Caporegime
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From what my Granddad has told me, pretty much.
Masons
- Thread starter Megahurtz400
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From what my Granddad has told me, pretty much.
Never really thought about them really but as you are offering may as well ask this but how do you get new members - is it invite only or not? If so on what criteria etc? (I don't want to become one just asking!)
The Illuminati. The something is The.
Man of Honour
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I thought it was The Bilderberg Group that (also) ran the World or is it The Lizardmen? I always get confused with my conspiracy theories.
My old man is a mason and from what I've experienced it appears to be a fairly pretentious, esoteric group of older men, who gather together to wear some rather odd attire, recite verses amongst various other things. More sort of an old boys club.
They do a lot of charity work and do look out for each other, for instance in times of poor health etc. I think they helped the widow of one of the members quite considerably recently when he passed on.
I've been asked to join, moreso prompted from some of the friends he has than my Dad himself, but I see nothing in it for me and my Dad himself admitted that there's little in it for me.
If i'm honest I've been to one of the ladies' nights (no sniggering motors boys) where they basically hold tribute to their wives and daughters, and it was all black tie and that, and whereas it was perfectly pleasant and all that, it was a very pretentious affair with deep belly laughing all round.
Ultimately something I'd never feel comfortable participating in or being part of.
They do a lot of charity work and do look out for each other, for instance in times of poor health etc. I think they helped the widow of one of the members quite considerably recently when he passed on.
I've been asked to join, moreso prompted from some of the friends he has than my Dad himself, but I see nothing in it for me and my Dad himself admitted that there's little in it for me.
If i'm honest I've been to one of the ladies' nights (no sniggering motors boys) where they basically hold tribute to their wives and daughters, and it was all black tie and that, and whereas it was perfectly pleasant and all that, it was a very pretentious affair with deep belly laughing all round.
Ultimately something I'd never feel comfortable participating in or being part of.
Deleted member 66701
Deleted member 66701
A bit of both really. if someone has a strong interest in Freemasonry they normally find us and express an interest in joining.
We also have what are called "Gentlemen to dine" evenings where we invite friends and family to join us for the "festive board" (i.e. a meal after the lodge meeting). If they enjoy themselves then they will usually enquire as to how they can join.
I'd say 95% of new members have have asked to join, rather than being asked to join.
There is a saying "to become a Mason, ask one".
As for the criteria for joining, Freemasonry is open to all upright and free men of mature age*, sound judgment and strict morals. The last two points are usually supported by character references and determined by an interview between the candidate and the Lodges committee.
*Generally 21 but may be younger is they are a lewis (son of a mason).
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Deleted member 66701
Deleted member 66701
Really depends - our lodge is quite young in comparison - I'm 32 and certainly not the youngest - I think the average age in the lodge is 35. Masonry is chaging rapidly and it's the "younger" lodges that are thriving - the "old" ones, if you excuse the pun, are simply dying off.
Our ladies evening was a Casion them with Blackjack, poker and roulette tables. Best night I've had out in ages. It was a proper black tye event but that is as it should be - it's nice to get dressed up for special events.
It's not for everyone - in fact I haven't even invited any of my friends I have outside of masonry to one of our dining evenings - I know that, at least at thier stage of life and maturity, it simply isn't for them. At least you have recognised it's not for you - it'd be a shame to join then leave a year later (after all - a years subs isn't cheap!) and dissapoint your Dad.
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Cheers for the info - in the last post you mention a yearly sub? May I ask how much and would say get the back in other ways through an increased network of business contacts etc? I guess I am asking is that the point of the Freemasons or is that just a consequence and their goal is different (not necessarily world domination
) and if so what is the goal: social etc ?
) and if so what is the goal: social etc ?Deleted member 66701
Deleted member 66701
It depnds on what province you're in but in England its roughly £250 for your first year and £200 a year after.
Some lodges don't have "festive boards" after the lodge meetings, so subs can be a lot cheaper (£80ish a year) as you don't have food to pay for.
Nothing.
To quote the UGLE (United Grand Lodge of England):-
I guess I am asking is that the point of the Freemasons or is that just a consequence and their goal is different (not necessarily world domination
The goal of Freemasonry is to make a good man a better man.
The social aspect is very strong as is the large amount of charity work.
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Deleted member 66701
Deleted member 66701
Not at all - I relish the chance to talk about something I am passionate about and I'm in no way embarrased or ashamed of being a freemason (as indeed no are but some aren't quite as confident to display thier membership in public, for obvious reasons).
To answer your next question:-
"Freemasonry is a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols".
We conduct a series of dramas - a story of allegorical two-part plays which are learnt by heart and performed within each Lodge. The symbols are ancient stonemasons tools (square, compasses etc) and each have a specific meaning.
Probably doesn't make much sense, but I wouldn't want to elaborate too much and spoil the experience if you (or anyone else reading this) were to become a freemason.
So correct me if I am wrong here at all - but you kind of enact say things similar to parables from the bible to learn the message?
You couldn't be more wrong.
Soldato
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I was at the funeral of a relative who was a mason. A lot of them were in the police and apparently being a mason helps, or used to. I know my Grandad chose not to be one(it was his brothers funeral) because he wanted to earn his own way.
It was quite nice to see them do there wee bit at the crematorium, was as if he was a soldier or something.
It was quite nice to see them do there wee bit at the crematorium, was as if he was a soldier or something.
Associate
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they're all into swinging, from what i've heard
I thought I belief in some form of higher power was also a requirement or has that fallen by the wayside?
Deleted member 66701
Deleted member 66701
That's pretty much spot on.
You are correct, but it's up to you who/what that higher power is and you aren't asked to justify it. I'm a humanist so human race=god - that's acceptable in Freemasonry. There are many references to God in Freemasonry but it NEVER attempts to define God - that is up to the individual.
Freemasonry is neither religious or anti-religious. It does not support one religion over another.
It is forbidden to talk about religion or politics at meetings.
Those two sentances above is why many religions do not like Freemasonry.
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My Grandad was a mason, and also Detective Chief Superintendent of the Met. The sceptic in me say that there is a relationship.
My Father was invited to join, but he refused as he didn't believe that a you should benefit in life because of being in a 'secret' organisation.
My Father was invited to join, but he refused as he didn't believe that a you should benefit in life because of being in a 'secret' organisation.