Freemason Lodges in Prison ??

I would rather not deal in hypotheticals. The fact is, that any group can meet, and call themselves "Masonic". The S&C logo is NOT copyrighted. I know a female freemason who lives in northern VA. There is a co-ed lodge in communist Cuba. There are 5 (five) Grand lodges in France (at last count). There are "lodges" that admit atheists.

These groups have been around for many years, and they do not detract anything (IMHO) from legitimate, recognized, regular Masonry. I say let them have their meetings, and let them practice the brotherly (and sisterly) love, relief and truth.

Legitimate, recognized Freemasonry, does not a monopoly on these virtues.

 

And that is -- The Problem!

 

The point of my question about a clandestine lodge claiming to have the genuine secrets is:

- Would the GAOTU agree that a GL without the genuine secrets should have exclusive jurisdiction over Masons in that territory?

 

Not necessarily. Please read:

The United States Patent Office took note of this in 1873. It told a flour manufacturer, and the world. ‘This device, so commonly worn and employed by Masons, has an established mystic significance, universally recognized as existing, whether comprehended by all or not, is not material to this issue. In view of the magnitude of the Masonic organization, it is impossible to divest its symbols, or at least this particular symbol—perhaps the best known of all—of its ordinary significance, wherever displayed." The manufacturer was denied the use of the Square and Compasses as a trade-mark.” (Reference: Allen E. Roberts; “The Craft and its Symbols: Opening the Door to Masonic Symbolism” pg. 12).

The fact that the S&C cannot be copyrighted, enables all of the manufacturers to design the belt buckles, ballcaps, etc.

 

Thanks!

 

Actually, some of them do detract from Regular Freemasonry, deceiving their members as to their regularity.

What is the co-ed Lodge in Cuba?

 

Can someone who has sat in both PHA and other regular Masonic lodges say if the signs are the same ?

 

In this community? I would not be comfortable in doing so.

 

Well a brother has already stated that they were the same in other lodges. I am a mason and in no way would I ever ask a brother to violate their obligation. I don't see answering that question any different than a brother saying its the same in other regular lodges

 

Any offers?

 

I usually question such posts but I will pass on this one.

 

To answer that question -- we have to decide who is the -- GAOTU.
Cause -- it varies & depends on the freemason's "confession", IMHO.

 

Or if there is a GAOTU.

 

If you don't believe in the GAOTU, then you shouldn't be or ever become a freemason. It's quite simple.

 

Doesn't get any more simple....

 

To be clear, I believe in a GAOTU. The comment was glib, although I don't think it was communicated correctly over text to read that way. Consider it retracted.

 

I guess the question is just too hard.

 

Why would the GAOTU bother him/herself with such things?

 

Why would the GAOTU bother with Freemasonry at all?

 

Kinda like, what grand lodge do you belong to?