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witnessofjesus · 12-12-2007, 11:49 AM

Althought I do agree that Grand Masters should not have unchecked power, I also must confess, as has Brother Hodapp that, "I'm a shameless supporter of mainstream Masonry. I want the big buildings, the magazines, the books, some kind of recognition system to keep any nitwit who buys an apron and says he's a Mason from being equated with those who really are, the semblance of standards and practices administered by somebody in charge, and a nice retirement home when I'm done. I'm just crazy enough to think that the mainstream system is better than chaos, but I'm a big "order" kind of a guy. Those who think I'm a chump for siding with the mainstream establishment are free to do so. It doesn't cause me any sleepless nights."

However, I do agree that something should be done such as forming an Executive Committee or Committee of Appeals in each state, composed of the PGMs of that state, who can keep the power of a GM in check, and even bring him up on Masonic charges should the abuse of power be a proven fact, and that such Committee composed of PGMs of that state should be given the authority to overturn Edicts expelling members without the usual Masonic trail required by Masonic law.

I think if such were instituted among men and Masons, that this grand exodus from the Grand Lodge systems would stop and we, as men and Masons, could once again rest in peace knowing that the GM doesn't have unlimited power, and that he is in check by a board composed of all living PGMs of the state to which a brother, or a lodge, wronged by the current GM could appeal to for an alternative investigation and inquiry and possibly a more equitable decision on their behalf, and at least the benefit of a trail where the said brother, or Lodge, could defend its position and at least be heard by such Committee.

But I do not oppose the Grand Lodge system, and am so thankful that such nonesense as all this going on in both WV and OH does not exist in VA or DC of which I am a member and proud Master Mason of each Grand jurisdiction.

12-12-2007, 11:49 AM	#16
witnessofjesus Member witnessofjesus is Offline Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia Posts: 62 Rep: Rep Power: 1	I like the Grand Lodge system... Althought I do agree that Grand Masters should not have unchecked power, I also must confess, as has Brother Hodapp that, "I'm a shameless supporter of mainstream Masonry. I want the big buildings, the magazines, the books, some kind of recognition system to keep any nitwit who buys an apron and says he's a Mason from being equated with those who really are, the semblance of standards and practices administered by somebody in charge, and a nice retirement home when I'm done. I'm just crazy enough to think that the mainstream system is better than chaos, but I'm a big "order" kind of a guy. Those who think I'm a chump for siding with the mainstream establishment are free to do so. It doesn't cause me any sleepless nights." However, I do agree that something should be done such as forming an Executive Committee or Committee of Appeals in each state, composed of the PGMs of that state, who can keep the power of a GM in check, and even bring him up on Masonic charges should the abuse of power be a proven fact, and that such Committee composed of PGMs of that state should be given the authority to overturn Edicts expelling members without the usual Masonic trail required by Masonic law. I think if such were instituted among men and Masons, that this grand exodus from the Grand Lodge systems would stop and we, as men and Masons, could once again rest in peace knowing that the GM doesn't have unlimited power, and that he is in check by a board composed of all living PGMs of the state to which a brother, or a lodge, wronged by the current GM could appeal to for an alternative investigation and inquiry and possibly a more equitable decision on their behalf, and at least the benefit of a trail where the said brother, or Lodge, could defend its position and at least be heard by such Committee. But I do not oppose the Grand Lodge system, and am so thankful that such nonesense as all this going on in both WV and OH does not exist in VA or DC of which I am a member and proud Master Mason of each Grand jurisdiction.