Thank you, Brother, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for a favourable outcome.I'll make sure I keep you all posted on the outcome concerning this
We have resolution that have been submitted and will be heard in November at Mid Winter..one specifically for an immediate request to amend the current compact with the GLoTX..
I understand why full visitation wasn't included when the Compact was originally signed in 2007.
I'm not throwing out the word "racists" if I didn't know first hand. I've been called all sorts of names, received threatening emails, etc.
To bring about real change would require the PHGLOTX to make the first move as it would send shockwaves throughout the South and if the GLOTX refused to extend relations how would that look? Not good. Every Freemason Blog, Facebook, Google, Magazine, Newsletter, Twitter and Website would be on this which is why it would be approved and other southern jurisdictions would follow. Plain and simple.
Unfortunately all of my communication to M.W. Wilbert Curtis has been ignored. In my correspondence I informed him that he has an opportunity to fundamentally change Freemasonry. Ignored.
Brother Blake, I've read a number of your posts where you seem to think that if a Grand Lodge officer doesn't take time to personally correspond with you, it's part of a conspiracy of silence. Grand Masters report at great length to their Grand Lodges every year on their actions and decisions. I imagine that they get thousands of letters from individual masons asking them why they do or don't do certain things. It would unimaginable to me for a Grand Master to regard it as his job to personally report on his actions to every mason who asked.
Tom Ball
There is one exception and that would be PGM Gene Carnes who personally called me. I also worked with current Grand Lodge officers and spent numerous hours at RW Jerry Martins house, not to mention emails and phone calls while working on his presentation as Grand Orator. When I'm needed or the subject matter is something they wish to discuss, the lines of communication are wide open, however mention Prince Hall and things become very quiet. Just ask some of my Moderators, especially the older ones - they've seen the hateful messages sent here. So what you're saying is that every Grand Lodge Officer that I've contacted since 2008 has no time to respond to a single email, especially when the Prince Hall issue is such an important one? I guess sending out letters to install air conditioners at Grand Lodge, sell merchandise or tell us the same story every year on how awesome the Craft is doing in Texas is more important. We see how well that's working out. I would also like to add that we could not obtain a copy of the 2007 Compact from the Grand Lodge of Texas and that it was the Prince Hall Grand Lodge who made it available. Sad really. You can put words in my mouth or make excuses but that is my experience.
My Freemasonry HD
I understand why full visitation wasn't included when the Compact was originally signed in 2007. There were Lodges under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Texas A.F. & A.M. who would refuse visitation, much less membership to African Americans in their Lodge. That is a fact. I've been informed that both sides are concerned with racism as many Prince Hall Lodges are content with maintaining the status quo and that "mainstream" are as well.
That being said, both sides have made little to no effort to extend relations.
Will the Grand Lodge of Texas A.F. & A.M. take the initiative? Of course not. What's in it for them? Why chance upsetting a small percentage of racists members when they (GLOTX) won't receive any compensation in the form of dues from Prince Hall Masons? I'm not throwing out the word "racists" if I didn't know first hand. I've been called all sorts of names, received threatening emails, etc. Maybe if PHA Masons contributed to the building fund, things would change.
To bring about real change would require the PHGLOTX to make the first move as it would send shockwaves throughout the South and if the GLOTX refused to extend relations how would that look? Not good. Every Freemason Blog, Facebook, Google, Magazine, Newsletter, Twitter and Website would be on this which is why it would be approved and other southern jurisdictions would follow. Plain and simple.
Unfortunately all of my communication to M.W. Wilbert Curtis has been ignored. In my correspondence I informed him that he has an opportunity to fundamentally change Freemasonry. Ignored.
Freemasonry in Texas is a mess and if you think anyone wearing GL (both sides) regalia will do anything, you're in for a surprise. It'll take pressure from YOU.
I think , not know , that the racist on both sides have a right to be until they cross over the real jordon and find they do not have a pass, word or grip that works, but what about the rest of us
Outside of lodge rooms do we walk and talk as if there is a brotherhood of man and fatherhood of GOD no modes of recognition needed except for those you should have had on being entered
Good men better not bad men good that is GOD's job.
BroBook
My Freemasonry HD
Once again I thank the Supreme Architect that I was Raised in a (slightly) enlightened state, and have had the pleasure of sitting in Lodge with my PH Brethren.