Masonic Forum / General Masonic Discussion / General

How Big is Yours?

Mike Martin — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:33:05 GMT

It is rare for people to talk about the membership statistics for their Craft Obedience be it a Grand Lodge or whatever and I thought it might be interesting (and because it links in to other comparisons regarding policies etc) to see who actually knows any for their own.

I'll kick off:

As of 01/11/09 the UGLE comprised of 242,487 members which translates to 300,176 Lodge memberships.

Of this 242,487 members, 222,220 are in the UK and 20,267 are in UGLE Lodges overseas

These members meet in 7,232 Lodges based in England, Wales, Channel Islands and Isle of Man and a further 750 that meet overseas.

Percentage of those in HRA

chestnut — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:28:18 GMT

Following on from Mikes posting regards members of GL.

I note that there are 242,487 members of Craft of which 94,026 are in HRA which is under 40%.

So as a UGLE member and HRA is the completion of the 3 degrees, why have so few done so?

Food for thought on Swedish regularity

Trismegistos — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:52:46 GMT

An interesting example of the thorny questions concerning "regularity" is the state of Freemasonry in Sweden. There are a number of Masonic organizations in my country, the main ones of which are these:

1) The Swedish Order of Freemasons
The largest organization - works the rather special Swedish Rite, which demands its members be explicitly Christian, not just believers in a Supreme Being. This is in violation of the ordinary Masonic tradition of course, but the SwOF is still the organization officially recognized by UGLE.

2) Le Droit Humain (only one lodge in Sweden)
... which does, like all LDH lodges, initiate both men and women but is "regular" as regards religion.

3) The Swedish Masonic Camp
... which is an Anglo-Saxon style Masonic organization working Craft, Mark, HRA etc. with standard, traditional and non-confessional rules but without any official recognition from UGLE or other mainstream GL:s.

... just an example of how convoluted these issues easily become, depending on which part of "regularity" is considered the most important ;-)

/ Bro. Ola

Red Apron Lodges

Nosameerf — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:57:20 GMT

Could anybody tell me how one joins a Red Apron Lodge?

Appointments or Promotions over the years

chestnut — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:59:54 GMT

Brethren, many will know of my views concerning the frequency and numbers of those be given Past ranks as first appointments or promotions. The only appointment worth having is an active one these days, the rest is just basically on time.

Now we are taught that it is an honour for the individual and the Lodge. I will concur that in the past this was the case, today not so. I will illustrate this as follows. All these figures relate to my Province and are taken from the yearbook. They exclude the Provincial Officers before the final average is taken.

In 1917 there were 65 Lodges containing 3,705 members at an average of 57. In that year there were 37 Provincial Officers. However only 1 promotion and 8 first appointments. This means that in relation to members and appointments (excluding Prov Officers), is 1 in 407.

In 1961 this figure was 1 in 115.

In 2007 1 in 33

In 2009, 328 Lodges, 11,616 members at an average of 35. 82 Provincial Officers, 235 Promotions and 166 first appointments giving an average of 1 in 29.

These averages do not exclude all those ineligible for appointment.

I conclude that the Honours system has now become top heavy and the awards have ceased to be an honour purely through the volume and frequency they are obtained.

Advice needed if possible

Martin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:46:40 GMT

For many years I have contemplated joining a Freemason Lodge but have become more interested of late. A very dear friend of mine's father has been a freemason for as long as I can remember (at least 40 years) and we have spoken a little over the years about this. I would however prefer to join myself if at all possible but am I right in assuming I would need a sponsor and a second prior to being considered?

Any help and advice is appreciated, I am located in Cardiff South Wales

Kind regards

Martin

Selling the craft

Alan Campbell — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:25:53 GMT

Taking a another snippet from the "CV" thread.

Should Freemasonry be publicised and marketed by the grand lodges. Would it be a good idea to get Saatchi & Saatchi (i don't know any other big ones off the top of my head) to promote the craft.

The Past Masters Jewel

Vintagemalt — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:16:27 GMT

I would like to open a thread on the Past Masters jewel.

I have a number of questions and observations;

In my Lodge it seems to be a bit of a hit & miss affair. Some PM's wear their jewel some never do. Some have been 'recycled' some are kept for a few years and then either offered back or they are cajoled into returning them for recycling to another IPM.

When my time comes I would like to think that I would be presented with a jewel that I could keep indefinitely and wear with pride. Notwithstanding the protocol of not wearing them if one is awarded provincial honours. That is too far away to be concerned with.

Its that time of year for us when the current WM has one meeting left and then the summer break and the installation in October. So a decision has to be made. I happen to know that, like me, our WM would love to have a jewel that he keeps. Who should bring this matter up and with whom? If the Lodge insists on the matter of one returning the jewel is it Ok to purchase your own?

What exactly is right - what do your Lodges do. My Lodge is a UGLE lodge in England, I am however interested in how any of you handle this and also what the correct procedure is under UGLE.

Lord Cornwallis, Past Pro GM UGLE

johndee — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:46:30 GMT

The MW Bro. The Right Honourable Lord Cornwallis, OBE, DL, who was Pro Grand Master of the UGLE 1982-1991, passed to the Grand Lodge Above on 6 March 2010.

"It has been ordered by The MW Grand Master that Masonic Mourning shall consist of the printing of an 'In Memoriam' notice on the first summons issued for a meeting of each Lodge under the Grand Lodge; and that the members of each Lodge shall stand in memory of Bro. Lord Cornwallis at its next meeting immediately after the Lodge has been opened and before any business is transacted (except for the reading of any dispensation required to regularise the holding of the meeting)."

Me and my big mouth!!!

wayne cowley — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:03:11 GMT

A few weeks ago I met up with my lodge's Preceptor and our Lodge Mentoring Officer for a chat over a coffee on our thoughts of where the lodge might go in the future given that we are finding candidates few and far between at the moment.

I started expressing to them my view that there were many reasons why men came to freemasonry and attended lodge and so we needed to think a little more widely than just degree work. As a consequence, we needed to have a wider programme.

Lots of nods came from both of them - and then we went on with some detailed planning

Lo and behold tonight I get an e-mail from our Preceptor (who has also just become our Secretary) asking me to turn my thoughts into a paper for delivery at our next lodge meeting!

Me and my big mouth!!!

Wayne

Masonic Calender

chestnut — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:08:13 GMT

Just discovered this, the Masonic Calender from 1917.

To find the Ancient Craft date add 4,000 to the vulgar era, so 2010 vulgar era will be 6,010 AL year of Light.

To find the date of Scottish Rite add 3760 to the vulgar era, so 2010 vulgar era will be 5770 AM Year of the World. After September add another year.

To find the date of Royal Arch add 530 to the vulgar era, so 2010 vulgar era will be 2540 AI Year of Discovery.

To find the Royal and Select Masters add 1000 to the vulgar are, so 2010 vulgar era will be 3010 A Dep Year of Deposit.

To find the Knight Templar date subtract 118 from the vulgar era, so 2010 vulgar era will be 1892 AO Year of the Order.

The Interview

RoughAshlar — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:52:53 GMT

Good Evening!

I'm to present before the Nomination Committee for an Interview with a view to being accepted by a Lodge here in Sydney.

What I would like to know is what I should expect to be asked and to talk about. Could any Aussies or English brothers let me know? What, other than being plain, frank and truthful should I do to prepare? Is anyone willing to share the tale of their interview?

Just on the background side of things, I was not introduced by the usual method. I'm an internet applicant.

Becoming a Freemason is something that has been important to me for a very long time, but I was overly busy with other things. I became greatly enamoured of the Craft after a visit to the Masonic Centre in Sydney as a teenager. Some of the ideas and beliefs portrayed by the gent who guided me through the Centre struck a chord with me and still resonate. These days, I think some of his words should have been restricted to a Tyled place. Now, I'm forty and I feel it's certainly the right time.

The only gents who I have known a great many years who I thought might be of the Craft, owing to their truthful and upright nature, turned out to be just exceptionally good gentlemen.

I approached the Masonic Centre in Sydney who suggested one Lodge to me as "a good choice for young men". I let them know my age and my locale as well as a preference to serve nearer to home and instead was contacted by a gent from another Lodge which is nearby.

When we met at the Temple to talk, the connection was instant - many ideas and perceptions about much and many were the same between us. He was about twenty or so years my senior, I estimate and has been, best I can tell, a lifelong member - a former WM of that Lodge and former District official (apologies - I don't recall the precise title - DGIW?). It was a good and frank and open exchange. Based on how this man spoke, thought and behaved I asked there and then to join his Lodge.

A few weeks passed, I was advised of the Initiation Date and then a few more weeks passed and was advised of the request to present for the Interview and reminded of the date for Initiation (EA!). He told me that it's rather fast-moving by Masonic standards. I would rather be accepted quickly than slowly rejected. :)

So - interview time approaches. I'm excited and nervous. Not much excites me and not much makes me nervous any more. I've not been interviewed for anything in a very long time.

All being good, I look forward to the journey if am allowed to take it, but shall ever remain in my own mind as 'Rough Ashlar' because there are forever imperfections that we only become aware of by removing others.

Hope to hear from you.

Cheers - RoughAshlar.

Ideas

goldengoose — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:57:50 GMT

In my job i am charged with bringing in new business and re establishing commercial ties with customers who have, for what ever reason, stopped trading with us. thats easy compared to coming up with a plan to re establish links with members that have ceased attending, and hopefully bring in new members as well.

any ideas would be nice.

Thanks guys:cool:

My Journey through the Craft so far.

BrotherSteele — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:08:21 GMT

I thought that this would interst some of the folks here and I would welcome comments of similar journeys if you have them

An Irishman exiled as I am in Aberdeen for the duration of my University Studies and indeed possibly for my vocation after ordination. Anywho, I come from a long line of Irish Freemasons in the Irish constitution but when I came of mature age I petitioned Lodge Operative 150 , Aberdeen City for membership. It was with 150 that I achieved the degrees of EA and FC. My master Mason's Degree was conducted by a visiting Lodge-

37 St John Operative Forres (Forres is in Morayshire, quite futher North in Scotland than Aberdeen City)

After the Summer break I ended up moving north to Peterhead and have built up a friendship with Lodge Kieth 56, to my delight I will be doingthe Mark degree on Monday, but this just aint any old Mark Degree, it is to be conducted by Lodge St Andrew 518, in the local dialect of Doric.

This is my journey thus far in the Craft (I have also filled out a form to join Keith Royal Arch Chapter)

Has anyone else here had a similar expierence within the craft?

Looks like I am accepted!

secc — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:37:01 GMT

Hi all, I have had interest in becoming a freemason for many years as I have several family members who are in the lodge.
A couple of weeks ago I was invited to attend my interview which I was a bag of nerves at!! however once sat there I was made to feel welcome and a few laughs were had which eased the pressure.I was told not to worry many times by lodge members whom I had never met before and this helped to relax me.
I recieved a phonecall the other night from my Sponsor to say the ballot went by with no problems and that I should watch for a letter coming in through the post!!!
I cannot explain how happy I am upon receiving this news!! my wife is equally happy for me and I am thrilled that I can soon start my journey! I will keep you posted.

Is it natural to have doubts?

Danny — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:48:08 GMT

is it natural to start questioning yourself, are you the right sort of person, are you good enough e.t.c

Thank You

Danny — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:28:42 GMT

Just want to sat to all that have helped and advised over my topics. i appreciate all the comments.

May speak to you all again some day.

Thanks Again

Danny.

GLE potential irregularity.

dp — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:43:13 GMT

At the next Grand Assembly of the Grand Logia de España we will have a vote on a new GM. There are 2 candidates one of whom is the existing GM.

The other one is coming to see our Lodge tomorrow to give us all a bit of a pitch.

I have diligently read his proposal for change that he has emailed us to discuss tomorrow and there are a couple of points I will have to raise with him.

One in particular is that he is dead set on GLE recognizing the Grand Orient of Italy. They are not recognisee by UGLE as a GL in Italy. UGLE recognizes the Regular Grand Lodge of Italy.

So, if he goes ahead and pushes this through. Will GLE risk becoming irregular.

I would have thought so...

Royal Masonic hospital and school

New2Craft — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:48:49 GMT

When I joined back in the summer i got a little book of Masonic charities that mentioned the Masonic charity for Girls and Boys as awell as assistance with Private Health care.

I was wondering what happened to the School and hospital, what became of the actual buildings. Has anyone here ever used the Royal Masonic hospital or attended the school, even though they've gone now I'd like to know a little about them.

Unifluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motive?

Mike Martin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:46:54 GMT

I was rather shocked to receive an email from someone I didn't know but addressing me as Bro. Martin today. It turns out that the person farmed my details from a Lodge Website where I had posted fraternal greetings in 08.

I became even more shocked when I read the email and found that it was suggesting that I should sign up to a website where other Freemasons would use my services purely because I was a Freemason OR if I wasn't able to offer a service that I should use the service before going to a non-Masonic tradesman!!

To say that this person has seriously missed the point of Freemasonry is not saying enough. However, even worse does he not understand that we are at this moment still completing the long and labourious task of showing the World at large, who are not Freemasons, that we are not just members to get in on some good old insider trading and mutual back scratching.

Some people beggar belief!

Preceptor in Lodge

steveparker — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:46:49 GMT

Advice wanted please!
As the incoming WM I have to choose a DC (amongst other officers) but I have 2 well equipped PM's who want to do the job.
My thinking is this -- DC to conduct regular Lodge meeting (with ADC backup) and bring in a Preceptor to run our own Lodge of rehearsal each month (not an LOI). Has anyone else tried this? What do you think?

Special dispensation for a man under 21.

Nosameerf — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:07:23 GMT

Hi Brothers,

My brother has just turned twenty and wishes to join the Craft. Obviously he is a year under the standard age of acceptance to join Freemasonry. I understand that in some universities with masonic lodges, you can join at eighteen. If this is correct, how likely do you think that my brother would be granted a special dispensation. He has already been fully vetted etc etc. Our secretary is in the process of contacting Grand Lodge, but I don't know how long it will take and I am currently learning A LOT of ritual to make sure he has an excellent initiation if approved. I would rather learn something else from the blue book if I am wasting my time. Anyone got any ideas or experiences.

Thanks

Nosameerf :)

Essential Qualifications

BainesMason — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:26:30 GMT

Something has occurred to me recently whilst preparing to interview candidates and am interested in your thoughts: We all know what the first question put to a candidate is, but should a question be asked about a candidates loyalty to the monarchy? It is a divisive subject in modern society and one which Freemasonry is very adamant about.

Discuss...

interview process and timing

Danny — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:35:07 GMT

A while ago i was informed that i will be contacted ref: interview, i did know that at the time i was informed that one of the gentlemen was about to go on holiday and that i would be contacted when he returns, I still haven't heard anything yet and i am just wondering what would be the best way to deal, i don't want to come across impatient especially to someone i have never met, but also wondering if i may have been forgotten, or is it that time is not a major issue and i will be contacted when I'm contacted. How does this work not really sure.

Complaint Letter

Brother_TJ — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:37:15 GMT

For those who may have a legit complaint concerning their Mother Lodge or whatever concern that arises or a matter is out of Order.

How do you go about the ins and outs of a Complaint Letter...protocol.

Thanks

Can a white man join Prince hall freemasonry

Alan Campbell — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:55:33 GMT

I have tried to find it through several pages of there official web site and other links through google but i can't. Maybe because i'm being silly and it isn't or has never been an issue but does anyone know wether Prince hall freemasonry accepts applications from white gentlemen or is it a black only organisation?

supreme being

mgc — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:42:40 GMT

silly question perhaps, but suppose ud believe ur a (potential) supreme being..
would u be allowed to join masonry with such a view on supreme beings?

Study Group

3GP441 — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:55:08 GMT

FG All,

A few of us in our Prov. are thinking of setting up a Masonic Study group.

Does anyone have experience of this or suggestions of a successful format?

I was thinking about suggesting a reading group with a book a quarter or perhaps a 5r min paper per person with discussion.

Regularity?

Janus — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:20:03 GMT

Hi Brothers and Sisters.

I have some difficulty to fully understand the regularity of grand-lodges. Some are deemed regular by the grand UGLE and some are not.

What are the criteria for such regularity and is the decision of granting regularity to a grand lodge taken only by the UGLE or does other "regular" grand-lodges participate?

Does all the members of UGLE (and other regular GL) get to vote when the decision is made?

Why is only one grand-lodge per country accepted?

Is there money involved? If so in what way?

Why I ask is because I feel that a lot of perfectly good Freemasons find themselves outside of this regularity and it is rarely a concious decision. My GL is regular (by UGLE standards), but I have not yet benefited by this and wonder in what way I could.

Anyway I am grateful for any information that might shed light on this.

Relinquishing Honorary Membership

cube — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:32:42 GMT

Brethren

Does anyone know what the situation/procedure is in UGLE if a Brother wished to give up his honorary status in order to once again be eligible to take office in the Lodge?

In this instance it would be to the benefit of both the Brother AND the Lodge.

S&F

Speech template wanted

spot — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:17:22 GMT

Hi, I am new to this forum.

Help!...

Tomorrow will be attending our installation meeting and I will be expected to give the response to the newly installed officers toast, but I don't know what to say.

I have asked the more experienced brethren but they said I can say anything I want. Now that may be correct but it doesn't help!

On another thread I found an excellent template for responding to the visiting bretheren toast;

[url]http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic18031-6-2.aspx[/url]

I would love to find a similar template for responding to the newly installed officers toast.

Suggestions anyone?

Nigel

Freemasonry Exhibition

eastbeast — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:28:55 GMT

Would you go to an Exhibition of Freemasonry in all or parts of its forms?

Much in the manner of for example, the Ideal Home Show....?

I have in mind a series of smaller, for example County or Province based shows where suppliers would showcase their Freemasonry related goodies, where we could all go to meet other Masons, buy some 'toys' new or old, perhaps a lecture, demonstration etc?

Should it be on a larger scale?

Bretheren, your thoughts please!!

The Values and Expectations of the 21st Centuary Mason

JamesB — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:55:20 GMT

Following on from the "Is Freemasonry a Hobby or much more than that?" topic I thought I would seek the Forum's views on this subject. It also happens to be the title of the keynote speach at the 2nd Mentoring Conference at GQS next week.

To give an example a friend of mine uses with regard to expectations. In our Fathers, and Grandfathers time when they were young if the did something wrong at home they would very likely be spanked and balled out. When they went to school if they did something wrong they would at the least get a clip round the earhole and balled out. When they did their National Service and did the slightest thing wrong they would get yelled at. When they started their first job and they got something wrong - yes youv'e guessed it - they got yelled at especially if they were in manufacturing or construction. So when someone joined a Lodge he would not be surprised that when he got something wrong the DC and senior brethren yelled at him. However, the younger man today has not been yelled at at school or in work and is unlikely to have served in the Forces so he does not expect to be yelled at if he gets something wrong in Lodge and in fact it may cause him to leave.

If one thinks of values, studies show that during and after WWII "service to King and Country" was high on the list where as today it is probably much lower down and family may be higher up. In our Grandfather's and Father's times they would be much more likely to be out with their mates and leave their wife and children at home than is acceptable today.

I think an understanding of what a new brother's expectations and values are is key to helping them enjoy and become involved in their Lodges. What do you think?

James

How to address a senior Freemason by e-mail?

Nosameerf — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:29:22 GMT

Hello Brothers.

I have to send an email to the visiting officer of my lodge, who is also a PGStB. Could someone please inform me how I should address this brother and also sign off the email please. Should I start, 'Dear Worshipful Brother ***** or just 'Dear W. Bro. ***** and sign it off, 'Yours fraternally'?
Any help much appreciated. :)

Thanks,

Nosamaeerf

regalia case

Bob Butler — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:00:57 GMT

hello all about to be raised thinking of getting regalia case two things really previously have just taken gloves in pocket

as after my 3rd will be in possession of my apron was told by the last person to take there 3rd in the lodge they came out of the temple had nowhere to put there apron and ended up stuffing it up there jacket to take it to the boot of there car

would it be wise if i get a case to take it with me and which size case would you recommend I have seen really small ones and quite large ones have looked at the ones on fm and cant really visualize the size by the measurements don want the really small one but also do not want to make a spectacle of myself by walking in looking like I off on holiday thanks in advance

Initiation Speech

pete.grant — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:06:07 GMT

After being interviewed and balloted I have now been given the 4th March as my date for initiation and I really can't wait!

I would just like to get some opinion on what is expected of the newly initiated freemason with regards to his speech at the festive board?

I will be seeing my father-in-law at the weekend (my proposer) and we'll be going over this issue (I know he has some ideas of what to say) but I was just interest what people on here thought.

on the black and white

~Paul~ — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:52:42 GMT

I just want to put it out there and see what others say,

How many of you get the fuzzy eye feeling when your standing on the black and white carpet in the temple of the lodge? I sure do and im looking to see if others have had it and what they have done to help stop it?

Bro Paul

Freemasonry, a hobby or much more than that?

lauderdale — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:14:37 GMT

If this has been done before as a subject I apologise.

Recently on TFM Forum I have noticed that quite a few posters have referered to Freemasonry as "A Hobby". Now it is not of course for me to tell people how they ought to regard The Craft and perhaps to some that is what it is, or maybe it is a nice Dining Club, or an opportunity to contribute to Charity. If that is their expereince then fine.

To myself and quite a few Brethren that I know, Freemasonry is far more than a hobby , it is deeper, more of a "Way of Life", a code which should inform our lives and dealings with other Brethren and the World at large that are not Masons.

I do have some hobbies. A bit of digital photography, restored steam locomotives, computers to name but three but these do not have such a deep influence on my life as Freemasonry, only my Political and Religious activities impact as much on what makes me the person I am. Travelling behind a restored "Castle" Class Loco or taking a picture of a Dragonfly resting on a reed whilst pleasurable do not.

Well that is my take on Freemasonry. Now how do others here feel about it? Hobby? Way of Life? Or something else?

Why did you join a masonic forum

Alan Campbell — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:05:19 GMT

From a forum newbies question. Why did you all join a forum and has it lived up to what you thought being a forumite is.

Did you get out of it the answers you were looking for, or did it just give you more questions.

For my own point i joined at first because i have a great love of freemasonry and i hate watching the same programmes on the box that the wife does, so to spend time doing something i like and maybe help others a wee bit then i am glad i joined a masonic forum.

It has given me more questions which i think have been ansewred pretty well on here.

So over to you lot. Why?

Visiting speechse

New2Craft — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:42:50 GMT

As most of younk now I'm still only an entered apprentice (will be fellowcraft in March). Back in November I visited a friend's lodge and apart from the organist was the only visitor. At the Festive board I was told I'd have to make the visitor's speech, which I did, addressing the worshipful master and te brethren, thanking them for the toast and sitting back down. When i sat down I noticed several brethren looking really aoyed, no doubt expecting me to say something about the wonderful creemony and how I enjoed visiting the lodge, which I did enjoy, but ekpt to what my friend had told me to say.

I've mentioned this to other brethren and they said there was no way an entered Apprentive should have to make the speech for visiting brethren and that it was bad form expecting me to do it.

What I'd like to know is; is it usually considered bad form for anyone under MM to give the visitor's speech?

Does it happen that often?

Also, I expect most brethren don't know their going to have to do the speech until they are asked, so what ido most o you guys finds works and goes down well?