Freemasons

[Chiefwiggum]

First of all, been away for a while, (not prison!), so Happy new year to all.
It has been suggested that I may like to consider becoming a freemason by a friend, who I know has been a freemason for many years. What are peoples perceptions of Masons, I know about the society with secrets and not a secret society aspect, the belief in a supreme being and the charitable works that they do. Does anyone have any direct experience or advice. I don't want to ask my friend as although he is quite open about his membership he will obviously be a little biased.

 

[Moose]

belief in a supreme being

This is the bit I don't get? Could you believe in Baron Greenback as your creator and still be allow in the club?

 

[Maz]

Is The Rotary Club a masonic society? They do charitable work, but I don't know much about them. Why 'Rotary'?

Owt to do with Round Tables? Ouija boards ? Probably a lot more mundane than that, though...

 

[Moose]

Is The Rotary Club a masonic society? They do charitable work, but I don't know much about them. Why 'Rotary'?

Owt to do with Round Tables? Ouija boards ? Probably a lot more mundane than that, though...

The rotary club are fans of the Wankel engine

 

[dellzeqq]

Freemasonry is alive and well, and pretty scary. Scary, that is, if you're on the outside looking in and wondering what on earth they get up to.

There's a Lodge in St. James' which gets 1200 people in every day. Why do you think that is?

 

[Maz]

There's a Lodge in St. James' which gets 1200 people in every day. Why do you think that is?

Is it a Travelodge?

 

[bonj2]

you don't 'decide' to join, you get asked to join.

 

[papercorn2000]

What happens if you decide not to?

 

[alecstilleyedye]

What happens if you decide not to?

probably grounds for black-balling anyway…

 

[mr_cellophane]

Don't lend any of them any money, it is usually difficult to get it repaid.
It can be hand if you are in the habit of getting lots of speeding or parking tickets because they will all mysteriously be cancelled.

A lot of pubs I went to in the late 70's had Buffalo groups meeting in their function room. I think they are similar to masons.

 

[Globalti]

My school pal who died last year was a Buffalo. At his funeral the other members of his Buffalo group formed a circle and performed a little ritual about departed friends and enduring loyalty, which I found very poignant and touching. They were just a bunch of old boys, much older than my pal and they sang beautifully. He was a recent recruit and they had no reason to do it for him.

 

[cheadle hulme]

Frankly, I am uncomfortable with some of the anti masonic sentiment shown on this thread.

 

[Nicensleazy]

Horses for courses, nothing wrong with the masonic lodge if thats what floats your boat. They do some good work up and down the country. However, they need younger blood to survive. I think the subs now are around £250 per year. The choice is yours. Can always give it a go and if its not for you, leave!

 

[dan_bo]

Masonic membership is a great pathway to corruption if you're that way inclined.

 

[numbnuts]

When I lived in Australia I was told that if you want to get on in life join the Freemasons of become a Catholic