Masons: Quick Opinions and Feedback (Belen: living, dangerous, racist)

[dracul]

A friend of mine is a Free Mason and has invited me to enter this Fraternity. I've done cursory investigation and this organization has a long and fascinating history. Any thoughts, opinions, gripes, advice, reflections on this group????

[rybert]

Well... that's a loaded question.

I have ancestors (think 1700's-1950's) that were members down in Louisiana. From what I have learned, they were racist bigots. Now, that was DEEP South... I can not speak (and will not) for a more modern Mason organization. I'm sure there are plenty of really good men in the Masons.

[TiaDalma]

Not to argue Rybert but wondered, were they racists bigots because of where they lived and grew up and the thinking they sort of 'inherited' {the Old Deep South} OR because- they were Masons? I was trying to see the connection in your sentence.

For another thought for Drac. I 'have' heard they do good works in communities. AND ya get a Really cool ring
Sorry....had to!

Tia Dalma

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by rybert

Well... that's a loaded question.

I have ancestors (think 1700's-1950's) that were members down in Louisiana. From what I have learned, they were racist bigots. Now, that was DEEP South... I can not speak (and will not) for a more modern Mason organization. I'm sure there are plenty of really good men in the Masons.

absolutely not racists or bigots. In our Eastern Star chapter in Belen we had every religion and many nationalities. We did not have any blacks, nor did our masonic lodge, but there was a Black Masonic Lodge in the same town. Often they joined us for celebrations, and visa versa...Of all the organizations my husband and I have been in, over 50 years of marriage, I don't think any group has been so totally sincere. The sad thing, like so many other frat organizations the group is struggling as younger people are not joiners..

NIta

[rybert]

That's a very good question... I have no idea. I think the organization down there attracted like-minded individuals (as any special interest group will). However, I'm not saying all Masons are racist.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by TiaDalma

Not to argue Rybert but wondered, were they racists bigots because of where they lived and grew up and the thinking they sort of 'inherited' {the Old Deep South} OR because- they were Masons? I was trying to see the connection in your sentence.

For another thought for Drac. I 'have' heard they do good works in communities. AND ya get a Really cool ring
Sorry....had to!

Tia Dalma

Not only do they do local community work, how about the Shriners hospitals and such??? Yes, Shiners is part of the Masonic fraternity.

NIta

[synchro]

You would be joining with a group of Good men,
all with the desire to be a better man.
Good Luck

[Vinegaroon]

I like Perry Mason. He always wins his cases.

[TiaDalma]

Originally Posted by nmnita

Not only do they do local community work, how about the Shriners hospitals and such??? Yes, Shiners is part of the Masonic fraternity.

NIta

That's right Nita, I'd forgotten about the Shriners part. Exceptional childrens Hospitals and care, and if I remember, 100% free of charge, via the Shriner's works.

Tia Dalma

[dracul]

Interesting to read the "rascist" takes in light of the fact that my friend is African American and has dreadlocks to below his shoulders........and yes, he IS a Mason!!!!!!!! He actually is a school teacher here in Denver and knows I ride; hence the connection to the Shriners, which he suggested, who have active rider chapters. Times have changed my friends, and so must attitudes. Thanks Tia and synchro for the encouraring words THX to all for the input.