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When I was an EA/FC the Tyler encouraged me to eavesdrop.QPZIL posted:To give you an actual answer - don't reveal any of the words of the ritual, don't reveal any of the obligation, don't reveal the passwords/grips/signs/due guards... and that's mostly it. You can tell her that you had dinner, then were prepared in a certain way and went through an initiation. You can tell her we wear silly aprons, and that you pretty much just had to promise to keep the secrets. It's more open than most initiates think, but just use your own judgement. I once heard a brother put it this way: "This obligation (pointing to wedding band) trumps any other obligation including this (pointing to S&C ring) one." And I've certainly met some Mason's wives who could put lots of brothers to shame in terms of Masonic knowledge and there is no way they don't all the things referenced above.
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Oct 8, 2013 02:17
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The only secret secret is the exact wording of the you know what and the secret password and handshake.
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Oct 8, 2013 02:33
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Colton posted:So my lodge's worshipful master is teaching me my first degree work. I'm already panicking about memorizing all of it. Our current WM is also a PM from 1966, 1968, 1987, 1996, 2000, and 2005. There's some lineage for you 
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Oct 8, 2013 02:36
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Colton posted:So my lodge's worshipful master is teaching me my first degree work. I'm already panicking about memorizing all of it. Just think about that centuries long line of MM who did exactly what you're doing and memorized what you are memorizing. Every one of them learning mouth to ear, brother to brother, down through the years. It's so awesomely cool.
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Oct 8, 2013 04:17
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Sub Rosa posted:When I was an EA/FC the Tyler encouraged me to eavesdrop. An anecdote about secrecy and mason's wives. I was giving my proficiency for the staircase lecture to the district inspector. The wife of the lodge secretary walked in. I stopped and the inspector looked at me and said "She knows it better than you do, keep going." So I just kept on it and finished it while she was going in and out of the room. Unrelated: learning that staircase lecture taught me that I can do anything if I set my mind to it.
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Oct 8, 2013 04:33
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imac1984 posted:Please teach me your ways! Grand Lodge communication is one of the worst parts of our meetings. 30 minutes of "next month's meeting menu is going to be steak, chicken, green beans, potatos, red potatos and then for dessert we are going to have..." Ah, we don't bother with that. We don't actually have a meal per se, so much as a few sandwiches and some beer after lodge. The grand lodge communications so far (bearing in mind I've only been privy to... Two, I believe, from memory) have dealt with things like appropriate regalia (something or other about Red Lodge regalia now being permissible or no longer permissible at certain Blue Lodge functions? Memory's hazy on that one, though the part that stands out is the recognition of the first few degrees of Royal Ark masonry (York rite) being considered Ancient and Accepted masonry in my jurisdiction by the Grand Lodge itself) and one about proceeds raised by a charity thing. The closest thing to what you've got there for me is actually the local lodge stuff - building maintenance committee reports (although I'm sure that'll become more interesting once I've studied property law and OH&S. I also suspect they'll start asking me questions around that time) and petty cash motions. Even then, that's usually a minimum thing. Honestly, while I don't have a benchmark to compare to, I have a feeling my lodge may be something of a minimalist affair compared to some others. Ritual work is generally fairly short since for years everyone had been in the lodge for a decade or more and they're only now beginning to shift away from 'well, we already know it, so this is just a brush-up' way of thinking, and our south is just sandwiches and a few little cakes. When I get a chance I'll be heading out to one of our neighbouring lodges to see how they do things. Apparently, as their WM visits our lodge frequently and vice versa, I don't actually need a MM escort since I'm already a known face to them, which simplifies things (though there's usually one of our members there each meeting anyway).
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Oct 8, 2013 06:10
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Loomer posted:Ah, we don't bother with that. We don't actually have a meal per se, so much as a few sandwiches and some beer after lodge. The grand lodge communications so far (bearing in mind I've only been privy to... Two, I believe, from memory) have dealt with things like appropriate regalia (something or other about Red Lodge regalia now being permissible or no longer permissible at certain Blue Lodge functions? What that means is that heads of associated orders are no longer allowed to enter a blue lodge during an installation as the head of said order if they carry grand lodge rank, they will have to divest themselves of their associated order regalia and wear the grand lodge regalia instead. That also applies to the wearing of traditional dress while wearing or entering with a grand lodge delegation, under grand lodge dress rules they will have to wear appropriate gear, this is to stop people from entering while wearing kilts, which is pissing off a lot of scots in New South Wales. Royal Arch will now have closer ties with Grand Lodge, and Royal Arch masons of high rank can wear their regalia when attending an installation, but will have to enter as the lowest ranked member of the grand delegation regardless of their grand lodge rank. The third point and most interesting point was that the Assistant Grand Master is being divested of all masonic rank and priviledges for 18 months. He has been found guilty of un-masonic behavior and his case is currently under review as he filed a legal appeal. I usually fall asleep during all that, I only remember it, and stayed awake this time because I had to read it out as our Secretary was away. I will have to turn up to the quarterly Grand Lodge communication in December to vote on the Assistant Grand Master's appeal, and I'm sure that will be as boring as watching grass grow.
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Oct 10, 2013 11:09
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Masonic politics (in the brotherhood and also the various appellate bodies) is boring as sin until you reach about 70 years of age when it becomes deadly important because...? It's distracting to our stated goals but it just keeps growing. Ask me about having a Masonic Home Board for a year after dissolving the Masonic Home sometime.
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Oct 10, 2013 11:21
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Thanks Temet. That was my first lodge so my mind was still reeling and a lot went over my head. I hadn't remembered the AGM part either. I suppose it may be interesting to me still because I'm so new and it hasn't become at all repetitive yet.
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Oct 10, 2013 13:57
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Loomer posted:Thanks Temet. That was my first lodge so my mind was still reeling and a lot went over my head. I hadn't remembered the AGM part either. I suppose it may be interesting to me still because I'm so new and it hasn't become at all repetitive yet. One of the Senior Brethren involved in the whole AGM is one of my mentors. He took me out for a cup of coffee after a meeting so he could tell me the whole ordeal behind the decisions that would be taken. I stayed with him until 2AM in the morning because he was so sick of the whole thing and needed someone to talk to. Loomer, if you only knew the way politics go on behind closed doors in the Grand Lodge, it's like reading one of those cheap novels about cold war espionage. Dealings and double dealings. A lot of grand lodge officers are people that gravitate towards power, and you don't want those people near power. On the other hand though: I'm back in the chair this year, and probably next year. One of the lodge members passed away a couple of weeks ago, I never met the brother, he'd been in a nursing home for the last 5 years. He was a decorated war vet, Royal Australian Corps of Signals (RA Sigs), in WWII, was posted in Japan as occupation and reconstruction forces, Korea, Burma and Vietman. He had a rack of medals, and was a soldier from the age of 16. I read the notice of his passing in lodge, and carried out a Vale, and requested the brethren support his family at the funeral services. The problem was, that he had no family, his wife had passed 10 years ago, and no one could request a masonic funeral, and he had not requested one himself. At the funeral I arrived with a brother that leaves close to my house, and it was a small gathering, the local RSL officers (War Veterans association) were there, and one of them was a mason, and my Most Worshipful Past Grandmaster, in our lodge we have one of those, he was there. The RSL read out his military record, the decorations he had received, and did a military service. It was a simple gathering, the only family he had there was his god-daughter, she wasn't related by blood but they'd been very close. All in all, it wasn't the greatest gathering for a send off, but there was enough to give the brother a fond farewell. Now, the point I'm trying to make is that as Worshipful Master of my lodge, I don't have to attend the funeral of every member that passes, but I do it out of respect, I see it as a solemn duty. My Most Worshipful Past Grandmaster though isn't really obliged at all though, as he is retired and holds no office in lodge. Yet, even though his term as Grandmaster was from 1992 to 1995. Nearly 20 years ago, he still took the time to spend a couple of hours to farewell a brother that he didn't know that well. I gained a new appreciation for him that day.
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Oct 10, 2013 16:08
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Hahah, I'm not sure what to think now about it being suggested by a couple of brothers that I'm destined for Grand Lodge if that's the case! I turned up in full tails, gloves, etc for my intiation so that's been the joke every south since. I'm not surprised to hear about the politicking, though. We even have some of it here at my rural lodge (mostly re: the lodge maintenance committee.)
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Oct 10, 2013 16:27
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Loomer posted:Hahah, I'm not sure what to think now about it being suggested by a couple of brothers that I'm destined for Grand Lodge if that's the case! I turned up in full tails, gloves, etc for my intiation so that's been the joke every south since. I'm not surprised to hear about the politicking, though. We even have some of it here at my rural lodge (mostly re: the lodge maintenance committee.) Technically every mason is part of Grand Lodge, as we all have individual voting rights, you will however be part of Grand Lodge in a more hands on manner without realizing it as you progress through the officer slots. As soon as you are invested as a Junior Warden of a lodge, you become a more integral part of Grand Lodge, and you can then represent your whole lodge during Grand Lodge communications.
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Oct 11, 2013 00:42
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Oh hey, a Masonry thread. Hello, Brothers. About 9 years ago I was the youngest Mason in WI, which I guess is kind of a dubious honor. Third generation, my father and I got involved around the same time. (His father passed when he was 13, had only recently discovered that his Dad was big in the Missouri lodges.) Had to demitt a few years back as I couldn't afford the dues anymore/didn't want anyone in the lodge to carry me/new father, didn't really have time anymore. I have many fond memories though. To the new Brothers, look forward to your Master Mason degree. I hope you have a lodge that really gets into that particular ritual, it's basically the best thing ever and has some goddamn beautiful moments if your lodge does it right. That's all I'm gonna say.
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Oct 11, 2013 07:40
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I'm seeking a bit of brotherly advice. If you look back in the thread, you'll see my post about my EA in March. Since then I've attending meetings as I can, missed 2 meetings since then. I've talked with lodge officers and other brothers, and still have had no one to practice my memorization with, and all my offers to help with dinner cleaning have been declined by the two who do that. So, since I have no one to practice with, I'm not past EA proficiency. Should I keep pressing forward with this lodge, or is it time to look at other lodges? Election is next month, so I'm wondering if a change in officers might be worth the wait, or if this isn't the right fit. Everyone has been great socially, I just seems they're disorganized.
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Oct 11, 2013 22:41
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lone77wulf posted:I'm seeking a bit of brotherly advice. If you look back in the thread, you'll see my post about my EA in March. Since then I've attending meetings as I can, missed 2 meetings since then. I've talked with lodge officers and other brothers, and still have had no one to practice my memorization with, and all my offers to help with dinner cleaning have been declined by the two who do that. Have you talked to the master of the lodge about this? If not that would be my advice.
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Oct 11, 2013 23:27
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I would first ask the WM to see if anyone was ever assigned to help you learn your EA proficiency. If you find out that no one ever was, I would then find out why and if the answer is "we forgot" find another lodge ASAP.
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Oct 12, 2013 00:59
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Went to my first general meeting this past week. Even though I'm only an EA, I've already requested changes at the lodge... I asked if they wouldn't mind if I brought a couple hard ciders for the fridge since I don't drink coffee or beer. Turns out a few of the other guys are into the same drinks and it'll be sorted out for next time. 
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Oct 12, 2013 13:21
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Sockington posted:Went to my first general meeting this past week. Even though I'm only an EA, I've already requested changes at the lodge... Little suggestions like that get you elected to lodge Steward in charge of stocking the fridge. Which you may never be unelected out of.
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Oct 12, 2013 16:56
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Sockington posted:Went to my first general meeting this past week. Even though I'm only an EA, I've already requested changes at the lodge... Must be nice to be part of a jurisdiction that allows alcohol in blue lodge. Both of the ones I've been in so far have been dry/Shriners only. 
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Oct 12, 2013 18:19
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KweezNArt posted:Must be nice to be part of a jurisdiction that allows alcohol in blue lodge. Both of the ones I've been in so far have been dry/Shriners only. This 1000x. I really don't understand prohibition in blue lodge. Shrine events are loads more "productive" in terms of fellowship, and while I'm not saying it's solely due to the inclusion of adult beverages, I would hazard a guess that it doesn't hurt.
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Oct 12, 2013 23:42
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji_n5aNulDE this woman knows too much
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Oct 17, 2013 19:07
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Colton posted:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji_n5aNulDE In the void that fills the Post-Obamapocalyptic collapse of the Republican Party, only one party has the strength to return from the dustbin of history. Once again rising to foil the plans of our Reptilian masters, returning to the ring after 175 years of retirement, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to re-introduce the ANTI-MASONIC PARTY 
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Oct 17, 2013 19:53
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Paramemetic posted:In the void that fills the Post-Obamapocalyptic collapse of the Republican Party, only one party has the strength to return from the dustbin of history. Much like us Reptiles, apparently the Anti-Masonic party doesn't sleep either; it just goes dormant until conditions are right for it to reawaken.
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Oct 17, 2013 20:39
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Gents, please excuse any ignorance on my part but I need a little advice. One of my relatives is going to be staying with other relatives in Florida then Alabama. Not being a US resident, I just wanted some local input into the general view to freemasons in that part of the states. I assume that disdain for masonry can be found anywhere but I wonder if there are any issues in the southern states. I think I read in this forum that there were some major issues in relation to the GM of the Grand Lodge of Florida. I don't know whether it attracted media attention in turn igniting negative public perceptions. Nothwithstanding they will be having contact with the pastor of a revelations type ministry and I just don't know which way that will go... Any opinion would be appreciated, and I mean no offence. It's because of 
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Oct 21, 2013 10:09
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I would be surprised if your relative had any problems. There are certainly some crackpots, but Masons in the US enjoy something of a "nobody cares" status. It is common for Masons here to wear rings and such all the time, and to have decals on their cars and such. At one point in our history there were states where one in ten men was a Mason, so we don't really have much to fear here. Rest easy. Edit: there is some goofy 'masonry is the devil' stuff in some churches, but it can go either way. The Florida GM stuff was strictly within the Craft. The minister could on one hand be a crackpot, in which case your guy might be told he's going to hell or maybe told he should repent or something, but I don't think he'd be in any danger. If he's worried he can simply not identify himself as a Mason to that one pastor dude. Paramemetic fucked around with this message at 14:33 on Oct 21, 2013 |
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Oct 21, 2013 14:30
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It's as I would have thought. I visited a lodge in Vegas earlier this year and wasn't worried at all about leaving my gear around the hotel room... I guess in Australia - and the other aussie lads can attest to this - it's simply not at all interesting to anyone who isn't in a lodge. That's just the way it is. People my age don't really have a clue about it all, which is a shame. Regrettably I can't see it changing here anytime soon. Thanks for the reply Parametic. Sage advice as always. e:parametic quote removed.. Sir Joseph Banksy fucked around with this message at 10:31 on Oct 22, 2013 |
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Oct 22, 2013 10:27
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Just found out that the Grand Lodge District Director of Work has laid down his tools. I didn't get a chance to know him that well, sadly, as most district schools start when I'm still at work. (Stupid late shift.) Anything I need to know about Masonic funerals? This will be my first.
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Oct 23, 2013 20:01
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Find out when the Masonic service will take place and get there a little early. You will be given an apron and a sprig of acacia and then you will follow the leader, pretty easy. If you are an officer or were a friend of the passed brother, it may be a bit more involved, but it doesn't sound like that is going to be the case.
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Oct 24, 2013 03:42
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So why can't women be one?
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Oct 24, 2013 07:20
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Astrofig posted:So why can't women be one? The answers to this question are given on the first and second page of this here thread.
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Oct 24, 2013 13:34
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Last night was an amazing night. I went to the dispensation ceremony of Sophia Lodge in Salisbury, NC - North Carolina's first Traditional Observance lodge. Apparently Masonic newspapers/newsletters all around the country have been talking about it, I didn't know it had made so many ripples. Bro. Ben Wallace, who was one of the guys who came up with the idea of starting the lodge, gave a wonderful presentation on the history of TO lodges (which started in Australia as "European Concept Lodges"). For example - a number of lodges start to lose sight of the beautiful and profound meaning of the rituals, merely going through them in word only. Even then, some lodges have an attitude of, "if we just get through the degree that's good enough." A lodge I visited a few weeks ago had every single Brother, officers included, wearing jeans and dirty work boots. What's happening is that half-assing the Lodge (my words, not his) leads to people forgetting the true esoteric meanings of the degrees. They coach new brethren and can't impart the symbolism, so those newly-made Masons continue the vicious cycle. The TO lodge movement seeks to counteract that. Wear your formal best, start off the meeting with a period of reflection, use all 5 senses (music, incense, visuals, etc.), hell - even use candles instead of silly little flick-on lights. I made a point to tell the WM and SW (two brothers I know that were the driving force behind the lodge) that last night I found what I've been looking for in Masonry for my entire Masonic life so far. Now let me make a disclaimer - I'm not trying to say that our way is right and other ways are wrong. Far from it. Masons tend to lean more toward one of the 3 great jewels more than the others (fellowship, relief, truth). Some Masons feel completely fulfilled with the fellowship aspect: BBQs, suppers, etc. Some Masons feel completely fulfilled when their lodges are giving freely to their charity of choice. I personally am most fulfilled with the truth aspect - the esoteric study and the inner light. That's me, and I am not others. Either way, it was an awe-inspiringly beautiful meeting last night, and even though it's an hour away from my house, I can't wait for the next meeting. If anyone is interested in the TO movement, here are some books: Observing the Craft by Andrew Hammer - despite the title, this book was tangent to the TO movement, but he speaks to a number of the concerns that brethren had regarding striving for perfection in the lodge. A Traditional Observance Lodge by Cliff Porter - one man's journey and story with his role in the TO movement. For the Good of the Order by John Bizzack The Initiatic Experience by Robert Herd - this goes into more of the Ancients' influence in Freemasonry, and the history of what is called the "initiatic experience" (I could and would write an entire educational post about this) And also, a website - The Masonic Restoration Foundation (co-founded by Cliff Porter) is a great resource for learning about the movement and also finding a TO lodge in your state. This is getting a little long at this point, but I'd like to end this post with the text from the back of Cliff Porter's book, linked above. It struck me months ago when I was first learning about the TO concept. quote:The author's home lodge is different. They suffer from higher than 100% attendance, men wait periods of longer than a year to get initiated, they have never lost a single Entered Apprentice, they have nobody on the roles who is NPD or has been dropped for NPD. Men arrive on lodge days at 8:00 a.m. and are often reluctantly leaving for home near midnight or 2:00 a.m. Their dues are high by American standards, the background check is rigorous, and the initiations are solemn and serious. Every lodge meeting is treated as an event and celebrated as such. Dinner is treated as a feast with all its positive connotations. Freemasonry is celebrated in every aspect of the lodge. From the artwork, the furnishings, the set up and the atmosphere; all aspects of the lodge meeting are intentional and meant to create an experience. The Lodge is a Traditional Observance Lodge or T.O. Lodge as it is called by some. Like all labels, the Traditional Observance label has caused fear and fright, anger and frustration, confusion, and edicts. It has also helped to define the practices that make the author's lodge one of the most successful lodges in the United States by any standard one might choose to measure it. This book does not claim to provide a Masonic magic pill for the ailing lodges of the world. Nor does it claim in any fashion or form that the way this author's lodge operates is the only way or the best way to operate. What this book does is explain the the Traditional Observance model and encourages ideas in the area of increasing the lodge experience and allowing quality to become the watchword over every aspect of Freemasonry. The writings contains a mixture of personal experiences, practical advice, and real life examples for creating a Traditional Observance lodge or increasing your lodges fulfillment. Does all that sound good to you? Spread the word. Are you a "lodge member," or are you a Freemason? 
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Oct 24, 2013 15:20
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We have a TO Lodge here in New Hampshire. I haven't been yet, but I've moved much closer to it, so I plan to rectify that.
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Oct 24, 2013 18:53
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So I earned my black hat today and am a Master of the Royal Secret. After a long time working with the York Rite, it's nice to see how the other half lives The AASR degrees are really beautiful, and really work well coming after the York Rite degrees, I don't think I would have appreciated some of them as much if I hadn't seen the YR degrees first (13/14 and the Consistory degrees come to mind). But I've already got Morals & Dogma, and A Bridge To Light, and have signed up for the Master Craftsman program, so I'm going to be knee deep in ritual and esoteric study for a long while
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Oct 27, 2013 01:30
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Brothers: I've been a Mason for 10 years, and I'm embarrassed to say I never read a single Masonic book (well, I think I attempted Morals & Dogma once but gave up after a few pages). I don't even know where to start. What should I read? I'd ask my lodge brothers, but I'm under a double-tie to my embarrassment since I'm a Sr officer poised to sit in the east next year.
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Oct 29, 2013 13:36
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Two of my favorites are Born In Blood and A Pilgrim's Path by John J. Robinson. Born in Blood gives an alternate founding story for Freemasonry which I found very interesting and A Pilgrim's Path covers more recent events such as the anti-Masonic movement and some suggestions for the future. Both are very well written and engaging, whether you are a brother or not.
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Oct 29, 2013 14:08
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No no serious posted:Brothers: I've been a Mason for 10 years, and I'm embarrassed to say I never read a single Masonic book (well, I think I attempted Morals & Dogma once but gave up after a few pages). I don't even know where to start. Freemasons for Dummies.
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Oct 29, 2013 14:37
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Colonial Air Force posted:Freemasons for Dummies. It sounds silly, but this is a legit good book. Also the "Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry". For some more symbolic/esoteric/historical/whatever-y books, here are some of my favorites: The Little Masonic Library - THIS IS AWESOME, I would actually start here. If nothing else, it's $50 for such out-of-print gems as "A Master's Wages" and "The Old Past Master". And really, when it comes to Freemasonry, $50 for 5 books is practically free The Craft and Its Symbols (I wish every newly-raised Mason would read this, it's really fantastic) An Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, the Albert Mackey version. I found a 2-volume set on eBay for something like $50 shipped, and it's an amazing amazing resource. Anything in the Blue Lodge/York Rite/Scottish Rite that you can think of, you can look up in there. Morals and Dogma has already been mentioned - it's a total bear to read, but it's an insanely good resource Born in Blod - I didn't like this one, since I'm more into the philosophical aspect of Freemasonry than the historical aspect, but it is a really fascinating book. A Pilgrim's Path - This is one I've been dying to read, but never got a chance to. It seeks to reconcile the religious right in America with the tenets of Freemasonry. Coming from a very conservative Christian family, it took a long time for them to accept that I was a Mason, since there is such bad press about us. (See: Eliphas Levi's essay about how we all worship Lucifer, thanks to an incorrect reading of a passage from Morals & Dogma). Duncan's Ritual of Freemasonry - I know, you probably have a ritual monitor for your own lodge, and you may know all the words inside and out. But, for me, something about having a ritual monitor you can study and write in and everything... there's something valuable in that. I don't know why I like Duncan's so much, I just do! Macoy's Worshipful Master's Assistant - I haven't read this, but I've heard good things about it, especially since you say you're going to be in the East next year. A Traditional Observance Lodge - I may be biased, but I think this book is invaluable. It really gives a perspective on what should be important in the lodge. Granted, that's a very subjective thing, and what's important to one man isn't necessarily as important to another. But, it certainly gave me a lot to think about. I've done more study of the York Rite, so I could suggest more books there, and maybe a few for Scottish Rite and more "esoteric" (i.e. "weird") stuff, but that's a good starter package. In fact: I actually wrote a book about the York Rite as it is in North Carolina, but obviously that wouldn't mean much to a non-YR brother. 
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Oct 29, 2013 14:56
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QPZIL posted:So I earned my black hat today and am a Master of the Royal Secret. After a long time working with the York Rite, it's nice to see how the other half lives congrats brother! I'm glad to hear we could add another Master of the Royal Secret to our ranks. I'm actually in the SR Valley of Washington in DC, we meet a few blocks away from the house of the temple. I feel so blessed an honored to be so close to so many knowledgeable people down here. We just had Art de Hoyos and S. Brent Morris give a talk at one of our last meetings about the latest edition of one of their books. One thing that I've learned from the Scottish Rite is that getting the 32nd degree is juuuuuuust the beginning. I'm still overwhelmed by all the information. At least I know I will always have something to do if I get bored!
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Oct 29, 2013 19:12
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Oh I'm certainly finding that as well. We were given "A Bridge to Light," and I already had a copy of "Morals & Dogma," and I have a copy of the "Ritual Guide & Monitor" coming to me via the Master Craftsman program. Just in the past few days I've been studying the 4th degree using the materials I have, and I don't even feel like I've exhausted all that there is to find in it There's enough in these degrees to keep me busy for the rest of my life, for sure. It's my dream to visit the HotT sometime in the next year or two - whenever that happens we'll have to meet up for a drink or a bite
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Oct 29, 2013 19:20
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No no serious posted:Brothers: I've been a Mason for 10 years, and I'm embarrassed to say I never read a single Masonic book (well, I think I attempted Morals & Dogma once but gave up after a few pages). I don't even know where to start. I would say that you don't need to read any of them other than your ritual books. I too tried to read Morals and Dogma and found it, not that interesting. King Solomon's Temple Symbol of Freemasonry by RW B Don Falconer is the only one I've read all the way through, and I found that worthwhile as it goes through the early times of freemasonry (1700s) and studies how King Solomon's temple was chosen as the main theme for Freemasonry. One thing I've found in my travels, is Masons that act like fundamentalist bible thumpers, they truly believe that King Solomon was a Master Mason, and everything in the ritual is word true. They forget that bit about freemasonry being a system of morality veiled in allegory.
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Oct 29, 2013 20:13
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