Masonic Forum / The Reading/Watching Room / General

Portrait of a Freemason

Mike Martin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:26:42 GMT

Tonight on BBC1 Wales at 10.35

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8544274.stm

Freemasonry in the Dales

Mike Martin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:09:20 GMT

An interesting article in the Craven Herald of 28/02/10:

Snippet:

In the past, Freemasons were often regarded with suspicion and paranoia but, in recent years, they have become more open about their charitable works and their image is changing. The success of Dan Brown’s latest novel, The Lost Symbol, has propelled them into the limelight and here Freemason Roger Newhouse gives their point of view on how they contribute to communities in Craven.

Freemasonry in the Dales is thriving. Long before the publication of Dan Brown’s latest best-selling novel, The Lost Symbol, this area, which falls under the umbrella of the Province of Yorkshire West Riding, has never been short of candidates keen to join this ancient and honourable institution.

Founded on three great principles of brotherly love, relief and truth, it’s the relief, or charity side of Masonry, that will, perhaps, come as a surprise to many.

Full story here: http://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/ocalnews/news_skipton/5026310.It___s_time_for_Freemasons_to_come_out_in_the_open/

Earthquake in Chile, Grand Charity Responds

Mike Martin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:36:37 GMT

Information Release

5^th March 2010

£20,000 DONATED IN RESPONSE TO CHILE EARTHQUAKE

The President of The Freemasons' Grand Charity, Grahame Elliott, has approved an emergency grant of £20,000 to the Red Cross following a large earthquake in Chile. The earthquake struck at 03.35 hours local time on 27 February 2010, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale. It is reported to be the worst earthquake to hit the country in 25 years, and has been followed by aftershocks of up to 6.9 magnitude. It has been confirmed that 802 people have died and over 2 million are believed to have been affected.

The earthquake hit 90 kilometres north-east of the city of Concepción in central Chile, and has reportedly caused considerable damage to infrastructure in the Bíobío and Maule regions. Many roads and buildings have been damaged, particularly in coastal zones, while some areas continue to suffer from power outages, though Santiago remains largely unaffected.

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has awarded the British Red Cross £20,000 to assist with their relief efforts. The Chilean Red Cross is working on the ground in partnership with the country’s National Emergency Office (ONEMI), carrying out search and rescue operations, giving medical assistance where necessary as well as providing basic amenities like water, sanitation and shelter.

Further information:

For questions concerning The Freemasons’ Grand Charity’s support for relief efforts in Chile please contact Siobhan McCarthy on 020 7395 9385.

Visit The Freemasons’ Grand Charity website at www.grandcharity.org

For further information about the Red Cross in Chile please visit www.redcross.org.uk

ENDS

need advice on books

tazmaniac1977 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:13:32 GMT

Hi out there.

I was wondering if any people out there would reccomend or advise what books i could get about freemasons in WW2.

I have been intrested in WW2 most of my life and would like to read some more about Freemasons in it.

Thanks

Tazmaniac

Masonic good news from S Wales

bod — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:47:15 GMT

Reading my local paper online (I'm in exile....) came across this article, mentions the Monmouthsire Masonic Trust.

Well done boyos!

A NEWPORT youngster, who is suffering from an unknown disorder, is being helped out by Duffryn Community Link.

Georgia Lewis of Schooner Circle, Duffryn, received a computer and software to help her catch up with schoolwork after the group bid for £500 from the Monmouthshire Masonic Trust Fund.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/5023793.Duffryn_group_gives_help_to_struggling_youngster/

Masonic music?

Janus — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:33:35 GMT

Hi all good people.

Music is a part of the workings here in Switzerland and normaly a short peice of music is played at different moments. It's almost exclusively classical music by one of our late brothers. (Motzart comes to mind)

I am not a big fan of classical music but I don't really mind. I just thought that there must be modern music that is written by masons or that could be deemed OK in a masonic lodge.

Do you use music in your work? Is it other than classical music? If so what?

A New Masonic Magazine

Mike Martin — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:20:28 GMT

The Metropolitan Grand Lodge has very quietly launched a magazine called Arena, specially for us London Masons.

If your Lodge Secretary hasn't told you about it, possibly due to abbreviating the Second Risings, you can read it here:

http://www.yudu.com/item/details/82334/Arena-Magazine-9.2009

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1ltan/ArenaJanuary2010/resources/index.htm

Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol"

Michael A — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:04:37 GMT

I've just finished reading Dan Brown's latest book. I will provide some comments, hopefully without spoiling the plot.

To be honest, I thought that his last two books were more enjoyable than "The Lost Symbol". Regarding its relevance to, and effect on freemasonry, I don't think it will be all that great. For one thing, there aren't as many freemasons to get upset as there were Christians with the Da Vinci Code. Secondly, most non-masons may have strange views on what we say and do, but most of them couldn't really give a toss, accurately believing us to be benign at worst, and a beneficial charity at best. Thirdly, Brown has his protagonist Robert Langdon voicing some of the best rebuttals to the old anti-masonic claims.

Regarding Brown's depiction of freemasonry, I think that that is more of a concern to us, in dispelling some views that I have even seen on this forum. As far as his depiction of blue lodge degree work is concerned, it's harmless. But my concern is that Brown has freemasonry holding views that no Grand Lodge has expressed (nor do they seem to be the case with any of the appendant orders, although I can't speak for them as I am currently a MM).

Towards the end of the book, freemasonry is depicted as a form of ecumenical all-inclusive deism (theism), in essence. Not only that, Brown seems to cling to the rather politically correct notion of the GAOTU being akin to a mountain top, with all religions as being equally valid paths to the same summit.

Many people seem to confuse the fact that because religion is not to be discussed in open lodge, and the fact that belief in a supreme being is the only spiritual or religious prerequisite for initiation (among other prerequisites), that all religions are held to be equally valid in freemasonry, and by all freemasons. My understanding is that freemasons and their lodges hold all religions to be the private matters of masons, and does not speak to any of the precepts unique to any religion.

Certainly, the allegories come mainly from the Old Testament and events occurring in those times, but while that is not meant to imply that Judaism or Christianity hold any more sway than other religions, it does not in that disclaimer imply any endorsement of the other religions per se.

All religions are mutually exclusive in their doctrine, and even hostile to other faiths (in modern times, not just pre-antiquity) in the case of one major religion in particular. It is because of the fact that adherents to one particular religious tradition preach death or subjugation to any who refuse conversion that modern freemasonry chooses not to discuss these doctrines, nor any others, in open lodge. However, refusal to discuss a matter does not mean endorsement of pernicious beliefs by such silence.

Brown and his readers must understand that freemasonry is not a religion. Even though his character Langdon makes this explicit early on in the book, the plot serves to contradict this premise. I believe that this is also Brown's intent. Aside from being nowhere nearly as exciting a read as his earlier works, this is my main problem with the novel. Freemasons are not only free, but expected to follow the precepts of their respective religious traditions.

Although I don't believe it was foreseen in the late 1600s that anyone but Christians (and later) Jews would join, the strife that may exist between the Judeo-Christian tradition and another major world religion can be viewed as analogous to to the sectarian strife with which Britain was riven around the time of the English civil war and the interregnum. We know that there is a mainstream religion who, given the chance again, would seek to subjugate the entire world under its yoke. The fact that as freemasons we view the man, not the religion, no matter how hateful we may see it, attests to our enlightenment origins of tolerance and brotherly love. Each soul is unique and should be viewed as such. While it is true that tolerance, when applied to intolerance, becomes evil, that does not apply to freemasonry, which is not a microcosm.

In lodge, we leave our prejudices at the door. But leaving them at the door of the lodge doesn't mean we don't pick them up again on the way out. If someone preaches my destruction or subjugation (especially of my daughters), I will fight them. Inside lodge however, I will accept a man on his worth as a man, be he faithful or infidel to my creed.

Freemasonry is not universal deism. Freemasons are not of a universal religious outlook. This is the point that Dan Brown misses entirely.

Restaurant at the End of the Masonic Universe - Video

Tom Cherup — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:06:08 GMT

by Stephen Dafoe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2p7UqYXJKs&feature=related

Your Thoughts??????????

It's About Time - Report of the Masonic Information Centre

Mike Martin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:37:46 GMT

This document is referenced in the "Restaurant" topic and it is (IMHO) a very important document for Past Masters to read as it reminds us of bits of Freemasonry that we sometimes neglect:

Read On-line: http://www.msana.com/aboutime_foreword.asp

Download as pdf: http://www.msana.com/downloads/abouttime.pdf

Listen: http://www.msana.com/abouttime_audio.asp

eBooks?

Matatu Man — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:31:07 GMT

Firstly, Brethren, I have to declare that I am a complete technomoron, so I need all the help I can get!

I have just bought an eBook reader (Sony 600 touch screen reader). It appears to be the bee's knees and I'm very happy with it.

But I'm having great difficulty trying to get new books to install on it via the web, especially Masonic subjects.

Of course it doesn't help being resident in Luxembourg and trying to register the product on Sony's web site. The drop-down country list includes everwhere except Luxembourg, and if you select a neighbouring country it only allows the entry of an address in that country, so it is impossible to buy any books from Sony's own eBook shop! :crying:

What to do? Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated.

"Freemasonry" on Five

bowman — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:02:44 GMT

Folks,

I just saw an ad of "Five" that they're airing a "truth behind freemasonry" show on Wednesday at 8pm or some such...

Any chance anyone can record it and upload it somewhere? I'd be curious :)

For the record: 20:00 The Lost Symbol: Truth or Fiction (Documentary)
Wednesday, 21st october

Haiti Disaster

Mike Martin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:12:58 GMT

Information Release

14^th January 2010

£30,000 IN RELIEF FOR HAITI EARTHQUAKE

Following the devastating earthquake which took place in Haiti on Tuesday 12^th January 2010, the President of The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has approved two emergency grants totalling £30,000. The funds have been issued to the British Red Cross and Plan.

The 7.3-magnitude quake, Haiti's worst in two centuries, struck at 1653 local time (2153 GMT) on Tuesday. The epicentre was within 10 miles of the centre of the densely-populated capital, where around one million people live, more than 50,000 people are feared dead.

The British Red Cross has been awarded £20,000 to assist with their relief efforts. Red Cross volunteers in Haiti are currently assisting the injured and supporting hospitals who do not have enough capacity to deal with this emergency. The most urgent needs at this time are search and rescue, field hospitals, emergency health, water purification, emergency shelter, logistics and telecommunications.

Plan has also been granted £10,000 in support of their efforts in dealing with the immediate aftermath of the disaster. Plan’s priorities are assisting children and their families and getting people into safe accommodation wherever possible, as well as working with survivors to help ease their psychological trauma.

Notes:

For further information regarding the Haiti earthquake relief grants please contact Siobhan McCarthy at The Freemasons’ Grand Charity on 020 7395 9385.

New Lodge Website

ifwg — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:39:03 GMT

REMOVED to prevent anyone else being offended.

Freemasonry on BBC Radio Berkshire

Rowan7861 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:12:41 GMT

Berkshire’s Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Martin G Peters, PGSwdB, and W Bro Roy Stone Ast PGM talked to Henry Kelly on BBC Radio Berkshire Saturday 9th January. This was the first of four sessions and will cover the topic “What is Freemasonry”.

Week two is on Charity with W Bro John Nixon AstPGM and W Bro Gerry Hann Prov Charity Steward and will discuss our charitable giving and some of the benefits we bring to the community.

Week three is on the history of Freemasonry with RW Bro Mike Hooton PGM and W Bro Tony Barstow Past AstPGM and other general information will also be discussed.

Week four will be a question and answer session attended by W Bro Chris Connop Information Officer at Grand Lodge and others.

VW Bro Martin Peters, who is a member of Ashley Hill Lodge, can be heard with W Bro Roy Stone on the BBC iPlayer. I'll be putting an article up containing a recording of show each week on the Ashley Hill website.

The first is now available at [url=http://www.ashleyhill7861.org.uk/2010/01/11/freemasonry-on-bbc-radio-berkshire/]this link[/url]. You need to move the slider forward to about 1 hour 8 minutes and you should then hear the interview which lasts for about 20 minutes.

The Centre for Research into Freemasonry at the University of Sheffield

Janus — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:45:06 GMT

Hi all good people, brothers and sisters.

Most of you might already know about this resource but I post this link anyway.

The Centre for Research into Freemasonry at the University of Sheffield:

http://freemasonry.dept.shef.ac.uk/index.php?lang=0

One can read papers and listen to lectures. Great for the upcomming holidays.

Cheers,

Helping Freemasons Along

Mike Martin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:52:32 GMT

I forgot to post this up when I wrote it but here you go from the Horse's mouth:

In the 6 months May to Oct 09, the Masonic Relief Grants Committee of the Freemasons’ Grand Charity considered 1,149 applications for financial assistance. Of these applications 976 resulted in Masonic Relief Grants being made or mobility equipment being supplied to support these Freemasons and/or their dependants experiencing financial need or physical difficulties.

This assistance represents an expenditure of £1,860,487.00 approved for payment to assist Freemasons and/or their dependents who are having real financial difficulties.

The work of the Masonic Relief Grants Committee and Section represents one of the primary activities of The Freemasons’ Grand Charity. Assistance is available to Freemasons or the dependants of deceased Freemasons – including widows, partners and can include divorced or separated spouses or partners – who are experiencing real hardship; no case of genuine need is ever knowingly rejected.

Grants are made to assist applicants with their essential daily living costs and in exceptional circumstances unexpected needs. These grants range between £100 and £4,500 for an applicant and are intended to last for one year. If an applicant’s circumstances have not improved they are able to apply for a new grant after one year. Support can and will continue as long as the need remains. In cases of really exceptional need the Committee may consider a larger grant is appropriate.

Applications are assessed against the Charity’s guidelines for assistance, these take into account the income, certain essential expenditure and the savings of the applicant. This process also determines the amount of any grant. However, generally speaking an applicant who is in receipt of support from the State (such as Pension Credit or Income Support) is likely to qualify.

If you or a brother/widow you know are finding it hard or are unable to pay life’s essential bills (gas, electric, water, rent etc) you should contact your Lodge Almoner who can instigate an application for Masonic Relief.

The Film "Magnolia"

BrotherSteele — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:07:30 GMT

I watched it last night on Sky and could not help but pick up a few references to the Craft....

Just before gameshow host Jimmy Gator, played by Philip Baker Hall, goes on stage, Burt Ramsey, played by Ricky Jay—who is wearing a masonic ring—asks him, "You with me, Jimmy?" Jimmy says, "The book says we may be through with the past but the past ain't through with us." to which Burt replies, "We met upon the level and we're parting on the square."

World's Oldest Man is a Mason!!

Mike Martin — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:08:32 GMT

Nicked from the UK Mason List but it needs to be shared:

Snippet:

Known for pithy quotes and a sharp mind, Walter Breuning waxed philosophical Monday at his 113th birthday party in Great Falls Monday.

The world is neither a prison nor a palace of ease," Breuning said in a birthday speech before Montana's governor, Masonic officials and other dignitaries and residents at Rainbow Retirement in downtown Great Falls. The retired railroad clerk said he believes life is intended "for instruction and discipline."

Breuning is considered the world's oldest man by the Guinness Book of World Records, said Robert Young of Atlanta, senior consultant for gerontology for the Guinness Book, Monday afternoon.

Full story here: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20090922/NEWS01/909220303

Cumbrian Floods

Mike Martin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:15:04 GMT

In response to the extreme flooding which has taken place in Cumbria, the President of The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has approved an emergency grant of £10,000 to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cumberland and Westmorland who are directing the funds to the Cumbria Community Foundation.

It has been estimated that 1,300 homes across Cumbria have been affected by flooding, with several hundred people displaced and more than 1,000 households left without power.

Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn, told the Commons "I saw for myself on Friday and Saturday in Cockermouth just what an effect the torrent of water had on homes, businesses and communities. It is utterly devastating."

Founded in 1999 by Cumbria Council, the Cumbria Community Foundation remains dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged people in Cumbria. The Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund has been set up to provide financial help for people who have been affected. The first phase of grant making will concentrate on the elderly, disabled and families with children under five years old. The Fund will also assist community groups that are helping out with advice, information, counselling, and activities for children and young people. In 2005 The Freemasons’ Grand Charity sent £5,000 in emergency funds to the Cumbria Community Foundation in response to the previous Cumbrian floods.

In parallel with support for wider relief efforts, The Freemasons’ Grand Charity will be assisting individual Masons and their dependants, who have been affected by these events, through Masonic Relief Grants which are given to relieve hardship. Applications are encouraged from affected brethren who should approach either their Lodge or Provincial Grand Almoner

IN FELLOWSHIP

Tom Cherup — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:05:56 GMT

IN FELLOWSHIP

By BRO. C. M. BOUTELLE

(From The Builder, Anamosa, Iowa, November, 1915)

My foot to thy foot, however thy foot may stray;
Thy path for my path, however dark the way.

My knee to thy knee, whatever be thy prayer;
Thy plea my plea, in every need and care.

My breast to thy breast, in every doubt or hope;
Thy silence mine too, whatever thy secret’s scope.

My strength is thy strength, whenever thou shalt call;
Strong arms stretch love’s length, through darkness, toward thy fall!

My words shall follow thee, kindly warning, fond,
Through life, through drear death-and all that lies beyond!

Dan Brown Letter to Freemasons

stoneyg27 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:27:43 GMT

Brethren,

I am not Mr. Browns greatest fan to be honest but I am quite impressed with this article that I found on the Durham Provincial website.

[url=http://www.durhamfreemasons.org/absolutenm/templates/?a=597&z=14][/url]

fraternal regards Glenn

A rant about the Craft - Python

BrotherSteele — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:46:02 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo18D-qHAYE

I must admitt I did laugh but then it's hard for me not laugh at anything by Python.

Banquet for the opening of FMH GQS

chestnut — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:08:09 GMT

Following on from the excellent find on Pathe news I found this

www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=23778

This is I believe the Banquet to celebrate the finishing dedication and opening of FMH in London.

Brother Senior and Junior Wardens, how do you report your respective columns.

I don't know WM I can't see the end of them

Father Ashley and the Freemasons

Mike Martin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:00:35 GMT

It turns out that the rather sensible opinions of Fr Tim in an earlier story are not shared everywhere in the RC clergy.

Snippet: Good Catholics should not wear aprons
Fr Ashley Beck says the Church teaches clearly that Freemasonry and Catholicism are incompatible

A few years ago I was told that at the ceremony of induction of the vicar of one of the local Anglican churches, the Bible which was handed to him had embossed on its front cover the emblem of the Freemasons, the square and compasses. It subsequently came to light that nearly all the male members of his Parochial Church Council were "on the square", and his predecessor as vicar had been a Mason as well. This is not a "low", or Evangelical, church, but very firmly in the Anglo Catholic tradition, where a number of clergy and lay people over the years have talked of becoming Catholics.

Why is all this a problem? The reason is that the Catholic Church teaches that Freemasonry and Christianity are incompatible. The Holy See in 1983 reiterated the traditional position that Catholics who are Freemasons are in a state of grave sin and may not receive the sacraments - the Declaration on Masonic Associations was signed by the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and makes it clear that local bishops cannot dispense from its provisions. There were two reasons for this document: first, the new Code of Canon Law, which came out at the same time, no longer mentioned Freemasonry by name in its list of organisations which Catholics are forbidden from joining; second, mistaken advice had been given in the late Seventies in Britain and America which suggested that Catholics could be Freemasons if local lodges were not anti-Catholic; the 1983 rescript corrected that advice. Consequently, Anglicans or others who are Freemasons wishing to become Catholics will have to discard their aprons: this may keep the numbers of potential converts down.

Full story: http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/features/f0000489.shtml

1926 Book of Constitutions

Eldmar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:11:34 GMT

Hello Brethren,

Today I was browsing in an old second hand bookshop, and as I was coming towards the door, on one of the last shelves I found tucked into a corner a copy of the 1926 UGLE Book of constitutions. I decided to buy it - more out of curiosity than anything and to compare it to my 2007 version. It is about a third of the size of the newer version so I thought it would be interesting to see what has changed, as well as for purely historical interest.

Inside, inscribed on the cover in pencil, I found the name of the original owner - Ernest Charles Howard, with his full address in Gosport, and dated 21st Dec 1927. It would be interesting to see if it is possible to track down Bro Ernest's relatives, especially if they are Mason's themselves.

Is there anyone on the list from the Hants area? Any suggestions as to how I might track down this family?

Thanks.
E.

Dan Brown...Truthfull (to an extent) or simply creating hype

Handshake — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:04:34 GMT

Masonic Ring

Terry — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:21:46 GMT

Masoonic Ring by Howie Damron

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oFeKJKoaKc

Article in MQ magazine

KTSimon — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:16:12 GMT

Hi people

Does anyone remember an interview in MQ magazine some years ago with the Provincial Grand Master of Worcestershire (at least I think it was).

I think it was in either 2002 or 2003, my proposer into Freemasonry gave me the magazine for information and I found the article really good and have since used a paragraph from it I committed to memory to explain what Freemasonry is about.

If anyone can help please contact me, thanks in anticipation.

Simon

Hale & Pace Sketch

The Past Master — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:13:56 GMT

I have attached this link for YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kplBC_LSEN0

It is a sketch from the early 90's that Hale & Pace done. It's a light hearted look at their take on a Lodge!!

I hope that you all enjoy

Regards

PM:P:cool:

Masonic Benevolence? MRGs

Mike Martin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:44:05 GMT

In the quarter Feb to Apr 09, the Masonic Relief Grants Committee of the Freemasons’ Grand Charity considered 515 applications for financial assistance. Of these applications 437 resulted in Masonic Relief Grants being made or mobility equipment being supplied to support these Freemasons and/or their dependants experiencing financial need or physical difficulties.

This assistance represents an expenditure of £866,112.00 (in this quarter alone) approved for payment to assist Freemasons and/or their dependents who are having real financial difficulties.

Grants are made to assist applicants with their essential daily living costs, unexpected needs. These grants range between £100 and £4,500 for an applicant to last for one year. If an applicant’s circumstances have not improved they are able to apply for a new grant after one year. Support can and will continue as long as the need remains. In cases of really exceptional need the Committee may consider a larger grant is appropriate.

The Speed of Conspiracy

Mike Martin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:40:36 GMT

In the "humour/goat" topic I mentioned the "difference" between the promulgation of conspircies today and in yesteryear and the increased chance of damage to Freemasonry in particular. I came across the following article, written by a journalist, who has put far more effort into it than my brief remarks and which explains well the difference and why it should not be ignored:

November 24, 1996, Sunday, Late Edition - Final

Pierre, Is That a Masonic Flag on the Moon?

By GEORGE JOHNSON

IN the days before the Internet, when rumors had to make their way by boat and horseback instead of by waves and wire, it took perseverance to assemble the pieces of a really good conspiracy theory.

Without so much as an America Online account, Timothy Dwight, president of Yale University two centuries ago, learned of an evil plot -- hatched in France by Freemasons hopped up on Enlightenment philosophy -- to overthrow the United States Government. A Bavarian secret society called the Order of the Illuminati was also involved. Unable to access alt.conspiracy or even a good E-mail program, Dwight had to resort to public speaking to spread the word.

"Shall we, my brethren, become partakers of these sins?" Dwight intoned before the graduating class of 1798. "Shall we introduce them into our government, our schools, our families? Shall our sons become the disciples of Voltaire, and the dragoons of Marat; or our daughters the concubines of the Illuminati? "

He was repeating ravings from a year-old book, "Proofs of a Conspiracy," by John Robison, a mathematician at the University of Edinburgh and one of the first of the great arachnids of paranoia. And Robison was recycling ideas that had been floating around since Vatican conspiracy theorists tried to explain away the French Revolution as a Masonic plot.

In those days, information (not to be confused with knowledge) crept along slowly. How much easier it is in these modern times when bits zip around the globe at the speed of light -- or at least the speed of a good fiber optical T3 line.

Within hours of the Oklahoma City bombing, the throbbing, fevered brain of the Internet was hallucinating about a supposed second explosion, which was picked up by seismographs milliseconds before the Ryder truck blast. There it was: proof of a conspiracy so immense that it involved agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, minions of the New World Order, blowing up their own building. Like the second gunman on the grassy knoll, the second explosion entered the folklore of paranoia, with dizzying speed. Oklahoma City was linked to Waco and Ruby Ridge.

Electrified by the Internet, suspicions about the crash of T.W.A. Flight 800 were almost instantly transmuted into convictions that it was the result of friendly fire. Even the journalist Pierre Salinger was taken in. The culprit? Some blamed those evil A.T.F. agents. Or Arkansas state troopers. It was all linked to Whitewater -- unless the missile was meant for a visiting U.F.O.?

As the Internet grows bigger, more dense with synapses, the possibilities it can dream up multiply and then exponentiate. Postmodern literary theorists talk about language taking on a life of its own, speaking through the passive pawns called people. With the Internet you can almost see what they're getting at.

Ideas become E-mail to be duplicated and duplicated again, fanning out along the proliferating branches and twigs of circuitry both electronic and neural. The typists and the bleary-eyed readers are just extensions of their computer terminals -- a way for the ideas to get off the net and spread through the molasses-slow network of conversation, books, newspapers, radio talk shows, only to be picked up again and re-posted. alt.conspiracy

Did you know that Buzz Aldrin planted a Masonic flag on the moon? Or about the pyramids spotted during probes of Mars and then covered up by the Government? The details are all there in alt.conspiracy.

And remember the Hale-Bopp comet now swinging around the sun? It's on a collision course with earth and NASA knows it. Why was Clinton so eager to send troops to Zaire? For humanitarian reasons? Get real. According to the Internet, it must have something to do with the Ebola virus (genetically engineered in secret labs) and the New World Order, commanded by Boutros Boutros-Ghali. And why were the Arabs really so upset by that tunnel in Jerusalem? It leads to the hidden chamber that holds the Ark of the Covenant.

Everything is connected, just like the Internet itself. Someday, when all the pieces of the plot are assembled, we surely will behold the ultimate, the grand unified conspiracy theory. Stretch your imagination beyond even last week's "X-Files," where the cigarette man turned out to be the key not just to the alien autopsy but also to the assassinations of Raphael Trujillo, both Kennedys and Martin Luther King Jr. Like an evil Forrest Gump, he was present at the fall of the Soviet empire, and had his nicotine-stained fingers in the rigging of several important sporting events.

In the ultimate conspiracy, the Illuminati would be commanding, zombie-like Arkansas state troopers. With enough computer "enhancement" a cluster of grains on the Zapruder film would snap into focus -- and voila, a youthful Vincent Foster or his cyborg double. Hovering above Dealey Plaza would be a black helicopter (dispatched from Area 51, the secret U.F.O. base in Nevada).

And wait! Wasn't the Internet started by the Defense Department, as a nervous system for military research? Now it is slowly engulfing every citizen of the country. Here is the awful truth: The conspiracy theories are themselves a conspiracy -- a plot to convince all of us poor saps that in the rumble jumble of history anyone could possibly be in control.

GRAPHIC: Photo: On Nov. 8, Pierre Salinger repeated a conspiracy theory that had been widely reported on the Internet. He holds a picture, taken on Long Island and circulated on the Internet, that was said to show a streaking missile. (Reuters)

The Man Who Would be King

Azaziel — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:09:49 GMT

I saw this brilliant film last night, has anyone else seen it?

I love Michael Caine's Character - Peachy. Was this an actual book written by Rudyard Kipling?

Rev John Brewster M.A.

stoneyg27 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:24:37 GMT

Brethren,

Whilst visiting my Aunt and fellow geek I started flicking through a book she had just bought and had been telling me about, The Parochial History and Antiquities of Stockton upon Tees first published 1796. I found there was a small section relating to Freemasonry and in the list of other works there was Masonic Orations. I am assuming (rightly or wrongly) this is a compilation of all his Masonic Orations. I have found through Ugle and British Library websites that he was Chaplain in one of my sister Lodges, Philanthropy No. 19 as it was then and have found some individual orations but no joy in locating the book itself. Any advice would be gratefully accepted.

fraternal regards
Glenn

Aid to the Asian Pacific - 12/10/09

Mike Martin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:04:03 GMT

This release was from 12/10/09 but I forgot to post it.

The President of The Freemasons' Grand Charity, Grahame Elliott, has approved an emergency grant of £50,000 to the Red Cross, to support their relief work following the disasters across the Asia Pacific region, which have affected an estimated 3 million people.

Typhoon Ketsana hit the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, with the Philippines and Laos being particularly badly affected. 80% of Manila, capital of the Philippines and home to 15 million people, was flooded. More than 300 people were killed, but many more are missing, feared dead.

On 29 September, an earthquake measuring 8.3 on the Richter Scale hit the Samoan and Niuas Islands. It caused a tsunami which killed at least 100 people and affected up to 15,000. Shortly after, another earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter Scale hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra, followed by yet another. Over 1,000 people were killed, but it is feared that the death toll will rise substantially, with thousands still buried in the rubble.

The Grand Charity’s grant will help to fund the distribution of emergency relief items, provide clean water, sanitation, healthcare and shelter as well as help rebuild people’s livelihoods.

For further information about the grant please contact Katrina Baker or telephone 020 7395 9314

Grand Charity General Mtg - 10/10/09 Devonshire

Mike Martin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:18:53 GMT

At the General Meeting of the Grand Charity on 10 October, grants totalling nearly £400,000 were awarded to a number of non-Masonic charities.

Projects supporting people living with disabilities and research into the cause and treatment of illness and disease are amongst the latest beneficiaries of grants to non-Masonic charities. In total, £397,500 will be shared between eleven national charities bringing many positive benefits to the wider community.

A grant of £50,000 was approved for Calibre, a charity that provides a library of recorded books for people with disabilities. The grant will fund a project to update from audio cassettes to CDs. £75,000 was approved for Cancer Research UK to help fund a trial for treating pancreatic cancer. The Leonard Cheshire Foundation will receive £40,000 to help fund the building of a high dependency unit. Scope, the charity that supports disabled people, particularly those with cerebral palsy, has had approval for a grant of £50,000 over two years, to fund a volunteer befriending service.

All of the grants are part of The Freemasons’ Grand Charity’s programme of support for non-Masonic charities that reflect issues of interest, concern and relevance to Masons and their families.

List of approved grants

Charity	Grant awarded	Purpose of grant
Calibre	£50,000	Project to update postal library of recorded books to digital format
Guideposts Trust	£12,000	To fund employment training
Leonard Cheshire Disability	£40,000	Grant to fund building of a high dependency unit
National Star College	£20,000	Grant to fund an independent living studio flat
Rainbow Trust Children's Charity	£25,000	Grant to fund family support worker
Scope	£50,000 over 2 years	Grant to fund face to face befriending service
Soundabout	£10,500	Grant to fund outreach programme in 40 special schools
Acorns Children's Hospice Trust	£100,000	A special one-off grant in memory of Rodney Pitham
Trail-Blazers	£10,000	Grant to fund mentoring
Cancer Research UK	£75,000	Research into the TeloVac trial for pancreatic cancer
Exeter Cathedral	£5,000	Grant to fund a new flat copper roof for stonemasons' yard

Aid to Southern India 26/10/09

Mike Martin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:08:53 GMT

Recent newsflash from the Grand Charity.

£25,000 For Torrential Rain and Flash Flood Victims in Southern India

[quote]The President of The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has approved an emergency grant of £25,000 to Save the Children, following the Kirshna River bursting its banks flooding 5 districts in India. The grant will help 20 of the worst affected villages in Southern India by providing them with essential and life-saving relief, as many families were unable to salvage even basic hygiene materials, cooking utensils or dry clothes.

To date, nearly two million people have been affected by the severe flooding which has caused destruction to homes, agricultural land and livelihoods. Tragically, the disaster has claimed over 300 lives and more than 70,000 homes have been severely damaged, resulting in half a million people being displaced to relief camps in Andhra Pradesh and a further 650,000 people are in temporary shelter in Karnataka.

The money given to Save the Children will supply 30,000 people with use of water pumps, household kits, educational kits and child friendly spaces where children can go to receive a meal each day and access clean water. There is particular concern that the 800,000 and more children affected are vulnerable to malnutrition and waterborne illnesses which could easily increase the death toll.

Visit The Freemasons’ Grand Charity website at www.grandcharity.org

For further information contact Katrina Baker on 020 7395 9314 or Natasha Treweek on 020 7395 9394 [/quote]

Hale & Pace : Remember them?

sjdobby — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:19:43 GMT

"Do you want to be a Handyman?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kplBC_LSEN0

Masonry

Tom Cherup — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:08:36 GMT

A tale of Masonic men surrounding a campfire in the Old West, at night, discussing the Fraternity and its teachings. One old man listened patiently, and finally spoke up:'I can tell you more about Masonry in a little example than some of the great Masonic philosophers can in books. Everybody stand up, and gather in a circle around the campfire.'

They did that.

'Now, everybody hold hands with the man next to him.'

They did that, too.

'Now, what do you see, looking ahead?'

'The face of a Brother Mason through the flames.'

'What do you feel in front of you?'

'The warmth of the fire, and the comfort it brings on a cool night.'

'What do you feel at your side?'

'The warm hand of a Brother.'

'OK. Now, drop the hands, and turn around.'

They did so.

'Now, what do you see, looking ahead?'

'Complete darkness.'

'What do you feel, looking ahead?'

'A sense of loneliness, of being alienated.'

'What do you feel at your side?'

'Nothing at all.'

'What do you feel on your backside?'

'The warmth of the fire.'

'So it is with Masonry,' said the old man. 'In Masonic gatherings, you can feel the warmth of Masonic interaction, you can see the face of a Brother through the light Masonry brings to you, and you can always feel the warm hand of a Brother. When you turn away from Masonry, and are out in the world, you see darkness, feel alienated and alone, and do not feel the warm hand of your Masonic Brother. But Masonry, and the warmth and light it brings, are just a turn away from you.'

-- Unknown

Father Tim and the Freemasons

Mike Martin — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:57:27 GMT

A little snippet:

They're back!

The Freemasons, the group that is at the center of more conspiracy theories than any other in history — perhaps even more than the Catholic Church — have made another comeback of sorts in Dan ("The Da Vinci Code") Brown's new book, "The Lost Symbol." And as if this wasn't enough, a lawsuit in Ireland is beginning to excite the world with the prospect that the secrets of the organization will finally be revealed.

I don't imagine that this disclosure would be looked upon kindly by Freemasons. It's not much fun being part of a secret organization with its own rituals and initiations and handshakes if it's suddenly not secret. But I think it would be wonderful to finally know what makes the Masonic clock tick. (It would be nice to know what makes the Vatican tick, too, but we'll leave that for another time. And an author besides me!)

Full story here: http://www.irishcentral.com/opinion/col/fathertim/The-Freemasons-make-a-comeback-of-sorts-60119577.html

Masonic Forum / The Reading/Watching Room / General

Portrait of a Freemason

Freemasonry in the Dales

Earthquake in Chile, Grand Charity Responds

Information Release

5th March 2010

£20,000 DONATED IN RESPONSE TO CHILE EARTHQUAKE

need advice on books

Masonic good news from S Wales

Masonic music?

A New Masonic Magazine

Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol"

Restaurant at the End of the Masonic Universe - Video

It's About Time - Report of the Masonic Information Centre

eBooks?

"Freemasonry" on Five

Haiti Disaster

Information Release

14th January 2010

£30,000 IN RELIEF FOR HAITI EARTHQUAKE

New Lodge Website

Freemasonry on BBC Radio Berkshire

The Centre for Research into Freemasonry at the University of Sheffield

Helping Freemasons Along

The Film "Magnolia"

World's Oldest Man is a Mason!!

Cumbrian Floods

IN FELLOWSHIP

Dan Brown Letter to Freemasons

A rant about the Craft - Python

Banquet for the opening of FMH GQS

Father Ashley and the Freemasons

1926 Book of Constitutions

Dan Brown...Truthfull (to an extent) or simply creating hype

Masonic Ring

Article in MQ magazine

Hale & Pace Sketch

Masonic Benevolence? MRGs

The Speed of Conspiracy

The Man Who Would be King

Rev John Brewster M.A.

Aid to the Asian Pacific - 12/10/09

Grand Charity General Mtg - 10/10/09 Devonshire

List of approved grants

Aid to Southern India 26/10/09

Hale & Pace : Remember them?

Masonry

Father Tim and the Freemasons

5^th March 2010

14^th January 2010