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concealed carry

jwhoff

Premium Member
No one has mentioned bayonets.

Fixed bayonets on the end of that AR-15 would give the Tyler the best of both worlds.

Here's another thought: Velcro instead of leather holsters.

Tear, Stick, and shoot 'em off the end I always say.
 
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Seqenenre Tao

Registered User
I find this thread very informative. I've always wondered about this because I too am a CHL holder and have difficulty parting with my babygirl. I never carry into the lodge but i have thought about keeping it locked in my briefcase while in lodge but i dont and never will. I agree with some posts that carry until bed time; right on bros.

SHAW
 

scrappy

Registered User
Chl

In our obligation it states that we will not have ANYTHING offensive or defensive about us in lodge
 

nwendele

Registered User
Hmmm, I remember that not being in an obligation, but what condition a person, who was not yet a brother, was required to be in at a particular period in time.

Are we getting a little too specific for a public forum....?
 

Seqenenre Tao

Registered User
Yes a lil too specific I'd say. Notwithstanding, concealed is just that, concealed. It is a violation of course to even expose it regardless of the circumstances so if someone kept it on the hush hush then who would actually know? Lets just look at it this way: the lodge would be truly tiled instead of duly tiled. :)
 

JJones

Moderator
I look at it this way: taking the rule out about carrying weapons to lodge would likely cause problems and adding an amendment to allow concealed weapons would do the same. That being said, I've noticed most brothers tend to look the other way if the carrier is in law enforcement.

Putting your guns in the secretaries desk or in a gun locker seems about as useful defensively as not having brought them at all. If some nut busts into lodge with a gun we'd all be in the Celestial Lodge before anyone could scramble for something to defend themselves with.

I get the purpose of not bringing anything offensive or defensive into a lodge but it goes without saying that times change. Don't get me wrong, I've known some brethren that I wouldn't trust with a gun (that ties back to watching the West gate) but I doubt I'll ever complain if I know a peace officer is concealing.
 

nwendele

Registered User
Putting your guns in the secretaries desk or in a gun locker seems about as useful defensively as not having brought them at


You are 100% correct, but we are carrying for the drive to the lodge, or if we came straight from work. We carry all the time. Locking them up isn't trying to defend ourselves in Lodge, it is removing our defenses of the outside world once we get to Lodge.
 

Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
I have only a few words here...

  • Remember your E.A. work & Lecture
  • Leave all weapons at home or in secured lock up

I would also like to note in addition to the "gun" discussion that I have also seen Brethren asked to leave their pocket knives outside of the Lodge Room, this includes a current visiting DDGM's personal guests.

Leave the Offensive and Defensive weapons at home or in your car, boys!!
 
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LukeD

Registered User
I'm sure the State and district have a lot to do with how comfortable Brothers are with concealed carry in and around the lodge. Some Brothers go to lodge in blue jeans, T-shirt, and boots. Others are coattails and white gloves. It just depends on the personality of the lodge. I think this will be an actual issue if something ever does happen in a lodge, just like everything changed in out airports and schools. Times are changing, and there are more nut jobs who take it upon themselves to inflict harm on those they do not understand or agree with. Masonry is one of those organizations people constantly mislabel, or spread false rumors and accusations about.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Once again, Brethren...

Art. 226. (266). Weapons. "Weapons, either offensive or defensive, must not be carried into the Lodgeroom."

There is nothing in any of the obligations, except the first "furthermore" of the Master's, which addresses this issue.
 

LukeD

Registered User
Out of curiosity, could a Lodges' bylaws change this rule to allow it? Or, can they not change or take away anything from the GL law book?
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
A Lodge's bylaws cannot conflict with GL law.

Art. 220. (260). By.Laws: Void if Conflicting with Constitution or Laws.

"All by-laws or regulations of a Subordinate Lodge contravening, or in conflict with, the Constitution or Laws of the Grand Lodge, shall be null and void and such is the case even though the Grand Lodge may have approved such by-laws or regulations."
 
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Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
Once again, Brethren...

Art. 226. (266). Weapons. "Weapons, either offensive or defensive, must not be carried into the Lodgeroom."

There is nothing in any of the obligations, except the first "furthermore" of the Master's, which addresses this issue.

I corrected my original comment to "lecture".
 

cemab4y

Premium Member
I am in Atlanta for a brief business trip. I have visited a couple of Georgia lodges, and prominently posted, there is a poster up on the wall in every lodge room, stating, that no one is permitted to carry a weapon into the lodge room. I spoke with a retired law enforcement officer (Mason), and he stated that the Grand Master will not make an exception even for law enforcement officers on duty. A couple of his co-workers, withdrew their petitions, when they were informed that weapons were not permitted in the lodge room.
 

nwendele

Registered User
and prominently posted, there is a poster up on the wall in every lodge room,
This might open up a whole 'nother can of worms, but Lodge is my home away from home. I don't have any signs saying what I can't do in my living room, I sure as heck don't want one hanging up in my lodge. Maybe that is just my grumpy independent Texan side speaking, or maybe I think Brethren can tell each other the rules of the house face to face.
 

LukeD

Registered User
I was just thinking the other day about my last CHL course, and how I was told a business, or other establishment actually has to post a sign on their building stating that concealed carry is not permitted if there is no legal reason why a person couldn't carry there. This does not pertain to the already off-limits areas such as schools, churches, bars, airports, Federal buildings, ect... Not that I have a problem with my lodge rules, but I just put it out there for thought.
 
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