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qraham posted:
Career advancement and personal gain are unlikely if they are the reason you join. However I've seen great things done for fellow brothers and handshake agreements for commercial real estate go down because of brotherhood. What I mean by that is the men that join lodge to benefit themselves financially rarely do. They lose interest quickly and leave because they thought they joined a networking group. It's not what we do. We are here to make us and our brothers better men. Business networking happens, just like it would in any social club but it is not what we are here for and those that believe we are don't often stick around.
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Mar 1, 2013 16:43
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That's a great cause to slip a few bucks to. Thanks for the heads up! Last night I was fortunate enough to prove up on my FC with the two Grand Wardens in attendance. It was a really neat experience to meet the two next leaders of my states Grand Lodge and found them to be very friendly, accessible gentleman. I guess it just really hit home what a brotherhood this is. That said I would love to make some visits to other WaGoons lodges after I'm raised. Maybe hit me up with a PM and we can figure out a day?
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Apr 19, 2013 17:46
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What is it you feel should be done about a private club that excludes people? There isn't a "charter" so to speak, we cannot change the rules for free born men or women being disallowed. As far as segregation and the disabled that is not the case in my lodge. We have our brother chaplain that has fairly severe muscular dystrophy and is well loved. Segregation was/is not based on a rule, but on the ability of just one brother voting no on a petition for membership. If you have even one rascist in the lodge it is possible for them to keep anyone out.
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May 15, 2013 17:13
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We had a charity budget of $16000 this year and all will be spent. We also started a BBQ group that will essentially cater charity auctions and events for local groups. They have raised quite a lot of money for various groups. We also contribute to a Masonic scholarship fund. This is in addition to the many small acts and gifts we give during the course of a year.
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May 15, 2013 18:52
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We typically open on the first and I think it adds a lot for new masons. I don't know how interested I would have been if I got made a Mason and then had to sit outside for the next 8 months while I tried to advance to MM. I have not traveled yet even after making MM but I know there is a strong western Washington Goon Mason contingent that I will indeed try to visit this year. As for 1 day classes, I think they are absurd and take the meaning out of the degrees. I wouldn't have the respect or knowledge I do now if I was rushed through. I'm also bad enough at remembering this poo poo after studying it for a year that I can't imagine trying to pass a Tyler after only one day of practice
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Oct 7, 2013 17:56
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Super late notice to any and all Seattle Masons or traveling brethren, but my lodge will be hosting a Masonic Memorial for a Past Grand Master this Saturday the 23rd. The GL is putting the event on, we are simply hosts but it sounds like there is be a PGM memorial team put together that has a presentation to do. I have not personally been to a Masonic Funeral or Memorial so I am quite intrigued, I figured I would extend the invitation as I know it's not everyday we put to rest a PGM. Any interested please PM me and I'll forward details to you. My apologies for the late notice, but we only approved it last night at the stated.
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Nov 22, 2013 16:47
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Jeek posted:A really stupid question that has probably been answered before: would a transexual man be considered a "man" according to the Freemason's entry requirement? I try to respect all as equals, but that particular issue is too big of a grey area in masonry for me to be more progressive about.
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Jan 19, 2014 23:04
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Sub Rosa posted:The reason in fact I have consulted my brethren on the question is that I don't feel my obligation requires me to at all. I'm obligated not to make a woman a mason, but nothing about making a mason a woman. I am glad your brothers are standing by you. While it could be awkward for some I am glad that you are accepted and I appreciate the work you do for masonry. While I stand by my decision to not accept a trans candidate I would like to think I would support a brother in your situation. Thank you for your unique perspective on this topic.
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Jan 20, 2014 18:47
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Bolo tie. He's a big cowboy and a nice guy. I got to sit down with him after a visit for a bit. Very interesting Masonic history from him. Kinda fun to get into lifetime memberships with him as he has a history in New York as well.
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Mar 31, 2014 23:30
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7thBatallion posted:Then I'll take off the cowboy layer and reveal my Tron costume underneath. That would be the 2nd raddest Grand Master after Washington these United States have ever seen
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Apr 1, 2014 15:30
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Regarding the blind I would think you would simply revert to our old way of teaching by ear. It wasn't so long ago that one had to memorize the rituals purely from listening. As to the deaf I don't know how, but I know my lodge would at least try to find a way.
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Aug 11, 2014 18:55
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You will only get out of your lodge what you put into it. I am one of the newer and youngest brothers in my lodge. I wanted to do more social stuff so I got put in charge of the brand new social committee they made for me. If you want to do more then do more, it really is that easy.
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Jun 14, 2015 01:44
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Kilo147 posted:Yeah, I'm a third year EA. A crazy loving life, illness, concussions, and God knows what else keeps getting in the way. Are you a Seattle guy or elsewhere? Wouldn't mind doing some visits and meeting a goon brother wouldn't be all bad(I hope)
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Jan 24, 2016 00:01
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You and Wafflehound are members there right? I think you meet the same night we do, 3rd Thursday. Ballard, Occidental #72 F&AM
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Jan 25, 2016 18:10
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It's an easy stance for me. If you were to expel one of my brothers for being gay you would not be a regular mason. His sexual preference has nothing to do with his ability to be a fabulous(deal with it) mason. I would fight to the death for him after finding him worthy. If Georgia or Tennessee want to ban such a brother I have no problem recommending them be recognized as a clandestine lodge. I understand that harmony brings us together, but we have a duty to tell a brother when they are wrong, and enforce the rules when and if we must.
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Mar 12, 2016 07:56
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Serious question, can you be brought up on masonic charges in a different state than one you belong to? I can't imagine the GL of WA sending out a gay brother to TN with travel papers just to have him brought up on charges there.
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Mar 12, 2016 21:50
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My take remains if you do not recognize a brother of mine in your jurisdiction you are not a regular lodge and I don't recognize irregular lodges.
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Mar 13, 2016 01:49
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Kilo147 posted:The Grand Lodge of Washington is aware of the events regarding the Grand Lodges of Georgia and Tennessee, and is extremely concerned. They will be issuing an emergency statement in 8 days regarding the matter at hand. I have yet to see this emegency statement, and having met with some higher ups last night didn't get the impression that the Grand Lodge had a plan to do so in the near future, essentially being told to bring it up in lodge if it bothered me.
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Apr 6, 2016 16:38
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Animal-Mother posted:What's the most "out there" conspiracy theory you've heard about Freemasonry? The crazy guys in this thread saying we don't run the world
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Apr 7, 2016 03:49
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That is beautiful, please post more
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Apr 13, 2016 03:56
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GL of WA finally had something to say, I am not privy to say much more than the official release though I understand there is a method to the madness of wait and see. The GL's facebook post as below: A Message from Our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Donald G Munks: One of the many lessons we learn in Freemasonry is that it is the internal, not the external qualifications that should recommend a man to be made a Mason. As to additional qualifications, those are clearly defined in the Washington Masonic Code, Section 18.02 ~ Every petitioner in order to be eligible for the degrees of Masonry must: A. Be at least eighteen years of age, B. Have the senses of a man, especially those of Hearing, Seeing and Feeling, C. Be a believer in a Supreme Being, D. Be capable of Reading and Writing; and E. Possess no disability in his body that would render him incapable of conforming reasonably what the Degrees respectively require of him. The recent actions by the Grand Lodge of Georgia and the Grand Lodge of Tennessee to exclude men due to sexual orientation and premarital cohabitation have cast an unwanted pall upon our beloved Craft, and are contrary to the wisdom of those who long ago forbade the interference of religion and politics from the administration of our Fraternity. It is well to remember that “a Freemason’s Lodge is the temple of peace, harmony, and brotherly love; nothing is allowed to enter which has the remotest tendency to disturb the quietude of its pursuits.” The actions of these Grand Lodges have disrupted that quietude. While I as your Grand Master acknowledge the Masonic sovereignty of Georgia and Tennessee to govern their own Jurisdictions, I disagree wholeheartedly with their actions as they are divisive in nature and codify an intolerance that is contrary to our Masonic principles. The Jurisdiction of Washington believes that Freemasonry is indeed the true import of the three great social treasures – Fraternity, Liberty, and Equality. Furthermore, the Jurisdiction of Washington welcomes & values the talents & capabilities of all men who meet our qualifications for membership. The design of Freemasonry is to UNITE men of every sect, country, and opinion; and to conciliate true friendship among those who would otherwise remain perpetually at a distance. We are stronger for that diversity.
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Apr 13, 2016 21:35
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OscarDiggs posted:I checked with Paramemetic first and they said this was okay to ask, so; No offense taken. I think at first look you need to realize the largest difference between large organizations i.e. the catholic church and Free Masons is that we are not centrally controlled. There is no grand leader. Each jurisdiction is unto itself. Individual Lodges don't answer to any other lodge but their Grand Lodge, and these are wholly sovereign entities. They don't answer to other GL's. With that said there are certainly criminal Free Masons. It happens in any group, there are bound to be bad apples. My GL has expelled a number of brothers lately on a wide swathe of charges ranging from embezzlement to child molestation. I think the difference for us is there is no incentive to protect wrong doers. The most common victim in a Masonic trial is the Lodge that brother belonged to.
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Sep 25, 2018 23:42
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Elected WM for the first time. Installation in a couple weeks and a 3rd degree next week. I swear Masons in this jurisdiction just loving hate themselves come holiday season
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Nov 19, 2018 22:32
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Being installed as WM tonight. We are financially probably the most secure lodge in our state but members wise we have shrank enough that it's been a struggle to pull in enough people to pull off degrees or this installation. I'm hoping to make meetings more interesting/educational this year. It's been a huge struggle for us and even myself find it hard to recommend the craft to new people when what they'll do is waste hours of their time for nothing in a boring meeting. Any recommendations for masonic educational material?
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Dec 8, 2018 00:11
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Our Grand Lodge(WA State) charges $28 per year dues, what do other jurisdictions charge? Follow up to that is what are you expectations from your grand line. Do you want them to travel and be possible influencers in the Grand Master lineups or should they stay at home and keep costs as low as possible?
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Jun 19, 2019 00:42
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COOL CORN posted:Depends on the lodge in NC, but $28 is wildly low. My lodge dues are $50 a year but 99.9% of members are life members. Do you know what the Grand Lodge assessment part of those dues are? What is your opinion of your Grand Line and their duties? I just got back from our annual communication so I'm curious how other jurisdictions work/think.
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Jun 19, 2019 16:48
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Looks like I'm sitting in the East for a second straight year and there's a little drama brewing over a brother from Mexico who's grand jurisdiction is all hosed up. Salmon feed first sunday in October for those in the Seattle area drop me a PM. How's your september?
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Sep 25, 2019 22:09
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Fair_Winds posted:I've been wondering if becoming a mason would be a good fit for me. I grew up in a family that was never anti-religion, but never attended church unless someone died. , but I've never known what holy text we followed. I more importantly, never had a religion placed upon me by my parents. they believe I have the right to decide for myself a religion. I still haven't "chosen" so to say. My Question is Would the lack of being a member of a religion but not lacking in faith and belief in a higher power be a disqualifying factor? Should I figure out what religion best aligns with me since I am seeking to join one before I petition? You're good to go. "We all functionally believe in a god" is all that should be required in a USA based Masonic Lodge
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Sep 27, 2019 17:27
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Emron posted:Am I insane for considering writing to the grand lodges of guys who I see putting up stuff like this on social That's gross. Write away, I don't think you're crazy. I just hope their GL actually cares about that stuff.
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Jan 17, 2020 18:04
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SimonChris posted:The Danish Order of Freemasons just shut down all masonic activity in the country until further notice, due to coronavirus concerns. Not just lodge meetings but also administrative meetings, picnics, seminars, etc. I believe the other Scandinavian jurisdictions are following suit. Just emails warning about large groups and washing your hands. We have a GL led leadership retreat in a week and have not heard word on cancelling yet. This is in WA state.
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Mar 10, 2020 00:00
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WA GL just shut down all masonic events for March.
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Mar 13, 2020 16:44
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In our jurisdiction we are holding meetings over zoom that cover business only, no esoteric work.
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Feb 5, 2021 17:22
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I'm dealing with my 3rd consecutive term as WM and feel some serious burnout. The lodge is likely in the best financial position of any in our state but we can't get new members and fighting the old guard has just worn me the gently caress down. We are struggling to fill seats much less the chairs and anytime we talk about spending money it's always the same old fight. Can I just kill the old fuckers? Ya'll won't tell on me right? Obviously joking but gently caress I'm just tired of this poo poo. Tell me your war stories
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Feb 19, 2021 07:50
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knuthgrush posted:I find that these sorts of issues come up in most any lodge (at least around here). Folks who've been there forever don't raise new master masons. Realize they're old and have trouble keeping the lodge going. Initiate some uppity youngerns with ideas and opinions. Everybody gets mad, some forget their obligations. People leave for a while and it just kind of re-coalesces or they end up merging with another lodge. I appreciate the feedback. It just gets exhausting to keep working against folks rather than with. I'm hoping that with in person meetings returning(late this year fingers crossed) we see some new blood looking for community and togetherness after a year of isolation.
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Feb 23, 2021 18:09
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Our Lodge is at a crossroads where the young guys are finally doing the work and ready to make new masons and the old sideliners of course want to bitch about every little change ever. Neither side listens to the other. At our last stated our WM was out of town so I subbed in and ran the meeting. Old codger didn't like that I followed my own agenda. Stormed out of a meeting after I gavelled him down because he interrupted me multiple times to cut his agenda in front of mine. Former DDGM. I just wish to christ our members would follow the teachings we talk about and practice. It's getting real old that nobody can communicate anymore. Thanks for hearing me bitch about lodge poo poo.
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May 22, 2023 03:27
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I appreciate the words of encouragement. I think I get frustrated because brothers are too busy forming counter arguments and defending positions before they've listened to a complaint. I understand why, and the old guard is very much to blame, however if we just perpetuate what they taught us we will continue to run off new brothers faster than we can make them. One of the most important reasons for Fraternity I thought was we could talk more frankly among ourselves and even be vulnerable with each other than with a mixed sex club.(toxic masculinity alive and well). My favorite moments are when I can strongly disagree with a brother but still meet on the level and hash our differences out in the social hall. We are to avoid piques and quarrels but it seems the only reason we have meetings anymore is to entertain them. I don't know if it's just American culture leaking in past the West Gate or what, but civility is becoming the exception not the rule it feels like. I know my lodge is not unique in this. I'll end on a positive note by saying the quality of our degree work and the quality of candidates we've seen has us buzzing. I am wary of failing them with the same BS I fought for 12 years.
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May 23, 2023 03:47
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