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Chewer Freemasons - Page 2

post #51 of 117
Thread Starter 
So, one. One Chewer Freemason.
post #52 of 117
My pops is a Mason. All it seems to have given him is a lack of humor and a shitty attitude at home. And he keeps mumbling "She sells seashells by the sea shore" over and over. Apparently my old man was FAR to into the mysticism.
post #53 of 117
that's too bad, B MetalSucks. Most of the Masons that I know are more into cigars and scotch.
post #54 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post
So, one. One Chewer Freemason.
Ha ha ha ha haaaa!
post #55 of 117
Fucking Belial worshipers! When I was at college in Boston I was based near the local Masonic lodge, and my God were the people coming in and out of there creepy in the expensive-suit-Neocon-with-a-zombie's-distant-stare fashion. And I swear one night I was walking down the sidewalk towards the building and I could see eerie blue light flashing from the windows of the topmost floor. No bullshitting! So what the hell kinda mysticism does go on once you get past the cigars-and-brandy-snifters stage? You oughta know if you help bankroll it.
post #56 of 117
I tried reading one of the advanced (the ones they gave to leaders rather than basic members) Masonic texts once (it turned up in the charity shop I worked in, of all places).
I have to admit it came across as remarkably dull.
post #57 of 117
I've been to a Masonic Temple and socialized with them, but I'm dreary louse so you probably don't care.

Now, atheism excludes me from their company (I used to be a clandestine atheist with 'confirmed'-xian credentials).

They weren't much fun anyway. If they want to blow the world up, it's because it's so uninteresting to them. Or, well, I suppose there's always poking at the enslaved humanity with sticks.
post #58 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post
So, one. One Chewer Freemason.

Most likely more than just one. Only one wants to voluntarily identify himself as a Mason (kudos to him).


When I tried a similar thread for Gay Chewers I got a very limited response (fully knowing of several that didn't post). Guess people don't want to be pigeon-holed as something......
post #59 of 117
Thread Starter 
I wonder if they'll kill Judas Booth for being vocal. Now his username is all kinds of meta.
post #60 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post
Is it true that Catholics used to not be allowed in, or are they still not allowed in? And are you able to invite someone from another state to show up at their local lodge, or is it a regional thing?

And are you allowed to quit?
Hey Phil, I missed this post (they were coming pretty fast earlier today).

Catholics are discouraged from joining due to our obligations of secrecy between each other. A Catholic is only supposed to have that kind of relationship with a priest.

If you're a member of a Lodge, you're able to travel the world and visit (and attend) other Lodges as long as you're paid up with your dues. Indeed, the visiting of other Lodges is strongly encouraged. Whenever I take a vacation somewhere, I contact Lodges in that area and see if I can arrange a visit. This has resulted in some really cool vacations, as the members there have gone out of their way to show me around and take care of myself and my wife. In turn, we've had many visiting members from other countries visit our Lodge (we have regular visitors from different countries in Africa, for instance).

Yes, you can quit the Lodge if you want to. Your obligations to secrecy continue on even if you are no longer a Mason, however.
post #61 of 117
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
Catholics are discouraged from joining due to our obligations of secrecy between each other. A Catholic is only supposed to have that kind of relationship with a priest.
Wow! Does this apply to anyone raised Catholic, or just practicing? Lapsed Catholics allowed in? Has anyone sued for discrimination? And lived?

Quote:
Yes, you can quit the Lodge if you want to. Your obligations to secrecy continue on even if you are no longer a Mason, however.
Or what?

This is fascinating as hell to me.
post #62 of 117
I'm not a Catholic, so I'm only passing on what I've been told. Catholics have formed a similar fraternal organization called the Knights of Columbus that does not violate their relationship with the Catholic Church. That being said, I personally know of a couple members of my Lodge who are Catholic.

There really isn't a penalty that we can enforce on those who violate their oaths of secrecy. They've broken a solemn vow made before their version of God, and they will have to live with the knowledge that they are not honorable men.
post #63 of 117
I don't think the perseption that Masons are not open to blue collar types is accurate. I had an uncle (whose last name, ironically, is Mason) who joined a lodge years ago, and he was a longshoreman at the time. He's a doorman now. I don't think he's still an active member, but his lack of advanced education or professional credentials didn't seem to be a bar to admission. He was also raised catholic, so I don't think that's a bar, either. Judas? care to comment?
post #64 of 117
Thread Starter 
With your follow-up post, Judas, it sounded more like Catholics are discouraged from joining by the church, not by the Masons.
post #65 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
No, that would by Job's Daughters (the young men's group is called Demolay).
That's nice of you guys. Although from what I know, Masons officially were always kind of eager to play down such connections.
post #66 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post
With your follow-up post, Judas, it sounded more like Catholics are discouraged from joining by the church, not by the Masons.
That is correct. I'm sorry if I was not clear on this point earlier.

Iggy: the whole point of the Lodge is that EVERY Brother is equal, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, etc. All of that is left at the door. Officers of the Lodge will have authority, but it's ELECTED authority that anyone can aspire to.

My Lodge has accountants, laywers, pilots, social workers, soldiers, nursing home attendants, and tattoo artists.
post #67 of 117
Weird.
post #68 of 117
Are there international Lodges in lets say, Argentina?
post #69 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tati View Post
Are there international Lodges in lets say, Argentina?
Like you don't know Tati, like you don't know...
post #70 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tati View Post
Are there international Lodges in lets say, Argentina?
Absolutely. Do a google search, Tati.
post #71 of 117
Found the website. Very interesting. And curious!
post #72 of 117
Thread Starter 
Ha, if a guy in South America becomes a Freemason as a result of this thread, I'm amassing a weird, sad lifetime list of accidental achievements.
post #73 of 117
PM me with any questions, Tati.

eta: Phil, let's see that list!
post #74 of 117
Judas, do you get any bonus for introducing people to this? Like a set of stake knives or something?
post #75 of 117
Stelios: No, I don't. Phil started the thread and I'm merely providing information.

I already own some Ginsu knives anyways.
post #76 of 117
Just kidding Judas, just kidding.

Funny story. There is this guy I hang out with sometimes who's completely computer illiterate. So when he bought a laptop I was helping him set everything up. During that he asked me to help him set up a free email account and the account names he wanted raised my curiosity. So I turn around and ask him if he's a Mason. The poor guy almost choked on his own saliva. I had to spend the next ten minutes trying to calm him down. The funny part is that he's also homosexual and since I've met him I've actually managed to make him come out to me, but I still haven't had much luck with him admitting he's a Mason. I guess Greek lodges are more secretive than American ones.
post #77 of 117
Some governments actively suppress Masonic Lodges, Stelios.
post #78 of 117
While I think the benefits of these organizations are great, especially the social ones. The one thing I'm very leery on is having to fundraise and I'm terrible at hitting people up for money.

This is what stops me from joining such things.
post #79 of 117
Some people really thrive on fundraising and being involved in supporting the community. I'm glad that we have many of those people within our Lodge and I will volunteer my time to assist them when I can (alot of those events are quite fun). I'm personally more interested in the social and networking aspects of the Lodge.
post #80 of 117
I know it's necessary to keep money coming in, but if you're not interested in that sort of thing. Would you have to participate regardless?
post #81 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdHocken View Post
I know it's necessary to keep money coming in, but if you're not interested in that sort of thing. Would you have to participate regardless?
Looks like there may soon be more than one Chewer Mason, Phil.
post #82 of 117
Many people don't. Our Lodge is big enough that we never have any issues filling up slots for charitable events (we even help out other smaller Lodges with their events). There's no gun to your head in any of this, Ed.
post #83 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
There's no gun to your head in any of this, Ed.
Until you try to leave ala Tom Cruise in The Firm.
post #84 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by HBarr View Post
Looks like there may soon be more than one Chewer Mason, Phil.
I wouldn't necessarily go that far. I was just asking a general question. It really comes up on political campaigns I'd like to look into.
post #85 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdHocken View Post
I wouldn't necessarily go that far. I was just asking a general question. It really comes up on political campaigns I'd like to look into.
It's understood at our Lodge that you are to leave all political talk at the door. We have Reps and Dems in our Lodge and we all get along just fine, even though some members will actively campaign for both parties outside of the Lodge.
post #86 of 117
It's not even that. It's just something else to do.

Of course, I've got this nagging feeling that the lodge over here is just loaded with old people. Which seems to be an issue any time I want to volunteer in something.

Ya think there will be people my age, but nope. Not the case.
post #87 of 117
Ed: if you're SERIOUS, go online and do a search of the Lodges that are near you. Submit some queries to the websites and find out what the members are involved with and how the ages skew.

Alot of younger prospects in MN have submitted queries to the Grand Lodge website specifically looking to be directed to 'younger' Lodges. We've received alot of new members this way.
post #88 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdHocken View Post
Ya think there will be people my age, but nope. Not the case.
You're young (relatively speaking). Most people of your age group have different prioities. Drinking, partying, sexin, etc.
post #89 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by HBarr View Post
You're young (relatively speaking). Most people of your age group have different prioities. Drinking, partying, sexin, etc.
I'm sorely lacking in those areas *Hangs head in shame*.
post #90 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdHocken View Post
I'm sorely lacking in those areas *Hangs head in shame*.

You just need a good mentor. Hey, check out the masons. You might find a good one there.
post #91 of 117
Shit, you may be onto something
post #92 of 117
Something tells me that I'm missing something here regarding the role of a 'mentor'.
post #93 of 117
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
Ed: if you're SERIOUS,


"They just like talking to salesmen."
post #94 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post

"They just like talking to salesmen."
Well played, Phil. But in all fairness, I did have legitimate questions. I wouldn't necessarily go as far as signing up right here right now. But I am far from wasting Judas' time here.
post #95 of 117
And I'm certainly not 'selling' anything here. If anything, I'm hopefully clarifying a few misconceptions about Masonry; Lord knows, there's enough misinformation out there.
post #96 of 117
And the fact that the apron is a sexy, sexy item. ;p
post #97 of 117
You should see my Past Master's apron; it's a stylin' fashion accessory, Ed.
post #98 of 117
Judas, how much actual bricklaying is involved in being a Mason?
post #99 of 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post
I am intrigued to know who here is a Freemason, and what you are allowed to tell us about it. Why are you a Freemason? What are the benefits? How has your experience been? Will they ever let you out? Why do you control everything? What's the plan? Will you let me live?
I am an extremely rare Mason as I am also a Roman Catholic. I know I should not receive Communion as per Vatican law, but I know for a fact Freemasons do not practice religion their own form of during lodge meetings, nor is it a cult as some would say.

Why am I a Freemason? I joined at a fairly young age. I wanted to join a brotherhood which helped man. Joining Blue Lodge has been the best thing I have ever done for myself.

What are the benefits? If you are looking to gain anything fiscally or tangibly, you might be looking at the wrong group, sir. Becoming a Mason is a way for you to grow. It is hard to describe, but you learn to be a better man in every sense of the word.

How has your experience been? Regrettably not as good as it could be. I have not been an active member for some time so I am not able to help out other brothers. This is my only regret.

Will they ever let you out? This is not La Cosa Nostra. If you want out, you can get out. If you want back in, you are welcome with open arms.

What's the plan? Whatever you want it to be.

Will you let me live? No, I have shared too much information. My fellow brothers are already hunting you down.
post #100 of 117
I'd would love to look into my local lodges, but when asked if I believe in a supreme being, I dunno if I could bite my tongue from saying "You mean Satan?"
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