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The Grand Lodge Of Arkansas Continues Its Masonic Purge

Squire Bentley

Premium Member
You have stated the case well for a legally expelled Mason for a valid Masonic reason. But what you have failed to take into consideration which destroys your argument is that if the Grand Lodge illegally expelled a Mason for an unmasonic reason then what you are asking the Appendant Body to do is sanction the illegality immorality and unmasonic behavior of the Grand Lodge’s action. You are asking the Shrine to become co-conspirators in a crime.

And when they refuse to do so you want to convict them.
 

Zack

Registered User
You have stated the case well for a legally expelled Mason for a valid Masonic reason. But what you have failed to take into consideration which destroys your argument is that if the Grand Lodge illegally expelled a Mason for an unmasonic reason then what you are asking the Appendant Body to do is sanction the illegality immorality and unmasonic behavior of the Grand Lodge’s action. You are asking the Shrine to become co-conspirators in a crime.

And when they refuse to do so you want to convict them.


Crime????
 

widows son

Premium Member
I have, and I'm not agreeing with either party. Like the letter said " “Ego, ambition, politics, wealth, domination, power and superiority are the driving forces behind all wars and even disagreements between two people. Master Masters are supposed to be above all of this. Question: What came you here to do? Answer: To learn to subdue my passions and improve myself in Masonry. Are we learning to subdue our passions here? No, we are learning how to dominate others. " both parties are guilty of this. Unfortunately.
 

ardiverdown

Registered User
Just to add, this is not the first time the GLofA has been in the news recent years. Just search the web and you will see other incidents and their webpage was shut down some time ago.
 

Plustax

Registered User
So the common denominator for all this appears to be GLoA? Could very well be. I wonder why nothing has been done about that (such as investigations of unprofessional/unmasonic conduct)? It it because they are too high up the food chain to be questioned (kinda like our Congress)? Just like many other types of problems in large organizations..... if it happens once (maybe twice) then it could just be a "personality conflict", however if it's happened several times then there is a deeper rooted problem in the ranks that needs to be checked and/or fixed. All I do know is that it cause much distention(SP) in the ranks. I don't think things are going to get any better in Arkansas... at least not for awhile..... until they figure it out and get rid of the "fruit loop conspirators". LOL

Just to add, this is not the first time the GLofA has been in the news recent years. Just search the web and you will see other incidents and their webpage was shut down some time ago.
 

widows son

Premium Member
It's situations like this that make me not want to be a mason. I love our organization, but when BS like this goes on and nothing is done its discouraging, and makes me think that even the guys at the top disregard the basic idea what a master mason is supposed to be and how he is to act. One thing these guys forget is that we chose to be masons, and by doing so chose to uphold the values it embodies. These guys are acting in a despicable manner. In the EA degree there is a section where the candidate is thought about animosity in the lodge. Maybe both parties including the GM should take the advice of the lesson.
 

sands67

Premium Member
I have, and I'm not agreeing with either party. Like the letter said " “Ego, ambition, politics, wealth, domination, power and superiority are the driving forces behind all wars and even disagreements between two people. Master Masters are supposed to be above all of this. Question: What came you here to do? Answer: To learn to subdue my passions and improve myself in Masonry. Are we learning to subdue our passions here? No, we are learning how to dominate others. " both parties are guilty of this. Unfortunately.

Please explain?
 

sands67

Premium Member
It's situations like this that make me not want to be a mason. I love our organization, but when BS like this goes on and nothing is done its discouraging, and makes me think that even the guys at the top disregard the basic idea what a master mason is supposed to be and how he is to act. One thing these guys forget is that we chose to be masons, and by doing so chose to uphold the values it embodies. These guys are acting in a despicable manner. In the EA degree there is a section where the candidate is thought about animosity in the lodge. Maybe both parties including the GM should take the advice of the lesson.

It is at times like this that masons must stand tall and hold fast. It is important to show that while masonry is not perfect and has its issues that there are many who hold to a high standard above the politics. Stand tall Brother :)
 

Plustax

Registered User
I'm not sure about not wanting to be a Mason(been one for 25+), but it does anger me and bring embarrassment because I take it very personal as I believe we all should. It makes no difference to me how who or how high up the chain the person is.... he's still a Mason representing people like me and what I am supposed to stand for. I was told on that special day when I became a Master Mason.... "Always remember that you are no less important than the most important man in Masonry". Like in this country of ours we elect our leaders and if necessary we remove them or ensure that they don't return. The same goes for members in any organization. If members bring discredit, they are removed as well. Keep in mind the long term effect all this is having on masonry as a whole... not just in Arkansas. If there is a simular continuance then one would think there would be concern from higher up.



It's situations like this that make me not want to be a mason. I love our organization, but when BS like this goes on and nothing is done its discouraging, and makes me think that even the guys at the top disregard the basic idea what a master mason is supposed to be and how he is to act. One thing these guys forget is that we chose to be masons, and by doing so chose to uphold the values it embodies. These guys are acting in a despicable manner. In the EA degree there is a section where the candidate is thought about animosity in the lodge. Maybe both parties including the GM should take the advice of the lesson.
 

Squire Bentley

Premium Member
A big factor in this whole Arkansas Shrine affair has been overlooked by many. Potentate Buffington who was expelled from the Grand Lodge of Arkansas was not also expelled from the Shrine BECAUSE HE WAS STILL A MASON. He had dual membership also being a member of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. AND THE GRAND LODGE OF IOWA REFUSED TO EXPEL HIM.

So what do all you legalists have to say now? If Buffington’s own Lodge found that he did nothing wrong, if the Shrine found that he did nothing wrong and if the Grand Master of Iowa found that he had done nothing wrong and refused to expel him, could it be that the Grand Lodge of Arkansas is wrong and out for a vendetta?

Such action or non action by the Grand Lodge of Iowa is setting a precedent. It follows the Grand Lodge of Ohio giving Past Grand Master Frank Haas sanctuary after being expelled from West Virginia. It looks as if Grand Lodges may not always rubber stamp support decisions by other Grand Lodges. The good old boys network is showing some cracks.
 

widows son

Premium Member
What I meant by that quote is that these guys aren't representing the fraternity as it should be, in fact they are an embarrassment. Squires makes a good point, and it seems that a vendetta is at work. I didn't join freemasonry to see men who are old enough to be my father act like children in a school yard. I'm glad that I'm not part of that jurisdiction because I would of taken a demit and found a new jurisdiction.
 

Plustax

Registered User
Exactly..... It is an embarrassment to freemasonry everywhere and that's why it is going to affect our membership in the long run. IF in fact things like this have taken place before from the same GLoA, then why hasn't that been checked in to? Is there a body (or organization) that investigates these matters OR is that it?.. Are ALL GL's able to do as they intrepret & see fit and can not be questioned? How is uniformaty and cohesiveness kept between ALL Grand Lodges in America?.... In the world? I recall many many years ago in the Army I witnessed a replacement (ALL in 1 day) of ALL senior Officers & Noncommissioned Officers (BN CDR (& staff) down to all First Sergeants/Platoon Sergeants) where I was stationed due to an incident that took place. I know..... Different type organization with more stringent rules & regulations. However, point is that it can be done "if necessary". I fear that GL's (like Congress) are too high up the chain and very little can be done to keep them in line.

What I meant by that quote is that these guys aren't representing the fraternity as it should be, in fact they are an embarrassment. Squires makes a good point, and it seems that a vendetta is at work. I didn't join freemasonry to see men who are old enough to be my father act like children in a school yard. I'm glad that I'm not part of that jurisdiction because I would of taken a demit and found a new jurisdiction.
 

Plustax

Registered User
And so a decision is made for Arkansas shriners during the annual Shriners convention in Indianapolis. I wonder if this is going to cause "after shocks". So much for internal politics and alter ego's. Ultimately the recipents with the most to lose are the charities that both fraternaties support & have been for years & years (longer that most Grand Masters & Imperial Potentates). Sad times in Masonry for all...
 

JJones

Moderator
So...now that the Shrine is no long a Masonic body in Arkansas that means they'll allow anyone non-masons to join the Shrine?

How will this work with visitation in other states?

Also, what if someone wants to undo this down the road? I suspect having non-masons in the Shrine will also make it difficult to ever put things back like they were.
 
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