Is Free-Masonry really a 'Universal Brotherhood?'

jpeffer2007 · 03-11-2008, 06:28 PM

Lately I've been doing a lot of thinking about this subject. Is Free-Masonry really the Universal Brotherhood it once was or has it grown into 100's of separate dysfunctional bodies more worried about what your dues card looks like, what kind of car the GM will get, how much money that can be drained from the subordinate lodges.... etc. The obligations are quickly forgotten in the average Blue Lodge. There is gossiping, back stabbing, and name-calling; it is all just so ridiculous.

One of the most serious of Masonic offenses is a crime of Moral Turpitude. Then you look at the Jester fiasco. It doesn't matter that these men were not in Lodge when this happened. A Mason is expected to be a man of morals at all times, perfect no, but should strive to be as good a moral man as possible.

We are charged with the following, "Remember that around this sacred altar, you have solemnly bound yourself to befriend and relieve every brother who shall need your assistance. You have promised in the friendliest manner to remind him of his errors, and aid a reformation.
These generous principles are to extend further; every human being has claim upon your kind offices; do good unto all; recommend it more especially “to the household of the faithful.”

But we forget about this as soon as the gavel sounds. The terms clandestine, irregular, and recognition, are used to weed out whom a Mason can and can't talk to, can and can't help if in need, and can and can't look upon as a Brother. These people who aren't "recognized" have a few things in common, they are either the wrong skin color, the wrong religion, the wrong sexual persuasion, or hold the wrong dues card.

This is complete hypocrisy and those who believe and practice this are complete hypocrites. I believe Free-Masonry is about loving your neighbor as a Brother no matter if he is a Mason or not, regardless of his color, sexual persuasion, or religion. I have found nothing in the old charges that state that Free-Masonry or good will is only for white, straight, men.

I have friends who are black, white, straight and gay. These men are also Masons. Some belong to mainstream lodges but have to pretend to be something they aren't. Some belong to so-called clandestine lodges and are treated as if they are lepers by those in the "mainstream." But all of these men have something in common as well...they understand and practice the true spirit of Brotherhood. They are the real Masons. They are better Masons.

It took me leaving my mainstream lodge to find any real Masons................

Jamie Peffer
VM Vulcan Lodge (Independent and Proud)
PM Bham Lodge 757 (demitted Grand Lodge of Alabama)

George the 3rd · 03-11-2008, 08:50 PM

Quote:

The Great White Lodge:

"The Great White Brotherhood, on the other hand, is the school or Fraternity, of The Great White Lodge, and into this invisible Brotherhood of visible members every true student on the Path prepares for admission. The Great White Brotherhood has no visible meeting place. Its members never physically assemble. Any physical organization therefore, claiming to be the Great White Brotherhood is false.

Rosicrucian Manual
By Dr. H. Spencer Lewis

Could not the same be said for Free-Masonry?

Stealth · 03-12-2008, 10:15 AM

Free-Masonry's so-called mainstream Masons have used these words of division for their "greater good" not to the betterment of ALL mankind NOR to the betterment of Free-Masonry.

Until each and every Grand Lodge jurisdiction and their members can live up to the obligations they took at the sacred altar of Free-Masonry. Always being mindful of what Brother Jamie has stated above, pertaining to their treatment of others, Free-Masonry cannot and is not what it was meant to be.

jpeffer2007 · 03-13-2008, 01:47 PM

Stealth,

I agree that there needs to be a form of recognition, but it needs to be the one that is taught to us. Recognition comes in the form of signs, grips, and words. I don't remember my obligation telling me that a Mason who knows the signs, grips, & words shouldn't be recongnized as such because he happens to have a different dues card than I do or a different color skin than my own.

Jamie

Stealth · 03-13-2008, 03:14 PM

"The 33rd degree rite is one of the latest among many attempts to construct a chain of degrees to bind together, tax, and govern lodges of the world. The Covent Garden Grand Lodge, formed at the Appletree Tavern, London, in 1717, was such an attempt. Four decayed lodges of working Masons, accustomed to initiate their apprentices, journeymen, and masters in a night's drinking carousal, met at that tavern in February, and on the 24th of June, following, formed the first Grand Lodge, and assumed (usurped) power to charter, tax and govern Masons of the world, by declaring "irregular", all lodges not chartered by themselves. And, as they could withdraw such charters as were given by themselves, and so destroy or cast out of Masonry all lodges so charted, their despotism was complete, over all those who were chartered by them. This usurpation and impostion was successful.

Such an attempt to seize universal dominion, is this Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of 33 degrees, of which E. Junius Edwards, Commander in Chief of the Grand Consistory of Minnesota, says: Nov. 12, 1885: "all the Supreme Councils of the World have finally adopted this schedule."

We have seen from its history, given by its own authors, that this " Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite," is not " ancient," but modern; not "acepted," but invented; not "Scottish," but French; and so one continuous falsehood. But its most revolting features are yet to be drawn.

Destroying records is confessing crime. Its writers complain that the early English lodge records were destroyed; doubtless lest their secret proceedings should be brought into courts. But the Charleston Supreme Council destroyed its proceedings, for more than half a century. From 1801 to 1860 no records exist."

Scotch Rite
Masonry Illustrated
The Complete Ritual of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite
Pages 27,28,34

Stealth · 03-13-2008, 03:22 PM

MSM keeps looking the other way demanding "we can't do anything". Change comes from within they say. Well, in that case Alabama will change their racist views in 4912...maybe.

In 1999 Brother Alex Harris addressed the Grand Lodge of Alabama with these noble words:

"Most Worshipful Grand Master, Right Worshipful Grand Wardens, Brethren,

I have spent a lot of time thinking about what to say to you today. There are so many issues that could be addressed regarding recognition of Prince Hall Masonry. Eventually though, the argument always comes back to race. So I decided to acknowledge that fact and to stop trying so hard to avoid it. Some may be offended by the observations I am about to make. Some because they have watched quietly as their beloved Masonry has been used as a front for something they would never be a part of. Others because they will realize I am describing them and they have spent their lives convincing themselves they do not hold those views. And still others, who do not hide the fact they are racist, will be very upset because these statements will threaten the existence of our lodges as "whites only."
Many Masons have told me they could not support this resolution because their lodge will not support it. Others believe in recognition but are honest enough to admit they do not have the courage to stand up in lodge and say so. And still others believe in recognition but they will not support it because they feel Alabama is not ready for it.
Since when are we concerned about whether the population is "ready" to give up something that is blatantly wrong? Is not part of being a Mason having the courage to stand up for what is just and right, regardless of the consequences? Didn't we learn that from the Masonic founding fathers of our country? Of course, Alabama has been desegregated for over thirty years. We're ready. Brethren, this is 1999. The country has been integrated for a generation. The world has been integrated a lot longer than that.
Masons in the rest of the world, and the United States for that matter, can't fathom our refusal to accept Prince Hall Masons. The issue is gaining momentum. So far recognition has been granted, or is being negotiated, in thirty US Jurisdictions, seven Canadian jurisdictions and nine other foreign jurisdictions. The United Grand Lodge of England has recognized Prince Hall Masonry in eighteen jurisdictions. This means that every possible argument against recognition has already been debated and refuted in other jurisdictions and there is not a legitimate Masonic reason to deny recognition to Prince Hall Masonry.
My fear is that one day other jurisdictions will withdraw recognition from Alabama because they believe us to be clandestine since we refuse to recognize the brotherhood of all men. If you think it can't happen, talk to Masons in other jurisdictions. They are discussing it. Will their Grand Lodges take action? I do not know. If they do not address our lack of action then someone, somewhere, will do the same thing we have done here today. They will feel their Grand Lodge is ignoring a vital issue and propose a resolution themselves.
Too many Masons don't want to sit in lodge with blacks. Fine points of Masonry have been perverted to defend racism that would not be tolerated in the rest of society. You do not want to know the statements I have heard since this resolution was proposed. I am going to tell you some of them anyway because they should be heard.
You need to know what Masonry is harboring today. A Past Master told me there are lodges I should not visit because I might not make it out of there. Another Past Master stated that "My grand-children may have to go to school with them but I sure won't sit in lodge with them." He also stated that, if this resolution passes, he and all his sons would be forced to leave Masonry and that we would lose at least half our members. I have been asked "what is going on at your lodge with all this 'nigger' talk." I have been asked if I wanted to sit in lodges with "blue-gums." I have never heard that racial slur before, so I guess this has been an educational process too.I want to respond to a few of the statements you just heard. First and foremost... if, because I favor recognition, I would be in physical danger... then Masonry does not exist here anymore. Second... anyone who would leave Masonry, because Prince Hall Masonry is granted recognition, is a Mason in title only. Its lessons are obviously not in their hearts. We may lose a large number of members if the resolution passes. So mote it be. Let them trade their aprons for white sheets with hoods. We are better off without them.
There are those who are livid with me right now. They are thinking, "How dare he say that!" or "Saying things like that is a Masonic offense!" or "He should remember his obligation!" My response is this... If speaking the truth, no matter how unpopular, is a Masonic offense, I am guilty and you should expel me because I am going to continue speaking these truths until we do the right thing.
My dear brethren... We are men, but more than that we are Masons, but more than that we are the creation of the Great Architect Of The Universe. Let us not sully his creation by letting it be associated with evil actions or beliefs. Have the courage to STAND UP and say you will do what is right.
STAND UP and say you will no longer allow the order to be used to perpetuate racism. STAND UP and announce that we believe in the brotherhood of ALL men. But most importantly, remember the trowel you were presented with at your raising... remember what it teaches us... and then stand up and vote that Prince Hall Masonry is now, and always has been, a legitimate branch of Masonry that the Grand Lodge of Alabama should grant full fraternal recognition to."

Thank you.
Alex Harris

craving · 03-14-2008, 08:27 AM

Bro. Harris, this is my first post here, but I feel I must post as you have moved me. I am a newly raised Master Mason in the Prince Hall Lodge. Before becoming a Mason, I never knew of the struggle between "regular" Masons and Prince Hall Masons. I am an inquisitive person by nature, so after becoming a Mason I felt I needed to do even more reseach than I did before joining. I have seen this issue debated ad nauseum, and agree with you. I have Brothers of all races and religions in my lodge, to include white, latino, slavic, african, and european. I had five cable tows that were white, one was a Buddist. Their color or religion never came into play, we were simply Brothers linked by a common goal-to better ourselves and become Master Masons. I am proud to say that we all made it and we are all the better for it. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime with these men whom I now call Brother. This issue you speak of tears at my heart. It goes against everything being a Mason stands for, as you so rightly put it. I am not sure I should speak on this, being a new Mason, but I feel that more people must speak out against this or it will only continue to be the status quo. If we as MAsons sit back and do nothing then we have failed, failed as men, failed as Masons, and failed human beings. I too haved deceided that I will stand up and speak out against this, from my side as well. There are some Prince Hall Masons that feel they do not want to be "included" with other groups of Masons, the reasonong being "if they don't want us, then we don't want them". This too is simply wrong. I have had a conversation with an older Master MAson with this opinion and I simply asked him, "doesn't that go against everything we are taught as Masons?" He had no real answer other than, "just give it a few years, you will see what I am talking about." I don't want to give it a few years, I want to address it right now, whenever it shows it's ugly head. This must be stopped. We must do our part if we expect others to do the same. All it takes is one to start, thne it will spread like a fire, from one Brother to the next and befoe you know it this issue will be a non-issue, something future Masons can look back on with disbelief and say, "can you believe that's how things used to be?"

D. W. Brown · 03-14-2008, 01:00 PM

I really liked what the GM in York had to say on the topic of recognition. You can read it Here.

jpeffer2007 · 03-14-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craving

Bro. Harris, this is my first post here, but I feel I must post as you have moved me. I am a newly raised Master Mason in the Prince Hall Lodge. Before becoming a Mason, I never knew of the struggle between "regular" Masons and Prince Hall Masons. I am an inquisitive person by nature, so after becoming a Mason I felt I needed to do even more reseach than I did before joining. I have seen this issue debated ad nauseum, and agree with you. I have Brothers of all races and religions in my lodge, to include white, latino, slavic, african, and european. I had five cable tows that were white, one was a Buddist. Their color or religion never came into play, we were simply Brothers linked by a common goal-to better ourselves and become Master Masons. I am proud to say that we all made it and we are all the better for it. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime with these men whom I now call Brother. This issue you speak of tears at my heart. It goes against everything being a Mason stands for, as you so rightly put it. I am not sure I should speak on this, being a new Mason, but I feel that more people must speak out against this or it will only continue to be the status quo. If we as MAsons sit back and do nothing then we have failed, failed as men, failed as Masons, and failed human beings. I too haved deceided that I will stand up and speak out against this, from my side as well. There are some Prince Hall Masons that feel they do not want to be "included" with other groups of Masons, the reasonong being "if they don't want us, then we don't want them". This too is simply wrong. I have had a conversation with an older Master MAson with this opinion and I simply asked him, "doesn't that go against everything we are taught as Masons?" He had no real answer other than, "just give it a few years, you will see what I am talking about." I don't want to give it a few years, I want to address it right now, whenever it shows it's ugly head. This must be stopped. We must do our part if we expect others to do the same. All it takes is one to start, thne it will spread like a fire, from one Brother to the next and befoe you know it this issue will be a non-issue, something future Masons can look back on with disbelief and say, "can you believe that's how things used to be?"

Dear Bro,

Which state are you in?

S&F,
Jamie Peffer

Stealth · 03-14-2008, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craving

Bro. Harris, this is my first post here, but I feel I must post as you have moved me. I am a newly raised Master Mason in the Prince Hall Lodge. Before becoming a Mason, I never knew of the struggle between "regular" Masons and Prince Hall Masons. I am an inquisitive person by nature, so after becoming a Mason I felt I needed to do even more reseach than I did before joining. I have seen this issue debated ad nauseum, and agree with you. I have Brothers of all races and religions in my lodge, to include white, latino, slavic, african, and european. I had five cable tows that were white, one was a Buddist. Their color or religion never came into play, we were simply Brothers linked by a common goal-to better ourselves and become Master Masons. I am proud to say that we all made it and we are all the better for it. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime with these men whom I now call Brother. This issue you speak of tears at my heart. It goes against everything being a Mason stands for, as you so rightly put it. I am not sure I should speak on this, being a new Mason, but I feel that more people must speak out against this or it will only continue to be the status quo. If we as MAsons sit back and do nothing then we have failed, failed as men, failed as Masons, and failed human beings. I too haved deceided that I will stand up and speak out against this, from my side as well. There are some Prince Hall Masons that feel they do not want to be "included" with other groups of Masons, the reasonong being "if they don't want us, then we don't want them". This too is simply wrong. I have had a conversation with an older Master MAson with this opinion and I simply asked him, "doesn't that go against everything we are taught as Masons?" He had no real answer other than, "just give it a few years, you will see what I am talking about." I don't want to give it a few years, I want to address it right now, whenever it shows it's ugly head. This must be stopped. We must do our part if we expect others to do the same. All it takes is one to start, thne it will spread like a fire, from one Brother to the next and befoe you know it this issue will be a non-issue, something future Masons can look back on with disbelief and say, "can you believe that's how things used to be?"

Brother,

Alex Harris left the state of Alabama because of the speech he gave in 1999. I just happen to have a copy of it to post. Each and everytime a MSM say "we can't do anything about it" I pull out this speech and they shut up. Any GL in the US that continunes to look the other way and continues to make excuses are as guilty as the GL of AL.