It had to happen sooner or later. It was only a matter of time. All the racism, homophobia, regulations reminiscent of the US Army, the jockeying for power, the behind the scenes maneuvering, “the smoke filled rooms,’ elections that are a sham, dictatorial tyranny, expulsions without a Masonic trial, pulling of Lodge charters and closing down Lodges for no good reason, refusal to Recognize, withdrawals of Recognition, muzzling of Masonic intercourse, charges of irregularity and clandestine activity, Grand Lodges stealing local Lodge’s property and assets, the blackballing of expelled Masons from every Grand Lodge in the world, secret ballots that kept out blacks but let in the KKK, Freemasonry hijacked by Christian only Masons in some quarters and by secular Masons in other quarters. It seems to mimic our civil politics where one special interest group vies for control and funds versus other special interest groups and where they all proclaim – “It has to be done this way and this way only!”
Why?
That’s the question that Stephen Quest is asking. Why does it have to be done only one way? If we are a fraternity of diversity in makeup why can we not be a fraternity in diversity of practice? If some Masons want to form a Christian only Lodge and others want to form an atheist Lodge, as long as they are adhering to the principles of Freemasonry and actually practicing Freemasonry, why can’t they both go ahead and do what they want? If another group of Masons wants to operate a men’s only Lodge and yet still another group wants to admit women while a third Lodge wants to be women only, why not?
Now no matter what was and what is it is ever changing. And to say that no changes from the Ancient Charges have ever been made or ever can be made is just foolish. One only has to look at “Revolutionary Brotherhood” by scholar Steven Bullock to see how Freemasonry can evolve. The plain fact is that Freemasonry’s violation of civil and gender rights will not forever be permitted by our civil government. Sooner or later the strong arm of the law will intervene and literally meet Governor Faubus at the school house door, to make an analogy, and override Masonic code. You know it, I know it and Stephen Quest knows it.
Initiated 19 August 1981, Passed 30 September 1981, and Raised 28 October 1981 in Gray Lodge Houston TX, Quest became a member of the Houston Scottish Rite Bodies, Ruthven Commandery, Arabia Shrine Temple and Bluebell Chapter OES. Subsequent dual memberships in various lodges around the country notably Glacier Lodge Anchorage, AK and Central Arizona Lodge Sedona, AZ. He was a founding member of Scientia Coronati Research Lodge.
In 2008 Quest withdrew all memberships to affiliate with The Grand Orient of the United States of America.
Quest has withdrawn from the GOUSA after finding the same “Grand Lodge mentality” that has so much characterized Mainstream Masonry.
“Freemasonry doesn’t work anymore,” proclaims Quest. “It’s time for a new paradigm,” he adds. “I don’t buy into this anymore. It’s got to devolve back to local Lodge control.”
And this is precisely the problem in Freemasonry today. It has evolved from a bottom up organization to a top down one that feeds on power and control. At a much earlier time in the history of the Craft, Grand Lodges sat at the will and pleasure of local Lodges wherein the power was concentrated. Today local Lodges sit at the will and pleasure of the Grand Master and owe their very existence to him. One might say we have entered a Masonic era of the cult of personality rather than the assimilation and practice of a philosophy.
This is why Freemasonry is dying, Quest admonishes us. Today’s younger generation are not joining Masonry in large numbers. Many come, he says, to pay their dues and get their ring never to show up again inside a Lodge building. Perhaps it’s because today’s young will not be dictated to. They will not be treated like children. They will not associate with racists or become part of an organization that refuses to open its doors to Black African Americans.
Quest has had two major mentors in his Masonic journey. First in his investigation of Freemasonry prior to joining he fell in love with the works of Manley P. Hall and the words of this author have imprinted onto his spirit a certain guidance system. Later on Dave Daugherty and his organization the “Knights Of Freemasonry Universal,” (KOFU) served as inspiration and a model for the path he has chosen. Daugherty went on to form the “Masonic Peace Institute,” whose mission finds it intertwined into the thoughts of Quest.
When Quest finally came to the decision that the only course of action left was a complete break with traditional Freemasonry, he blended the philosophy of Hall with the vision and mission of the Knights of Freemasonry Universal and the Masonic Peace Institute to form the Foundation Of Universal Freemasonry (FOUF).
FOUF is a Confederation of Independent Masonic Lodges. Quest calls it the ultimate Masonic paradigm.
“Universal Freemasonry has previously been considered an abstract philosophical concept, The Masonic Ideal to possibly be achieved by future generations. The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry, Inc. has created a new dynamic devolving Masonic authority back down to the Lodge level from whence it came. Gone is the former quagmire of jurisdiction, recognition and regularity. Here now is Fellowship, Equality and Freedom.”
Quest now in Machesney Park, Illinois and working in Wisconsin has formed a 501c(10) corporation for the purpose of chartering Independent Masonic Lodges. “I’m not going to wait for my grandchildren to solve this problem,” says Quest. “We need a new dynamic to recharge Freemasonry into a 21st century revitalization, one that respects the individual Mason.”
The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry makes few demands on Lodges it charters. It requires that a minimum of three Master Masons apply for a charter. Once granted the new Lodge must submit its ritual, by-laws and yearly dues of $52. It also must agree that in any matter of disputes as a Lodge that it must submit to a conflict resolution arbitration process provided by FOUF. It must also submit a yearly report. That’s it. Each chartered Lodge can operate under the nonprofit umbrella of the 501c(10) of FOUF.
In forming this Confederation Quest has tried to make it very clear, very plain and very simple that this is not to be a battle or feud with traditional Freemasonry. We are not at war, he would say, we are at peace. Quest would endorse the words of Abraham Lincoln:
“With malice toward none, with charity for all, …let us strive on to finish the work we are in, …to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations (Grand Lodges).”
He makes that very plain in his statement of Principles:
The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry hereby unilaterally declares itself and its members to be in a state of amity and solidarity with all Freemasons whithersoever dispersed around the globe, regardless of reciprocation.
The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry, while renouncing all previous systems of jurisdiction, recognition and regularity as being archaic and harmful to the full expression of the Masonic Ideal, hereby unilaterally declares itself and its members to be in a state of harmony and peaceful co-existence with all present and future Masonic organizations, regardless of reciprocation.
Today’s Freemasonry operates much like civilly our states did before the Federal Union. In the early years of our country states would affix a tariff on goods coming in from other states. Of course the formation of the United States did away with operating in this manner. Now Quest wants to break down barriers in Freemasonry that serve no particular purpose other than to insulate those in power from responsibility, accountability and the observance of individual Masonic freedom and Rights. The politics of Freemasonry and its method of governance is not Freemasonry. Rather it is the principles of Freemasonry and its philosophy and daily practice in the world that really is Freemasonry and Quest’s quest is a free expression thereof without hierarchical hindrance that will truly make Freemasonry universal. And the result will be a truly free Freemasonry with a national American identity not Freemasonry owing allegiance to 51 different fiefdoms.
Statement of Principles
The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry, Inc.
A Confederation of Independent Masonic Lodges
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the Masonic family is the foundation of Universal Freemasonry, and
Whereas disregard and contempt for these rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of our Fraternity, and the advent of a world in which all Freemasons shall enjoy freedom of speech, belief and association has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the Masonic Ideal, and
Whereas it is essential, if a Freemason is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that freedom of speech, belief and association should be protected by a common unifying influence, and
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between all members of the Masonic family, and
Whereas the members of The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry have in their founding documents reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of fellowship in larger freedom, and
Whereas the members of The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry have pledged themselves to achieve the promotion of Universal Freemasonry and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now therefore, The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry proclaims this Statement of Principles as a common standard of achievement for all Freemasons, to the end that every individual Freemason and every Masonic Lodge, keeping this statement constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the members of this organization and among Freemasons of all Obediences.
Article 1. The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry hereby unilaterally declares itself and its members to be in a state of amity and solidarity with all Freemasons whithersoever dispersed around the globe, regardless of reciprocation.
Article 2. The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry, while renouncing all previous systems of jurisdiction, recognition and regularity as being archaic and harmful to the full expression of the Masonic Ideal, hereby unilaterally declares itself and its members to be in a state of harmony and peaceful co-existence with all present and future Masonic organizations, regardless of reciprocation.
Article 3. All Freemasons are created equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of love, peace and harmony.
Article 4. All Freemasons are entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Statement of Principles, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, gender, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Article 5. All Freemasons have the right of freedom of association, freedom of visitation and freedom of membership in any and all organizations as their interests guide them.
Article 6. All Freemasons have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his or her religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his or her religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Article 7. All Freemasons have the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Article 8. All Freemasons are entitled in full equality to a fair hearing by an independent mediator, in the determination of his or her rights and obligations and of any charge against them.
Article 9. The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry shall issue Warrants of Dispensation to form Chapters upon application by any one Master Mason.
Article 10. The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry shall issue Charters to form Lodges and make Masons upon application by any three Master Masons.
Article 11. As the Lodge is the fundamental organizational unit of Freemasonry, Lodges chartered by The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry shall operate according to their own adopted By-Laws free from interference.
Article 12. Lodges chartered by The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry shall be religious, secular, masculine, feminine or mixed-gender according to the desires of its members.
Article 13. Lodges chartered by The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry shall be free to adopt its own Masonic Ritual and work in any language.
Article 14. Members of Lodges chartered by The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry agree to submit to a conflict resolution process to be established by an impartial mediation panel. The services of the mediation panel will be available to all Freemasons regardless of their Jurisdiction, Obedience, or Constitution.
Article 15. All Freemasons are encouraged to participate in the social and cultural life of the community and all Lodges chartered by The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry shall adopt at least one project per year that benefits the community as a whole outside of Lodge activities.
Article 16. Lodges chartered by The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry shall be open to visitation by all Master Masons regardless of their Jurisdiction, Obedience, or Constitution, subject to a pledge of silence regarding the workings of the Lodge.
Article 17. There shall be an Annual Communication of The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry which will rotate geographically. At least one day of the meeting shall be open to the public for recognition and participation of all interested Masonic visitors.
Article 18. The Annual Communication of The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry shall have an Altar upon which will be placed A Blank Book and The World Scriptures.
Article 19. The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry hereby adopts The Declaration of the Masonic Peace Institute as a part of this document.
Declaration of the Masonic Peace Institute
To: All Inhabitants on Earth
We, the members and supporters of the Masonic Peace Institute,
are committed to the peaceful coexistence of all peoples
no matter where dispersed
To this end we will toil spreading the cement of love and affection throughout humanity
We will work with any like-minded individuals and/or groups, no matter their nationality, culture, color, sex, language, rank, race, residence, or religion
We furthermore, affirm and promote:
The equal dignity and rights of all people
The pursuit of peace, liberty, justice, and compassion for all
The right to the values of enlightenment, through
education and unbiased information
Peaceful conflict resolution
Truth as expressed in all cultures
and recognized by all human beings
Taking responsibility for the consequence of all action,
processes and understanding
The truth as expressed in all religions, philosophy and cultures,
but proselytizing none
The men & women, of all times and from all nations, who have promoted
or do now, promote peaceful civilization
The principles of equality found in the theories of democracy,
without proselytizing any political agenda, action or system
To these ends we will act to:
Establish relations with other national and international peace
organizations
Participate in worldwide events representing the humanitarian
vision of democracy and peace
Conduct surveys or research and disseminate information
Become involved in peace processes where possible, proposing,
participating in, and supporting peace talks and conflict resolution
Support like minded individuals and organizations
May Love, Peace and Harmony Prevail
Article 20. The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry, Inc. has been formed as a 501(c)10
Non-Profit Corporation under the laws of the State of Wisconsin and of the United States of America, dedicated to the cause of Universal Freemasonry and service to the community.
Article 21. This Statement of Principles shall be incorporated into all founding documents including Warrants of Dispensation and Lodge Charters and shall forever stand as written.
Dated this 11th day of February 2011 at Madison Wisconsin, United States of America.
I have a good friend and Brother in Canada heavily ensconced in its Grand Lodge system, who after reviewing the mess in Arkansas and West Virginia had this to say:
Looking at a lot of the complaints against this or that Grand Lodge, and the rising tides of frustration, it becomes increasingly persuasive to consider ditching the Grand Lodge System entirely, and having like-minded Masons simply create independent, individually Masonically sovereign lodges, as was the case before the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717.
The ancient, “immemorial right” would be exercised. In fact, there is US precedent: George Washington’s lodge, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, was I believe an independent lodge…
Imagine Masonic life and lodges with no Grand anyone, no Grand Lodge rules to follow, and no levies or dues to Grand Lodge. Imagine a Masonic lodge entirely self-governing in ritual, business, regalia, membership and all other Masonic activities….
The concept could also be applied nationally, in which case one would create an Independent United States Lodge, and it would meet, say once every two months, in different locations around the country.
Now, there is a truly revolutionary concept. To coin a phrase, “If this be treason, make the most of it!”
Maybe just maybe if it is time for Mubarak in Egypt to go it is time for 51 power hungry Grand Lodges to go. For under its present constitution today, Freemasonry will not take its philosophy seriously nor will it allow its bonding to become universal. But the Foundation Of Universal Freemasonry will.
We leave you with a charge. Isn’t that how all great Masonic gatherings are ended? This charge by Stephen Quest himself will hopefully inspire you to open new doors in the practice of this ancient and beautiful Craft we call Freemasonry.
The Building Of King Solomon’s Third Temple
by Stephen Quest
The Temple is in rubble, the Crafts are in confusion, and all hope appears to
have been lost. For those Craftspersons who have been traveling the road to
Jerusalem for any length of time at all, it is not that difficult to understand
the reason why. Freemasonry was never intended to be practiced from the
top down or bottom up, and as a result neither of those methods have ever
been successful in bringing the Fraternity to realize its full potential, nor will
they ever be. Freemasonry is not about rules and regulations; it is a matter
of the heart. Freemasonry was intended to be practiced upon the level.
Before the Third Temple of King Solomon can be built the foundation must
be laid, and before the foundation can be laid the ground must be leveled.
All any true Freemason desires is to have the freedom to practice what is
felt in the heart and to have a place to do it. We stand at the threshold of a
dream. Although our principals are timeless, if we do not step boldly into the
future, the full potential of our beloved Freemasonry may be relegated to the
dust bin of historic lore. While the world is quickly moving forward our Crafts
are being left behind. However all hope has not been lost. The system that
appears to be a stumbling block to our progress is actually the stepping
stone into our future. There exists the prerogative to introduce Freemasonry
to its destiny by fiat. Who among you having Freemasonry in your heart, will
also have the courage of your convictions? Who among you will be the FIRST
to put down the setting maul and pick up the trowel?
Yet another new comer who beleives he has found the answers, and started a new order. “Empty systems of philosophy come and go like Shadows upon the water”
There is nothing wrong with traditional freemasony, There are problems with a lot of the people that joined it. The west gate was left unguarded and many cowens have crept in and occupied the stations once held by honorable men. I do agree that the Local lodges are the seat of power, if such a thing exist in masonry. However I prefer to call it the “Seat of learning”
Yet, if Quest is not happy, with his sojourn in tradition Freemasonry, tis his liberty to begin a new order. However I already see a problem, the above article speaks of incorporation. That involves government. The only government masonry needs is a wise WM at the helm of each lodge, one who is there not the climb to fame but to lead the brethren of the lodge to teach the tenents of freemasony.
I wish Stephen Quest all the best, but I will stick with that which has taught me well for over 34 years and is still teaching me to live my life based on proven and true principles.
Politics and politicians also come and go like shadows upon the water, in masonry as well as in the public. In time all things revert back to a moral system but only after a devastating declinie forces it to happen, and people have to learn to depend on each other and not the law.
Its an interesting gesture, but my guess is that it dosen’t have much muster.
Competition is usually a good thing in an interested marketplace I just don’t think that there is as robust a market as some may think. Also, to present any competition, the new “product” needs to have some greater value add. it needs to appeal to the market segment in a way the other product dosen’t, and I’m not seeing that here.
Just re-doing Masonry is just re-doing whats already been done.
And…at the moment, this seems like the only thing being offered is a new Grand Lodge and not a new way to “do” Masonry.
It seems premature to start a confederation of lodges with no lodges, sort of like putting the cart before the horse.
“Article 2. The Foundation of Universal Freemasonry, while renouncing all previous systems of jurisdiction, recognition and regularity as being archaic and harmful to the full expression of the Masonic Ideal, hereby unilaterally declares itself and its members to be in a state of harmony and peaceful co-existence with all present and future Masonic organizations, regardless of reciprocation.”
With no apparent standards of what Freemasonry is, will the Foundation charter anybody? I predict problems with that approach, which borders on anarchy. This article implies that all constituent lodges will have to accept all visitors claiming to be masons, regardless of the group they are involved with.
The concept of universal recognition while sounding ideal, in practice would allow anybody to buy an apron and declare they are a mason. In practice, why have closed meetings, passwords, or even ballot on prospective candidates? Anyone is a mason if they decide they are by such a concept. Three friends get together, buy aprons and decide they are a “lodge”. Advocates of universal recognition if they followed their idea to it’s logical conclusion, would have to accept them into their lodge as fellow masons.
History has shown time and time again that Utopian ideas don’t work in practice. Neither will this.
Oh boy, just one more charge, “Masons are at it it again, to rule the world.”
take a good look at your Article 4, and others as well. God Bless you my Brother
Quest.
Hiram Art
With no apparent standards of what Freemasonry is, will the Foundation charter anybody?
You missed the part where each Lodge applying for a charter had to submit its ritual and by-laws in order to obtain one. Obviously if the ritual does not mirror any of the current Masonic rituals used in the world or is made up junk and if the by-laws do not show a basic allegiance to Masonic principles, then the application cannot be considered seriously.
The fact that the charterer has not a long set of rules and regulations and exact qualifications does not preclude the applicants from having such.
The idea here is to return control and decision-making to the individual Lodge. This is how it was before 1717 and even after local Lodges had most of the power for centuries.
So what is legit and what is bogus? I asked my Minister that question one time. I queered, – where do we draw the line between religion and a cult? Some of these faiths seem a bit far out. Is Scientology really a religion? He said it is like a baseball game . The team can score a run with a single, stolen base, bunt and a sacrifice fly or the batter can hit a home run. Different ways of doing things but the same end result. As long as the ball is in the field of play – within the foul lines – then the play is legitimate. But a foul ball is out-of-bounds and doesn’t count. It’s illegitimate.
There are many different ways to govern Freemasonry. But it still needs to meet some basic criterion. The Grand Lodge system is one way. There are other legitimate ways – yet many refuse to accept that.
Freemasonry is not its structure, buildings or method of government. Neither is a religion its structure, buildings or government. We are dealing here with a body of thought, a philosophy, principles and a way of life.
It would seem to me that the 21st century is all about choices.
Peter, I think you underscore the problem well. The caveat is, as it likely was with the “first” Masons, which came first – the Masons or the lodge? What’s to keep three individuals from coming together, administering the rituals to one another, and then proclaiming themselves Freemasons? It is anarchistic but isn’t that precisely what the first Masons who gathered under the Masonic name did? Once that happens, who’s to say what “is” or “isn’t” legitimate unless it comes with some paper or authenticity?
Thank you Beehive and Greg for your comments. I understand both your points, but I still maintain that there needs to be some way of determining what is legitimate Freemasonry. Granted, in the beginning a few individuals started it, but since they founded “it”, that is what Freemasonry is.
What I have found to be the most useful measure of what constitutes legitimate Freemasonry is the pedigree; namely, a descent (lineage) from the Premier Grand Lodge of England. Even the Grand Orient of France, and through them, LDH, the Feminine Grand Lodge of France, and others, can trace their origins.
Other than the Women and Theism issues, there are no real differences in belief and practice. The rites in use developed in the early period of Freemasonry, as well as the symbols and their application.
Granted, three guys with aprons and Duncun’s could start a lodge that is regular in it’s practices and beliefs, but they would be lacking what, for lack of a better word, would be an “apostolic succession” of sorts. It takes masons to make masons; those masons were made masons in a “just and perfect lodge” and so on, all the way back to the founding of speculative Freemasonry.
A combination of lineage, and proper ritual, practice, and most importantly, masonic teachings, is the only standard that I can see that accurately defines a legitimate masonic body.
I am not opposed to the idea of independent lodges and a confederation of the same. My concern is that in an effort to get this particular organization off the ground, the standards will be lowered. Freemasonry is “a body of thought, a philosophy, principles and a way of life.” There are several groups around at the moment that claim the title of Freemason under the tired mantra of “nobody speaks for Freemasonry”, that do not embody these principles.
“You missed the part where each Lodge applying for a charter had to submit its ritual and by-laws in order to obtain one. Obviously if the ritual does not mirror any of the current Masonic rituals used in the world or is made up junk and if the by-laws do not show a basic allegiance to Masonic principles, then the application cannot be considered seriously.”
Dear Beehive, my concern is that, like so many recent attempts at recreating Freemasonry, unsuitable applications in the end will be taken seriously in an effort to gain members.
P.S. The Principles and the Declaration, “All Inhabitants on Earth”, sound similar to the pompous “We hear-by issue in a new era,” of Cofield’s ludicrous “1613 Nation.” Read his “manifesto”: http://www.1613nation.org/the-1613-manifesto.php
Sounds awfully similar to me.
Peter I appreciate the feedback.
I would point to the fact that the Foundation Of Universal Freemasonry states that the way a new Lodge will be formed is by 3 Master Masons applying for a charter. Well if they are Master Masons than they were raised by a Grand Lodge somewhere. So the pedigree is there to start with. If the Lodge proceeds to induct new members it will be, then, Masons made by Masons.
There is no attempt here to remake Freemasonry in regards to its principles or ritual. This group isn’t being formed to rewrite Freemasonry. It only wishes to exist within a sytem that has no Grand Lodges which is a very traditional way of practicing Freemasonry.
Lodges will belong to a loose Confederation much like our American states existed under the Articles of Confederation before the US Constitution was adopted. Changing the style of government is not changing Freemasonry. It is getting rid of the bureaucracy and maze of rules and regulations which in many cases actually inhibit Freemasonry from blossoming to its full potential.
The fact that the Association isn’t going to define Freemasonry nor publish a grandiose Constitution with tight control from the top down is precisely the reason it is being formed. Those involved in this endeavor all have a great pedigree to bring to the table. They just don’t have permission from the pedigree makers to form apart.
Masonry has gotten itself into a fix precisely because it is a monopoly. And like any other monopoly it tends to abuse its power. The landscape is littered with the bodies of unjustly and unfairly expelled former Masons and Lodges who have been forced to close by Mussolini clones in the Grand Master’s chair who have rigged the system to give them absolute power.
You only have to look at the Grand Lodges of Arkansas and West Virginia to see the typical prototype run amuck. The failure of American Freemasonry to police itself is the failure of the governmental apparatus of American Mainstream Freemasonry. And that style of government is the only thing that the Foundation Of Universal Freemasonry desires to change.
Yes, there have been many problems as a result of dictatorial Grand Lodges. Certainly there is a lot to be said about giving greater autonomy to the local lodges.
I am still concerned “…that the Association isn’t going to define Freemasonry…” which I think could result in many problems. They have to have some definition I would think.
Do you think it appropriate for a lodge of three MM to conduct initiations, passings and raisings? I was under the impression that in a regular lodge more were needed to fill the positions in the ritual. Is this another innovation to allow a fringe organization to fill it’s ranks? (This is an actual question; I am not being facetious).
In my obedience ( and I am not saying we are the only one’s that have the right way), it is impossible to enter, pass and raise with only three MM.
I fully support the concept of greater freedom for the lodges. I appreciate what your friend had to say:
“Imagine a Masonic lodge entirely self-governing in ritual, business, regalia, membership and all other Masonic activities….”
Sounds good in theory, but again, I believe that some universal standards have to apply. Ritual, regalia, and membership criteria require some standardization, or it’s “anything goes” A rite of Apollo, silver aprons with green all-seeing eyes; one lodge requires a year of education between degrees, another enters, passes, and raises in one weekend and many more variations that could cause problems between lodges.
It will be interesting to see how things develop in this particular case, since no lodges have signed on, and the founder is not a member of any lodge at present that I am aware of. It would make more sense if several existing lodges actually got together to do this as a common effort. Let’s see what happens.
P.S. This is purely speculation on my part, but this is how I can see this playing out:
No regular lodges are going to pull a Halcyon and come on board. Quest will most likely find several individuals that are interested and, since he is not a member of a lodge at present, they will form an internet lodge, (skype?) since it is unlikely they will even live in the same state.
Eventually a couple people here, and a couple people there, will come on board, and two or so 2-3 people lodges in different parts of the country will claim existence. Bingo! The Foundation exists with several lodges.
I apologize Beehive and Greg if I sound sarcastic. It’s just the way I see things playing out. None of the several members will realize the dream of being able to visit any other lodges, regular, or liberal. I doubt even the GOUSA would let them visit, considering Quest’s history with Peace.
Actually what he is proposing is very similar to what the UGLA/GOUSA started out claiming to be:
Lodges free to work any ritual they want (that ended with Euclid and the RER), no tyrannical GM’s able to expel a member without a trial (that ended too, as well as Grand Officers being fired by the GM).
We quickly forget what the UGLA/GOUSA claimed it wanted several years back. Didn’t work out that way.
I wish Mr. Quest no ill will. I am curious to see what happens down the road.
Just don’t forget the approximate 7,000 expelled Masons, most of them unjustly and unfairly so, who would be open to reviving their Masonic experience. This is going to be a concept started by individuals, formed by individuals and grown by individuals. No one involved in this new attempt sees whole Lodges coming on board.
Sounds to me like a idea from the baby booming I hate the Establishment generation. Sorry, I don’t think our fraternity should be affected by the degenerate culture of the outside world. I’m fed up with the lawsuits against Grand Lodges, the smear campaign run on the web against our institutions and the movement to mainstream our fraternity with the ways of outside day to day society. I joined this organization because its old fashioned/traditional. Its a privilege to be a member not a right. If you don’t like it leave, change lodges, or find a clandestine body to be a member of. I don’t agree with every GM but their term is short. Suing a Bro is unmasonic conduct and deserves expulsion for so doing, if not by the GM, then by the individuals Lodge itself. This seems to be problem from the outside world brought inside our house. That if you don’t get your way, right away, we will sue and force our changes on you whether you like it or not. Its time we remember above all, we are a fraternity. Not a charity house like the Lions, not a school, not a social club, but a private fraternity. Leave your quarrels at the door and meet on the level.
Dear Beehive,
I notice that the Foundation is open to women masons and, I assume, non-theists as well. That is no problem as far as I am concerned, since my obedience is Co-masonic, and does not require a belief in deity, but the 7,000 expelled masons that you mention were members of regular Anglo-American Freemasonry.
How many of them would be willing to accept women and atheists as fellow masons in the confederation to be able to revive their masonic experience. They would not be able to simply argue that they are part of regular Freemasonry freed from dictatorial Grand Lodges. They would actually be joining liberal, GO type Freemasonry (which I already belong to myself).
Don’t you feel that this would be a problem for at least some of them?
You are assuming all Lodges will be the same which may or may not be true. An independent Lodge has its choice who will be members, that’s the beauty of it. The bureaucracy up above is not requiring it be anything other than practicing Freemasonry. So if a group of Masons want men only they form a men’s only Lodge. Another group may wish to admit women so they form that type of Lodge. There is no one right way that all must subscribe to. The only thing that the Confederation will be insisting on is that a Lodge is really practicing Freemasonry. That is why it calls for a submission of ritual and by-laws and a yearly report. Pretty simple requirements but just enough to keep out the people who do actually want to rewrite and remake Freemasonry.
Dear Beehive,
But my understanding is that each lodge belonging to the confederation would have to accept the validity of the other member lodges and accept them as visitors. Do you see the potential problem with that which I was pointing out? If a member lodge wanted to be as “regular” as possible, i.e., belief in Deity, male only, they would have to accept as visitors female atheist members from another lodge of the confederation as I understand Quest’s proposals.
Here we go again. How long before Mr. Cofield incorporates this into his 1613 fantasy? There is only one real Freemasonry, and this ain’t it!
As much as I enjoy reading MP Hall his masonic writings were written decades before he became a mason and he admitted years later that his early writings were incorrect. Seems like a strange source to base a “system” of Freemasonry on. Btw,The two lodges that I attend are growing steadily and the SR Valley I belong to has seen its membership begin to expand. “Mainstream” Freemasonry in my state is doing well so as far as your new organization,well,good luck with that!
Oh how I love to watch institutionalized minds groan on and on about what is and what isn’t “genuine” Freemasonry. It used to be sad, but now it is just so damned funny that they have missed the entire original concept.
Like Premier GL grew out of the ground, or was instituted by God or some other fictionalized , romantic utter B.S.
Every single one of you, mainstream or not are decedents of something that was MADE UP by people who CHOSE to MAKE IT UP.
That’s the reality, now quit crying.
I wish Mr. Quest all the best. May him and his be fulfilled in their work and may their communities be made better because of it.
1613
IN LVX,
Brad Cofield
A Gathering Storm In Arkansas
http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/2011/02/gathering-storm-in-arkansas.html
Mr Cofield,I’m not sure what you think I said that resembled “crying”.Compared to the whining and BS that you put up in print,well,I’ll just leave it at that.
Steven,
Get over it dude. No one owns Freemasonry.It is within the rights of Steve Quest and others to do as they wish. I support his right to individual freedom as I do yours. Too bad you don’t see this.
Enjoy what you do, and be happy.
1613
IN LVX,
Brad
Which is exactly why I wished them goodluck. While I am “mainstream” I have no problem with others having a different approach[I rather enjoying reading through the other rites,even M& M]. However the sweeping statement was made that “Freemasonry doesn’t work anymore”. In fact it is working quite well for tens of thousands of us and I believe my original reply was quite gentle. Your reply on the other hand was coarse and common. Of course,I should consider the source……..
Steven, I never say mainstream Masonry doesn’t work. Or at leats that has not been my position for some time. If you want a civic, social club for men, mainstream Freemasonry fits that bill quite well.
In fact wish them well also.
It is those who attempt to restrict the freedom of others that I have an issue with.
Be well and prosper.
1613
IN LVX,
Brad
Sorry for the typo.
Hmmmm,A “civic social club” is correct but only partially. In my area we have a strong networking of masons with an esoteric bent. Our degree and ritual work reflect that and our study groups are amazing.And yet almost every “irregular” mason that I have communicated with tries to tell me the opposite.Strange.Peace and health,steve
Well Steve, I’m not an “irregular” Mason so I can’t help you with that specific problem. If you are happy in your lodge more power to you. may the G.A.O.T.U. bless you in all you do, may you live life by three simple steps.
1613
IN LVX,
Brad
High fiber diet?……No problem,thus no need of help. Quite happy,thanks! Same to you.Memento mori,steve
AS USUAL=====BLA BLA BLA======BE MEN====THINK BEFORE YOU TALK===THE WORLD IS GOING TO HELL===WHAT IS THE BEST FOR FREEMASONRY====COURAGE=======IM NOT AFRAID OF A G.L.===THAT EXPELLED ME WITH OUT A TRIAL–ARKANSAS—LETS GIVE THIS NEW IDEA TIME======LETS NOT===JUMP INTO == MY DOGS BIGGER THAN YOUS==CHILDREN PLAYS GAMES=WE ARE MEN—MASONS—INSTEAD OF TRYING TO CUT ONE ANOTHER DOWN—THINK WITH PATIANCE—WHY IS THIS HAPPENING ANY WAY—-RONALD CHASTEEN—EXPELLED BY JASPER 21 LODGE UNMASONICALLY–DENIEAD A TRIAL BY G.L. OF ARKANSAS
Looks like they are already defunct.
I am finding this out in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as Freemasonry: There are always a few disgruntled “members” of a Lodge, Grand Body or Martial Arts Academy that jump from one place to another, always bitching about the present place, changing to a new place, groing disgruntled again, voicing it, and then moving on again, and then doing it all over again. I found a BJJ place that I like, fits my needs and I never complain, just like in Lodge and Masonry now. No bitching or whining from me about either of these extra curricular activities that I voluntarily choose to engage in. The only thing I take serious and will voice up on in an intense manner is when people attack me or my brethren with lies, outside of that, I am so content that that is why I no longer NEED electronic fellowship anymore! I have found what I was looking for!
Sorry to all of those who did not find what they were looking for in the GOUSA. Life’s a Bitch?! Amity is over rated too……… Good Luck fella’s.. life away from the computer has been much more rewarding and enlightening. Putting on events, whether MMA, Belly Dancing, Concerts or just rentals, it brings revenue into an historical building, as well as gives opportunity to the brethren to do charity work and have fellowship with each other. Brothers from other states drive into town to participate, Lodge at the Temple, then go home feeling enlightened for the experience of Laboring in the Halcyon quarries…… Don’t go away and make noise, just go away……. To all my masonic fellows who Labor Hard and Refresh Hard: ‘Stay Thirsty My Friends’………….