Any Free and accepted gents out there?

[God]

I didnt think we could mention the goat????

Well dude, passing is good - it's all part of it

I'll have a little google of your mag now I think

Any pics you want to share here?

Ha! Ive heard its the lesser of the 3 so we will see eh, its all part of it like you say

We can talk about the goat, just not what everyone does with it! Jeez.

I have only started on the mag from the Jan 2011 unpublished issue - it was due out Jan but the ed got a bit busy. Should be out any time soon I guess! The pictures arent great, they were with a point and shoot at the time they were taken! The shame of it... Next issue will be better I swear!

 

[EdBray]

I could just offer to 'letter or half it with you'

but a picture says a thousand words

 

[BarryG]

^ Master, Mark and..... I don't know!

More interested in the medals I have to say

How long have you been a Mason?

 

[Ed Taylor]

Looks like the "rich" mans R.A.O.B.

 

[God]

Now thats an impressive collection Edward! But remember, the most important colour on any apron is white

 

[EdBray]

^ Master, Mark and..... I don't know!

More interested in the medals I have to say

How long have you been a Mason?

Holy Royal Arch

275 year Anniversary Medal (gaudy one), Charity Medal, Holy Royal Arch Medal, Lodge Medal and Mark Medal (my favourite as it is an antique and has solid silver bars, hammers and clasp)

Stopped going about 15 years or so, gave up for personal reasons and time.

I belonged to 2 Standard Lodges, One Holy Royal Arch, One Mark and One Other.

 

[God]

Holy Royal Arch

275 year Anniversary Medal (gaudy one), Charity Medal, Holy Royal Arch Medal, Lodge Medal and Mark Medal (my favourite as it is an antique and has solid silver bars, hammers and clasp)

Stopped going about 15 years or so, gave up for personal reasons and time.

I belonged to 2 Standard Lodges, One Holy Royal Arch, One Mark and One Other.

Very impressive sir! Well, if you ever fancy dropping back into a lodge, we would welcome you im sure...

 

[wibbly]

My Dad, now sadly passed away was a Mason - had been for about 40 years as well..

Had been there, seen it, done it... all!

 

[BarryG]

My Dad, now sadly passed away was a Mason - had been for about 40 years as well..

Had been there, seen it, done it... all!

I just found out my Grandad and his dad were Masons - I feel really proud to be part of it, even more so after finding that out.

Have you thought about becoming a member?

 

[BarryG]

Holy Royal Arch

275 year Anniversary Medal (gaudy one), Charity Medal, Holy Royal Arch Medal, Lodge Medal and Mark Medal (my favourite as it is an antique and has solid silver bars, hammers and clasp)

Stopped going about 15 years or so, gave up for personal reasons and time.

I belonged to 2 Standard Lodges, One Holy Royal Arch, One Mark and One Other.

That's a lot of time.

You should consider joining again, just one lodge.

 

[Lunaticsamurai]

Is any of this in English

Its technical talk for what they do in the masons.

Being a master takes a long time 10 years i think.

I was asked to join a few years back but respectfully declined when i found out what it encompassed.

Have been to a few ladies nights though, that was enough.

 

[God]

My Dad, now sadly passed away was a Mason - had been for about 40 years as well..

Had been there, seen it, done it... all!

Have you never thought of finding out what all the stories are about?

I just found out my Grandad and his dad were Masons - I feel really proud to be part of it, even more so after finding that out.

I would be amazingly proud, I'm jealous. Alas, I never knew most of my family so will never know, but I am definitely making the most of it now

 

[God]

Its technical talk for what they do in the masons.

Being a master takes a long time 10 years i think.

I was asked to join a few years back but respectfully declined when i found out what it encompassed.

Have been to a few ladies nights though, that was enough.

Takes 3 years usually, depending on your lodge
That being said that is by no means the furthest you can go, 99.9999% (can you tell im doing an MBA? lol) of people will never do everything there is to do...

Ladies nights for us are a weekend long knees up in brighton, good times!

Out of curiosity, what were your reasons for declining? Specifically?

 

[AdeM]

If I had remained in my lodge I would have been master years ago, I was doing well, I left as SD in 2003 to move overseas, now that im back in the UK I intend on contacting my mother Lodge to see about coming back, its been a while but looking forward to it, been go GQS couple of times for meetings, and also to see my father in law get London Grand Rank, ooer

 

[Dulux]

I was recently told by a mason that they are not a secret society but they do have secrets, luckily that cleared it right up for me!!

 

[Lunaticsamurai]

Takes 3 years usually, depending on your lodge
That being said that is by no means the furthest you can go, 99.9999% (can you tell im doing an MBA? lol) of people will never do everything there is to do...

Ladies nights for us are a weekend long knees up in brighton, good times!

Out of curiosity, what were your reasons for declining? Specifically?

2 things made me decline;

Having to worship a higher power.

And god save the queen.

Both of those were never going to happen.

But not just that, my first ladies night gave me a glimpse into the reality of what being a mason was, (and this is just my take on things, no disrespect intended) I thought it was a complete load of nonsense, and i don't mean just a small part of it, but the whole thing. I felt so embarresed that grown men were acting the way they were i just wanted to leave.

I was perseuded by the people that invited ,to join, but i had to say no.
I did my research into the masons and found out that all the hear-say is nonsense too, slaughtering animals, secret handshakes, code words, governement secrets, having to be invited to join because you have something to offer, all rubbish.

By the end of the night after quite a few drinks, my mate continued to try and impress me by telling me that they knew where the Holy Grail was... I looked at my missus and said, "get me the **** out of here"


But anyway, thats my take on things and in no way reflects what others choose to do. there are so many different clubs, about 140 i think, not just the masons. But its not for me.

 

[Marcel]

Its actually something that has always intrigued me...no doubt to do with the alleged 'secrecy' of it all (We all like the idea of this super secret society with funny handshakes and friends in high places type of conspiracy )

Seriously though, would anyone care to explain what it actually is...in real world terms, and what it encompasses/entails?

 

[God]

If I had remained in my lodge I would have been master years ago, I was doing well, I left as SD in 2003 to move overseas, now that im back in the UK I intend on contacting my mother Lodge to see about coming back, its been a while but looking forward to it, been go GQS couple of times for meetings, and also to see my father in law get London Grand Rank, ooer

Ha! Get you eh! We have a few in our lodge of LGR, we have the MetMoC in our lodge, talk about pressure for my passing! lol

What lodge was it?

 

[Lunaticsamurai]

Its actually something that has always intrigued me...no doubt to do with the alleged 'secrecy' of it all (We all like the idea of this super secret society with funny handshakes and friends in high places type of conspiracy )

Seriously though, would anyone care to explain what it actually is...in real world terms, and what it encompasses/entails?

In the most basic terms possible, its a club for people that do a lot of work for charity, Thats about it.

 

[AdeM]

Ha! Get you eh! We have a few in our lodge of LGR, we have the MetMoC in our lodge, talk about pressure for my passing! lol

What lodge was it?

Belfairs 4730, my mother lodge in Southend, father in law has been through just about every degree known to man


the UGLE website will give anybody who would like to know more, lots of information on what freemasonry is

Clicky Linky thingy thats the United Grand Lodge of England

 

[munch]

A lot of work for charity? care to expand that one or is it a secret?

 

[BarryG]

Membership requires a belief in a higher bring, whoever that may be and good morals - that's it.

My father in law proposed me to the lodge and when we talked about it he always said it was like grown up boy scouts - and I guess it is really. It is basically a charity that gives the most money next to the lottery. You go to the lodge 4 times a year and go through "rituals" - as they have done for hundreds of years. You meet with other decent blokes who are all similar, but also different. In my lodge we've got builders, accountant ... photographers! All different and all the same.

I like being part of something that has been going on for years and I also like helping people ... not always financially.

There are secret aspects of it, and I like that too.

Bottom line is it's fun, it's a nice group of people coming together and enjoying each others company. I've learnt a lot from it and it's made me think about things differently.

If you are interested in it, speak to a lodge near you. And I bet you know Masons already.

I'm very open with it all, I really don't mind if people know I am a Freemason - some do.

Dib dib dib, dob dob dob

 

[AdeM]

A lot of work for charity? care to expand that one or is it a secret?

No secret, have a look at the website link I gave previous, Freemasons are one of the largest donators to charity, we just dont seek the publicity that others do, there is a lot more to it, its not a secret society, but as has been said before it is a society with secrets, no different than your local golf club or rotary club or any other club, the traditions and ceremonies in Freemasonry that go back a long long way, its this side of it that some people dont understand

 

[BarryG]

I was recently told by a mason that they are not a secret society but they do have secrets, luckily that cleared it right up for me!!

I think these are the Masons who are trying to stay relevant!

There are secrets, it is a secret society.

It's all part of it though. I personally like the secrecy of it. You learn more the further you go.

It's all online anyway

 

[God]

I was recently told by a mason that they are not a secret society but they do have secrets, luckily that cleared it right up for me!!

LOL everyone has secrets! Ever worked in a company that is totally open to the way it operates? Go figure...

2 things made me decline;

Having to worship a higher power.

And god save the queen.

Both of those were never going to happen.

But not just that, my first ladies night gave me a glimpse into the reality of what being a mason was, (and this is just my take on things, no disrespect intended) I thought it was a complete load of nonsense, and i don't mean just a small part of it, but the whole thing. I felt so embarresed that grown men were acting the way they were i just wanted to leave.

I was perseuded by the people that invited ,to join, but i had to say no.
I did my research into the masons and found out that all the hear-say is nonsense too, slaughtering animals, secret handshakes, code words, governement secrets, having to be invited to join because you have something to offer, all rubbish.

By the end of the night after quite a few drinks, my mate continued to try and impress me by telling me that they knew where the Holy Grail was... I looked at my missus and said, "get me the **** out of here"


But anyway, thats my take on things and in no way reflects what others choose to do. there are so many different clubs, about 140 i think, not just the masons. But its not for me.

Ha!! You know what, I agree with you. Now dont get me wrong, they have their perks but sometimes things are 'excessive' and sometimes you think "you look like a right bell end", in the end you just have to bear in mind that it is all for a decent thing.

If you dont believe in a god, well thats fair enough. As for the queen, well...

Fact is, I joined because I was curious about the 'secrets', I believe in god and I believe in giving generously to charity. That is it. All of the rest is something that I either laugh at or embrace... You know what, it would be worth meeting with a few, erm, 'modern' masons, and seeing whether your views change....

Its actually something that has always intrigued me...no doubt to do with the alleged 'secrecy' of it all (We all like the idea of this super secret society with funny handshakes and friends in high places type of conspiracy )

Seriously though, would anyone care to explain what it actually is...in real world terms, and what it encompasses/entails?

Ha! As above, look at why I joined!

What is it? Well, lets put it this way, last year UK freemasonry donated close to £3m to charitable causes. In the past it might have been about 'who you know' but now, its about whether you believe in god and want to do good, pretty much! There are other bits, but then they are the secrets...

 

[tikkathreebarrel]

Seriously though, would anyone care to explain what it actually is...in real world terms, and what it encompasses/entails?

Well, I was taught to be cautious but I'll give it a go for the enlightenment of this forum's non-Masonic members.

I cannot do better than point you to the public domain website
http://www.ugle.org.uk/what-is-masonry/

(all that "secret society" huh?)

where there is a clear explanation of what Freemasonry and Freemasons are about. Nothing sinister, just upright men of sound judgement and strict morals. Our belief in a "Higher Power" , a "supreme being" is taken by many of us to mean a God, a religion and in fact we embrace all religions equally, which is something of a culture shock for some. Some believe their higher power to be Science, or physics for example.

Before the National Lottery came into being, Freemasonry raised more money for charity than any other organisation or body and you might reflect on the fact that you won't see masons on street corners rattling a tin to collect money from you. The money we raise and give to charitable causes is our money. Already an initial cheque of £50,000 has gone to Japan towards relief from their disaster; it is likely to be followed by others.

If you'd like to know more you have but to ask.

Me? I am lucky enough to be Master of a Lodge at this time.

 

[ZoneV]

My Father was a very good friend of a life-long Freemason. He was offered to join but declined because he was a Police Sergeant at the time and didn't think it was appropriate.

He often gave to charity so I'm not entirely sure of the reasoning behind his decision.

 

[AdeM]

Hmm already provided link to the UGLE website

 

[God]

He was offered to join but declined because he was a Police Sergeant at the time and didn't think it was appropriate.
:

We have the head of one of the biggest london police regions in ours, and I dont think it has done him any harm! If anything he has to be one of the most charitable people I know, for example he pledged to double the entire charitable donations of the entire lodge for the year. I think that pretty much sums up what Freemasons are

 

[munch]

So I look at your link and the first bit I see is "Each year the freemasons' grand charity provides relief grants for thousands of freemasons and there dependants in financial need" So a lot of this charity work is helping yourselves.

I don't now many unemployed people that are "invited" to join the masons.

 

[BarryG]

My Father was a very good friend of a life-long Freemason. He was offered to join but declined because he was a Police Sergeant at the time and didn't think it was appropriate.

He often gave to charity so I'm not entirely sure of the reasoning behind his decision.

Yep, I think there were issues with "cops and robbers" being members in the past. Not anymore, at all.

We've got old bill in our lodge - he's alright lol

 

[Steep]

I used to work with a guy who was a Mason, so was his wife.

 

[EdBray]

2 things made me decline;

Having to worship a higher power.

No, having to believe in a higher power.

And god save the queen.

Both of those were never going to happen.

But not just that, my first ladies night gave me a glimpse into the reality of what being a mason was, (and this is just my take on things, no disrespect intended) I thought it was a complete load of nonsense, and i don't mean just a small part of it, but the whole thing. I felt so embarresed that grown men were acting the way they were i just wanted to leave.

Don't know what you went to but most Ladies nights are just a Dinner/Dance with money raised for charity and the opportunity to have a night out with your Ladies.

I was perseuded by the people that invited ,to join, but i had to say no.
I did my research into the masons and found out that all the hear-say is nonsense too, slaughtering animals, secret handshakes, code words, governement secrets, having to be invited to join because you have something to offer, all rubbish.

I think there was time in the late 80s around the Metropolitan area where there was an issue with Police and Criminals frequentling the same Lodges

Well the ones in bold certainly are rubbish, there are secret handshakes to allow you to identify a member and there are a number of words that could also indicate membership.

By the end of the night after quite a few drinks, my mate continued to try and impress me by telling me that they knew where the Holy Grail was... I looked at my missus and said, "get me the **** out of here"

Not sure where this comes from?


But anyway, thats my take on things and in no way reflects what others choose to do. there are so many different clubs, about 140 i think, not just the masons. But its not for me.

One of the best things about freemasonry is the brotherhood and the support of members who 'may be down on their luck', it is also has a very good social aspect especially for single elder men or widowers who can build a social life around the freemason calander and ensue they get a decent cooked meal and a few drinks once in a while (or more often if the go out guesting).

Not for everyone I agree, and I have been on both sides of the coin. There are benefits to membership and little downsides if you have some free time and willing to support charity are happy in the company of predominantly males.

As for a self serving club, I got more work from being a member of a local golf club than I ever did from my membership of the Freemasons.

 

[God]

So I look at your link and the first bit I see is "Each year the freemasons' grand charity provides relief grants for thousands of freemasons and there dependants in financial need" So a lot of this charity work is helping yourselves.

I don't now many unemployed people that are "invited" to join the masons.

You know what, that is a very good point, and in part I agree.
Being part of the lodge there are costs to meet - look at it this way:

You are a member of a golf club - you have to pay for your clubs, the club costs and the use of the field; maybe for a meal after. Any money you might put in the charity relief box is good.

Its the same in Freemasonry, we have to pay for the hall hire costs, anything we may have to use in lodge, and food costs. The only money then donated to charity is what we choose to put, out of our own pockets, in the charity box.

I hope that makes it seem a little more reasonable?

 

[Dulux]

I recently was inivited along to a meeting, a friend of mine father in law is a member. It was interesting, but I felt the feel of the whole lodge was of an older generation, I felt it just didn't fit my lifestyle at the moment, and I have far too many other things going on.
We had a quick look round the temple and all I could think about was how interesting it would be to photograph it!!

 

[God]

I recently was inivited along to a meeting, a friend of mine father in law is a member. It was interesting, but I felt the feel of the whole lodge was of an older generation, I felt it just didn't fit my lifestyle at the moment, and I have far too many other things going on.
We had a quick look round the temple and all I could think about was how interesting it would be to photograph it!!

So they let you sit through the whole thing?

 

[cobwebscavern]

Should there be a thread on here advertising an outside club which promotes secterianism?

 

[AdeM]

Should there be a thread on here advertising an outside club which promotes secterianism?

Always one

 

[God]

Should there be a thread on here advertising an outside club which promotes secterianism?

As far as I can tell nobody is advertising anything, I was simply enquiring whether there were any members and some people have asked questions

And i do think secretarianism is a bit of a strong word...

 

[Dulux]

So they let you sit through the whole thing?

No, its basically a couple of drinks a meal, toast the Queen, then a look in side the temple, didn't see anything more. I had a look on the internet afterwards as was interested in the degrees. I can't see me ever going after becoming a member, it just doesn't seem to click for me.