here on the board. Thanks,
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Member |
Prince Hall was a free black man who lived in Boston Mass, prior to the revolutionary war. He was made a mason in British military traveling lodge. He set up a lodge (with other free black men) in Boston. Other black freemasons soon started joining lodges and over time, there were "Prince Hall" lodges all over the colony.
There are now "Prince Hall" lodges all over America, composed predominately of Black Men. In Virginia, where I live , the Grand Lodge of Virginia has full recognition and communications with the Prince Hall grand lodge of Virginia. I have sat in lodge with Prince Hall masons, and heard a talk by a Prince Hall mason who was a retired US Army general. (Many senior military officers are Masons). Some but not all grand lodges are moving to recognize Prince Hall masons and Prince Hall lodges as "regular" and proceeding with full communications and visitation. Masonry does NOT consider the color of a man's skin as criteria for membership. Admission to our fraternity is based on the following criteria: Male Mature of Age (some states 18, some 21) Sound of mind Belief in the Supreme Being (NO atheists may apply) Good Moral Character Admission BEGINS AND ENDS by the foregoing criteria. I have sat in lodge with fine men of many different racial backgrounds. Masonically, Charles E. Martin.
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Quiet Professional BTDT  |
Prince Hall was a Free Black who was a member of African Lodge #1 in boston (as was Cruspus Attucks)He later founded his own "Grand Lodge" and broke away from Grand Lodge of Mass. The Prince Hall Gand Lodge then became what is called "Clandestine" as the Ahmon Raison states that there is allowed only ONE Grand Lodge in any jurisdiction. FYI, there are Black Lodges in New Jersey that are NOT prince hall and fall under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. They are recognized as Masons as they never broke away. Prince Hall Masonry is not recognized by Grand Lodge of England however it's forerunner, African Lodge #1 of Boston is and has the oldest warrant from Grand Lodge of England, older than any other lodge in the United States. Their warrant pre-dates the Revolutionary War while the warrants for every other lodge in the US were granted by England AFTER the War. Most of the other lodges started as British Military "Travelling Lodges" |
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THE ROBOCOP |
I wonder if eventually the movement to consolidate will come to pass? There are some who are deeply rooted in tradition and refuse to consider it....and there are others who believe that it could benefit all Masonry... Who is right?
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Member |
Are they ALL following the same rules/guidelines? If so, efforts should be made to bring the brothership together. God would want it so. Are there differences that would preclude them coming together? Of course, I am looking from the outside in. |
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New Member |
Drillmaster. The dues vary but our lodge is 25.00 per year. Our meetings are once per month. We pay our bills from; dues, fund raisers we have and donations.
A visitor to a lodge must be a mason to be admitted into the meeting room. {Like many Private clubs or fraternities we too have a Master at arms at the door.} We welcome visitors from other lodges and offer them the "floor" to discuss anything they like. Qualifications to be a mason are simple: You must believe in a supreme being, and willing to honor the obligations and the secrecy of the masonic fraterity. There is usually not an initiation fee associated all you need to do is seek out a mason in your area and tell him you are interested. Our meetings are opened with the masonic ritual and Pledge of alliegence to the US Flag and the Pledge to the Texas Flag then a prayer. The meetings are also closed with a prayer. The meals are also begun with a prayer. You can also email me directly for any questions. My qualifications are: Past Master of our lodge, 32degree Scottish Rite, Southern jurisdiction. I have a pretty comprehensive Masonic library. cavalry717@wtxs.net See my other posting. The amount of time you choose to devote to the craft, and the appendant bodies is entirely up to you. When I lived in Saudi Arabia, I was very active. Leisure and recreational activities are sparse in Saudi, and the lodges have all kinds of activities. I really cherished Freemasonry during the time I was in Saudi. The cost is variable. We are NOT a rich man's club. Many people of modest income participate in our organization. Dues vary from state to state and from lodge to lodge. If you are in an old lodge, which already owns their building, and they are not paying a mortgage, then dues are less. If you belong to a younger lodge, which is trying to retire a mortgage, your dues will be a bit higher. My home lodge in Kentucky has dues of $55.00 per year (this includes the local lodge and the annual assessment for the Grand Lodge of Kentucky). We have fund-raisers and spaghetti dinners, and pancake breakfasts, to help meet operating expenses, and this holds down the dues costs, and also are great fun as well. Of course, when you choose to join some of the other 100 appendant bodies, you will have to pay dues to each organization you join. More memberships, more costs. There is no "rank" in Masonry, in the traditional sense. Masons meet "on the level" each man valued for his own individuality and worth. You will often see PHd's and men of influence in their communities, setting up chairs and tables, being directed by someone who is a factory worker or college student, and doing it gladly. You petition(apply) to a lodge, and then if you are accepted, you join as an Entered Apprentice, then a Fellow Craft, and then a Master Mason. There are no higher level or ranks in Masonry than that of a Master Mason. If you choose to expand your knowledge of Masonry, and participate more deeply, you may choose to go on to the "higher degrees" of Masonry. The Scottish Rite has 29 additional degrees. (I have completed these, and now I am a 32d degree Mason). Many Masons choose to identify their vehicles by getting a plastic self-adhesive medallion and placing it on their vehicle. In Kentucky, and most states, you can get a Masonic license plate from the Dept of motor vehicles. Here in Iraq, I have a medallion on my desert buggy. As explained previously, each petitioner will be charged dues on an annual basis, most lodges have an entry fee, to cover the costs of joining the lodge. When you complete the ceremony for Master Mason, newly made masons are often presented with a Holy Bible, and/or other books on Masonry. The entry fee for new candidates also covers the first years dues, and a subscription to a Masonic journal or magazine, depending on the state. As far as differences, that question has no precise answer. I have attended lodges in 11 states and two foreign countries (France and Saudi Arabia). I am setting up a lodge in Iraq. The fraternity is the same wonderful, marvelous, fantastic organization anywhere I go. There are some minor differences in the ritual work, and ceremonies, but these are very small. Once you are mason anywhere, you are welcome in lodges all over the world. Masonry is NOT a secret organization. We identify ourselves with rings, belt buckles,etc. Many states have an official masonic license plate. Our buildings are clearly marked, most lodges and grand lodges have internet websites. (see www.nymasons.org one of the best). Masonry is a PRIVATE organization. What goes on in the meetings is private, and kept between the members. Like a family or a business, or a sports team, the planning sessions are kept only for those who have a "need to know", and are members of the family/business/sports team. Meeting rooms are private, and the windows are blocked/sealed/painted for privacy only. Keep the questions coming! I am enjoying this. [/QUOTE] |
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Member |
Other than the basic car medallion with the gold masonic symbol on the blue field, is there a site or something that shows all of the various decals one could get. I feel a little awkward stopping behind peoples cars in the Pentagon parking lot when I see them, trying to get a closer look and the details. Can anyone tell me what they represent? Are they just the rites, or degrees within the rights? I have seen a few cars with almost five of them on there. The basic one being most prevalant.
Any info? |
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Member |
you should check www.klitzner.com They sell the stickers, and on the catalog you can see the various appendant bodies. Dont be shy or put off because a person has several stickers, that just shows that he is a committed Freemason.
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Member |
No, no. You misunderstand. I have no problem approaching somebody. I feel a little awkward standing behind a parked car trying to read the decals as I walk through the parking lot towards my place of work. I don't want to look suspicious in front of the Pentagon - know what I mean? I will definitely check out the site!! Thanks!! |
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