Saturday, December 08, 2007

Guest editorial: Who made who?

Who Made Who? by Bro. Jeff Peace

When was your lodge charted by the Grand Lodge of your jurisdiction? It may have been relatively recently or it could have been hundreds of years ago. Masons petition a Grand Lodge to form and charter new lodges, and that’s the way it's always been — or is it?

In the days of the operatives lodges were formed in the towns and cities for the purpose of managing the trade guild and negotiating wages. In a sense lodges were similar to the present day union hall. Sometimes lodges would be established at large construction sites such as cathedrals and forts for similar purposes. Their "union card" was the secret modes of recognition.

Lodges were self-creating business entities that represented the craftsman and were charted by state and/or local officials.

Grand Lodges were not things or places but events called by the monarch to bring all the Masters of the Craft together for the purpose of discussion and negotiation.

By the late seventeenth century the Masonic guild was in decline and they began accepting "gentleman Masons" into their lodges. The gentleman Masons were not craftsman but middle class businessmen and scholars.

In 1717 a unique event occurred when three of these lodges decided to form a Grand Lodge without consent of the monarch for the purpose of meeting and holding an annual feast. This is of interest because the lodges were entirely independent and sovereign. They created the Grand Lodge, and not the other way around.

They invited other independent and sovereign lodges to join their new Grand Lodge. Some did while others did not become a part of it. The Sts' Johns Masons flatly declined and the Masons at York decided to establish their own Grand Lodge.

Independent lodges continued to exist apart from the Grand Lodges until late in the eighteenth century.

As Freemasonry moved from being a practical trade guild into a benevolent speculative fraternity a method was established for the creation of new lodges whereby the Grand Lodges became the issuers of charters and not the government. It was in this way that Grand Lodge became the creator and lost sight of the fact that it was in fact a creation of the lodges.

The present monolithic system of Masonic government is the exact opposite of what the original founding lodges had intended. If we are to reform Freemasonry in the 21st century we need to begin by recognizing that the lodges are sovereign, and that the Grand Lodge serves the lodges. The Grand Master is not a benevolent dictator, but a servant of the Craft.

Masons still have the right to form independent lodges. These lodges are not clandestine or irregular. The whole concept of being clandestine and/or irregular was invented during the dispute between the Moderns and the Antients in England. It was a childish name-calling game then as much as it is now.

We need more independent lodges offering new and unique insights into Freemasonry. They may choose to form new Grand Lodges based on their ideas. This is the same as it was in 1717. The most important thing is not the survival of the present Grand Lodges, but the continuation of the Craft.

— Bro. Jeff Peace

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58 comments:

  1. I thought he retired...

    "Over the past several years I've had many things to say and not all of them have been good, but I've always maintained that people need to be free to do what they feel is best for themselves. The American Masons now have a new Grand Orient and they're free to chart a new course for Freemasonry in the US. It's a confederation of sovereign lodges with a system of government where the Grand Master has very limited powers. If they're smart they'll keep it that way.

    After 21 years of Freemasonry I feel it's time to give it a rest. I've had the good fortune to meet many good people and a few rotten apples along the way. The good always outweighed the bad or I would have never stayed and fought so hard for change.

    Change is coming and American Masons will soon be free of all the petty politics. I can only hope that they will understand the value of a real brother/sisterhood, but that's up to them to figure out.

    It's funny that in the end I had so very little say. lol

    All the best. The Ancient and Honorable Order of Aruba awaits me. It's supposed to be better than Freemasonry. The members meet on white sandy beaches and sip Margaritas. I just hope they don't have anyone to tell me "we've always drank the Margaritas this way!"

    Jeff "

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  2. Enjoy your travels, Jeff. Your article was good and timely. The January issue of the Lodgeroom International Magazine will be featuring an article by Wr. Adam Kendall on the operative origins in the guilds and how it relates to modern freemasonry.

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  3. Interesting piece Jeff.

    As a counter point:

    Indeed the lodges began before the Grand Lodges. During this time of independant lodges each lodge decided for themselves who they would recognise and who they wouldn't. During the operative Lodges it was important to belong to a lodge who was widely recognised. This is what made it possible for you to travel to work. If you were from an unrecognised lodge, you did not get work for their was no assurance what degree of quality you brought to the project.

    This system evolved into the Grand Lodge system. As speculative Masonry spread, the task of keeping up with who did good work and who didn't became burdensome. Therefore, several lodges came together, established a set of uniform standards and formed a Grand Lodge to enforce them.

    The same holds true today. When we say a lodge is clandestine, we are saying they do not do the work to our standards. Anyone can set up a lodge even if they have never been a Mason before. It will not be recognised because it does not conform to our standards.

    We do not recognise members of clandestine lodges as Masons, because they are not up to our standards.

    Why do we get to decide who those standards? Free association.

    Just as anyone is free to join what ever outfit they want that calls itself Masonic, we have the right to say "fine, but we won't associate with you."

    This ensures that the world wide fraternity can expect a certain behaviour from a recognised Mason, regardless of where he comes from.

    Ironically, even clandestine outfits have a set of standards that they enforce. Fail to meet those standards and even they won't recognise you. You will clandestine even to the clandestine lodges.

    Br. Arthur Peterson

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  4. so by this logic, nothing should change, McDonalds should just be a single Hamburger stand, because that was what it was when it was formed.

    Computers should be running dos because that's what they were running when the first PC's were put out.

    Things change, they grow, it is the way of the world.

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  5. Bro. Arthur Peterson wrote, "We do not recognise members of clandestine lodges as Masons, because they are not up to our standards."

    What it is about North Carolina Prince Hall Masonry that is not up to the standards of mainstream N.C. Masons?


    —W.S.

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  6. "We do not recognise members of clandestine lodges as Masons, because they are not up to our standards." - Peterson

    This is another example of the arrogant holier than thou attitude I've been seeing everywhere on the web from Grand Lodge Masons.

    This particular quote is more interesting than most because it shows a disconnect from the factual reality.

    After reviewing the processes and standards of the Grand Orient of France I discovered that they actually have much higher standards than Grand Lodge Masonry. According to the members I spoke with in Paris it takes approximately five years to become a Master Mason in their system. You are required to write papers knows as "architecture" to demonstrate your knowledge of the degrees and symbolism.

    The Grand Lodges in America have much lower standards. In some cases you join and rise to the level of a 32nd degree Mason in a single day. According to a couple of Masons I met over at the Three Pillars the process usually takes around six months.

    If time commitment is any measure of quality then the Grand Orient wins with five years as opposed to six months.

    The Grand Lodges require memorized lectures (catechisms?) for each degree but no further study or writing is required.

    The Grand Orient requires memorization in addition to further studies and papers.

    Again, when it comes to education the Grand Orient system appears superior in quality to that of the Grand Lodge system.

    Could anyone give me a reasonable explanation of how and why Grand Lodge Masonry is actually superior to the Grand Orient system? Simply claiming that it's inferior or irregular lacks substance.

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  7. As I said else where, since you now know more than anyone else here, you should go join the GOdF or the elks or the odd fellows.

    if you don't like the GL system fine... DON'T JOIN it's really simple.

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  8. "This is another example of the arrogant holier than thou attitude I've been seeing everywhere on the web from Grand Lodge Masons."

    That's right. Can't help it if we're better-it's just a fact. ;,)

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  9. "Again, when it comes to education the Grand Orient system appears superior in quality to that of the Grand Lodge system."

    And yet, the G.O. will accept anyone with a claim to the name...eve if they have NOT done anything more than take the degrees...hmmm....

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  10. I wish people would stop living in the past and stop harping on what happened 290 years ago. We are looking toward the future, not the past.

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  11. "And yet, the G.O. will accept anyone with a claim to the name...eve if they have NOT done anything more than take the degrees...hmmm...." - Anagram

    Not exactly...

    I was told that every lodge member must produce a piece(s) of Architecture each year and present it to the lodge. Masonic education is the focus of each lodge meeting because it is viewed as essential to self-improvement and the progress of the institution.

    You are right in that they will accept Grand Lodge Masons but new initiates must go through the Grand Orient procedures. Thus, over time the lodge grows stronger through education.

    I have also come to understand that Traditional Observance lodges under the Grand Lodge system have adopted the same model as the Grand Orient. It would appear that these lodges are trying to follow the lead of the Grand Orient with Grand Lodge Masonry. Do you think that is a good or bad idea?

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  12. "And yet, the G.O. will accept anyone with a claim to the name...eve if they have NOT done anything more than take the degrees...hmmm...." - Anagram

    Not exactly...

    I was told that every lodge member must produce a piece(s) of Architecture each year and present it to the lodge. Masonic education is the focus of each lodge meeting because it is viewed as essential to self-improvement and the progress of the institution."

    What if a brother refuses to produce said piece? They don't kick any brother out is the claim, and they recognize with anyone who claims to be a Mason and knows the landmarks and signs.

    A piece of architecture is a 'must'? Again, what makes it a 'must'? That seems pretty time-consuming for a group that in the past has complained about how much time Freemasonry can take up.

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  13. I'm still trying to figure out why someone would care if they want to start a chapter of the Grand Oriente here?

    If that is what they want So Mote It Be.

    Jeff and company aren't asking for your permission and they will chart their own course whether you like it or not.

    If I don't like how Coke tastes maybe I'll try a Pepsi but I wouldn't sit there and scream at someone who has a different taste than I do.

    Isn't this how UGLE was formed anyways???

    At the end of the day I am happy with my GL and my Lodge so I will stick to what I like but to each their own.

    I welcome comments if I am missing something.

    Cory

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  14. Cory,

    That's what I've been thinking and saying all along.

    I've been trying to get an objective understanding of the two systems but the Grand Lodge Masons argue in circles and then try to modify their original claims.

    After visiting one of their lodges I was very disappointed based on their claims. What they claim and what I found were two very different things.

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  15. I have some fears about Grand Lodge Masonry that I think are justified based on my research. I would like to know what others think.

    1. If I joined a lodge of Grand Lodge Masons, and decided that I didn't like it, could I leave without harassment over oaths and obligations?

    2. I don't feel comfortable knowing that some Grand Lodges practice racism against African Americans. Why do the other Grand Lodges allow this?

    3. I've read about Grand Lodge Masons being expelled in West Virginia, Georgia, and Arkansas by the edict of a Grand Master. This seems to favor dictatorship over American ideals. I don't want to find myself in the position of being expelled and not being able to answer my accuser.

    This is the most disturbing aspect of Grand Lodge Masonry. I can only imagine how these men feel after being expelled and having no way to offer up a defense.

    To me this seems very unAmerican.

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  16. Objective.

    What state are you in? I don't care location, but please tell me state.

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  17. "I'm still trying to figure out why someone would care if they want to start a chapter of the Grand Oriente here?"

    I'm still trying to figure out who has objected? It's a free country, and there are worse things people could start. I think it's fine if they start a G.O. Wish their fans and members would stop vilifying those of us that don't belong and aren't interested in belonging; that is all.

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  18. Anagram,

    Your posts on this blog are proof of your objections. It's shocking that you would claim otherwise and further questions your credibility and that of the Grand Lodge system you represent here.

    Theron Dunn and Gregg have both openly attacked the Grand Orient. All of you have claimed superiority in the absence of objective evidence. All of you have made criminal accusations against the Masons of Halcyon lodge in the absence of any real evidence, and in opposition to the known facts.

    I keep hoping someone will show up and be able to answer my questions and provide reasonable answers.

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  19. "1. If I joined a lodge of Grand Lodge Masons, and decided that I didn't like it, could I leave without harassment over oaths and obligations?"

    Of course. Of course, if you come to the internet asking opinions on your actions and harassing brothers over their oaths, you're going to get responses in spades. Or is that not our right to respond to attacks, or offer an opinion if it differs from your own? That seems unAmerican.

    "2. I don't feel comfortable knowing that some Grand Lodges practice racism against African Americans. Why do the other Grand Lodges allow this?"

    This is changing, and for the better. No other GL has any power over another GL, and that is how it should be. IF it is not illegal, than brethren are left to their FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE. As much as I, and obviously my GL, disagree, that is still THEIR DECISION. We can offer them wise and good council, but these brethren have been raised in an environment quite different than mine.

    "3. I've read about Grand Lodge Masons being expelled in West Virginia, Georgia, and Arkansas by the edict of a Grand Master. This seems to favor dictatorship over American ideals. I don't want to find myself in the position of being expelled and not being able to answer my accuser."

    Do you know all the FACTS? How do you know the FACTS? This is one thing that regular brethren are continually accused of in regards to Halcyon. All I've read on the matter is hearsay on a blog, and it's rather incomplete.

    On its face, it seems unjust. That doesn't necessarily make it so. So too does Halcyon's actions seem unjust, but as rightly said, I don't have all the facts. Only the facts presented by Halcyon members, and those don't show the situation in a good light. That's been hammered to death, however.

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  20. "Theron Dunn and Gregg have both openly attacked the Grand Orient. All of you have claimed superiority in the absence of objective evidence."

    I don't see their posts as 'attacks', but whatever. As I'm given to understand, Jeff and Theron are friends. In a debate, a disagreement is not an 'attack', and Theron has long ago attempted to make amends. It's that EXACT objective evidence that has been requested. ALL that we've received as evidence has come from Halcyon itself. If it is not objective evidence, that is not our fault.

    As I've said over and over, it seems to me that NEITHER side acted properly. Of course, you have continually vilified regular Masonry despite the offering of all kinds of objective evidence. Your objectivity is sorely lacking. You think we're a 'cult'. So be it. Your error based on a lack of objective evidence does not concern me if you are unwilling or unable to listen to reason. As far as 'attacks', it is easily found here from both sides. Open discussion amongst men bearing Freedom of conscience is often not pretty.

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  21. Objective said...
    Cory,

    That's what I've been thinking and saying all along.

    I've been trying to get an objective understanding of the two systems but the Grand Lodge Masons argue in circles and then try to modify their original claims.

    After visiting one of their lodges I was very disappointed based on their claims. What they claim and what I found were two very different things.

    Cory Says-

    Objective the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

    You do what you want it's all up to you. I've learned a long time ago to listen to someone's promises with a grain of salt.

    I've never met a boss whose description of how great a job was the same after starting and seeing for myself how it is.

    If the GL experience wasn't for you that doesn't mean the G.O. one would be any better (or worse for the matter)

    Cory

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  22. "Your posts on this blog are proof of your objections."

    What I have objected to is the overweening love given to the G.O., and lack of objectivity in seeing its problems. If you can show me ONE objection to the G.O., I ask you present it here. It should be easy to find, and I can easily show why it is *not* an objection. I can show it is merely a presentation of facts. This is America son, and the G.O. has as much right to exist as any group. I have as much right to state an opinion, negative or positive, as anyone.

    SHOW me where I made an 'objection' to the G.O.'s existence in America. It should be easy to find, if such exists. I have known about co-Masonry and the G.O. for years now, and have never objected to them. Just SHOW that I have-it's a simple request.

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  23. Brother A.A., in response to Objective having said that Masons had been expelled without trial in West Virginia, Georgia and Arkansas, wrote, "Do you know all the FACTS? How do you know the FACTS?... All I've read on the matter is hearsay on a blog, and it's rather incomplete."

    The current grand master of WV did in FACT expel a past grand master and another grand officer recently. I've read the edict he wrote after the FACT.

    Bro. Jeff Peace and other regular Georgia Masons were in FACT "erased" (call it expulsion if you want to, though the GM did not use that term) by a Georgia grand master, not by edict but by simple order to their blue lodges. Evidence by way of the letters the GM sent has been presented online.

    Arkansas grand masters have in FACT suspended regular Masons in that state without cause and without trial for 50-year terms. I have been in communication with several Arksansas brothers about this.

    — W.S.

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  24. What it is about North Carolina Prince Hall Masonry that is not up to the standards of mainstream N.C. Masons? —W.S.

    W.S.,

    Prince Hall Masonry is "up to standard" 41 GLs, and even UGLE, have proclaimed so. However, as you know already know, GL recognition is voted on by the principle officers of each lodge. It's a democratic process, and can not be forced by a minority rule.

    GLoNC will be the next to recognize PHA if all goes well next September, and once that's done we most certainly will have to work on visitation--which from what I've been told even NC Prince Hall doesn't want.


    As for the article:

    This is a FREE Country, anyone can start a new Masonic Body if they like, with no other group's approval. Just don't' expect that others will accept you as their fraternal brother. Don't expect to be allowed visitation to another Masonic Body's lodges. And why would you care?

    Peace

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  25. Thank you for this information, W.S. It's not the way things are run here, but as stated before, if it's not illegal there is little that another GL can do. That's why other GLs have not approached those that DO recognize PHA. Thankfully, we are not controlled by those GLs.

    Freedom is a sticky wicket-IF we disagree with them, is it still not their right to be wrong? We have neo-Nazi groups in my area. I despise everything the Nazis stand for, but as Voltaire said, "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."
    When they break the law, or trample on the rights of others, that is another matter.

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  26. Bro. A.A.: The aforementioned acts by grand masters in Georgia and West Virginia were, in fact, illegal under the Masonic codes of those states.

    Neither state's Masonic law grants a grand master authority to expel a brother without due process.

    — W.S.

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  27. One can become a "regular" Mason in a day (in some places) and a Scottish Rite Mason in a weekend (everywhere that I know of). American Masonry is virtually without standards. The Grand Lodge of Alabama has a specific edict providing that illiteracy is not a bar to membership. I wish anyone who wants to run an "independent" lodge well and couldn't care less whether they are "regular" or not.

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  28. Widow's Son wrote:
    Bro. A.A.: The aforementioned acts by grand masters in Georgia and West Virginia were, in fact, illegal under the Masonic codes of those states.

    Neither state's Masonic law grants a grand master authority to expel a brother without due process.

    — W.S.

    End quote

    Brother WS,

    I don't know about WV, but I think you should check the GA code again. I have seen parts of the code book that do infact grant just that sort of power to the GM.

    Please don't interpret that to my believing that it is correct, because I don't think anyone should have that much unilateral power... but regardless of my feelings, the code book grants it to him.

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  29. Bro. Gregg,

    Please cite the code.

    In my reading, I find nowhere is the grand master granted authority to summarily expel a brother without trial.

    — W.S.

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  30. Widow's Son said...
    Bro. Gregg,

    Please cite the code.

    In my reading, I find nowhere is the grand master granted authority to summarily expel a brother without trial.

    — W.S.

    I just want you to know I am not ingnoring your request. I started looking, I know who posted it, but wading through almost a 1000 posts will take a bit of time to find the quote.

    I will email him and ask him to send it to me and then I will post back. I am taking my son to the movies so it may not be till this evening.

    Regards
    Gregg

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  31. W.S.

    In my opinion if Gregg thinks something is right, it will be 99.9% of the time.

    Give him a moment and he'll dig it up for you.

    Like he said he doesn't agree with it but most likely it is in there

    Cory

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  32. "Bro. A.A.: The aforementioned acts by grand masters in Georgia and West Virginia were, in fact, illegal under the Masonic codes of those states.

    Neither state's Masonic law grants a grand master authority to expel a brother without due process."

    Being illegal actions means that the brethren as a whole have legal recourse. If this 'illegality' is true, then the GL can face charges. Seems simple. The problem can be rectified within the system. If it is not being dealt with by the individual lodges of the state, it can only be assumed that they agree to some degree with the actions of the GL.

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  33. "One can become a "regular" Mason in a day (in some places)"

    That's true-in some places. A Mason can be made in a day. These brothers made such are welcome in the 'new' lodges, according to their open-door policy. Since a brother once made is welcome, there are no requirements for them to do anything to keep their membership. Meaning, a brother could be 'made-in-a-day', quit, transfer to another 'new' lodges, or at least be able to sit in lodge, and never have to do any further education. Of course, that's if I'm reading it right, but that's how the information appears.

    Our jurisdiction eliminated the one-day class and is now requiring proficiencies in the 3 degrees to maintain membership. It's not a panacea, but it's a start in the right direction. Who says things can't change?

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  34. I do not want to be a part of any organization that grants one man the power of accuser, judge and jury.

    The founders of this country fought a long hard conflict to ensure that Americans never had to suffer through that kind of treatment.

    It's truly revealing of Grand Lodge Masonry that they not only allow it, but actively utilize it.

    Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person posting here that sees what all of this really means. It's ugly and very much in opposition to American ideology.

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  35. Widow's Son said...

    Bro. A.A.: The aforementioned acts by grand masters in Georgia and West Virginia were, in fact, illegal under the Masonic codes of those states.

    Neither state's Masonic law grants a grand master authority to expel a brother without due process.

    — W.S.


    Sorry to correct you. The following are the relevant sections of th Georgia Masonic Code that specifically allow the Grand Master to expel someone. Not that I think it is the appropriate action, but the LAW of the fraternity under which the GM works, clearly states he CAN...

    -103
    Authority-
    The Grand Lodge (of Georgia) is hereby declared the highest legitimate source of Masonic authority...

    77-110.
    Grand Lodge may Expel-
    The Grand Lodge (of Georgia) may on its own motion expel any Georgia Mason, though not a member of its body and with or without the recommendation of the Constituent Lodge.

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  36. Sounds more like a cult every day...

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  37. quote
    1-103
    Authority-
    The Grand Lodge is hereby declared the highest legitimate source of Masonic authority...

    77-110.
    Grand Lodge may Expel-
    The Grand Lodge may on its own motion expel any Georgia Mason, though not a member of its body and with or without the recommendation of the Constituant Lodge.

    End quote

    WS Here are the sections of code I promised...

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  38. Fun speculation: the membership collapse that will inevitably occur given the demographics of the current membership (old and older) will lead to more "independent" lodges being formed by younger men who (a) are in Masonry to learn from the symbolism and tradition and (b) come to recognize that the old men who run the grand lodges are in it for the power. The old men who run Masonry in this country will resist any change, no matter how positive, that they cannot manipulate and control. Men who are in this for the Light it brings will reject the authority of those who are in it for baubles and power.

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  39. Perhaps what you say is true of some of the older brethren. I've met as many younger brethren in it for the power. I've met as many older brethren who are in it for the learning. Every individual finds what he seeks. Fun speculation: the 'bleeding' is slowing significantly in regular Masonry (down to 3% in most areas and shrinking) and many younger brothers are finding it rich and fulfilling. Other lodges will be created and will co-exist with regular Masonry.

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  40. Just an historic note on Bro. Pace's article about operative guilds. I am not agreeing with or disagreeing with the right of individuals or lodges to disassociate themselves from Grand Lodges. Just an historic note.

    The medieval guilds were not like labor unions, which represent the laborers, but were agencies controlled by the Masters and owners, to set standards and requirements for participation in the trade. Two promenant guilds that remain today are the American Medical Association and the Bar Association. You can't work in those trades without the permission of and membership in these guilds. They are more democratic perhaps than in the old days, but they are still control mechanisms. The senior most control the juniors, and decide who is or isn't a practicing physician or attorney.

    I said practicing, because universities confer the degrees, but the guilds make it possible to use the degrees.

    The paralell to Masonry is probably more like the Grand Lodge System, wherein the Grand Lodge decides who can be called a Mason.

    Not making a judgement of rightness here.

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  41. Dear Bro. Anagram,

    The Light is near your heart. It cannot be controlled. Simply open yourself to it and let it flow through you. The symbols are a road map to everything that has been veiled in allegory.

    When you are overcome with joy then you will understand why it can never be written or contained in words.

    Howard Roark
    A Brother to all
    GOUSA

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  42. Gingerman,

    Do you really believe the Light can be "controlled"?

    Do you believe that the Great Architect is the servant of any man?

    Howard Roark,
    A brother to all
    GOUSA

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  43. Thank you for your sentiment, brother Roark. As I've said here and elsewhere before, the secret of Masonry is available to all, be they Mason or not, regular or not, anything or not. It is so secret it cannot be relayed in words, and can only be understood by experience.

    This is not unlike the assertions of the Gnostics. ANY system can only offer you the tools and the maps-it is up to you to find it in your heart. This to me is why the prophets had such difficulty explaining their experiences. The human language is woefully inadequate.

    I found further light on the path offered in regular Freemasonry. It cannot be rightly claimed I found anything I didn't already have, nor can it be claimed that Freemasonry holds it exclusively. Freemasonry, as many systems, can give you the tools and show you how to travel. It is up to the individual to make the journey. That journey is individual and unique, and to be celebrated.

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  44. "It is better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life"
    Elizabeth Kenny

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  45. hey metatron,
    do your NC brothers like you going under another name for Lucifer?

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  46. I have no problem with a Brother using metatron or lucifer as a name. Why should I?

    Br. Arthur Peterson

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  47. Bros. Gregg and Theron:

    The GM is not the GL, and the GM's powers when the GL is not in session are specifically spelled out in Section 4-101, and they do not include the power to expel.

    You've apparently fallen into thinking the GM is the GL. The GL is made up of GL officers, sitting masters and past masters, meeting once a year, who VOTE on items of importance democratically.


    — W.S.

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  48. "I have no problem with a Brother using metatron or lucifer as a name. Why should I?"

    No problem there. Especially since Jesus was called Lucifer ('the Bright morning star' or 'light bearer') in the Bible, and the Lucifer analogy in Isaiah does not refer to any supernatural being, and does not appear anywhere else. Lucifer is simply an appellation given to the planet Venus, and is only used as an analogy. It was never written in the Bible to refer to Satan or the Devil, etc.

    It is in reference to the planet Venus, although it is not a star at all despite often being called the 'Morning Star'. Calling the devil or satan 'Lucifer' is aprocryphal at best. Metatron has not been properly identified with satan, and likely is neither satan nor Lucifer, which are two entirely different entities at any rate.

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  49. "It is better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life"

    This is underestimating the power of the sheep and overestimating the power of a lion. A lion's life can be just as tough as that of a bighorn sheep, and a bighorn sheep can be just as tough as a lion. The pack lives of predators are grossly over-exaggerated. A wolf has no more power in his pack than does a bighorn sheep. Just a thought. Every experience has value. Just because you can take advantage of the very weakest (the cowardly habits of a predator, who usually goes for the easiest prey) doesn't mean your life is any easier. Sheep can be lions too.

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  50. Widow's Son wrote:
    Bros. Gregg and Theron:

    The GM is not the GL, and the GM's powers when the GL is not in session are specifically spelled out in Section 4-101, and they do not include the power to expel.

    You've apparently fallen into thinking the GM is the GL. The GL is made up of GL officers, sitting masters and past masters, meeting once a year, who VOTE on items of importance democratically.


    — W.S.

    Brother WS,

    Can you please post either here or at LRUS the words of section 4-101 so that I might read them. I do not have a copy of the code book of GA to look it up.

    Based on the words of the code that I have seen, I would say the GM does, but if there are words elsewhere that superceed that, then I would like to see them so that I can be corrected.

    Thank you
    Gregg

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  51. Bro. Gregg:

    I have that section typed up, in preparation for a future article I've been working on. Expect it in a few days.

    — W.S.

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  52. WS,

    Thank you, I will wait a time with Patience.

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  53. Bro AA states: "This is underestimating the power of the sheep and overestimating the power of a lion."
    mmmmm....
    I have never seen a human walk up to a female lion and fornicate it?

    But a sheep or flock....well

    I'll stick to being a lion!
    Thanks for the interesting perspective

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  54. Can honestly say I have never seen a human do that with either animal. Hear Crowley did, but never saw it (thankfully).

    Never saw OR heard of anybody doing that to a bighorn sheep, either. Not that nobody's thought of doing it with a lion. Ever watch Heathers?

    I'll stick with the pain of being human and choose partners only of my same species of animal. I'll leave the other animals to do what they do.

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  56. 2 BOWL CAIN said...
    hey metatron,
    do your NC brothers like you going under another name for Lucifer?


    2 Bowl Cain: You need to do a little more research sir. Misinformed interpretations on some "religious" web site from your Google search isn't going to cut it.

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  58. Bro. Jeff,

    I agree with Bro Freethinker in all he said.

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