Does Freemasonry Today Meet Your Expectations? - Page 2

chgregory · 10-10-2008, 08:30 PM

My Brother,

From your post on another part of the board, I believe you are from Il. Here where I live in virginia, I have come across a few lodges where it was really the desire of the members to be racials divided. I find it to be directly at odds with the intent of our fraternity, as I am certain do many of the fellows who gather here to work on their journey, but consider for a moment that some of these men were raised in places and times that were different. In some parts of this country, recognition of Prince Hall Masons as brothers is still unrealized. In fact 14 states.

These issues are not a symptom of what is wrong with masons, they are symptoms of what ails the world. It plays back much more harsly when tied to the concept of men working on being better and not being good enough to overcome petty issues. Man's inhumanity to man, men killing and harming others for differences in race, religion or ethnic background is worse in the world today than it has ever been in my life. Certainly, people of black and white backgrounds coexist well together today in most situations, but that is not true for people of ethnic or religious differences. An even more awful issue is how we can harm and abuse each other in the name of acquiring things.

We can make a difference, as men and masons, but it will take each of us working hard on changing things.

My brother, when you were refused enterance to a lodge was it in your jurisdiction? Did you have the proper signs and words? Did you have a dues card? I certainly believe that you are correct in your assessment, but if the brothers could make an arguement that you failed to show your affiliation, then you could almost understand their hesitation.

I was turned away from a lodge because I did not have the proper letter from my Grand Lodge to allow international visitation. I took no offense as the WM clearly explained the problem and although they invited me to dinner, he asked that I not attend the lodge meeting.

I am sorry I have never visited a lodge in GL of IL but, it surpraises me that they acted so to a brother. Please accept my appology for the actions of my brothers, no matter how distant they are. You would be welcome in most lodges here.

S&F,