Brethren: Many Masons coverly identify themselves prior to due examination through what is referred to as "Masonic Catch-E-Kism. Some Old Masonic Catch Questions and Answers are below just to list a few:

- Question: "I see you were a penniless one too?"
- Answer: "Having nothing of a metallic nature about me, I was in a poor and penniless condition."

-Question: "What a nice ring -- what did you give for it?"
-Answer: "I payed for it dearly. It cost me my life!"

- Question: "Where did you come from and where are you going?"
- Answer: I came from the west and I'm traveling to the east."

- Question: "How old is your Father?"
- Answer: "My father passed away. I'm a Widow's Son"

- One brother said after his raising, he remember a Brother from another lodge who attended his church coming up to may and saying, "I hear there were no designs on the tressle board last night." It took him a couple of seconds to make the connection of what he was refering to.

- I was once in a check out line when a stranger asked me if I lost a small dog (he identified the size of the dog with his hands), and he then proceeded to identify what the dog was wearing and where with one hand. My wife then asked me if I knew the man and I said, yes, he is my long lost brother. She replied, brother Mason. I said, that is correct. I exchanged brotherly grips with the brother. It was a great way to meet another Mason.

(What are some you have heard of brother Masons?)

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Centre Lodge No. 23 F&AM
Moderator In Training
Military.Com
_______________________________________________
EDITORS COMMENT: There is nothing in the above-captioned post that violates the general guidelines or any other law, rule or regulation of this website, forum, Masonic or otherwise. The original post has not been modified, or has any request been made to modify it pursuant to recents input. The thread was subsequently closed due to the fact that some posts and messages were causing negative emotions which violates the general guidelines of this forum. If anyone has any unresolved issues, sent me a PM. Thank you. So Mote It Be.

Fraternally and sincerely,
Terry, PM
Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TerryTCT,

I remember when I first started at my present job, a well respected colleague noticed my ring and asked "I see your a traveling man?".

I had no idea what he was talking about so I replied "Yes. I have been around a bit"

He said "wrong answer" and left it at that.

I asked my coach what the deal was and he explained it to me.

About a week later my colleague asked the same question again.

This time I replied "wrong question!"

He got the point.


Br. Arthur Peterson

quote:

Originally posted by BroAPeterson:
I remember when I first started at my present job, a well respected colleague noticed my ring and asked "I see your a traveling man?".

I had no idea what he was talking about so I replied "Yes. I have been around a bit"

He said "wrong answer" and left it at that.

I asked my coach what the deal was and he explained it to me.

About a week later my colleague asked the same question again.

This time I replied "wrong question!"

He got the point.

Br. Arthur Peterson

This is a common question, but it leads to a great conversation with another brother. I ran into a cashier at a local grocery store wearing a Masonic ring and I said, "I believe we have a mutual friend and he said who and I replied G.M.H.A, and he laughed and we exchanged brotherly grips while other customers looked in amazement. True Story
F&S
Wbro. Terry, PM
Indiana Freemason
Moderator In Training
Military.Com

I am looking for someone from the Petoskey, MI lodge. I just moved to town after a tour in Iraq. I was raised last OCT 2006. My grandfather has been a brother for 60 years I would guess. He is from Blue Lodge 398. He put me on the path to be a better man.

I'm kind of wondering why we are posting stuff like this in an area where anyone can read it.
Did I miss something during my 3rd degree? I know it was in Japan. But are we telling other people some of the stuff the should only find out when they join?

As someone else said, the big secret is there are no secrets. Another poster asked point blank what should not be discussed in another thread, and, as I mentioned in a previous post, Robert Lomas was told by his lodge that the only things he could not reveal in his books were the means of identification used in his lodge. That has undoubtedly been revealed by someone else, somewhere else.

In my opinion, the real secrets are the one's no one of us know.

quote:

Originally posted by Kundry:
In my opinion, the real secrets are the one's no one of us know.

One can take secrecy to another level like with classified information, the secret is the source and the age of the information, not the information by itself. Something to think about.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Indiana Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

quote:

Originally posted by Crossed_Dalhgrens:
I'm kind of wondering why we are posting stuff like this in an area where anyone can read it.

Did I miss something during my 3rd degree? I know it was in Japan. But are we telling other people some of the stuff the should only find out when they join?

Because we can. Posting is based the posters own free will and accord (sound familiar?)

In reply to item 2 - yes. Degreework varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction if you haven't noticed. Information is not sacred, it is called marketing. We advertise here in Indiana and when these crusty ole Masons ask us why, we say because we lost a generation due to the ways of the old die hards like yourself. What do you think the internet is all about. Check out our membership video below. Get with the program brother.

http://www.tryfreemasonry.com/video.php

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, Past Master
Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

Hello,

I see no direct violations in any of the above posts. They definately arent any of the catechisms I was taught in my initiation, passing, and raising in Ohio. I'm not the most informed brother on the planet, but in my opinion being a young man {27 and having been raised only a short moment ago, 6 months}I have come to find that simple catechisms arent the secret of our order of brothers. Besides these vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction as previously stated. The real secret is the one that is in front of everyones face.

Freemasons are good men and attract good men to their ranks. Any other motive for joining other than to be a good man among others and to search for light is anathema, and no amount of knowledge in the forms of secret passwords and catch phrases can make you into a better man or help you to look for that which was lost.

All is concealed except to those that have been tried and found worthy.......And no information can be obtained by those that arent well qualified.

Remember the pain our brothers in the past had to endure for their being discovered. Our catechisms were created to keep that from happening. Why not long ago in Nazi Germany.

I would never divulge any lawfull information upon any format out of the oath I have taken and in due respect and honor for those that have come before me.

SHMGAKMS

So mote it be,

Thank you

quote:

Originally posted by nateljen80:
Hello,

I see no direct violations in any of the above posts. They definately arent any of the catechisms I was taught in my initiation, passing, and raising in Ohio. I have come to find that simple catechisms arent the secret of our order of brothers. Besides these vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction as previously stated. The real secret is the one that is in front of everyones face.

I would never divulge any lawfull information upon any format out of the oath I have taken and in due respect and honor for those that have come before me.

SHMGAKMS

So mote it be,

Thank you

Well stated brother. You are mature for your age and time in the craft. Remember this in your quest for more light in Masonry, don't let the occasional bump in the road slow you down. We meet on the level and part upon the square. There has been nothing wrong with the postings on this thread because if it isn't in the ritual, it is not a Masonic offense. However, there will be those who disagree, but as you will soon see, these same brethren occupy a place in lodge often referred to as "Buzzards Row." FYI - I don't take credit for that name. Another brother told me that when that occurs, take your Masonic broom called "Harmony," and sweep that BS under the Mosaic tiles of the lodge. I don't take credit for that quote either. So Mote It Be.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, Past Master
Indiana Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator



Note - BS stands for Brotherly Sarcasm.

Brother Terry,

If you are ever in the Cincinnati area, we meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Mcmillan 141.....Come and visit!

Nathan Glover

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TerryTCT,

quote:

Originally posted by nateljen80:
Brother Terry,

If you are ever in the Cincinnati area, we meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Mcmillan 141.....Come and visit!

Nathan Glover

Brother Nathan: You got it. I travel to eastern central Indiana routinely. I would be honored to sit in lodge with you. If you come to central Indiana, let me know. Excuse me, but I accidently started writing on your post. I have this electronic gavel that does wierd things when I least expect it.

Fraternally yours,
/s/
Terry, PM
Indiana Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

Can I ask a question though? Even though I am of the same mind set as the many, I often question how open is too open. 4 years ago I had the old Mackey masonic symbol from his encyclopedias tatooed on my back because of my masonic pride. But now I question whether it wa the wrong thing to do. I truly believe that once again we will be called to defend ourselves as Masons against the attrocities of intolerance. What will we have left to use as different ways of communicating if the world knows our secrets. Once again, I am not in disagreement, but it is a good question!!!


Fraternally

quote:

Originally posted by mechinfantry:
I often question how open is too open. I truly believe that once again we will be called to defend ourselves as Masons against the attrocities of intolerance. What will we have left to use as different ways of communicating if the world knows our secrets. Once again, I am not in disagreement, but it is a good question!!!
Fraternally

The post above answers this question, but here it is again. Actually it is must reading for the Mason who lives by motto: "I've got a secret."

To begin, many a newly made Mason, reviewing the lessons and teaching of Masonry, thinks of many men who he believes would become strong and active members if they could only get the message of Masonry.

Yet one of the strictest, unwritten laws of Freemasonry is the rule that prohibits the solicitation of a Candidate by any Mason. Every man who enters our portals must come of his own free will and accord. So deeply rooted is this rule against solicitation that it has unquestionably mused many Masons to refrain completely from discussion of Freemasonry with friends and acquaintances who are not Masons.

Our failure to make known to non-Masons the principles and purposes of Masonry has, in the past, resulted in both suspicion and antagonism toward Masonry, for people fear the thing which is unknown.

It should be clear that we are not a secret society but rather a society possessing certain secrets. We do not hide our membership. We wear pins, rings and emblems widely known to be emblems of the Craft. We do not meet secretly. Our Temples are listed, they usually bear the lodge name and the emblem of Freemasonry is lighted as we hold our meetings.

All that is secret about Masonry is its ritual. Dr. Mackey’s 23rd Landmark, “The secrecy of the Institution” embraces nothing more than its ritual, which we must conceal and never reveal.

Therefore the question of what we can tell the non-Mason about Masonry embodies the principle of non-solicitation or, the one hand and the duty to properly inform on the other. The applicant is required to declare to the Marshal, upon his honor, that he is prompted to solicit the privileges of Masonry by a favorable opinion conceived of the Institution, a desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish to be serviceable to his fellow men.

A first question by the uninitiated might well be “What is Freemasonry?” To such a person we might define it as a fraternal society which is based on certain moral and religious doctrines; the moral doctrines including Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice, and the religious doctrines comprising a belief in God and a future existence.

There is no reason at all why this subject should not be discussed quite freely with a non-Mason. As a matter of fact, thousands of printed volumes dwell on Masonic: philosophy and are available to Masons and non-Masons alike!!! Wake up brother Masons and absorb this paragraph if nothing else. (A wise Mason once said that the real enemy of is those Masons who won't wake up and realize that this is the information age).

A question often coming from non-Masons is this, “How does one become a member?” and “Why have I not been asked to join?” In any such discussion, of course, the non-Mason should be told that, unlike the members of other fraternal organizations Masons are forbidden to solicit anyone to become a member, and that any prospective member must apply of his own free will and accord and must pass a unanimous ballot. Free will must apply on each side.

Masonry does not require membership in any church as a condition of membership in a lodge. Conversely, membership in any church is no bar to admission to Masonry. There is nothing in our requirements to prevent a Roman Catholic, a Mohammedan, a Buddhist, a Mormon, a Protestant, or a member of any religious sect from becoming a Mason, and we have within our membership adherents of each of these religious groups. There is nothing wrong in telling a non-Mason that any bar is raised by the hierarchy of the church, not by the Masonic fraternity.

It is perfectly proper to explain that the discussion of political matters or candidates is prohibited to secure the peace and harmony of the lodge but that as individuals we have the right, outside the lodge, to engage in political affairs. Indeed, civic duty requires the individual Mason to take such a part as he may be fitted for in the community of men.

The Mason may not, of course, discuss with a non-Mason anything concerning the ritual or the internal affairs of the lodge other than to say that the ceremonies of Masonry are of a serious and dignified nature, without levity or horseplay. Intimations which demean the ritual are unworthy of the serious institution which Masonry is.

While we do not boast of our relief we can certainly say, when questioned, that the arm of Masonry reaches round the world in alleviating the distress of our brethren, their widows and orphans and that such relief is not a part of a beneficial aid society but truly charity in the largest sense.

Many people do not fully understand our support of the Public School. We can and should be proud of our founding and continued support of the Public School. Not to advertise ourselves but to add our strength to this great bulwark of Freedom are we aligned with Free Public Schools.

As an outstanding Mason recently said, “If Freemasonry is good, let’s talk about it. Its Quality, its Dignity and its Substance.” So Mote It Be!

Fraternally and sincerely,
/s/
Terry, PM
Indiana Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

whew what a cute little club secret codes and "brothers" tried and true. ohh man the need to have a sense of belonging, the need to be "in" a club. to be "in" and therefore let others know they are not "in", is a pitiful display of some kind of self importance that you feel the need to let us non brethren know we "ain't in the club" weird, covert stuff? why? ahh whatever.

quote:

Originally posted by DESTROY:
whew what a cute little club secret codes and "brothers" tried and true. ohh man the need to have a sense of belonging, the need to be "in" a club. to be "in" and therefore let others know they are not "in", is a pitiful display of some kind of self importance that you feel the need to let us non brethren know we "ain't in the club" weird, covert stuff? why? ahh whatever.

Refrain from the disruptive posting(s). This is a forum for Freemasons, or those who are interested in becoming one, not for the terminally misinformed. Future negative posts will result in a "Captain's Mast," internet style. Consider this a warning.
Sincerely,
/s/
Terry
Hot Topics Moderator

Brother, call me disruptive if you like.
I am in extreme disagreement with your interpretations on openness and sharing of particulars with those outside the craft.

I will remain in disagreement as I am posting in regards to your condescending atitude in explaining your your position.

I may not be exactly a "rusty nail" Mason with 18 years, but I am a supporter of tradition.

I would suggest you listening to some of the bretheren rather than insist we listen to you.

All I got to say on the matter.

quote:

Originally posted by snykypyt:
Brother, call me disruptive if you like.
I am in extreme disagreement with your interpretations on openness and sharing of particulars with those outside the craft.

I will remain in disagreement as I am posting in regards to your condescending atitude in explaining your your position.

I may not be exactly a "rusty nail" Mason with 18 years, but I am a supporter of tradition.

I would suggest you listening to some of the bretheren rather than insist we listen to you.

All I got to say on the matter.

Brother: I am not sure to whom you are addressing your comments to, but I can attempt to address your remarks. The issue of openness has been relaxed in many jurisdictions and it is called "marketing." Here in Indiana like several other states, we market to get new members and we even host a "One Day Class," as a means to make Masons in one day. Yes, one day. This weekend in Indianapolis, we had a Grand Master's One Day Class where we raised about 150 Masons. With regards to marketing, we have membership videos and we share information in the hopes of finding good men who want to become better men. At a local concert here in Indianapolis/Fishers, Indiana, recently at Conner's Prairie, there were booths with brethren handing out literature on Masonry, the Scottish Rite, York Rite and Shrine. One Mason asked why we advertise openly and one brother said that it was because of what your generation has done to the fraternity. I could not agree more. Now, one will ask why market and it is because of shrinking membership like what is occurring in many fraternal organizations. Anyway, I am a supporter of tradition, but I am also a realist and I am getting sick and tired of the attitude of some brethren who cling on to the ways of the old so much so, that it is this very attitude that is killing the fraternity. The average age of a Mason in Indiana is about 64 years of age and there is nothing, or not much an old school brother can say or do to attract new young members, because it is the new young members who are our future and they are the ones who will attract new members. There is this term in lodge where the die hard traditionist sit who only want to keep the lodge running like is was back in 1940's, 50's 60's,70's, and a few in the 80'ies, and it is called, "Buzzards Row," and for good reason. I strongly believe that many Past Masters and old school Masons who have nothing constructive to say need to do something good for the fraternity rather than complain, criticize and condemn other brethren who are trying to do something good for Freemasonry. About openness, if this subject was "TABOO," would anyone think that it is OK to even have Masonic forums on the internet? This is all I have to say on this matter for now.

OBTW: Here is our membership video. Click on the link, turn up the sound and enjoy. Now, don't get me started on openess and the internet, or better yet, Freemasonry and the internet. (I will probably start a new thread on the topic as a result of this posting). Anyway, check out the link and membership video on "TRYFREEMASONRY.COM."

http://www.tryfreemasonry.com/video.php

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Indiana Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TerryTCT,

WHAT CAN WE TELL THE NON-MASON ABOUT MASONRY?

Many a newly made Mason, reviewing the lessons and teaching of Masonry, thinks of many men who he believes would become strong and active members if they could only get the message of Masonry.

Yet one of the strictest, unwritten laws of Freemasonry is the rule that prohibits the solicitation of a Candidate by any Mason. Every man who enters our portals must come of his own free will and accord. So deeply rooted is this rule against solicitation that it has unquestionably mused many Masons to refrain completely from discussion of Freemasonry with friends and acquaintances who are not Masons.

Our failure to make known to non-Masons the principles and purposes of Masonry has, in the past, resulted in both suspicion and antagonism toward Masonry, for people fear the thing which is unknown.

It should be clear that we are not a secret society but rather a society possessing certain secrets. We do not hide our membership. We wear pins, rings and emblems widely known to be emblems of the Craft. We do not meet secretly. Our Temples are listed, they usually bear the lodge name and the emblem of Freemasonry is lighted as we hold our meetings.

All that is secret about Masonry is its ritual. Dr. Mackey’s 23rd Landmark, “The secrecy of the Institution” embraces nothing more than its ritual, which we must conceal and never reveal.

Therefore the question of what we can tell the non-Mason about Masonry embodies the principle of non-solicitation or, the one hand and the duty to properly inform on the other. The applicant is required to declare to the Marshal, upon his honor, that he is prompted to solicit the privileges of Masonry by a favorable opinion conceived of the Institution, a desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish to be serviceable to his fellow men.

A first question by the uninitiated might well be “What is Freemasonry?” To such a person we might define it as a fraternal society which is based on certain moral and religious doctrines; the moral doctrines including Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice, and the religious doctrines comprising a belief in God and a future existence.

There is no reason at all why this subject should not be discussed quite freely with a non-Mason. As a matter of fact, thousands of printed volumes dwell on Masonic: philosophy and are available to Masons and non-Masons alike.

A question often coming from non-Masons is this, “How does one become a member?” and “Why have I not been asked to join?” In any such discussion, of course, the non-Mason should be told that, unlike the members of other fraternal organizations Masons are forbidden to solicit anyone to become a member, and that any prospective member must apply of his own free will and accord and must pass a unanimous ballot. Free will must apply on each side.

Masonry does not require membership in any church as a condition of membership in a lodge. Conversely, membership in any church is no bar to admission to Masonry. There is nothing in our requirements to prevent a Roman Catholic, a Mohammedan, a Buddhist, a Mormon, a Protestant, or a member of any religious sect from becoming a Mason, and we have within our membership adherents of each of these religious groups. There is nothing wrong in telling a non-Mason that any bar is raised by the hierarchy of the church, not by the Masonic fraternity.

It is perfectly proper to explain that the discussion of political matters or candidates is prohibited to secure the peace and harmony of the lodge but that as individuals we have the right, outside the lodge, to engage in political affairs. Indeed, civic duty requires the individual Mason to take such a part as he may be fitted for in the community of men.

The Mason may not, of course, discuss with a non-Mason anything concerning the ritual or the internal affairs of the lodge other than to say that the ceremonies of Masonry are of a serious and dignified nature, without levity or horseplay. Intimations which demean the ritual are unworthy of the serious institution which Masonry is.

While we do not boast of our relief we can certainly say, when questioned, that the arm of Masonry reaches round the world in alleviating the distress of our brethren, their widows and orphans and that such relief is not a part of a beneficial aid society but truly charity in the largest sense.

Many people do not fully understand our support of the Public School. We can and should be proud of our founding and continued support of the Public School. Not to advertise ourselves but to add our strength to this great bulwark of Freedom are we aligned with Free Public Schools.

As an outstanding Mason recently said, “If Freemasonry is good, let’s talk about it. Its Quality, its Dignity and its Substance.”

QUESTIONS ANYONE!

original article
http://www.inyolodge221.org/MasonicInformation/WhatWeCanTellANonMason.htm

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Indiana Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

My Brothers,
We in Pennsylvania had a “One Day Class” as well and watched over 300 men become Master Masons; we also included York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Shrine. We are now trying to get these men to come to their lodges and pay their dues. The dropout rate was astounding! Bringing in massive numbers means nothing if they don’t stay in the fraternity or learn the lessons it offers.
I had the pleasure of attending two lodges in Ireland last year, a first degree in Belfast and a Third degree in Dublin. There are lodges spread all over Ireland, but not many would know it. I toured the Grand Lodge of Ireland with the Grand Secretary. Every petition for membership in any lodge in Ireland must go through him. He will hold an application for sometimes three years! Most of them he will hold until the applicant has called him two or three times asking to be admitted. He explained why in one sentence. We weed out the ones who really want to be Masons from the ones who are just curious. Their dropout rate is nearly zero and their lodge attendance rates are phenomenal. At the Lodge in Belfast 46 members came to lodge, there are only 49 in the lodge. When an Irish lodge reaches a membership of 70-80 members they start another lodge. These men are tight knit and represent the tenants of our fraternity well.
Now to the subject of revealing covert words to identify ourselves. I suggest Brother Terry that you look up “Covert” in any dictionary. By that very nature you are asking for something that should be discussed between two known Brothers, or in an open lodge with your Brothers, not in an open forum where the profane can read it.
I agree that with enough research one can delve into the so called secrets of the craft and learn much more than we are discussing here. But why make it any easier for someone to misrepresent himself to a brother?
Your question was well intended but proposed in the wrong forum.
Fraternally,
Bob
Past Master; Past Thrice Potent Master; 33rd Degree

quote:

Originally posted by RbwanKenobi:
My Brothers,
We in Pennsylvania had a “One Day Class” as well and watched over 300 men become Master Masons; we also included York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Shrine. We are now trying to get these men to come to their lodges and pay their dues. The dropout rate was astounding! Bringing in massive numbers means nothing if they don’t stay in the fraternity or learn the lessons it offers.
I had the pleasure of attending two lodges in Ireland last year, a first degree in Belfast and a Third degree in Dublin. There are lodges spread all over Ireland, but not many would know it. I toured the Grand Lodge of Ireland with the Grand Secretary. Every petition for membership in any lodge in Ireland must go through him. He will hold an application for sometimes three years! Most of them he will hold until the applicant has called him two or three times asking to be admitted. He explained why in one sentence. We weed out the ones who really want to be Masons from the ones who are just curious. Their dropout rate is nearly zero and their lodge attendance rates are phenomenal. At the Lodge in Belfast 46 members came to lodge, there are only 49 in the lodge. When an Irish lodge reaches a membership of 70-80 members they start another lodge. These men are tight knit and represent the tenants of our fraternity well.
Now to the subject of revealing covert words to identify ourselves. I suggest Brother Terry that you look up “Covert” in any dictionary. By that very nature you are asking for something that should be discussed between two known Brothers, or in an open lodge with your Brothers, not in an open forum where the profane can read it.
I agree that with enough research one can delve into the so called secrets of the craft and learn much more than we are discussing here. But why make it any easier for someone to misrepresent himself to a brother?
Your question was well intended but proposed in the wrong forum.
Fraternally,
Bob
Past Master; Past Thrice Potent Master; 33rd Degree

Wbro. Bob: Your input is appreciated. However, I would disagree that casual conversation between brethren in an un-tiled situation like an internet forum is reserved for only an open lodge. Masons can meet one another at anytime, anywhere in the dark as well as in the light. The question that can be asked here is don't Masons meet on the level, or not? As previously stated above in bold type, "Our failure to make known to non-Masons the principles and purposes of Masonry has, in the past, resulted in both suspicion and antagonism toward Masonry, for people fear the thing which is unknown." Some may say that your comments regarding what should or should not be discussed on a Masonic forum is the "very attitude," that is killing the Masonic fraternally. As for the One Day Class, with all due respect, it appears that you are only speaking for Pennsylvania, not Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, or any other state that utilizes the One Day Class, or all day degree concept. As a Mason, you should know that within our fraternity, no one person can speak for Freemasonry. Certainly a Grand Master can speak with authority on organizational matters within his jurisdiction, but no Mason can speak for another Mason, or Masonry. If you have due and timely counsel, there is a proper way to do this if you recall your Masonic catechism.

Fraternally and sincerely,
Terry
Master Mason
Hot Topics Moderator

Dear Brother Terry,
I received your email cautioning me about forum protocol. Thank you, but that was not necessary. I am not being confrontational, vulgar, or undignified; I am simply disagreeing with you and your request in an 'open' forum for information that could allow a non mason to misrepresent himself to a true Brother. I happen to disagree with you on this matter and I am simply stating my reasons. Would you discuss in a forum; that Al-Qaida had access to; what passwords are used in the darkness of night to indentify friend from foe in a combat zone??
You posted:
“ Some may say that your comments regarding what should or should not be discussed on a Masonic forum is the "very attitude," that is killing the Masonic fraternally."
First of all this is not a Masonic forum it is a Military.com forum. Is this or is it not a forum that ‘any’ member of the military.com can read? And secondly may I remind you of your (TOS) terms of service and admonishment to me in your email "Keep a civil tone. Do not post hostile messages, flames, or use sarcasm to incite negative emotions." I don’t appreciate your suggestion that my attitude is "Killing the Masonic Fraternity" and posting it for the world to read.
Terry I have been a very active loyal Mason for 25 years, to suggest anything to the contrary goes not only against the rules of this forum but your Masonic oath as well. I have been responsible for the memberships of over 150 Master Masons; do not suggest "My attitude" is "Killing" Freemasonry. I am very open to discussing Freemasonry with anyone. I do so frequently to any of the profane that I meet, I give them brochures from the Grand Lodge telling them how to become a mason but what I don’t discuss with them is how we Masons "Covertly" identify ourselves, (which is the subject of your post.)
In your email to me:
“However, an attack on any Mason or Freemasonry will subject violators to removal from the forum. As a moderator, I have the ability to remove objectionable messages and objectionable posters and I will make every effort to do so, within a reasonable time frame, if it determined that removal is necessary."
I suppose this post will be removed because you have the means to do so, not because it was confrontational or violated any TOS but because you won’t admit that asking for secret Masonic identifiers in a "Public" forum was inappropriate. It was and still is inappropriate.
Fraternally,
Bob

quote:

Originally posted by RbwanKenobi:

I suppose this post will be removed because you have the means to do so, not because it was confrontational or violated any TOS but because you won’t admit that asking for secret Masonic identifiers in a "Public" forum was inappropriate. It was and still is inappropriate.

In Reply: As noted in the general rules, known Masons must behave in this forum as if you are in Lodge. The postings of this forum i.e. "Freemasons in the Military," are done in the spirit of Freemasonry. An attack on any Mason or Freemasonry will subject violators to removal from the forum. While you ask if your post will be removed or not, it will remain. Unfortunately, you won't given the nature of your post and tone of your note. Since, I preside in the East on this forum, I also have been entrusted with the Gavel. It is hereby sounded and this thread is also closed since it is going in circles.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Freemason
Major, U.S. Army (Ret.)
Hot Topics Moderator

quote:

Originally posted by TerryTCT:
In Reply: As noted in the general rules, known Masons must behave in this forum as if you are in Lodge. The postings of this forum i.e. "Freemasons in the Military," are done in the spirit of Freemasonry. An attack on any Mason or Freemasonry will subject violators to removal from the forum. Since, I preside in the East on this forum, I also have been entrusted with the Gavel. It is hereby sounded and this thread is also closed since it is going in circles.
Fraternally, Terry, PM
Hot Topics Moderator

COMMENTARY

IN REPLY TO A RECENT CONTENT ALERT:

In Reply: This is not an exhaustive defense of my views of Freemasonry on this forum, because none is required. Rather, it is to explain the goals of this forum and my views as a moderator within the context of recent criticism. Indeed, no one is above criticism simply because we are all human and like all such imperfect and open to improvement. Criticize my views if you wish, but more importantly, don't claim to be a Mason and continue to criticize, complain and condemn my views because this approach goes against everything Freemasonry teaches. Actually, I have done nothing wrong and several brothers on the forum agree even on the thread in question. As a Mason, I understand that Freemasonry is a unique institution, generating a deep loyalty among its members with each having strong individual views of the fraternity. Unfortunately, some recent critics some of whom identify themselves as Masons with opposing views have gone well beyond what a reasonable person might do by slandering and threatening another Mason. What a shame and what a waste this practice is because when we could be about doing good things on this forum for the fraternity of Freemasonry. Instead I am forced to defend my principles and personal interpretation of the Masonic institution. Tolerance is one of the major underlying principles of Freemasonry. Freemasonry teaches its followers tolerance even of its assailants. The standard Masonic response to detractors has historically been to ignore critics and turn the other cheek to those who speak ill of another brother Mason, preferring him to wallow in his own ignorance and stupidity. However, the level of maliciousness and deceitfulness by some including Masons on this forum has grown to the point where a response is overdue and demanded by the harsh attacks leveled by the terminally misinformed. I am astonished and perplexed at the level of hatred directed toward me when attempting to promote the fraternity of Freemasonry on this forum. This willful fraud does not serve Freemasonry and it's principles, but instead reinforces the powers of evil; against which mankind must continually struggle. Be advised that one thing I WILL NOT tolerate is an agenda of hatred and intolerance imposed on me and my views by hypocrites acting in the name of Freemasonry. If that is a battle we must wage, then let it begin HERE.

Now to address the comments of the content alert. First, if one looks at the definition of mumbo jumbo as one such critic refers Masonic ritual and symbolism to: "Is unintelligible, or incomprehensive language, gibberish or, worthless beliefs, or rituals." Surely, this is not what an active Mason would refer to the Masonic ritual and symbolism as being. However, it can be assumed that there are former Masons along with Cowans and Eavesdroppers who can post on this forum. LINK TO DEFINITION http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/mumbo-jumbo.html . Neverthless, I would expect an anti-Mason to use such language, but not a person calling himself a Mason. As one brother Mason said on the Freemason Forum regarding my topic thread "Masonic Catchechism: (see below)

"I see no direct violations in any of the above posts. They definitely aren't any of the catechisms I was taught in my initiation, passing, and raising in Ohio. I'm not the most informed brother on the planet, but in my opinion being a young man {27 and having been raised only a short moment ago, 6 months} I have come to find that simple catechisms aren't the secret of our order of brothers. Besides these vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction as previously stated. The real secret is the one that is in front of everyones face. All is concealed except to those that have been tried and found worthy.......And no information can be obtained by those that aren't well qualified. Remember the pain our brothers in the past had to endure for their being discovered. Our catechisms were created to keep that from happening. Why not long ago in Nazi Germany. SHMGAKMS So mote it be," End Quote"

In closing, I believe that critics need to take a closer look at themselves instead of other Masons like myself. Given the conduct by some on this forum reveal that it is frighteningly true that the repeated attacks by certain individuals proves that the views of some like myself is being put on trial by the self-righteous individuals who hold little patience or tolerance for the moderate views of another veteran or brother Mason like myself. They do so with the expectation to spout criticism until they can bully others like myself who have different views into their way of thinking. And by so doing, they violate the very concepts of Freemasonry that they themselves use to justify their attacks. For those who wish to continue their assualt on me, be advised that I have been given a Gavel and pink slips to issue and have done so accordingly for both Masons and non-Masons and I will continue to do so to maintain proper order and decorum on this forum. As a Moderator, I have the continued support of the powers to be of this website, therefore, I will take my Moderator's broom and sweep away any and all unnecessary BS under the Mosaic tiles of this forum. Finally, this website is considered a private for members only and as such, there are guidelines to follow. Keep this in mind when posting. For Masons, like in lodge, the Master has the final say and the Gavel. Speak out of turn and be disrespectful of other members and the Moderator(s) and you will hear the Gavel drop because I hold the Gavel. So Mote It Be.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, Past Master
Freemason
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Hot Topics Moderator