To anyone Interested - sky tv are soon to be airing a programme on the masons.
As a mason myself I would hope this will go some way to show the true value of the masons and dispel a lot of the myths.
Anyone who has managed to see the inside of any Masonic lodge will know that masons pride themselves on excellence none more so than in the decoration of the lodge rooms which are exquisite.
Masonry continues to be a massive giver to charity and I am proud to be part of it.
Our lodge and members would always welcome speaking to anyone with interest and they can drop me a note if they are.
Steve
Hi tait
As a mason myself I would hope this will go some way to show the true value of the masons and dispel a lot of the myths.
What myths need dispelling.
I get confused about the 'charity' thing. Maybe that could be dispelled.
The Freemasons' Grand Charity, has or is become part of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (another Foundation, plenty of those about now) .
The Masonic Charitable Foundation seems to provide a lot of support for Freemasons and their families too.
Since 1980 £100 million to Freemasons and their dependants.
https://www.grandcharity.org/The Freemasons' Grand Charity provides assistance for Freemasons and their dependants who are experiencing financial hardship or need.
Grants are given towards:
Essential daily living costs and unexpected needs (e.g. hardship faced following an accident, redundancy, or other personal crisis)
During 2013, £3.7 million was approved to assist Freemasons and their families.
Eligibility Criteria ?
https://www.grandcharity.org/pages/masonic_grants.html
"Lift your left leg put your right arm under said knee show right nipple now you've got the contract" the mafia do the same thing with horse heads on beds. it's all down to you rub my belly I'll rub yours back handers.
"Lift your left leg put your right arm under said knee show right nipple now you've got the contract"
I saw someone doing that in the gutter outside the clubs in Conway street. I didn't realise the significance at the time, she must have been a member of Order of the Eastern Star, I can't imagine what sort of contract she was offering.
Granny, trust me the charity element and giving to masons and families is just part of it. It's only the same as me supporting my family and friends.
What I am taking about is the the real charity which is the money we donate to real charities which is not shouted from the rooftops but runs into millions.
Our local lodge has often supported local charities and the last few years has raised money for maggies / cancer care for example.
Those looking in often do not see the other stuff that happens but those who are part of it know the value of being a mason and how they positively impact society.
Really - what is that all about! I couldn't even comment I'm afraid.
Watch the programme - one being that we are not a secretive society when we are simply a society with secrets - all built on tradition.
A lot of what I have read is just not accurate as I am sure many others will tell you!!
Granny, trust me the charity element and giving to masons and families is just part of it. It's only the same as me supporting my family and friends.
What I am taking about is the the real charity which is the money we donate to real charities which is not shouted from the rooftops but runs into millions.
Our local lodge has often supported local charities and the last few years has raised money for maggies / cancer care for example.
Those looking in often do not see the other stuff that happens but those who are part of it know the value of being a mason and how they positively impact society.
Thank you Tait.
As a mason myself who has been involved for over 11 years I have nothing but positive comments about masonry . The main reason I joined was charitable giving and it was a visit to Arrowe park hospital when my six month old son was really ill and I nearly lost him I realised the importance . He was given alittle bear as all children are given which I later found out was donated by cheshire masons . It's called TLC and details locally are here
http://www.cheshiremasons.co.uk/teddies-for-loving-care-appeal-tlc/.
My little boy pulled through and I won't forget that small but kind gesture .
If you want any proof to destroy the myth that Masons look after themselves please read this
http://www.cheshiremasons.co.uk/charitable-work/charity-welfare-newsletter-april-2016/.
No problem Granny! 👍
You need new terminology for referring to the practice.
"Masonry on the Wirral" sounds like someone has fly-tipped a waggon load of hardcore somewhere.
Thanks Screech and for posting the links....
Your right - the TLC work has been mentioned to me lots of times and many have often commented on the positive impact the small gesture of a teddy bear does in a time of need and distress!
Masons don't often want to shout stuff from the rooftops and generally wish to go about their fundraising knowing they are doing good. I think it's fair to say it does make a big difference but a pleasure to do such things.
Thanks Screech and for posting the links....
Your right - the TLC work has been mentioned to me lots of times and many have often commented on the positive impact the small gesture of a teddy bear does in a time of need and distress!
Masons don't often want to shout stuff from the rooftops and generally wish to go about their fundraising knowing they are doing good. I think it's fair to say it does make a big
difference but a pleasure to do such things.
Your not doing bad on the trumpet, I am always suspicious of closed covert groups,but as you say my perception of a group that looks after and promotes its own members first may change after I view the programme.
You don't need to join the Masons to give to charity. You can ensure your family's financial security by taking out decent life insurance. You join the Masons to further benefit yourself. If there is a business contract in the offing a fellow Mason will get it. If you attend a job interview a fellow mason will offer you the position. And, who knows how many crimes have been covered up in order to protect fellow Masons?
Please, Masons, stop hiding behind the 'charity card' and tell the truth.
Straight to the point and well put palemoon, my perception exactly.
I totally agree Palemoon, I know of three people who joined the Masons and quite openly admitted they did so to further their own business interests and they all did very well out of it.
No problem Granny! 👍
Just one thing, can you explain the #128077 ? Is it a secret code, because it means absolutely nothing to me Tait ?
You don't need to join the Masons to give to charity. You can ensure your family's financial security by taking out decent life insurance. You join the Masons to further benefit yourself. If there is a business contract in the offing a fellow Mason will get it. If you attend a job interview a fellow mason will offer you the position. And, who knows how many crimes have been covered up in order to protect fellow Masons?
Please, Masons, stop hiding behind the 'charity card' and tell the truth.
well put, would love to know how many masons are on the dole
No problem Granny! 👍
Just one thing, can you explain the #128077 ? Is it a secret code, because it means absolutely nothing to me Tait ?
Granny #128077 means you've been blackballed by them
No problem Granny! 👍
Just one thing, can you explain the #128077 ? Is it a secret code, because it means absolutely nothing to me Tait ?
Granny #128077 means you've been blackballed by them
Talking about black balls, Edd be careful !
It's the emoji for thumbs up, I guess he posted from a mobile.
Thanks for that gem of wisdom, DD. I was beginning to think I had a secret admirer. Shucks ! Always the bridesmaid, never the bride
Thanks for that gem of wisdom, DD. I was beginning to think I had a secret admirer. Shucks ! Always the bridesmaid, never the bride
You just wait until the 14th, granny. I'll bet you'll find that you have loads of secret admirers
Thanks for that gem of wisdom, DD. I was beginning to think I had a secret admirer. Shucks ! Always the bridesmaid, never the bride
You just wait until the 14th, granny. I'll bet you'll find that you have loads of secret admirers
However you have to let them squeeze you leg whilst blindfolded.
Tut tut - we don't hide behind anything. Giving to charity isn't the only treason to join. Those who are not or never been members of a lodge wouldn't know..
I didn't say I joined to support my family - not sure sure where that came from!
Ha ha - it was an emoji - smiley and wiki didn't like it!
Perception is not reality I'm afraid
Is your perception reality Tait1969?
I would like to think I am old, wise and patient enough to ensure any perceptions I have (about things) are proven before I consider them reality!
I'll take that as a yes then.
Thanks for that gem of wisdom, DD. I was beginning to think I had a secret admirer. Shucks ! Always the bridesmaid, never the bride
You just wait until the 14th, granny. I'll bet you'll find that you have loads of secret admirers
More likely admirers with secrets rather than secret admirers..
Just wish everyone would stop pulling legs.
Back on topic lads, now you've had your bit of fun.
granny you could join the lady masons.
My pinny wouldn't have deep enough pockets.
Poor Tait. I gave him a bad enough time when he last visited us and I felt a little guilty afterwards.
So, I'm not going to add to my bad manners any longer. He's trying to do his best.
As knowing what it's like to have everyone tell you your nuts if you go to church and believe in an afterlife, it's not very fair to condemn another for their own involvement in an organisation.
That's an apology Tait. They're all heathens on here, such a dreadful lot to deal with at times
HI all
Been following this thread and all the usual myths about Freemasons pop up - what a surprise!
There are all sorts of different "secret" or otherwise societies: Catenians, Rotary, Round Table, Soroptimists - an endless list. And many of these have very strict joining criteria.
Freemasonry is not secret - Google and find out but look on a regular site - not a conspiracy site.
Whilst charity is important, and not only to Freemasons but probably to all of us whether through an organisation or through our own giving, Freemasonry does also offer something that you will again find in the other organisations that people look for in these times. Friendship, sense of belonging, opportunity for deeper thinking about past and future....
Keep an open mind, watch the documentary, do a bit of proper research before drawing conclusions....
Most certainly opportunity, if of course you are a mason, you scratch my back, or maybe you squeeze my leg and all will be open to you, and yes I do know a little bit.
The charity thing is just a cover up and conscience balance for other nefarious activities that generally cost communities and not benefit them. In my personal experience.
Most certainly opportunity, if of course you are a mason, you scratch my back, or maybe you squeeze my leg and all will be open to you, and yes I do know a little bit.
. "Squeeze my leg and all will be open to you." Now there's a thought.
Oop's well spotted
Thanks. Not sure I'm doing my best though. I am simply sharing my thoughts and experience of being a mason. So many people criticise without understanding!
I read a book about the Masons years ago, it seems that the Masons lodges range between the benign social club type that Tait seems to belong, to the more malign insidious lodges such as those with the upper echelons of the police, politicians and even royalty as members.