I've been asked to join the Freemasons
Discussion
mph1977 said:
TokyoSexwhale said:
not really unfortunately some immature and / or bullying types will use their membership of any organisation whether , Masonic, Union, Golf club or what ever as a tool for leverage among others , the 'problem' with the Masons is the way in which some of their rules are phrased which on first reading ( and when the bullies are pressuring people ) mean that they should cover up for each other. It only takes a couple of the bullies to be in a position of power at either the lodge or in an external organisation for a culture of Masons 'looking after each other' to the point of being detrimental to others and /or the service to take hold.
Worth all the work over the last year or so to enhance the public image of the lodge, this isn't what you want to see.
Fer said:
I bought one of these. Haven't worn it out and about yet. Maybe at the next LOI.welsh blackbird said:
Fer said:
I bought one of these. Haven't worn it out and about yet. Maybe at the next LOI.Not much happening up this way.
I'll be SW in December. We've had no 'live' candidates this year, but I have done the EA T&C for a couple of demonstrations.
We do find ourselves needing a new DofC, though. Our current stand-in, a very worthy stand-in, was installed as PGM for the Mark this year, so simply hasn't the time to fill in for another year. We've a couple of volunteers who have said they'll do a year or two. No big deal.
I'll be SW in December. We've had no 'live' candidates this year, but I have done the EA T&C for a couple of demonstrations.
We do find ourselves needing a new DofC, though. Our current stand-in, a very worthy stand-in, was installed as PGM for the Mark this year, so simply hasn't the time to fill in for another year. We've a couple of volunteers who have said they'll do a year or two. No big deal.
Saw my first consecration last night. Very appropriate as it was a Military based Lodge. The DC and ADC don't have Wands but pace sticks,and the perambulation out was impressive.
also off to an Initiation in London in Jan. hopefully might be able to put a bit of info on here afterwards.
also off to an Initiation in London in Jan. hopefully might be able to put a bit of info on here afterwards.
silverfoxcc said:
Saw my first consecration last night. Very appropriate as it was a Military based Lodge. The DC and ADC don't have Wands but pace sticks,and the perambulation out was impressive.
also off to an Initiation in London in Jan. hopefully might be able to put a bit of info on here afterwards.
Was a good show, wasn't it. I had never seen one before, either.also off to an Initiation in London in Jan. hopefully might be able to put a bit of info on here afterwards.
silverfoxcc said:
Saw my first consecration last night. Very appropriate as it was a Military based Lodge. The DC and ADC don't have Wands but pace sticks,and the perambulation out was impressive.
also off to an Initiation in London in Jan. hopefully might be able to put a bit of info on here afterwards.
I was lucky enough to be a founder member of a new lodge a couple of years ago, so experienced my first consecration. Unusually for my province, North Wales, it is a Daylight lodge. We meet on four Fridays a year, and commence at 11:00am. So far we have 70 members.also off to an Initiation in London in Jan. hopefully might be able to put a bit of info on here afterwards.
We have had a white table event, when we had a visit from the Royal College of Surgeons, and on another occasion we had a talk from a stonemason from Liverpool cathedral. It's a past masters lodge, so no ceremonies, apart from the Installation.
A most enjoyable way to spend a Friday afternoon!
welsh blackbird said:
silverfoxcc said:
Saw my first consecration last night. Very appropriate as it was a Military based Lodge. The DC and ADC don't have Wands but pace sticks,and the perambulation out was impressive.
also off to an Initiation in London in Jan. hopefully might be able to put a bit of info on here afterwards.
I was lucky enough to be a founder member of a new lodge a couple of years ago, so experienced my first consecration. Unusually for my province, North Wales, it is a Daylight lodge. We meet on four Fridays a year, and commence at 11:00am. So far we have 70 members.also off to an Initiation in London in Jan. hopefully might be able to put a bit of info on here afterwards.
We have had a white table event, when we had a visit from the Royal College of Surgeons, and on another occasion we had a talk from a stonemason from Liverpool cathedral. It's a past masters lodge, so no ceremonies, apart from the Installation.
A most enjoyable way to spend a Friday afternoon!
I ask because some on this thread talk about what happens inside, more than others.
I'm still not a Freemason BTW, for those that will listen.
Went to a Lodge last night that has the Festive Board at Fosters in Egham.
Grub was excellent, but the veg left a lot to be desired. I mean the potato was the size of a dice!!!( yes singular) and there were two other undetermined veg ( also 1 cube of each) The soup however was the dogs Balls and the sweet also. But the main course with its lack of ( what i am used to) veg made the beef look like Billy no mates on the plate!!
AND the Lodge custom is to have cockles and Mussels as a help yourself bar snack. Excellent evening all round
Grub was excellent, but the veg left a lot to be desired. I mean the potato was the size of a dice!!!( yes singular) and there were two other undetermined veg ( also 1 cube of each) The soup however was the dogs Balls and the sweet also. But the main course with its lack of ( what i am used to) veg made the beef look like Billy no mates on the plate!!
AND the Lodge custom is to have cockles and Mussels as a help yourself bar snack. Excellent evening all round
How much are you expected to donate to the charitable causes if you are a Freemason?
Is it calculated as a percentage of what they think you are earning or is it a set amount that they ask each member to donate to the kitty?
Approximately how much do you pay per as a total cost of being a Freemason?
Is it calculated as a percentage of what they think you are earning or is it a set amount that they ask each member to donate to the kitty?
Approximately how much do you pay per as a total cost of being a Freemason?
ATV said:
How much are you expected to donate to the charitable causes if you are a Freemason?
Is it calculated as a percentage of what they think you are earning or is it a set amount that they ask each member to donate to the kitty?
Approximately how much do you pay per as a total cost of being a Freemason?
The annual subscription, which varies from lodge to lodge, includes a proportion for charity. Our subs are £145. In addition, there is a collection at each meeting, where the amount you give is up to you - in North Wales it's usually one or two pounds. Also, a raffle is usually held during the meal.Is it calculated as a percentage of what they think you are earning or is it a set amount that they ask each member to donate to the kitty?
Approximately how much do you pay per as a total cost of being a Freemason?
Then there are the Festivals; these are held by a different province each year, where a target is set over a 10 year period. Again, the amount you donate is entirely up to you.
Other fundraising events are held, either by individual lodges or over the province. All receipts are from within Masonry - we don't collect from non-masons.
Other costs are dining fees, regalia (aprons etc) and refreshments!
It can get quite expensive, especially if you join numerous lodges, but your charitable contributions are up to you.
Hope that helps!
ATV,
Exactly what Welshblackbird states
You give what you can afford,and one other thing, you will never see any Masons standing outside Tescos et al shaking tins. We contribute from within and do not ask any member of the public for any donations. IF they wish to leave a legacy ,then that is up to them.
Ayahuasca
Not sure if that is a genuine question or a humourous reply?
If genuine,and waiting to be asked is not a qualification anymore, and you would like to join, there is nothing in the world stopping you contacting United Grand Lodge or your local Province ( based n the old English county configuration eg Berkshire,Surrey, Middlesex etc. all of whom have websites)and expressing your interest.
As regards 'outing' yourself. I cannot see an reason why you should voluntarily.( there is a reason why...see later) However i was asked at work today if i was a Freemason and readily confirmed the fact. At once the comment came out about dodgy dealings funny handshakes corruption etc,and i asked the chap if he could substantiate one single case, but it was always a friend of a friend who knew someone who said etc etc. Some more intelligent people will quote the T Dan Smith case back in the 70/80s where it was claimed Masonry was heavily involved, but it could also be logically claimed that substitute Golf Club/ Rotary/Lions/Fishing Club for Masonry and the result would have been no different. It was the people involved NOT the organisation. We are firstly a Charitable organisation, followed by a group of blokes who enjoy eating!!!
Exactly what Welshblackbird states
You give what you can afford,and one other thing, you will never see any Masons standing outside Tescos et al shaking tins. We contribute from within and do not ask any member of the public for any donations. IF they wish to leave a legacy ,then that is up to them.
Ayahuasca
Not sure if that is a genuine question or a humourous reply?
If genuine,and waiting to be asked is not a qualification anymore, and you would like to join, there is nothing in the world stopping you contacting United Grand Lodge or your local Province ( based n the old English county configuration eg Berkshire,Surrey, Middlesex etc. all of whom have websites)and expressing your interest.
As regards 'outing' yourself. I cannot see an reason why you should voluntarily.( there is a reason why...see later) However i was asked at work today if i was a Freemason and readily confirmed the fact. At once the comment came out about dodgy dealings funny handshakes corruption etc,and i asked the chap if he could substantiate one single case, but it was always a friend of a friend who knew someone who said etc etc. Some more intelligent people will quote the T Dan Smith case back in the 70/80s where it was claimed Masonry was heavily involved, but it could also be logically claimed that substitute Golf Club/ Rotary/Lions/Fishing Club for Masonry and the result would have been no different. It was the people involved NOT the organisation. We are firstly a Charitable organisation, followed by a group of blokes who enjoy eating!!!
Edited by silverfoxcc on Friday 28th November 22:59
Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff