Fraternal Greetings! from Br. Raymond Walters, Phylaxis Society Rep. for Region II WV

[Raymond Walters]

Dear Brethren,

My name is Raymond Sean Walters, a Master Mason, Past Master, Past Grand Lodge Officer, and member of both the Phylaxis Society and the Philalethes Society.

The Phylaxis Society is an organization that was begun for Prince Hall Masons "who seek more light and have light to impart"!

I am presently appointed a Regional Representative for West Virginia by the Council of Representatives for the Phylaxis Society. In addition, I also belong to the Philalethes Society which has a similar mission toward Masonic research.

www.thephylaxis.org/ OR www.freemasonry.org/

I have long been an avid reader and student of research, especially Masonic related research. It is my goal to establish two regional chapters of the Phylaxis in the region that I reside, a region that is in essence a tri-state area composing Ohio, West Virginia & Pennsylvania. I live on the border of these three states, so have access to many Freemasons (both Prince Hall and mainstream).

I look forward to discussions concerning the Phylaxis Society specifically, it's mission, and it's parallel mission that it shares with the Philalethes Society.

Fraternally,

 

[Steve Cumbie]

Welcome Brother

 

[Blake Bowden]

Re: Fraternal Greetings! from Br. Raymond Walters, Phylaxis Society Rep. for Region I

It is an honor to have you here!

 

[jwhoff]

Re: Fraternal Greetings! from Br. Raymond Walters, Phylaxis Society Rep. for Region I

Welcome brother! Please do not hesitate to spread the light.

 

[ezeelivin]

Bro. Richardson

Welcome my brother, and let your trowel lead you!

 

[towerbuilder7]

Re: Fraternal Greetings! from Br. Raymond Walters, Phylaxis Society Rep. for Region I

Welcome Brother Walters.....I always have my attentive ear tuned in when more well-informed Brethren speak. I look forward to following this thread and learning/sharing along with the rest of the Brothers in this forum. I plan to apply for membership in the Phylaxis Society this Summer, after I complete my studies for a promotional exam on my job, which should be coming up within the next 2 months. It is a privilege to be able to network with Brothers nationwide; this site proves how "beautiful it is when Brethren dwell together in Unity......." Bro Vincent C. Jones, Sr., Bayou City Lodge #228, PHA, Houston, Texas

 

[Raymond Walters]

As an update, on April 24, 2014 I resigned as a Regional Representative for the Phylaxis Society. I had served in this capacity to several jurisdictions over 19 1/2 years.

My most recent appointment in 2011 was representative to West Virginia, and was expanded to include eastern Ohio & western Pennsylvania since I lived in a tri-state area encompassing all 3 states. This seemed to be a good fit for myself & the Phylaxis Society as this is the region I grew up in most of my formative years. I was from the region, and my paternal ancestors were partially responsible for the expansion of Prince Hall Freemasonry in the Northern Panhandle region of West Virginia in the mid to late 1800's and early 1900's.

Though I AM no stranger to adversity and dealing with difficult people, West Virginia appears to be filled with some of the most difficult and obstinate people I have ever had the displeasure of meeting and dealing with.

The leadership of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of West Virginia not only disliked the Phylaxis Society, they showed themselves to be anti-education, and demanded to have appointment power over the Phylaxis Society, a historical research & education organization that in no way interferes with Grand Lodges. That is expressly forbidden in the by-laws of the Phylaxis Society.

There was additionally a verbal directive issued that PHGL of WV members were NOT to join or even accept reading material from the Phylaxis Society or it's regional representatives... which just really made me shake my head in puzzlement. It got even worse when PHA members in West Virginia were even directed not to have social conversation with me. WOW! was all I could say on that.

In truth, I AM more bothered that individuals were more concerned with titles and positions that many of them were NOT qualified for than in thinking for themselves. What came to mind more than once were papers written by Hon. Joseph Walkes, FPS founder of the Phylaxis Society regarding the limits of a Grand Master's power and authority.

As it finally became clear that I was no longer effective in my appointed role as Regional Representative, I decided it would be best to resign in the best interest of the Phylaxis Society.

I share these words to simply point out that though most Grand Lodges talk a good game, masonic education is an unwanted step-child by most Grand Lodge leadership, leadership that serves at the behest of the members of the Grand Lodge.

24 1/2 years has shown me on too many occasions that there are some issues still needing dealt with.

Frat,

http://raymondswalters.blogspot.com/2014/09/gotta-know-when-to-throw-in-towel.html

 

[crono782]

Sad to hear the state of things, though I know it's a widespread mentality. Hopefully it will lessen over time. Thank you for all you do!

 

[Warrior1256]

I'm originally from Beckley, W.V. Just wanted to say hello.

 

[Raymond Walters]

Duplicate

 

[Raymond Walters]

Thank you all for your comments.

Though I have specifically mentioned West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania are not any better. This view will vary based on location of course but I have found it very disturbing to say the least.

We often may have heard or even seen that the West Gate is NOT being guarded as well as it could or should be. We have so much entrenched ignorance within the fraternity that I stay in a near continued state of puzzlement, and greatly enjoy those moments to converse or chat online with another worthy Brother that one can tell is truly making a serious study of Freemasonry and it's teachings as to have been a worthwhile conversation.

Over the many years of my Masonic journey I have slowly found myself becoming "selfish" with my own study, lessons learned & applied as regards Freemasonry. I have slowly reached the point I AM not as willing to share the experiences either, which in my opinion is NOT the best example for me to provide either.

Now that I AM disabled and physically limited, being unable to attend and visit lodges locally creates an un-needed aggravation for me... otherwise I would most likely be driving 1 to 3 hours in any direction to a lodge I would be welcomed into as a visitor.

The light at the end of the tunnel for me is in now seeing a new, younger generation of Freemasons who are effecting some positive changes in multiple ways.

That positive change (and adherence to Masonic regulations and teachings) is what I have fought for as an individual Freemason.

All of us need to FOCUS and stay the course.

Fraternally,

 

[Warrior1256]

I'm truly distressed to hear of these problems you are having brother. You will be in my prayers.

 

[Raymond Walters]

I have been bothered at what passes for the practice of Freemasonry in the region I presently reside in. What I (and others) have been shown is that there will be no regard given to following Freemasonry's rules nor providing an adequate atmosphere that fosters learning.

 

[AndreAshlar]

This post is eye opening and enlightening albeit disappointing. Sobering. Quite frankly, it's shocking to me as a newly raised MM who is intrigued by the research of The Phylaxis Society.

 

[Bro. Staton]

Good Brother thank you for sharing your information and the pains associated with it as well. I will continue to pray for you and your situation. You have a wealth of knowledge so please share that with those who seek it as you are still much needed. I would like to keep in contact with you and even seek your counsel as I proceed in my walk in freemasonry.