Kirklees Lodge No. 4710

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

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?

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

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'

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

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

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.