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George the 3rd · 12-06-2007, 07:42 PM

Never! And I mean NEVER, have I ever said that I disagree with the ideals and desires the Masons of Halcyon Lodge #498 had when it came to reinvigorating and revitalizing Masonry in the 21st Century. In FACT, and I'm sure most of the so-called "Masonic Malcontents" will not believe me when I state this, I have been working for EXACTLY the same ends as have been expressed by those clamoring for reforms and a more progressive approach to Masonry.

I could fill a page with my experiences in these areas, the ridicule I have endured by "the old guard", and the suspicion, apprehension and distrust that has been leveled at me for the attitudes, ambitions and hopes I have expressed in the over 25 years I have been a Mason.

But that is not the point. The point is: being right does not guarantee that the right will prevail. If it is a struggle, or even a battle, it must be struggled for or fought for "SMART"!

Know your adversary and know his strengths and weaknesses.

The article rightly points out that the idea of creating a charity to allow a building to become a way for tax relief rather than a tax burden is probably, in most cases, the "right" thing to do. But there is a way to get it done and a way to do it that will almost assuredly result in failure.

I have no way of knowing what the legal outcome of the adventure at Halcyon will be. But I do know this. If the experiment proves to be a misadventure, then those who are seeking the same results but via different methods will have their efforts frustrated and set back as a result.

In 1968 I was 20 years old. Don't preach to me about revolution. Been there, done that. But there is a reason the Ritual points to the three steps in the Master Mason lecture. Youth, without the attainment of knowledge, is "force" in chaos. Maturity uses the knowledge attained and applies it to the task at hand. "Ordo ab Chao"

So, my reply? I agree in principle with EVERYTHING Brother Graeter is saying regarding the need for Masonry to relate to the 21st Century. And I disagree ENTIRELY with the way the former Brothers of Halcyon went about trying to achieve their laudable goals.

"Georgey"

P.S. In the 21st Century, there will be many of us "baby boomers" who will still consider themselves Masons. And while the "numbers" may be dropping off, most of us plan to be around at least another 20 or so years. At the core, we share the same set of values, Masonic values. Why would those of you who see us as merely "flying monkeys" want to disenfranchise and discard us? If you have a "new and improved" Masonry to sell, do a little effective advertising. You might be surprised who might be willing to buy it.

12-06-2007, 07:42 PM	#3
George the 3rd Member George the 3rd is Offline Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 52 Rep: Rep Power: 1	Re: A Radical Idea Never! And I mean NEVER, have I ever said that I disagree with the ideals and desires the Masons of Halcyon Lodge #498 had when it came to reinvigorating and revitalizing Masonry in the 21st Century. In FACT, and I'm sure most of the so-called "Masonic Malcontents" will not believe me when I state this, I have been working for EXACTLY the same ends as have been expressed by those clamoring for reforms and a more progressive approach to Masonry. I could fill a page with my experiences in these areas, the ridicule I have endured by "the old guard", and the suspicion, apprehension and distrust that has been leveled at me for the attitudes, ambitions and hopes I have expressed in the over 25 years I have been a Mason. But that is not the point. The point is: being right does not guarantee that the right will prevail. If it is a struggle, or even a battle, it must be struggled for or fought for "SMART"! Know your adversary and know his strengths and weaknesses. The article rightly points out that the idea of creating a charity to allow a building to become a way for tax relief rather than a tax burden is probably, in most cases, the "right" thing to do. But there is a way to get it done and a way to do it that will almost assuredly result in failure. I have no way of knowing what the legal outcome of the adventure at Halcyon will be. But I do know this. If the experiment proves to be a misadventure, then those who are seeking the same results but via different methods will have their efforts frustrated and set back as a result. In 1968 I was 20 years old. Don't preach to me about revolution. Been there, done that. But there is a reason the Ritual points to the three steps in the Master Mason lecture. Youth, without the attainment of knowledge, is "force" in chaos. Maturity uses the knowledge attained and applies it to the task at hand. "Ordo ab Chao" So, my reply? I agree in principle with EVERYTHING Brother Graeter is saying regarding the need for Masonry to relate to the 21st Century. And I disagree ENTIRELY with the way the former Brothers of Halcyon went about trying to achieve their laudable goals. "Georgey" P.S. In the 21st Century, there will be many of us "baby boomers" who will still consider themselves Masons. And while the "numbers" may be dropping off, most of us plan to be around at least another 20 or so years. At the core, we share the same set of values, Masonic values. Why would those of you who see us as merely "flying monkeys" want to disenfranchise and discard us? If you have a "new and improved" Masonry to sell, do a little effective advertising. You might be surprised who might be willing to buy it.