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Another interesting explanation comes from Jewel P. Lightfoot's, "Lightfoot's Commentaries." He purports that St John the Baptist had the second Temple dedicated to him and that St John the Evangelist was initiated into Masonry at an early age and was asked to be Grand Master, but he could not...

Yeah, before King Henry VIII split from the Church, all of England was governed by State Law, Canon Law, and the Ordinances of Religion. Nearly all Christian operative Masons in England would have been "officially" members of the Catholic Church and all Guild activities would have certain...

You know, I've obviously got a problem communicating effectively here. Not sure what I did to piss in your Cheerios (except be an "EA" asking questions [as you so casually put it]). I seem to remember a Brother like yourself not so long ago doing the same thing. But if you take the time to read...

My recent research for a paper I am trying to write shows that in medieval times in Europe (England is my current focus) the Catholic Church was the major influence for the operative Masons. During the building of the Gothic Cathedrals, the Church pretty much ran the show and that was the reason...

I'm not seeing how you are reading into this as me calling Christians closed-minded. But I guess that's your interpretation. But if that's what you thought, it wasn't my intent. Nearly my entire Lodge is SR and Shriners and this is the kind of spiel I get from them. I can only defend something...

Please don't get snippy with me. I'm just a messenger. As I said, I'm planning for this Light. This is a common mentality I've personally witnessed. I've advocated the Chapter and Council to non-Christians. My research has found that it brings the first three degrees full-circle. I'm not the one...

Could a non-Christian Brother (say of Jewish faith) swear to defend Christendom with a Torah also upon the altar? (Or whatever the obligation entails.) Or must it be the Bible (with New Testament) and strictly Christian in nature? I ask not to be annoying (as I am Christian and this discussion...

I guess an interesting comparison could be that Christian Brothers swear an oath relating to "Allah" and such as Shriners. The common explanation that I hear/read is that it is part of the experience and does not literally swear that you are a Muslim, but your oath is to your God (e.g. Krishna...

If I remember correctly from other posts, it is not a "belief" in Christianity that is required--but swearing to defend/uphold Christian values. Is that accurate? If that is the case, a non-Christian could join if desired...or is it overtly Christian in nature so that it would likely offend or...

I have his memoir on my book shelf. Didn't know he is a Brother. Now I'm motivated to read it. May he rest in peace...

It doesn't look like it. It goes as far as nieces and grand-nieces, but doesn't specify "cousins." You could do some family research and try to find an uncle or great-uncle that is/was a Mason. I'd recommend contacting the Grand Chapter of OES directly and see if they've allowed cousins. They...

26...magic number, right Widow? ;-)

That has got to be the coolest signature block ever: "It will serve you well to listen to guys like Cliff Porter." That is pretty friggin' awesome... As has been said before, life and Masonry are truly a personal journey. If you still visit this site, I would encourage you to look into the...

I bought an apron from Brother Ellis from the included link. It took a few weeks, but the quality is good. I bought a white cloth apron with thin white bordering and an S&C embroidered in white on the body of the apron. It is pretty nice and only cost me like $30. I'd recommend them if you're in...

That has to be confusing as hell for the Brethren. I couldn't imagine having to figure out if this guy is a Brother. Get everything vetted through lawful info, just to find out that I can't even communicate with the guy. I must say that we have been blessed in North America with such stability...

Nope, they definitely aren't. I was commenting on another comment. This looks like a positive thing for French Freemasonry.

Congrats Brother! That's very exciting! I remember reading your first post... <sniffle sniffle> ..."he's all grown up!"

Being that the Grand Orient of France is a clandestine body...I don't really care what they think about it. If they stop initiating women and atheists, I may start to care. Frankly this confederation may be a positive thing for French Freemasons, but I'm not too plugged into the details. I may...

Each jurisdiction is a little different. Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma seem to be similar with the questions and answers. I believe California gives the Brother a hand out with questions that they have to research and turn in (not sure if that is in addition to the Q&A). Brother Jones is...

Well the blue trim would take care of identifying officers. Degree work should be plain white aprons, but any othe called meeting or stated meeting would be appropriate for the craziest Masonic designs you want. But if the law is silent on limiting designs and is strict on the blue borders for...