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Traditional observance

brother josh

Registered User
There is a movement of traditional observance lodges that is sweeping in Kentucky I was wondering what you brothers thought of this and if your state is experiencing this also let it be know it is my understanding that the GM is ok with this I can not however speak for him since I'm not him nor have I had the opportunity to chat with him on this matter but I have heard he's ok with it
 

JJones

Moderator
I'm a fan of the TO movement myself but, unfortunately, our GL here in Texas seems generally opposed to it.
 

Brother JC

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
As for certified TO Lodges (as per the Masonic Restoration Foundation, there were none in NM where I was Raised, but there are several in CA, and I'm petitioning one at the moment.
A number of Lodges are incorporating more traditional ideas into their lodges, following the TO, or "European Concept," practices. As it generally means improved ritual, and a deeper, more meaningful approach to our Craft, I'm all for it.
 

crono782

Premium Member
Yeah, Texas in particular poo-poos on the idea of Traditional Observance in lieu of a "good ol' boys club" mentality. I would imagine that someday that will change, just takes time.
 

JJones

Moderator
There are two TO Lodges in Texas...


There are a few but certain concepts that are usually seen in TO lodges are getting some negative attention recently. Namely CoRs and table lodges. Ofcourse, we may get to use table lodges once more once it's decided how they should be run, again.
 

Brother_Steve

Premium Member
I like the ability to have fun while in lodge but I love tight degree work. Visitors come to your lodge to see degrees and sometimes it can be embarrassing to have shoddy work. Not so much for the lodge but for the candidate. Granted the candidate will not know any difference if the degree *flows* from point to point so long as the sideliners don't jump in when a word or floor work is wrong.
 

Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
I am not familiar with the expression 'traditional observance'. Could someone explain what it is, please?

Utilizing the {Search} feature of this site, input "Traditional Observance" and you will find numerous older threads about the subject.

Have Fun!
 

brother josh

Registered User
I am not familiar with the expression 'traditional observance'. Could someone explain what it is, please?

TO lodge is more of an old school way of doing it when the big thing in America was to join a fraternity it kind brought the quality down a notch instead of candles well its safer and it look spiffy to use SC light bulbs instead of designing your apron to fit you and how you feel a out freemasonry let just get the cheap aprons and we can buy in bulk the TO reminds me of say taking it back to when Washington and Franklin and prince hall would've been initiated into the craft
 

cemab4y

Premium Member
I stumbled across some information about TO lodges, some years ago. I also found "European Concept" lodges. Some of the first TO lodges were in California, and Canada.

I am excited about the concept! I can foresee some (but not all) Grand Lodges, embracing the concept, and chartering more TO lodges across the USA.

This is an exciting time to be a Mason!
 

JFS61

Premium Member
After last weekend, I imagine that most Texas TO lodges will be keeping their heads down and going to ground for the foreseeable future.
 
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cemab4y

Premium Member
I should think that if Texas Masons choose to have TO lodges in their state, then they should be hammering the Grand Lodge, to initiate the proper changes in the state constitution and by-laws, to facilitate the speedy chartering of such lodges.

"It does not take a majority to effect change. It takes an irate and tireless minority keen to light brush fires in people's minds"- Sam Adams, revolutionary.

"Don't mess with Texas" - author unknown
 

JFS61

Premium Member
I should think that if Texas Masons choose to have TO lodges in their state, then they should be hammering the Grand Lodge, to initiate the proper changes in the state constitution and by-laws, to facilitate the speedy chartering of such lodges.

Since it was the TO lodges themselves that got hammered at Grand Lodge this past weekend, that's probably not going to happen anytime soon.
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
Since it was the TO lodges themselves that got hammered at Grand Lodge this past weekend, that's probably not going to happen anytime soon.

Were I a member of one of the two of them I would take the votes last week as open invitations to put forward legislation to change the situation. if my signing any of their paperwork will help my pen is in my hand.

I offer an alternate view of what happened - The grand line hammered them, active opposition. The delegates only voted to approve the decisions of their leaders, passive compliance.
 

Brother JC

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
The TO Lodges have a total of six votes within GLTX, not enough to combat any level of determination to stop perceived change. The battle for 2014 needs to begin now, "ducks in a row" and other cliches apply.
 

Mac

Moderator
Premium Member
The TO Lodges have a total of six votes within GLTX, not enough to combat any level of determination to stop perceived change. The battle for 2014 needs to begin now, "ducks in a row" and other cliches apply.

I don't think their votes would have been their only tool at Grand Lodge. Proposed legislation to guide the use of table lodges would have shut down that GM's recommendation. Same goes with the CoR.

I look forward to seeing what is proposed in the coming months for next year's Grand Lodge meeting. Mostly unrelated: I'm curious if someone will go ahead and submit the legislation to the floor to allow us to visit with PHA lodges.
 

JohnnyFlotsam

Premium Member
Since it was the TO lodges themselves that got hammered at Grand Lodge this past weekend, that's probably not going to happen anytime soon.

Too true, sadly.

Why would anyone want some fancy-pants "traditional observance" lodge when when all we want to do is eat a second-rate meal and then have a meeting (wearing our best jeans and t-shirts) where we discuss important business like maintaining our aging and decrepit lodge building? Better make sure that the GL's membership gets the message that we won't tolerate change.
/sarcasm
 
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