jpeffer2007

A “Grand” Idea

The landscape of Free-Masonry in the United States is changing before our very eyes. The mainstream Grand Lodges no longer hold a monopoly on the Craft. With the emergence of groups like the Grand Orient of the United States, Masonic High Council of the USA, George Washington Union, Feminine Grand Lodge of France, Feminine Grand Lodge of Belgium, La Droit Humain, Grand Lodge of All England at York, and others, there are many lodges operating outside of the mainstream. Despite all of the attacks, from the mainstream, on our legitimacy the “cosmopolitan” movement is picking up steam and our lodges are growing. This is in sharp contrast to the mainstream Grand Lodges that are almost all in sharp decline.

The advantage the mainstream holds is a valuable one. They are organized, recognized by the public as the sole “authority,” and despite their own internal differences, they are forming a unified front to sabotage the growing “cosmopolitan” movement. I recently read a post where a mainstream Mason urged other Masons to “arm themselves” to take Masonry back. Attitudes like this can’t be changed overnight and possible can never be changed. For us to try to convince this Brother that we are legitimate and pursuing honest goals would be useless. It is also unimportant to even try to convince people who think like this.

In order for us to advance the “Cosmopolitan” movement we should start first with acting like Masons, in lodge, outside of lodge, at work, on the internet, and anywhere else we come in contact with people. We should read and study to increase our own Masonic knowledge. We need to stop fighting among ourselves, we need to use more tact when replying to sharp posts online, we need to let the past die and move on. I have been just as guilty of some of these things as others have been. But I also know that if I, and others, learn to keep our passions in due bounds we can be part of the solution and not the problem.

I urge everyone to think about this before making a heated reply to a comment or internet post. If we turn the other cheek and take the high road then we can achieve a moral victory. The mainstream is in decline. Young, educated, men and women who seek out Free-Masonry to facilitate Free Thinking will naturally shun the antiquated system and flock to join our movement. Our cause is just and righteous and if we keep a tongue of good report and act upon the square we can build a Masonic edifice that will fill the vacuum that currently exists in American Masonry and eventually surpass the mainstream.

chgregory

Brother Peffer,

I have not met you, and I am sorry that is so, because you are a voice of reason and there are far too few of those in this world.

I became a mason, (and quite honestly I am what you refer to as mainstream) because I believe in the tenets of freemasonry. I think men of honor should be well met as brothers even in the most extreme of situations (such as combatants on the battle field) we should still act on the level with friendship and brotherly love and when we part we should feel certain that we are doing so on the square.

I am not certain the mainstream is on the decline, at least not here in Virginia but I believe that a common ground would better serve all who claim the honorable status of being called Masons.

If the ritual must be held apart due to the rules of each order, ok, we can work with that reality. We are not forbidden to be friends and attend social gathering. I believe the rules say we can't sit in lodge and share discourse on the "secrets" of freemasonry. They do not forbid treating each other with respect and the highest possible standard of friendly interaction.

I do not know a great deal about "cosmopolitan" masons, and I am sorry for my ignorance, but I will study and learn and maybe one day we can all share (socially at least) the friendship and good offices we have promised to all men but more especially a bother in our respective orders.

Well said my brother and I will hold you in my prayers and good thoughts.

S & F,

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Cliff Gregory

D. W. Brown

Now that is the way real Masons disagree.

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Dale Brown, 3°
TBL Staff
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Must Reads for Every Mason:

A Peculiar System of Morality | Laudable Pursuit | The Ancient Landmarks
The Truth About the Antients and the Moderns | It's About Time
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Must Visit Links for Masons:

Grand Orient de France | Grand Orient of the United States of America
The Burning Taper | Halcyon Lodge | The Philalethes Society

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Something Every Freemason Should Fight For:

Pickens Plan