Masonic Favoritism

Brethren, it is frequently said among the pubic, as well as among certain brethren, that masons favor each other as opposed to those who are not affiliated. It has been my experience that this is true, to an extent. one of the lesson of masonry is that of integrity, it is left to the brethren to use the square (wisdom) and the compass (moderation) to determine whether or not they should reap the benefits masonry has to offer. I have found that there are both tangible and intangible benefits obtained by masons through membership. it is essential that we help and look out for one another, as well as each others families, widows, and orphans. we as masons have obligations to do so, however it is only to whom we "deem worthy". this is how those who seek membership to gain wealth, honors, etc. become disinterested and leave. good men help good men, whose intentions are pure.


Bro. Joshua Basilio Martinez
Anchor Lodge # 424, San Antonio, Texas

".....such persons, when associated together, will naturally seek each others welfare and happiness equally with their own." Is this not true with most groups?

For the most part, I don't see anything nefarious about this. It's generally human nature to stick with what you know. If you were in a situation having to pick between a Mason and a non-Mason, it could be a determining factor, not out of direct favoritism, but because you know the Mason has good qualities about him.

My brother-in-law is not a mason.

I knew him long before I was a Mason.

He is an auto mechanic. I let him work on my car because I know he is not going to rip me off.

I guess I am a bad person because I do no throw my business to people I don't know and keep business with those I do know.

My friend is a real estate appraiser (non mason). I'm appealing my taxes this year. I guess I wont use him because it is foul play to stay with those you know and trust.

The anti's do not think of this and automatically think we choose masons because we have to. We don't have to use a fellow mason's business. However if I did not have a brother in law who was a mechanic and I knew a mason who was, guess who I would speak to about a repair before opening the phone book (do they still make those?)


Edited: An anecdote to go along with this.

My pool guy has been closing my pool for years. Every season I use him to blow out the lines, add the chemicals and put the cover on. He charged me 220 a season.

The night I went to the lodge to meet everyone and eventually petition I saw my pool guy who is a PM of my lodge and those who work with him on the weekends to get all the closings he has scheduled completed on time.

Fast forward to becoming a Master Mason and an officer of the lodge.

My pool closing was still 220. I never expected a discount and never asked for one.

The plus side? His business contributes to the lodge (anonymously) and those funds help Masons and non masons alike. We donated money to a non masonic family last winter so they could keep the heat on amongst other charities we gave to.

Edited out snide comments!

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Bro Book