More Peach Publicity – The Gates Are Open

I have been saying for years that if we don’t police ourselves, Freemasonry will wake up some day and find some national print media will sensationalize a provocative, blaring story on the Black discrimination in the Craft and it will wish it had done something about it before hand.  That time is now upon us. Does no one else wish to do something instead of sitting on one’s hands?

WASHINGTON POST REPORTS:

Masons’ spat over black inductee spills into court

By GREG BLUESTEIN

The Associated Press
Tuesday, June 30, 2009; 3:36 PM

“ATLANTA — There are a few prerequisites for anyone applying to be a Freemason: You must be a man, you can’t be a slave, you must have good character and you must have faith in a supreme being.”

“Those broad rules have allowed some of the more progressive chapters in the centuries-old fraternal organization, such as Atlanta’s Gate City Lodge No. 2, to fill their ranks with diverse members.”

“The chapter’s leaders say that racial harmony was threatened recently when other Freemasons sought to revoke the lodge’s charter for allowing Victor Marshall, who is black, to join up. The dispute has drawn the normally secretive group into a rare public battle. “

“The chapter sued the Grand Lodge of Georgia on June 18, claiming the charges are based on “racial animosity and hatred” and violate the organization’s principles.”

COMPLETE STORY HERE:    href=”http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/30/AR2009063002451.html”>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/30/AR2009063002451.html

The Associated Press has the same story by the same author.

“The lawsuit claims members then filed “spurious” charges within the state organization against the Atlanta chapter’s leader, Michael Bjelajac, claiming he violated the group’s rules because he allowed a nonwhite man into the group. They say he violated the “Laws of Masonry” and the “moral law,” according to the complaint.”

“The charges seek to oust Bjelajac and revoke the chapter’s charter, according to the lawsuit.”

“The Georgia chapter’s attorneys, who are also Freemasons, said the lawsuit is one of only a handful against Freemason organizations in recent years. In 2008, a West Virginia Freemason leader sued, claiming he was defamed after he changed membership policies to make them less discriminatory and racist.”

REST OF STORY:  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ilWrebJ9BjRXOSpR4AD6X6ulU8mwD9956IC80

Where will the story show up next?

What drives the Anti-Masons?

by W:.Tim Bryce, PM, MPS
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Palm Harbor, Florida, USA

“A Foot Soldier for Freemasonry”

“Everybody is worried about Masons taking over the world. Heck, we can’t even organize a picnic.”
- A Mason from Washington state.

To find an Anti-Mason, you need look no further than the Internet for there is an abundance of discourse on the Net berating and misrepresenting the fraternity. As Freemasons, we are blamed for everything from the assassination of JFK, to World War I, both Gulf Wars, and God knows what else. The same people who track UFOs, Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and Elvis, are the same people tracking Freemasonry. Why? Because we make a convenient target. As a “society with secrets” (not a “secret society”) it is easy to draw erroneous conclusions about our motives and activities. And make no mistake, the Anti-Masons are capitalizing on the naiveté of the general public in the same manner as the supermarket tabloids do and for the same reason: to make a buck.

In researching this subject, I visited numerous Anti-Masonic web sites on the Internet. Even though they are all closely related, I have categorized the Anti-Masons into three groups: Conspiracists, Religious Zealots, and Wackos.

Conspiracists

I like to refer to these type of Anti-Masons as Michael Moore “wannabees” as they are alarmists claiming that the sky is falling. They are all self-proclaimed freedom fighters acting as watchdogs of the fraternity. They write numerous exposes on Freemasonry with just enough research to make them look authoritative on the subject. What is disturbing here is that although Freemasons can easily see through the malarkey in their writings, the general public cannot.

At the root of their argument is the premise that Freemasons are overtly concerned about the social engineering of the planet. Under their scenario, the Masonic Fraternity is an inherent member of the Illuminati, a group of international bankers and power brokers who are obsessed with enslaving the human race and putting all of the world’s wealth into their hands. If this was true, I wish the Illuminati would share some of their wealth with the many Craft Lodges who are struggling to make ends meet.

Religious Zealots

In a nutshell, the religious zealots portray Freemasonry as either an autonomous religion or as one dedicated to Satan. We also have people claiming to have been Masons but have “seen the light” and recanted their membership. Frankly, their membership in the Masons are somewhat questionable as their description of Masonic activities doesn’t jive with what we have learned.

“Ex-Masons for Jesus” is an organization of Christian men and women who claim to have been members of a Masonic Lodge or one of the affiliated Masonic organizations such as Eastern Star, DeMolay, Job’s Daughters or Rainbow Girls. “We have left Masonry because of our commitment to Jesus Christ and a realization that Masonry is not consistent with a sincere expression of the Christian faith. We have found that participation in Freemasonry interferes with a close relationship with Jesus Christ.” Nuts.

Wackos

Finally, we come to the offbeat critics of the fraternity who attack it for a variety of reasons, such as child abuse and other forms of sexual misconduct.

To prove their point, the Anti-Masons turn to Masonic and news quotations to support their claims. In reality, the sources are either misquoted or quoted out of context. However, accuracy of reporting and truthfulness is not the forte of the Anti-Masons.

CONCLUSION

As Masons we are charged not to suffer our zeal for the institution to lead us into arguments with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it. But because we often cloak our ceremonies in secrecy, we make a convenient target to be cast in the role of “bogeyman.” Laugh as we might at our critics, they do have an effect on the general public. Let me give you an example, I know of a young Mason in the Tampa Bay area of Florida who was initiated an Entered Apprentice and passed to the degree of Fellow Craft before falling in love with a young woman who frequents the Internet and became suspicious of the fraternity her fiancé had joined. Frankly, I think she jealously saw Freemasonry as something that would divert his attention from her. Nonetheless, she read a lot of the propaganda and came to the erroneous conclusion that Freemasonry was anti-Christian with hidden motives and, consequently, swayed her fiancé to halt his Masonic involvement.

Whether we like to portray ourselves as a “secret society” or a “society with secrets,” we have become fodder for every crackpot accusation imaginable. This puts us in the unenviable position of having to defend ourselves of every charge brought against us. As Masons, we can readily see through a lot of these falsehoods, but how do you defend yourself against a crime you didn’t commit? Unlike American jurisprudence where a man is “innocent until proven guilty” we find ourselves in the predicament of being “guilty until proven innocent.” Our critics know this and use it to their advantage by charging us with any ludicrous accusation they can dream up. Their motto seems to be, “When in doubt, blame the Masons.”

What our critics don’t seem to understand is how we investigate the background of everyone who petitions to join the fraternity. The only general criteria for joining is that a person believe in a Supreme Being (based on their religion of choice), that he does not believe in the overthrow of his resident government, and that he hasn’t committed any heinous crime. From this perspective, we are God-fearing peaceful citizens who happen to enjoy the company of other God-fearing peaceful citizens. If this is a crime, I plead guilty, most guilty.

In reality, our critics are well aware of this, and if they were to honestly answer you, they would have to admit as such.

So what is their motive? Why do they find it necessary to harass Freemasons? Is it because some of them were blackballed? Perhaps a woman feels scorned? Perhaps. More likely, it goes back to a simple human trait: Greed. If you look at the background of the Anti-Masons you will find people who have failed in business, but having an aptitude for writing, have concocted inflammatory stories which appeal to conspiricists, the religious right, and other wackos. Bottom-line: they are out to make a buck at the expense of Freemasonry. To do so, they build arguments out of minuscule incidents from our past and paint a picture of distrust and felonious activities with the truth sacrificed in the process. Even the noted author, Dan Brown, uses this to his advantage with his highly acclaimed books, such as “The Da Vinci Code” and the upcoming “The Solomon Key.” But unlike the Anti-Masons, and to his credit, Brown is quick to point out his stories are works of fiction. Bottom-line, the Anti-Masons are capitalizing on the ignorance of the public to sell books and make public appearances. Plain and simply, it’s all about money. They take a little Masonic knowledge and blow it out of proportion knowing we cannot or will not defend ourselves.

One interesting attribute of all of the Anti-Masons is that they strongly safeguard their identity. In fact, they are cloaked in more secrecy than a Masonic Communications. You won’t find too many photos of our detractors, and their whereabouts on this planet are strongly guarded. To communicate with them, you must go through a “cloak and dagger” e-mail process which I find to be particularly ironic as they often accuse Freemasonry of being too secretive. Fortunately, their anonymity hurts their credibility with the public.

Understand this, Freemasonry wouldn’t be plagued by such voluminous false accusations today had it not been for the Internet, a powerful communications medium that can carry the Anti-Masons messages to the masses at little cost. Sure, Freemasonry has had detractors in the past, but the Internet has accelerated the volume of contrived nonsense being presented to the public.

Also, many young people are caught up in the Anti-Mason movement which may be natural since young people find it fascinating to discuss cover-ups and conspiracies of world domination. Let us not forget that we live in a day and age of extremists who can readily communicate through this powerful medium.

So what should Masons do, turn the other cheek and let our critics run all over us? As Masons we are taught to subdue our passions and not directly engage our critics. Maybe. However, when flagrant errors appear in print, they should not go uncontested, otherwise the public will think the detractor is correct. As an example,

I do not encourage our Brothers to get directly into arguments with our critics, but I think we have a responsibility from time to time to clarify our position, if for no other reason, to dispel misinterpretations that might hurt our membership. I am reminded of what M:.W:.Harold G. Ballard, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, said, “Masons should never forget, nor miss an opportunity to inform the uninitiated that Freemasonry is a fraternity of men from all walks of life who meet as equals in a common quest for knowledge and a better life, both philosophical and material, for all mankind.”

In other words, I recommend we become proactive in our communications with the general public, not reactive as we have been.

Just remember, the anti-Masons are not interested in the truth. If they truly did their homework, they would inevitably arrive at a different conclusion. As evidence, consider the work of Dr. Jessica Harland-Jacobs who wrote Builders of Empire: Freemasons and British Imperialism, 1717-1927 a non-Mason who thoroughly researched our background and “gets it.”

So, what drives the anti-Masons? In a nutshell: Money. Why do they continue to argue with the fraternity? Because we represent a threat to their livelihood. It’s as simple as that.

Keep the Faith.

NOTE: The opinions expressed in this essay are my own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any Grand Masonic jurisdiction or any other Masonic related body. As with all of my Masonic articles herein, please feel free to reuse them in Masonic publications or re-post them on Masonic web sites (except Florida). When doing so, please add the following:

Article reprinted with permission of the author and www.FreemasonInformation.com

Please forward me a copy of the publication when it is produced.

To receive notices of Tim’s writings, subscribe to his Discussion Group.

You can also “tune in” to Bro. Tim’s audio pod casts at the “Lodgeroom International” (UK)

Also be sure to check out Tim’s “Pet Peeve of the Week” (non-Masonic related).

Copyright © 2009 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Georgia News, Georgia Blues

Late breaking news from the Georgia situation proves that this controversy will not be quietly fading into oblivion.  The Atlanta Journal Constitution has picked up the story and it’s only a matter of time before other papers and media also latch onto it.

In a show of solidarity Mt. Rushmore Lodge #220 of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota has issued a public statement of support urging their Grand Lodge to do likewise.

Racial controversy spurs Atlanta affiliate to sue state Masons

By Péralte C. Paul

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Monday, June 29, 2009

“An Atlanta chapter of the Masons and its senior officer are suing the state body and two high-ranking members of other Georgia chapters, saying leaders are trying to disband them because they accepted a black man as a member.”

“Gate City Lodge No. 2 and its head, Michael J. Bjelajac, filed the complaint in DeKalb County Superior Court. It names the Grand Lodge of Georgia Free & Accepted Masons, the state level of an international fraternal organization; Douglas Hubert Ethridge of Atlanta; Starling A. “Sonny” Hicks of Stockbridge, and W. Franklin Aspinwall Jr. of Kingsland as defendants.”

“Aspinwall, a Georgia attorney, is named in the suit because he was appointed to chair the internal “trial” the group plans to have.”

“Bjelajac and Gate City claim when they accepted 26-year-old Victor Marshall into membership last fall, Hicks and Ethridge wrote letters to the state organization, saying allowing a nonwhite man into the group violated the association’s moral and Masonic laws.”

“Hicks and Ethridge are high-ranking in their respective chapters.”

COMPLETE STORY HERE:  http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/business/stories/2009/06/29/masons_atlanta_lawsuit.html?cxntlid=inform_artr

Monday, June 29, 2009

Upholding the Masonic Ideals of Equality and Tolerance

“Mt. Rushmore Lodge No. 220 took the following action at their regularly stated communication on the 25th of June:”

“In light of the events occurring within the Grand Lodge of Georgia and their possible implications for the Universal Brotherhood, the members of Mt. Rushmore Lodge No. 220 present at the regularly stated communication on June 25th have decided to take action by unanimously passing a resolution to request the following of the Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in South Dakota:”

1)”That the Grand Lodge of South Dakota will issue a formal, public statement that it will not accept racial or religious intolerance, prejudice, or bigotry in any of its subordinate lodges.”

2)”That the statement will clearly state that the Grand Lodge of South Dakota believes in upholding the Masonic ideals of equality and tolerance”

3)”That the statement will be issued to all Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota and in the Grand Lodge of South Dakota’s publications including The Masonic Messenger and Grand Lodge website.”

“The Brethren of Mt. Rushmore Lodge No. 220 believe that these recommendations will help the Grand Lodge of South Dakota to become a leader in making Freemasonry a 21st Century fraternity.”

2009 Prince Hall Texas Grand Lodge Session

I always enjoy attending Grand Lodge Session at The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas. We meet twice per year, a four day session in the summer and a two day gathering in the winter.  This year the summer session ran from Thursday June 25^th through Sunday June 28^th.

I was only able to attend the last two days this year on Saturday & Sunday. I missed the various workshops, officers meetings and Past Masters degree for all the new Masters on Thursday along with the Gospel Festival at night.  I also missed the Heroines Prayer Breakfast and the welcoming of all visitors and the bulk of the business conducted by the Grand Lodge on Friday along with the St. John Day Service & Memorial followed by The High Twelve Club dance at night.

Saturday morning is traditionally set aside for the Grand Master’s Allocution followed by election of Grand Lodge officers.  There was no exception this year. The Grand Master told us all that he was so glad to see a full house because he had been worrying about attendance in these tough economic times. Civil economic recession and depression do have a detrimental effect on the Craft. The Grand Master in his sixth Allocution reported on the accomplishments and the losses of the previous year along with the state of the Craft.  Some of his address is private and confidential but I can tell you that he issued three dispensations for the laying of cornerstones, dedicated a Prince Hall cemetery for us in Texas and reported on the raising of 56 Master Masons at the previous Winter Session.  He also had to remind us that Grand Lodge had withdrawn recognition of Texas Prince Hall Shrine.

This Allocution was delivered before the entire Prince Hall Family including the Heroines of Jericho and the OES who also addressed the combined Body. Prince Hall Texas always gathers as a family.  OES conducts their Grand Session on the same days as Grand Lodge does, meeting in the same building and likewise the Heroines of Jericho who hold their Grand Session at the hotel where all who desire have rooms and where all members of the family gather for our banquets.

So Saturday after the Grand Master’s election we elected the Grand Lodge officers for the ensuing term, finished up the business of Grand Lodge, closing in a record early time this year.  Lunch was a feast at the Headquarters Hotel where all three Bodies presented awards to their members and scholarships to deserving high school graduates. I always manage to meet someone new at Grand Session and this year was no exception.  I had a long, enjoyable conversation with four Brothers from El Paso.  I asked them how long a drive it was and they replied nine hours.  Texas is a pretty big state and many come from long distances for Grand Lodge Session.

Saturday night the traditional Masonic Family Banquet is held at the hotel always with a prominent guest speaker.  All members of the Prince Hall family gather to celebrate. It’s open to the public so many bring non member spouses and friends. This year’s speaker was Past Grand Master of South Carolina, Alonzo Haynes.

His message to us centered on, “If we will do our part, God will do his part.” The family banquet opened with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and then opening prayer.  Along the way between some official greetings we were all entertained by two soloists.  The last one had the entire gathering on its feet joining in to the rendition of “I am a Living Testimony.” Grand Master Curtis brief closing remarks followed by prayer closed the Prince Hall Masonic Family Banquet for 2009.  All that was left was a Sunday morning prayer service followed by the Installations of all three Houses.

Grand Master Wilbert M. Curtis

The Honorable Wilbert M. Curtis, Grand Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas, is the type of person not usually found in the Grand East.  He is not loud or flamboyant or a braggadocio.  He is a quiet, gentle man who leads his Grand Lodge with kindness and thoughtfulness. Oh, don’t get me wrong, he can get tough when he has to but by then all other resources have been exhausted and nary a member would disagree with his actions.

This type of leadership is sorely lacking in many jurisdictions of all different Obediences. It is all the rage these days to follow the leadership style of General George S. Patten, but not Grand Master Curtis.  He is a leader totally accessible by any and all members of the Craft. He is a giving person with a good heart who will always be appreciative of what you can do for Freemasonry within the length of your cable tow.  He doesn’t go out of his way to criticize others but would rather gently nudge you along.  He motivates and inspires all of us who know him with his leadership style. Consequently he is a most beloved Grand Master.

None of these qualities equate with weakness or timidness. Grand Master Curtis is a confident, strong leader who has gained national recognition.  He has been elected President of the Conference of Grand Masters, PHA.  He recently was invited to the Northern United Supreme Council (PHA) where he met and had conversation with Sov. Grand Commander John Wm. McNaughton of the Supreme Council, AASR, Northern Jurisdiction, Mainstream.  Soon after he attended a history making event in Tulsa, Oklahoma where the AF & AM Grand Lodge officers and Past Grand Masters attended the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oklahoma. In a time when we read disheartening stories elsewhere of Masonic racial unrest, Grand Master Curtis quietly and confidently forges ahead in building bridges of cooperation among all peoples.

After Grand Lodge Session closed Grand Master Curtis invited me up to his office to see his Commission from the Grand Lodge of England as Representative to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas and the jewel received from the same.  Below are pictures of Grand Master Curtis with these items.

If you ever run into this man, don’t hesitate to stop and say hello for he is very much a man of the people who would enjoy conversing with you.

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