Searching for the light

txrjallen · 11-28-2007, 08:21 PM

Hello,

I am interested in petitioning for Masonry. I am currently a resident of Texas but my job requires me to work for long periods out of state. I am finding it difficult to begin and am looking for the solutions to my situation.

Sincerely,

RJAllen

D. W. Brown · 11-29-2007, 07:01 PM

RJ you have to decide between two forms of Masonry first.

1. Modern
2. Antient

Once you decide that then I can help you find the right person.

txrjallen · 11-29-2007, 08:32 PM

DW,

It seems to me that the major difference between Modern and Antient is the ability to adapt to change. Please correct me if I am mistaken, Modern consists of mainly educated and men of leadership and Antient consists of working men. Isn't there a happy medium between the two when attending lodge meetings?

If I was to make a choice between the two, I would choose the Modern because I do consider myself educated (through school and self enlightenment) and I am in a postion of leadership but, I have also been a working man. I think because of this, I would be of more use to my future brothers.

RJAllen

Continued:

After futher research and continued discussions with a friend and colleage of mine, I have decided to reverse my previous decision and choose the Antient form of Masonry. The reason for this is I am more interested in the original beliefs and standards that our country's fore-fathers put in place. This foundation was placed to maintain the practice of brotherhood and provide future leaders with the knowledge to lead a nation in constant turmoil. Even though I also believe that with change comes additional knowledge, I also firmly believe that the original foundation must be maintained or the structure will collapse upon itself. Thank you DW for your support and I look forward to continuing my pursuit of enlightenment.

Sincerely,

RJAllen

witnessofjesus · 11-30-2007, 11:19 PM

If you want more information on Freemasonry, please visit my Blog at http://thevoiceoffreemasonry.blogspot.com/ and you'll find the information or light that you're seeking.

antoninus9 · 12-03-2007, 10:53 PM

The founding fathers were all Moderns. Benjamin Franklin quit being a Mason when the Antients took control of American Masonry. George Washing stopped attending all Masonic meetings except his old military lodge.

If you're looking for the Masonry of the founding fathers; that which was a part of the Age of Enlightenment, then you're looking for the Moderns.

witnessofjesus · 12-04-2007, 09:56 AM

Just what are the differences between AF&AM, F&AM, FAAM, AFM, PHA and PHO Masons? Can anyone shed some light on the major differences between these designations amongst our various groupings of Brethren?

Thank you.

Fraternally,

Bro. Eric Martin

witnessofjesus · 12-04-2007, 10:12 AM

I must confess, dear brethren, that although I have had my good name drug through the mud while here on the BlueLodge.org, I must confees that it has been fun to be amongst you, all of you, even those of you who are renegade or rebels by nature, becuase I've been challenged to both think and clear articulate my responces to all of your postings, whether good or bad.

As D.W. Brown has put it, I've been b**ch slapped around, but I still love the fellowship and community provided here by this Forum and I thank Brother Brown for hosting it for us.

I want you all to know that I do not take any of your negative comments personally, as I still consider you all my friends whether or not you're regular Masons or non-Masons or clandestine Masons, I never made a promise to not speak with clandestine Masons, I only made a promise not to speak about the secrets of our Order to them, which we've not even come close to encroaching upon that subject, nor will I ever attempt to do so in such an open forum as this, nor would any of you I assume attempt to do such either, and I appreciate that from each of you.

Now, I would like to know why most of you believe I am wrong concerning Halycon 498? Why am I wrong, in your opinion, in being loyal to my Grand Lodges of which I am obligated too? Where have I erred at? Why would establishing a confederate alliance of independent lodges be preferable to the current system?

Also, on a financial note, I was wondering, are any of us going to contribute to help raise funds for this site to help Brother Brown out? I see that he has contributed 50 of his own money to the upkeep of this Forum.

Sincerely,

Bro. Eric J. Martin

witnessofjesus · 12-04-2007, 10:22 AM

Brother R J Allen,

Goodspeed on your quest for personal enlightenment. Personally, I belong to an AF&AM Lodge here in Virginia and a FAAM Logde in Washington D.C., so I would consider myself to be both an antient and a modern mixed into one.

Godspeed to you in your quest.

Fraternally,

Bro. Eric Martin

D. W. Brown · 12-04-2007, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witnessofjesus

I want you all to know that I do not take any of your negative comments personally, as I still consider you all my friends whether or not you're regular Masons or non-Masons or clandestine Masons, I never made a promise to not speak with clandestine Masons, I only made a promise not to speak about the secrets of our Order to them, which we've not even come close to encroaching upon that subject, nor will I ever attempt to do so in such an open forum as this, nor would any of you I assume attempt to do such either, and I appreciate that from each of you.

I guess one of the big things with me is the clandestine word tossed around without great thought being put into it before hand. Our system of government allows for innocent until proven guilty but in the case of most GL and GM's this doesn't matter. There is no due process and that I cannot tolerate nor feel obligated too support.

Quote:

Originally Posted by witnessofjesus

Now, I would like to know why most of you believe I am wrong concerning Halycon 498? Why am I wrong, in your opinion, in being loyal to my Grand Lodges of which I am obligated too? Where have I erred at? Why would establishing a confederate alliance of independent lodges be preferable to the current system?

I think everyone should read TC's post here before making any statement about Halcyon and what they did. If after reading what transpired you still feel the same then that is your opinion and I will respect it but just not share it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by witnessofjesus

Also, on a financial note, I was wondering, are any of us going to contribute to help raise funds for this site to help Brother Brown out? I see that he has contributed 50 of his own money to the upkeep of this Forum.

That 50 was only a portion of the first month, after that I gave up on tracking it on the site, as it felt like I was trying to shame people and did not want to do that. I'm probably up to a few grand now and racking up another 120 every month but don't ask for any support, as long as I can maintain it on my own I will continue to do so.

witnessofjesus · 12-04-2007, 04:12 PM

Thank you, Brother Brown, for your kind comments. I really do appreciate them, I feel like I'm getting 'beat up' at every angle, both online and offline. I truly am myself a rabble rouser, and a potential rebel against all forms of tyranny both religious and in any other wise. I enjoy my freedoms too much to surrender them to those who would wish to control my free agency, of which I prize with my life. My personal motto has always been to: "Live Free, or Die", which is New Hampshire's state motto and I love that motto to death and concur with it 100%, as I would think all Brothers would likewise agree with it.

Regarding my use of the word clandestine, I must say that I only use it as it has been taught me here in Virginia, I suppose it can mean other things to different people, but for me, I must go on what I know one to be until I learn otherwise. To you, what is a clandestine Mason, my friend?

Regarding TC's post, I think you'll agree that I did indeed enjoy reading about the making of the lodge into a tax-exmept entity, and I think that is a great idea! Why not be able to claim our annual dues off our taxes? I wouldn't mind paying a little more, if I knew a tax cut were part of the deal, would you? Regarding Halycon, I don't know all the particulars, other than what their master has written in his letter that is now posted on the interet for all to read, and based upon it alone, I have made my judgements of their actions. Whether or not the GL of Ohio is correct in what it has done, I cannot speak, for I have not spoken with them about it, nor have they issued any statements about it and I have found my interactions with the Ohio GL to be extremely pleasant and cordial, so I have a hard time believing that Halycon was perfectly innocent in the entire ordeal either, I think both sides have some work to do, and maybe both were wrong, I'm finished with the issue, as I am not a judge involved with the case, nor am I an attorney represeting either side. I do hope for a resolution for all in the near future, and I am sorry to see so many members of that lodge who were not present get disenfranchised by the few, that's not majority government nor democracy that we so often preach and teach and practice in lodges here in Virginia. I think it was admirable of the new Halycon lodge to offer these brethren a refund of their 2008 dues, that was gracious of them to make that offer.

I'm glad you've got the money needed to keep the site up, why not open a free online Blog instead? They're free! Just a thought.

Thank you again and please keep me and my lodge family in your prayers, when you pray, as we're going through some difficult times now and I need the support and strenght of Deity and brether during this time.

I'm tired of arguing and fighting, and if you wish to use swear words, and vulgarity, then have at it, but my father who has never been a religious man even til this day would slap the s**t out of us kids growing up if we used vulgar language in his presence, and it had nothing to do with religious principles, it had everything to do with him wanting us to cultivate more refined speech patterns, and thus we have done to this very day. Speak as you wish, and I will listen.

Cheerfully,

Eric Martin