Freemasonry Tomorrow

Oderfelt No. 35 OSM

2012-01-22T01:18:00.000-08:00

On Friday I was delighted to attend Odersfelt OSM No. 35 in Heckmondwike where I proposed the health of two of the candidates I had proposed into the Conclave. This was an Emergency Meeting so we could bring the candidates in before the Installation meeting. We have brought in six candidates this year, with an Induction at each of the three meetings of the Conclave throughout the year, next year. A bright future is ahead for Odersfelt Conclave No. 35.

Installation meeting of Scarborough Lodge 1214

2012-01-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was delighted to attend the Installation meeting of Scarborough Lodge 1214, which meets in Bradford. The representative was the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Stuart Cummins.

Conversation with a taxi driver about Freemasonry

2012-01-15T09:54:00.000-08:00

Wearing a dinner jacket with brief case in hand the conversation with a taxi driver went on to Freemasonry. Clearly he knew how to spot a Freemasonry, but the give away was usually when you asked for the masonic hall at .......................

He was clearly troubled by something. Some people had told him that Freemasons worshiped the devil. However, he found this difficult to believe as he had met quite a number of Freemasons and, in his words, found them all to be nice people. I explained to the taxi driver that sometimes stories are more compelling than that truth, and that people believe things because they want to believe in them. I explained Freemasonry was a secular organisation and was not a religion. Rather it was a system of ethical self-reflection that is aimed at self-development.

The reason we are called Masons is a metaphor. We are not operative masons, but rather speculative. The ashlar represents each individual; the building represents society. Therefore our Masonry is how we can fit 'better' in society. To use a phrase sometimes used in Freemasonry, we are 'living stones'.

The five steps to tyranny are given below:

1. ‘Us’ and ‘them’: use prejudice to foster the (fictional) notion of the existence of superior and dominant in-groups and inferior and powerless out-groups.
2. Obey orders: insist that all people under your wing are to obey your orders.
3. Dehumanize the enemy: emphasize on making inimical factions look less than human.
4. ‘Stand up’ or ’stand by’: suppress dissenting or opposing opinions to your own.
5. Suppress Individuality: foster the development of group identities while suppressing the individual.

Clearly the anti-masonic propaganda is using step 1.

We had quite a long time in the taxi. Huddersfield Town were playing at home, and this had created something of a traffic jam. By the time we parted the taxi driver seemed to have resolved the apparent incompatibility between the stories he had heard, and the pleasant people he had met.

Freemasons 1, Anti-masons 0.

Installation Meeting of the Lodge of Peace No.149

2012-01-15T06:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was privileged to attend the installation meeting of the Lodge of Peace No. 149 at Meltham. There were 138 visitors present, along with the Deputy Provincial Grand Master VW Bro Jack Piggott and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W Bro Colin Dent. The raffle raise over £600 for charities, and a cheque was presented to the Provincial Grand Master's Fund.

Mirfield Lodge No. 1102

2012-01-14T02:50:00.001-08:00

Last night I attended Mirfield Lodge No. 1102 for their regular January meeting. The ceremony was an initiation and I was delighted to respond on behalf of the visitors.

Mirfield Chapter

2012-01-11T12:18:00.001-08:00

Last Friday (Friday 6th January) I was treated to an Exhalation at Mirfield Chapter No. 1102, my first masonic visit of 2012. Happy New Year to you!

Mirfield Installation No. 1102

2011-12-10T04:42:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I attended the Installation Meeting of Mirfield Lodge No. 1102. The evening was up to the usual standards of a Mirfield Installation and it was a very memorable evening.

Installation Meeting of the Lodge of Connaught & Truth

2011-12-03T06:17:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I attended our Installation meeting of the Lodge of Connaught & Truth No. 521. There were 72 brethren present with 50 visitors, an excellent afternoon and evening. I am now looking forward to a new masonic year for the Lodge as Director of Ceremonies.

Ryburn Installation - No. 1283

2011-12-01T13:38:00.001-08:00

Wednesday 30th November, 2011 - attended the Installation Meeting of Ryburn Lodge No. 1283. I've lost count of the number of times I have been to Ryburn Installation - an excellent meeting with over 70 brethren present.

A big thanks!

2011-11-28T04:43:00.001-08:00

This blog now receives 250 page impressions per month. Given I started this as a place to bookmark my thoughts about Freemasonry I am taken aback by the number of people reading the posts. So many thanks to you.

Rugby Football Lodge No.9811

2011-11-26T09:01:00.001-08:00

On Thursday I attended The Rugby Football Lodge No.9811. This meets at The Masonic Hall, Greenhead Road, Huddersfield. There were over 70 members present. The ceremony was an initiation, with two joining members being proposed. It was great to see a Lodge that has been so successful in attracting new members. 'Themed' lodges are a good idea..... the DC has a whistle at this Lodge rather than a gavel.

Memory as a substitute for thinking

2011-11-07T06:44:00.000-08:00

One of the strengths of Freemasonry is its history. However all organisations need to be aware of the burden that legacy brings with it. The key really, is how is change and stay the same? Thus:

1. The present is not the perfect imitation of the past. We need to be mindful of changes in the outside world and create Lodges with a more sustainable outlook.
2. We need to ensure we are not trapped by our own history. History cannot be changed, only the future can.
3. Tradition can create mindless precedent. Memory should not be used as a substitute for thinking.

Freemasons in West Yorkshire announce Jubilee grants

2011-11-07T05:43:00.000-08:00

Please follow the link to the story in the Huddersfield Eaxminer

Lodge of Connaught & Truth No. 521

2011-11-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

Last night attended the Lodge of Connaught & Truth for Scroll Night and a lecture on Masonic Charities.

2011-10-27T03:32:00.001-07:00

Cunning linguists in Sweden crack 300-year-old occult code
http://www.thelocal.se/36992/20111027/#

Visit to Constancy Lodge 6359

2011-10-21T03:36:00.001-07:00

Yesterday evening I was delighted to attend our daughter Lodge, Constancy Lodge No. 6359 with the newest member from the Lodge of Connaught & Truth No. 521. ().

The brethren worked for fourth section of the first degree lecture, and I was privileged to respond on behalf of the visitors.

University Lodge Scheme

2011-10-17T02:42:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 15th October 2011 I attended the University Scheme Lodge Conference, presided over by David Williamson, Assistant Grand Master. It was held at Grand Lodge, Great Queen Street. The Conference was most illuminating and highlighted the work of the Scheme within Freemasonry.

Fearnley MMM No. 58

2011-10-13T01:51:00.001-07:00

Yesterday evening I attended my Mark Master Masons Lodge No. 58, which meets in Mirfield, West Yorkshire.
The ceremony was an advancement, and there were 26 brethren present, which was nice.

Wall Street Journal article

2011-10-12T02:14:00.000-07:00

I have mixed feelings about this article in the Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203476804576612841564312696.html

It seems to hit quite an important issue, and yet gets reflected off at a tangent.

The article starts of with that Masonic cliche about blood curdling oaths. Come on guys, this is the Wall Street Journal, we expect better from such a prestigious publication.

However, I do find its overtly ageist tone slightly distressing. I was 26 when I joined, my proposer was in his 70s. I discovered a fraternity where mutual respect and friendship had little to do with a generation gap that was more obvious to other people than it was to me. I would spend hours talking about Freemasonry, socializing with a group of people with a shared passion. I would hope that anyone joining Freemasonry can see past people's age, or any demographic for that matter. Likewise, I would hope that brethren who join a Lodge do not find they are patronized or treated in a condescending manner.

I applaud the move towards openness, and always have. Economists call it 'asymmetric information' and whilst it adds to the mystique candidates need to be aware of the decision they are about to take before they join. Anything else is bordering on the unethical. However, information about the ceremoney cannot be a plot spoiler either.

Information for candidates needs to use the 'Goldilocks principle', not too little, not too much, but 'just the right amount', IMHO :-).

Installation Meeting at Welcome Lodge 3779 at Tapton Hall, Sheffield

2011-10-12T01:39:00.001-07:00

It was a great pleasure yesterday evening to attend the installation meeting of Welcome Lodge 3779 at Tapton Hall, Sheffield. I was accompanied by five other members of the Lodge of Connaught and Truth, in fact the Provincial Grand Master's representative was a member of our Lodge. We wish the Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren a happy year and look forward to their company again at some point in the year.

Are you fighting the future, or are you fighting for the future?

2011-10-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me how conservative Freemasonry is. This is such a shame because Freemasonry's past success is based on a society that was remarkably liberal in its outlook. My question is whether our organization will escape the cycle of decline over the past 50 years. Outmoded practices such as stewarding may be relevant to a society where the apprentice worked their up, but now it hardly offers somebody new an incentive to remain a member. Our organization need to take cognisance of emergent trends, and remove any barriers to growth. Therefore I would ask are you fighting the future, or are you fighting for the future?

Lodge of Connaught & Truth No. 521

2011-10-08T07:23:00.001-07:00

Last night I attended the Lodge of Connaught & Truth No. 521 www.truth521.org.uk where I acted as Senior Deacon for a Passing Ceremony.

Honour the past, invent the future

2011-10-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

I went on a course recently where this quote was on the last slide. It struck me how appropriate this was for Freemasonry. The Craft seems to have developed an aversion for the future, the phrase 'modern Freemasonry', for example, is never heard in our Masonic Halls. Likewise there is an obsession for an imagined, nostalgic past that never really existed.

Lodge of Hope No. 302

2011-09-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

On Monday 5th September I was delighted to attend the meeting of Hope Lodge No. 302 in Bradford. The Assistant Grand Master, John Williamson was in attendance and he confirmed Hope's membership of the University Scheme.

Phone-hacking scandal: Jonathan Rees obtained information using dark arts

2011-06-09T03:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/jun/08/phone-hacking-scandal-jonathan-rees

Another example of causality, correlation, and negative stereotyping. What the story fails to mention is that what Jonathan Rees is alleged to have done is also against the principles of Freemasonry. Given the allegations made, I think this would have strengthened the case against him, rather than use it as a nice narrative 'hook' (which purely from a writing perspective, it is).

But then again, it is the Guardian!

What Rowan Williams really dislikes about Freemasonry

2011-06-03T03:28:00.000-07:00

More unfortunate coverage of Freemasonry. Coming from the Guardian I suppose the first few paragraphs are inevitable. "Secret society"..... "cloak and dagger" and other such masonic cliches. However, it is one of the first articles that considers the deism of Freemasonry. This is almost bordering on intelligent and informed. However, what it fails to recognise is that antagonism from religion towards the Craft is that religion wants the exclusive rights to people's souls.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2011/jun/02/rowan-williams-freemasonry-liberalism-enlightenment#post-area

God forbid (sic.) we associate with people from other religions. In a world of an increasingly secularised society, I think Dr Williams's victory will be Pyrrhic at best.

Dr Williams prompts new PEV to quit Freemasons

2011-05-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

Disappointing to hear that the Archbishop of Canterbury subscribes to craftaphobic views:

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=112694

Transformation of Freemasonry

2011-03-03T03:43:00.000-08:00

This book The Transformation of Freemasonry seems to be getting plenty of reviews at the moment. By the strangest coincidence I know the publisher from a previous role I used to do. Small world.... but not if you have to clean it!

http://www.huntingtonnews.net/2167

The reviews on Amazon are very positive:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Transformation-Freemasonry-David-Harrison/dp/1845494377

Freemasons donate 10,000 teddy bears to sick or injured children in hospital

2011-01-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

Some more rather positive news than the 'anti-mason' reporting I have been doing of late.

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/health/10-000th-teddy-TLC-young-patient/article-3082936-detail/article.html

Dan Brown To Adapt The Lost Symbol

2010-12-21T02:39:00.001-08:00

Inevitable, I suppose. Glad to see that Dan Brown has an opportunity to write the script:

http://movies.sky.com/dan-brown-to-adapt-the-lost-symbol

I guess the question is, is there anything Freemasonry can do to maximise this exposure? I was rather disappointed that in the month The Lost Symbol was published there wasn't even a mention in the magazine "Freemasonry Today". It appears that Freemasonry is quite happy to ignore opportunities, which is a shame considering its gradual demise.

Antimasonry watch

2010-11-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

This could be out of a Monty Python script:

It is important to note that not all Freemasons are Illuminati but all Illuminati are Freemasons thanks to the division of Freemasonry into what’s called “Scarlet” (the elite) and “The Beast” (everyone else.)

Full article at:

http://stereosubversion.com/downloadable/fela-on-broadway-zombie-marksmen-remix-11-18-2010/

More craftaphobia. Isn't it amazing how people outside the organisation seem to know more than those who are in ('secret') the organisation? Do they not spot this 'slight' error in logic... so secret that those outside the organisation know more than those that are involved in it.

They could, of course, be plain old wrong..... and delusional :-)

You decide!

Freemasons seeing revival

2010-11-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

This is some good news:

http://fftimes.com/node/238023

Kirklees Lodge No. 4710

2010-10-25T03:32:00.000-07:00

On Friday I was delighted to attend a third degree ceremony at Kirklees Lodge No. 4710 in Mirfield, West Yorkshire (or Province of Yorkshire West Riding).

It was a most convivial evening, Kirklees is a very friendly and hospitable lodge.

Freemason conspiracy no excuse for dodging taxes

2010-10-25T03:31:00.000-07:00

An extreme case of craftaphobia reported here:

http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101022/bc_tax_evader_101022/20101022?hub=BritishColumbiaHome

What do Freemasons & UFOs have in common?

2010-10-14T03:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.sequimgazette.com/entertainment/article.exm/2010-10-13_sequim_native_celebrates_controversial_book_release

I always find it amusing that Freemasonry is written about as if we were creating a new world order. A highly organised elite that is secretly running the world. It is a benign organisation that meets for social reasons and raise money for charity. The biggest decision we make are whether to have chicken or beef at the festive board.

I have considered calling this blog 'The Anti-Masonic Watch'. People who write such sophistry usually have subsequent pages dedicated to UFOs and corn circles. I see this book fits into this category. A work of fantasy.

Visiting

2010-10-13T01:59:00.000-07:00

I've been doing plenty of visiting recently. Last Tuesday I went to watch a demonstration second at Spen Vale Lodge No. 4515. This was followed by a visit to Mirfield Lodge No. 1102 on the Friday. This was noteworthy as there were some Italian masons visiting from the beautiful city of Bologna. One of the Italian brethren became a joining member of Mirfield at this meeting. The meeting also included an initiation in the fine traditions of this excellent Lodge.

Last night I went to Welcome Lodge 3779. Interestingly this is very close to the Connaught Lodge 3800 of which I used to be a member before we amalgamated with the Lodge of Truth No. 521. This meeting was the installation of VW Bro Jack Piggot as WM. Jack is the much respected Deputy Provincial Grand Master. It was a most auspicious occasion, with plenty of 'masonic bling' in view. The Provincial Grand Master was there, along with four Assistants. There were over 140 masons present.... an excellent night.

Tomorrow I am off to Otley to visit Leodiensis Lodge No. 4029. This will be my first visit to Westbourne House, which is not too far away from where I work. This is a third degree where the WM will confer the degree on his son. Looking forward to it.

Priest fears Masonic 'witchcraft'

2010-10-07T03:20:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, more 'craftaphobia'. This time from New Zealand.

http://www.times-age.co.nz/local/news/priest-fears-masonic-witchcraft/3925541/

Visit to Eastern Gate Lodge No. 2970

2010-07-16T01:23:00.000-07:00

On a recent visit to Singapore I was priviledged to visit Eastern Gate Lodge No. 2970. This is an English Constiution Lodge in the District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelago. The visit reinforced for me that Freemasonry is universal. The ceremony was an advancement, and I was delighted to respond on behalf of the visitors.

The festive board was quite a surprise. None of your roast beef and Yorkshire pud as we are accustomed to in the Province of Yorkshire West Riding. The meal was a spicy tawainese dish that, I have to confess, got my eyes watering at one stage.

My thanks for the WM and brethren of Eastern Gate Lodge. It would be something I would like to repeat, or at least reciprocate in the future.

Mason allegation as three stand for RIBA president

2010-05-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

Craftaphobia strikes again. This time it relates to the election of the RIBA President. I have written on this blog before about the difference between correlation and causation. This is a classic example of negative stereotyping.

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=426&storycode=3163031&channel=783&c=1

Most requirements to reveal membership have been dropped due to the Human Right Act. Apparently this has passed RIBA by, who seem to be living in the 1970s.

Kirklees Installation

2010-04-26T02:57:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I attended Kirklees Lodge No. 4710 installation - I think that is six installations I've been to this year. It's been ages since I've been to Kirklees, so a visit was long overdue to remind me what I had been missing out on.

Article taken from Nigerian Guardian

2009-11-16T10:45:00.001-08:00

I was s-o-o- impressed with this letter to the Nigerian Guardian I have reproduced it in full. It is just so eloquent. The link is given at the bottom. Once more, with feeling.... "Freemasonry is not a secret society".

Freemason is not a secret society
SIR: Your publication captioned "Okogie cautions Christians against secret societies, others: (The Guardian, August 12) refers. I would like to disabuse the mind of your readers of the notion that our very revered Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie does not know the difference between

Religion (e.g. Christianity) and fraternal society (e.g Freemasonry or St. Joseph Societies in Catholic Churches)

Secrecy and privacy.

The funeral obsequies that follow the translation of a Pope and the selection of a new Pope, we believe, are private to the Roman Catholic Church, and the Church cannot be stigmatised "Secret Society" by any fanatical critic. Similarly, Masonic ceremonies are private to our members. There is no law in any civilised country which obliges any lawful association to hold its meetings in the open. Hence the stigma of "Secret Society" is extravagant nonsense.

St. George's Hall on Broad St. Lagos which is our headquarters has been used by masons for over 100 years. It is only a walking distance from the Holy Cross (Catholic) Cathedral. Literary curiosities have recently been satisfied by the "internet" exposing hidden truths.

History tells us of the anti-masonry Papal Bull of Pope Clement XII promulgated in 1738 and that of his successor Pope Benedict IV (1740-1758). But the reconciliation efforts of W. Bro. Harry Car, the author of the "Freemasons at work", Cardinal Heenan, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster and others will forever be appreciated. His Holiness, Pope John Paul II will be remembered for

his reparation moves Ð he visited the Muslims, Jews and Buddhists, even worshipping with Muslims in their Mosque in Damascus, Syria in 2001.

His efforts towards Ecumenism or Syncretism (unity of religions) especially among the monotheists.

Jesus Christ was a tolerant and accommodating leader - His disciples included members of the various religious societies (sects) of His time such as the Hasmonians, Zealots, Messianists, Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, etc. The scriptures also tell us that occasionally, special disciples of Jesus Christ attended Secret Meetings with Him. (See John 7:10 of the Holy Bible).

Freemasonry being a democratic organisation can have no place in a society where freedom of thought or speech is forbidden. With the end of the dictatorial regimes of Mussolini, Hitler and Franco, Freemasonry began once more in the countries concerned. Similarly, theocratic governments are also prejudiced against masonry. Anti-masonry stems from Ignorance and Fear Religious leaders who oppose Freemasonry and persecute Freemasons do so out of the fear that Freemasonry is a Religion which if left alone might overthrow their own religion. We, as Freemasons, know that Freemasonry is not a Religion. However, it embraces and accommodates all religions.

No matter what religion one belongs to one would find in Freemasonry some tenets that conform to the fundamental doctrines of the religion in which one was brought up. In this respect Freemasonry is all-embracing. It is all accommodating in that no member of any religion is refused initiation into Freemasonry simply because of the religion he practises. On the contrary no self-confessed atheist can be initiated into any Freemason's Lodge.

Freemasonry is not associated with the basic elements of religion.

It has no theological doctrine, and by forbidding religious discussion at its meetings will not allow a Masonic theological doctrine to develop.

It offers no sacraments.

It does not claim to lead salvation by works, by secrets knowledge or by any other means. The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes of recognition and not with salvation.

However, we are well-known for our benevolent and charitable activities. We are proud to belong to a universal society comprising men of impressive accomplishment - Presidents, and Vice Presidents of America, Bill Gates, Nelson Mandela, Royal Fathers Nigerian (Obas and Obis), Supreme Court Justices, Archbishops of Canterbury, Kings of England, Scientists, Statesmen like Sir Winston Churchill and Benjamin Franklin, and Musicians like Mozart, Beethoven etc.

There is an old saying that there are none as blind as those who won't see. Those who decry Freemasonry may fall into this category, but we Masons shall continue to educate the public to dispel rumours and eradicate deliberate ignorance.

I.B. Ogun,
President of the Board of General Purposes,
For: District Grand Lodge of Nigeria

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/letters/article02/indexn2_html?pdate=161109&ptitle=Freemason%20is%20not%20a%20secret%20society

Gordon Prentice (MP for Pendle) exposes his craftaphobic prejudism

2009-11-11T03:33:00.000-08:00

In my earlier post I may have spoken to soon, it appears. There is some residual prejudicies based on negative and harmful stereotypes of Freemasonry. Gordon Prentice (MP for Pendle) asked the question:

"Is it not a disgrace that you have decided to allow judges no longer to have to declare if they are Freemasons?

Which is, of course, a leading question parading as overt prejudism. Quote taken from:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/anger-at-cloak-of-secrecy-for-freemason-judges-1818043.html

Yorkshire Evening Post Article

2009-11-11T03:24:00.001-08:00

An article on Freemasonry in the Yorkshire Evening Post.

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/features/Dr-Robert-Lomas-The-Da.5802904.jp

Craftaphobia on the decline?

2009-11-11T03:21:00.000-08:00

Jack Straw has announced that Judges will no longer be required to register as Freemasons. After a considerable amount of time being singled out (persecuted?) for their membership of a harmless fraternity it is good to see this has finally been revoked.

http://timesonline.typepad.com/law/2009/11/morning-roundup--2.html

Freemasons shake off ruling on judiciary

2009-11-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

Some good news, for a change:

Prospective judges will no longer have to declare if they are Freemasons, the government has announced .
For the past 11 years, anyone applying to be a judge or a magistrate for the first time had to declare on an application form whether they belong to the Freemasonry.

For the rest of the article, visit:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/nov/05/freemasons-judges-magistrates-review-policy

The Catholic Church & Freemasonry

2009-11-04T04:12:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately the Catholic Church continues its misguided antagonism towards Freemasonry:

http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=34763&page=1

I am deeply saddened that an institution that traces its roots back to Saint Peter cannot entertain the notion that Freemasonry is a secular fraternity. Freemasonry does not offer a route to salvation as the author claims.

The Lost Symbol: Truth or Fiction - Channel 5 Documentary

2009-10-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

Yet another journalistic hatchet job?

http://www.five.tv/articles/the-lost-symbol-truth-or-fiction

2009-10-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

I am much heartened by the website http://www.whatdoestheinternetthink.net/ I put the search term 'Freemason' in and it came up with the following response:

That's 96% favour of Freemasonry. As my research on www.freemasonrytomorrow.com shows analysis of pubic relations was previously 80% against.

Is Freemasonry a Secret Society?

2009-09-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

I am continuing my journey into Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol. Despite my earlier protestation it has one thing going for it - it is easier to read than "Business Information Systems" by Bocij, Greasley and Hickie. This is for a course I am teaching this semester.

Anyway, that aside, I am up to Chapter 6 and am pleasantly surprised. Okay, a few innaccuracies first:

p.26 the word "brotherhood" - only those outside Freemasonry refer to it as a brotherhood. This word is rarely heard within the craft as we think and refer it as a "fraternity"
p.26 Baphomet - this does not exist in Masonic ritual. It does not even get a mention in Waite's Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry. To be fair the context does not perpetuate this particular myth.

Now:

p.30 - Freemasonry is not a secret society but a society with secrets. Hurray! We've been saying that for thirty years. A distinction, though, that seems to go straight over the heads of those outside the Craft. I like the way he used the recipe for Coco-cola as a metaphor. Every organisation has aspects of its internal workings that it prefers to keep private.
p.30 - Freemasonry is not a religion. Hurray! There is no theology in Freemasonry and is open to men who believe in a deity. In his lecture Langdon refers to this as "refreshingly open minded."
p.30 Discussion of religion are not permitted in a Lodge. Hurray! [Missed out politics, but never mind].
p.31 The absence of politics would have been useful when talking about the non-inclusion of women. That is, of course the difference between the politics of gender (the assertion of women's rights) and the politics of sex (the competition for a partner). As is pointed out, there are exclusively female organisation and indeed mixed gender organisations (e.g. Le Droit Humane) that are masonic in character.
p.32 "We fear what we do not understand". I liked the way he used Christian ritual as a metaphor and would add that what is normative is culturally biased to appear logical (after Grint in Fuzzy Logic). Therefore what we have not experienced is illogical.

This might not be so bad after all... but let's wait and see. I only wish he could have referred to the "tripod" on p.28 as a Lewis. After all, we are talking about a professor of semiotics here. Or is that asking too much?

Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol

2009-09-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received my copy of The Lost Symbol.

I think the Times Online has perhaps got the right angle on this. Dan Brown is about to do to Freemasonry what he did for the Catholic Church. I read a couple of chapters last night, and as with all craftaphobic literature it dishes out the same level of misrepresentation.

For example:
p.3 How can you be dressed as a master if you're an initiate?
p.4 altar - we do not have an altar of any description. We have pedestals for the WM, SW & JWs.
p.4 The Supreme Worshipful Master - no such title. In fact it sounds like something out of Dr. Who.
p.5 drinking wine from a skull - I think the use of human remains is illegal in the UK. Certainly it is not part of the ceremony of initiation. At least I can't find it in my ritual book anyway. I should know, I'm taking the chair for Past Master's night in October.
p.11 thirty-third degree - although numerically superior this is a side degree called Rose Croix (a.k.a Scottish Rite in the States). All side degrees (Chapter, Mark, Marriners, Knights Templar) are subservient to Craft Masonry. Hierarchy is through via the WM, Provincial Officer and Grand Lodge Officer. In the UK the highest mason is the Grand Master, HRH Duke of Kent, not the head Rose Croix.

Thus far it seems to mix up two different degrees and a side degree. Not bad for p.12 but I think Martin Short did better for inaccuracies.

Spotting the errors in this book is going to be fun!

Difference between correlation & causation

2009-06-05T01:53:00.000-07:00

I have written on this blog before about "craftaphobia" - the fear of Freemasonry. A way of creating this anti-masonic sentiment is by mixing correlation and causation. This neatly describes the work of Stephen Knight and Martin Short, for example.

We are socialised into thinking about cause-and-effect through our upbringing. By using limited case studies such writers focus their readers in a limited area to try and lead their readers into thinking there is corruption between Masons. First of all the sample size is not representational. If there are 300,000 members and let's say a dozen instances involving 3 Masons that represent 0.0000012% of the population. (Arguably still too high, but that is a different issue).

Issues of correlation and causation are different. If red cars were involved in more accidents last year it does not necessarily mean that if you drive a red car you are more likely to have an accident. Other factors such as make, model, age, gender, weather are as likely to contribute. The same argument is true of "Masonic conspiracies" Just because 0.0000012% of masons were alleged to have conspired it does not necessarily follow that they did so because they were Masons. Likewise, it does not prove that other Masons are likely to do so.

Such is the sophistry of the anti-masonic literature.

Angels and Demons

2009-05-25T03:43:00.000-07:00

Went to see Angels and Demons last night at the cinema. It will be interesting to see what happens when Dan Brown publishes The Lost Symbol in September. The plot is supposed to involve Freemasonry. If so, we may see a renewed interest in Freemasonry from those outside the Craft.

I took the following information from Google Trends which could act as an indicator of interest. It is interesting to note the general trend of the graph appears to be going down.

The points correlate to the following news stories. The correlations may not be accurate:

A QC Elias vetoed for Freemason and hunt links
ic Wales - Mar 10 2004
Freemason History: Secret Handshakes, Passwords, FDR, Franklin
Bloomberg - May 12 2006
B Thieving freemason stripped of liberty
ic Newcastle.co.uk - Aug 3 2007
C The Son of Man, Prince of France Pierre-Brieu Hoareau De Bourbon D'Orleans Announces His Book at The Freemason Publishing in France
Biloxi Sun Herald - Jan 31 2008
D Idaho State Historical Museum to feature Freemason exhibit
KTVB - May 15 2008
E Renovation of the historical Freemason Lodge initiated
Daily Times - Jan 3

Freemasonry Tomorrow Website

2009-05-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 16th May, 2009 http://www.freemasonrytomorrow.com was launched. This is a sister site to the blog where I can make lecture material available for those who are interested. I hope you find it an entertaining read.

The site was launched as I feel there is not enough research done on strategy for the future of Freemasonry. As the top of this site indicates; the emphasis in Freemasonry is what went on this past. Unfortunately maintaining this legacy, an unthinking adherence to what happened in the past, is part of Freemasonry's current issues.

The blog, meanwhile, will continue to record thoughts and developments on the ideas around modern freemasonry. In this sense the two sites complement each other.

Episode of Ashes to Ashes

2009-05-18T01:54:00.001-07:00

I see the "Ministry of Propaganda", aka the BBC are at it again with their anti-masonic prejudice. Last week's episode of "Ashes to Ashes" showed the main character being initiated into Freemasonry. The episode portrayed Freemasonry as a form of institutionalised nepotism. Whilst this could be frivolously dismissed as 'fiction' the BBC has something of a track record of portraying Freemasonry in this way. A few years ago I wrote in to correct an article that had appeared on the BBC website. The rather arrogant response I received was the piece was correct. I responded by asking why, if it was accurate, were there women in the photo dressed in regalia ;-) I received a further response (not an apology) saying they had removed the photo from the website and from their library archive.

In a similar vein we saw the female character Alex Drake "sneak in" to observe the ceremony. What outrageous nonsense! Moreover the ceremony abruptly ended immediately after the obligation with "let's have a drink". This conveniently missed out the Ancient Charge where the newly-made mason is instructed he cannot use his membership for personal or professional gain.

Such sophistry might make for compelling fiction, but unfortunately it also fuels the paranoia about Freemasonry we have been trying to dispel for a number of years. This is all the more concerning when the BBC is publicly funded from our TV licence: we have no option to object by withholding our licence fee as we will be prosecuted.

Indeed when it comes to accusations of corruption it would appear that the BBC would not be candidate to cast the first stone. I hope everybody remembers this little episode of BBC history: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1646791,00.html.

The BBC claims to be "impartial". This episode of "Ashes to Ashes" was a clear example of prejudism and hypocrisy from a publicly funded organisation. Shame on you, BBC.

Freemasonry Tomorrow Lecture at Unanimity No. 154

2009-05-16T03:31:00.000-07:00

On Bank Holiday Monday I gave my talk on "Freemasonry Tomorrow" at Unanimity Lodge No. 154 in Wakefield. The talk evokes different reactions from different people and seems to have the intended purpose of provoking (in the nicest possible way) debate and reflection.

The acting Junior Warden said I had said very little about tradition. He went on to extol the virtues of tradition in their Lodge. That is to say their 200 year-old dining table and associated candleabres. These are historical artefacts rather than tradition. Tradition, as I understand it, is a process or behaviour. Shils, for example, talks about how it needs to be communicated 3 times for it to become a tradition in the strictest sense.

Another Brother challenged my figures on the decline of population of Masons. This is similar to the discussions I have with Bro. Lomas. Part of the problem is recognising there is a problem as the organisation, for the large part, is in denial. Agreeing on the extent of the problem goes towards 'paralysis by analysis.' The figures in the talk are intended to be scenarios. The same Brother also challenged my use of the words 'middle class'. This was an interesting point as these words are a disputed, and sometimes controversial label.

W. Bro John Goodchild commented that the talk had evinced an exploration of why he remained a Freemason. I well remember his lecture on friendly socities given years ago at Holme Valley Lodge. What was particularly poignant was how the Druids had disappeared as an organisation.

On the whole I found it a worthwhile exchange. The Brethren of Unanimity Lodge were excellent hosts. This proved a very agreeable conclusion to the Bank Holiday weekend.

Lodge night

2009-05-02T03:30:00.000-07:00

Lodge night last night was most entertaining. The ceremony was a second degree demonstration as unfortunately the candidate was not able to make it due to work commitments.

Lecture

2009-04-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

I have also been asked to give my lecture Freemasonry Tomorrow at Unanimity Lodge No. 154 in Wakefield on Monday 4th May, 2009.

Freemasonry Tomorrow Lecture

2009-03-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

I have been asked to give my lecture on Freemasonry Tomorrow on Monday 20th April, 2009 at Felicity Lodge 6001, Spring Bank Place in Bradford.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Lecture

2009-03-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Went to a talk this evening at my Lodge (Connaught & Truth No. 521) given by our SW, Bro. Simon Ackroyd. The subject was "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Freemasonry." The lecture was well received... apparently the author of the Sherlock Holmes stories joined a Lodge in Portsmouth in 1887.

Generational differences

2009-03-02T01:36:00.000-08:00

Currently I have been reading "Wikinomics" by Dan Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams. I was struck by relevance of the following passage to authoritarian rule within Freemasonry:

"Whereas previous generations value loyalty, seniority, security and authority, the N-Gen's [internet generation's] norms reflect a desire for creativity, social connectivity, fun freedom, speed and diversity in their workplaces". [p.248]

The question then is how do we change the organisation to accomodate this change in norms so that Freemasonry remains relevant to society?

Biffy Clyro - Mountains

2008-11-05T06:11:00.000-08:00

Biffy Clyro's Mountains was filmed in a masonic lodge 'deep within the walls of Liverpool Street in central London' - whatever that's supposed to mean. Cool! (As the young people say nowsdays)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGjDsVPV6VI

Promoting Freemasonry

2008-09-27T01:12:00.000-07:00

One of the important, and often ignored, ways of capitalising on the currency of Freemasonry is through the books that are available. Robert Lomas has written several on the matter, whilst Dan Brown's next book is allegedly about the Craft.

Films that have included a masonic elements include 'National Treasure', 'The Da Vinci Code' and 'From Hell'. Rather than making an this accessible way of putting Freemasonry on the agenda, it appears to be deliberately ignored.

Where are the opportunities?

2008-08-25T03:56:00.000-07:00

All this seems rather negative, so where do the opportunities lie?

First of all the legacy of masonic secrecy, far from being a problem, can be used as an asset. Secrecy creates curiosity, as the Police Chief out of the Simpson's quipped 'What is your fascination with my secret closet of mystery?'

Freemasonry is ineffable: difficult to put into words. Before joining Freemasonry I read about it in Stephen Knights book 'The Brotherhood.' Whatever I learned in that book was useless: Freemasonry has to be experienced before it can be understood. The question then is, how do we reach Generation Y?

Membership statistics for my Lodge

2008-05-25T03:15:00.000-07:00

Above is the profile for the membership of my Lodge, the Lodge of Connaught and Truth No. 521. After a bit of a rocky start it maintained a membership of over 80 for nearly 100 years. A steady decline is noticeable after a peak of over 100. That is my 'boiling frog' of the next post; a gentle but steady and sustained decline in membership that has been so small it is barely noticeable.

Boiling Frogs

2008-04-22T00:15:00.000-07:00

There is an apocrophal story about boiling a frog. Apparently if you put a frog in water and gently boil the water the frog will not jump out because it is insensitive to small changes in its environment. In the same way Freemasonry has become insensitive to subtle changes in its environment. In my Lodge, for example, there has been a steady decline in membership since the turn of the last century; a decline that most brethren seem to accept with a resigned sigh.

2008-04-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

1. Can't tell you, it's a secret.
2. Three. One to change the bulb, another to take the minutes and a third to tell you how it used to be done.
3. Change? Change? What do you mean, change

Stewarding

2008-02-05T00:56:00.000-08:00

One aspect I have never understood about Freemasonry is its [apparent] fascination with stewarding. On Sunday I went to a cycling club Sunday lunch where someone pointed out a former member of a local Lodge.

He had joined and, because newer members were somewhat thin on the ground, all the bar and meal duties were left to him. His response? He promptly resigned. How many members have we lost because of this archaic system?

After a full day's work the last thing a Brother wants to do is wait upon table. This is the biggest singular complaint I hear from newer members. My previous post talked about the lost metaphor of apprenticeship. Getting the apprentice to sort the nails may have been an acceptable practice 30 years ago. Now many of our brethren are university educated this metaphor is lost. In fact apprenticeship in days gone past were little more than a cheap source of labour, which is effectively what stewarding is to newer members.

We are all equal, but some more equal than other it would seem.

Another lost metaphor

2008-01-29T11:01:00.000-08:00

Previously I have written about the lost metaphor of the ashlar as the building brick of society. Yet there is another metaphor that has become lost over the years: the meaning of an apprentice.

With the knowledge economy a larger number of brethren who join lodges have been educated to degree level. Up until the 1950s most of the members will have followed a recognised appretiship. However these have become less and less over the years and most of the newer members will not have had the 'lived the experience' of being an apprentice.

Likewise, it has to be pointed out that many of the brethren who served an apprentiship left school at 15, and do not have a university degree!

Tempered radicals

2007-12-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

A cynic has been defined as somebody who has given up trying, but hasn't given up talking about it. I would prefer to call my position as a 'tempered radical' from the work of Debra E Meyerson. Tempered radicals work within the organisation, balancing radicalism with constraint.

Freemasonry as a normative organisation

2007-12-26T09:40:00.000-08:00

Freemasonry can be best described as a 'normative' organisation. Albert and Whetten who did some of the ground-breaking research into organizational identity referred to the concept of the 'claimed central character'. Writers on organisational culture, meanwhile, refer to a strong culture but were unclear about how this would be operationalised in an organisation.

Freemasonry has a strong culture, because it has a defined central character - a clear credo that members are expected to adhere to. This manifests itself in expectations the behaviour on members. In this way Freemasonry is similar (but not the same as) many of the great religions of the world. These are based on the normative standards of good citizenship behaviour. Church is a good example of a normative organisation.

Saint Jude - Patron Saint of Lost Causes

2007-12-20T22:45:00.000-08:00

Saint Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, would feel well at home within Freemasonry. Any organisation struggles with the two extremes of regulation and innovation. Over the years Freemasonry has become increasingly regulated to the point where its culture is based upon one of compliance. Unfortunately this has created an ultra-conservative organisation (with a small 'c') where members value the 'dull security of tradition' as Robert Putnam put it. Significant change, therefore, is next to impossible as it attracts people who are conservative in nature.

In the meantime membership is falling at an annual rate of approximately 2-3%. It would appear the organisation would rather decline than change.

Governance and transparency

2007-12-18T12:16:00.000-08:00

Whilst Freemasonry has made good progress in terms of its relationship with its environment, I have to confess I am somewhat bemused by the Craft's attitude toward governance and transparency. In particular, with a status-conscious organisation such as Freemasonry, appointments to Provincial and Grand Rank seem open to accusations of patronage and nepotism.

It is extraordinary that of the various organisations that I am involved in Freemasonry is the one that least resembles a meritocracy. Whilst other organisations bombard me with correspondence from the Electoral Commission (for which I am most grateful) no such thing emanates from Grand Lodge or Provincial Grand Lodge.

Installation of Mirfield Lodge No. 1102

2007-12-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I spent a very pleasant evening at the Installation of Mirfield Lodge No. 1102 where a friend of mine, Bro. Chris Oldfield, was installed in the Chair of King Solomon. There were over 100 brethren present, including Bro Jason Shettler and Bro Grant Saunders from my own Lodge. Bro Martyn Bolt responded for the visitors.

Craftaphobia

2007-12-12T04:18:00.000-08:00

I have invented a new word - I have called it craftaphobia. Okay, it's a bit cumbersome. A little bit unwieldy. But I think it encapsulates the unjustified fear and paranoia of Freemasonry. Examples of craftaphobic literature include Stephen Knight's 'The Brotherhood' and Martin Short's 'Inside the Brotherhood'. Unfortunately their writing is far more compelling than reality, and has therefore taken on the mantle of 'urban myth'.

Masonry is Free

2007-12-09T06:14:00.000-08:00

One of the first things we are told during the initiation ceremony is that 'Masonry is Free'. This is, I believe, a profound statement. Unfortunately this message is lost amongst the frivolity of punning this statement with an activity that costs nothing.

Masonry is Free, to me, means we are open to interpret the Craft in a way that suits us. It is during such discussions that I get a deeper meaning of Freemasonry, yet the Lodge of Instruction is dedicated to what amounts to little more than a celebration of memory. Where is the forum to discuss the deeper side of Freemasonry?

Installation - Lodge of Connaught & Truth No. 521

2007-12-08T05:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday it was Installation, and a marvellous occasion it was too. With over 120 brethren present Bro John Daniel installed his son Bro. Graham Daniel into the chair of King Solomon.

Masonic Funeral

2007-12-06T06:30:00.000-08:00

Today I went to the funeral of my proposer into Freemasonry, W. Bro Ken Thornton, PPGReg. Ken would have been 82 today. The service was conducted along a secular, masonic theme that I hope non-masons would not have found too intrusive.

Ken was a perfect gentleman. Someone who definitely adhered to the principal to 'live respected and die regretted' as it says in the installation ceremony. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends and brethren.

The Loss of an Important Metaphor

2007-12-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

In these days of advanced civil engineering, where some buildings approach 1km in height I believe one of the metaphors of Freemasonry has diminished. Imagine a landscape of a small, medieval population where the majority of the population live in primitive housing, and then one of the 14th century cathedrals comes into view. It must have been an awe-inspiring contrast.

The operative masons were the people who built these inspirational buildings. However, the metaphor seems to have been lost. In Freemasonry we talk about the building of King Solomon's Temple - the emphasis is on the building metaphors. Freemasonry is about building a better society in which we, as individuals, are the building blocks. We start off, metaphorically speaking, as rough and unhewn ashlar. By a reflection of our position in society we aspire to the perfect ashlar, "Better suited for the intended structure" (to misquote the ritual slightly). Thus the 'building' in Freemasonry is a metaphor for building a better, ethically-based society. The perfect ashlar is a metaphor for how we can all fit into society, irrespective of our associations.

Have you ever wondered why we 'square' the Lodge? This action, I believe, traces the foundations of our metaphorical and incorporeal structure: society. Unfortunately the metaphor has diminished for two reasons.

First of all, the craftsmanship of the operative masons is slightly less magical than it would have been to a medieval way of thinking. Secondly, Freemasonry has become more dogmatic in its interpretation of its history and its semiotics. We seldom take the time to explore how Freemasonry is interpreted by us as individuals. Consequently this kind of interpretation becomes lost in the rote recitals of our ceremonies.

Animal Farm and Freemasonry

2007-12-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

Animal Farm is one of the great political allegories. One of the most memorable lines from it is 'All animals are created equal, but some more equal than others'. As a new Mason a provincial officer once said this to me. I don't this rank-conscious brother quite realised the irony.

One of the values that Freemasonry espouses is that all brethren are equal, however when it comes to Provincial rank, there are (last time I counter) twenty one or twenty two of them. The theory in use for Freemasonry seems to be, that some are more equal than others.

Personally I find it difficult to square the paradox of egalitarianism with the obsequious deference shown to seniority - both in terms rank and length of service.

Jeans and T-shirt Lodge

2007-11-29T14:01:00.000-08:00

I cannot understand why we have such a strict (and oppressive) dress code in Freemasonry. I wear a suit and tie to work all day. The last thing I want to do is wear a suit in the evening when I want to relax. I associate it too much with work. There is a Dutch saying: 'Freedom rarely comes wearing a tie.' Whilst I recognise some people's desire to dress smart, is anybody interested in starting a 'jeans and T-shirt' Lodge? ;-)

Liberal traditions

2007-11-27T23:20:00.000-08:00

One of my regrets about Freemasonry is that it seems to have forgotten the liberal traditions on which it was founded. This is part of what originally attracted me to Freemasonry - the values espoused in the ritual.

The use of the phrase 'liberal tradition' is a deliberate oxymoron. Traditions are usually associated with normative organisations such as the armed forces schools and churches. Liberal thought is associated with independent thought. A liberal tradition evolves. Freemasonry is not evolving. Rather it is obssessed with its past.

Is Freemasonry a Universal Truth?

2007-11-26T08:04:00.001-08:00

Is Freemasonry a Universal Truth?

When it comes to public opinion I find Freemasonry is one of those subjects like fox hunting, the smoking ban or that state of England football team. Most people seem to have an opinion of it, and most people have varying degrees of informed thought on the matter.

Indeed the only Universal Truth is, there is no Universal Truth. Views are strongly polarised between anti-masonic paranoia and well, people like me trying to persuade people like you that Freemasonry is a force for good in society.

Having accepted that there is no such thing as a Universal Truth, I have to accept that some people are going to disagree. The question then is, how many?