tamrin

Greetings Brethren all, I am Philip Carter, and I am pleased to announce the launch of The Quarry Masonic Forum. I intend emphasis to be on civility and credibility (and some controversy). Accordingly, registration is dependant on acceptance based on reputation. If I do not already know you (or your intended username) please introduce yourselves by emailing me at: tamrin "AT" live "DOT" com "DOT" au

I am an unattached Freemason from Australia's Hunter Valley (just north of Sydney). Very happily married, Brenda and I have two adult sons. I work as a Disability Employment Consultant and am committed to Human Rights issues for disadvantaged groups generally and particularly regarding People with disabilities, Aboriginal rights and Women and Freemasonry.

Indeed, the latter issue led to my resignation from my Freemasonic Obedience (UGL NSW & NSW). I joined knowing of the ‘No Women!’ rule. However, knowing little of Freemasonry other than having a favourable opinion, preconceived of the Order, (my father had been a Freemason). I assumed there must be some good and compelling reason for the rule (at first I accepted there was, as I was told, a legitimate historical reason). I was initiated, passed and raised, then advanced.

I embraced the principles being advocated as I found they provided a great deal of depth and support to my own convictions. However, I was not impressed by the overtly macho posturing of many Brethren and soon withdrew, although I remain financial. Still looking, I joined The Theosophical Society, where I encountered several members who also happened to be Co-Masons. I stated that, while I liked the idea of ‘mixed’ (i.e., 'universal') Masonry and agreed it was consistent with its generally inclusive policy and philosophical ideals, I accepted there were sound historical reasons for the ‘No Women!’ rule. They gently suggested I test that version of history. I did so (Newcastle University has a pretty good collection of Masonic books), and was soon astonished by the apparent willfulness with which prevailing Masonic historians had deceived themselves and others.

Still being fairly uninformed, I recommenced attending my lodge, where I was warmly welcomed back (I learnt to tolerate the overbearing macho Brethren - not necessarily a positive step). I asked about mixed Masonry and soon found myself an OES member, which I latter regretted and withdrew from (it certainly was not what I was looking for).

I then became a very active Freemason in various Orders, progressing to the ne plus ultra degrees in both the 'York' and 'Scottish' Rites (PM x 2 in the Craft; PZ, etc. in the RA, where we also practiced the Mark, EM, Cryptic, Mariners & Red Cross); MPS, etc. in the Constantine, MWS, 30°—no one day classes in Australia; Kt.T, etc.; and HRAKT Priest): Also Grade 8 in SRIS and held various offices, including President and as a long serving Secretary, of the Newcastle Masonic Study Circle, affiliated with the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council. I was a popular speaker and I always managed to incorporate the theme of women and Freemasonry in my talks.

Having seemingly exhausted internal remedies, eventually I approached the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission asking them to advise my Grand Lodge of Australia’s commitments under the international Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (which although a signatory to the Convention, Australia has still not fully implemented in its legislation, allowing ‘private clubs’ to discriminate). The Grand Secretary was ‘appalled’ (his expression). He directed the Grand Registrar to investigate the matter and that Officer wrote asking me to consider either being silent on the issue of women and Freemasonry or resigning.

After awaiting the release of a report on the subject of women and Freemasonry, which had seemed promising but proved to be disappointingly reactionary, I resigned, in good standing, forthwith from those order in which I held only ceremonial Offices and after discharging certain executive Offices (presiding Officer, Secretary or Treasurer) I resigned from the remaining Orders and then from the Craft.

I am not yet ready to join Co-Masonry, as I have seen such affiliation used to discount the opinions of people making perfectly reasonable points. I have been active in a fairly unique project with Dr. Bob James of The Australian Centre for Fraternal Studies and last year we each spoke at the inaugural, International Conference on the History of Freemasonry, in Edinburgh (fortunately my wife is very knowledgeable and won enough money on a quiz show to enable me to attend). My topic was ‘Craftswomen in the Old Charges, in Building Trades and as Stonemasons.’

I miss my Freemasonry (albeit, I have visited a few lodges since resigning) and very much enjoy exploring its depths with others. I notice and greet some familiar posters from other fora here and I look forward to sharing stimulating and fruitful discussions with all of you.

__________________
S&F, Philip Carter