Lodges and CHL

[mrpesas]

I have noticed that there are many lodges that hold CHL classes as fundraisers. From this I gather that many lodges are "pro-chl"

My question is, what is the consensus on actually carrying in the Lodge? Would there be any instances that might be "compromising"?

I'm asking so that I don't make any sort of grave mistake.

 

[Bro. Stewart P.M.]

The answer to the first portion of your question is No. Freemasonry, Lodges, etc. are not "Pro-CHL". However, I have found that there are quite a few of us who have CHL's in the fraternity.

The answer to the second portion of your question is also No. I can not go into a lot of detail as to the reason why, but consider the "Lodge room" the same as a School or Court Building. It may not be "illegal" to carry while permitted by CHL, there are reasons why it should not be done.

 

[Ashton Lawson]

Art. 226. (266).

Weapons. Weapons, either offensive or defensive, must not be carried into the Lodgeroom.From THE LAWS of THE GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS A.F. & A.M.

Seems clear enough to me.

​

 

[mrpesas]

That was the exact info I was looking for. Thank you gentlemen.

 

[robert leachman]

As a Texas Peace Officer I don't carry in the Lodge Room, but I do carry downstairs.

 

[cemab4y]

Forgive a person who is not from Texas. (I do have an ex-wife in El Paso, but that does not make me a Texan). What exactly is "CHL" ? I gather it has something to do with weapons, which are very important in the Lone Star State.

 

[Benton]

Concealed Handgun License. It allows you to carry a concealed handgun legally, under a coat, etc. You have to take a class to attain it, and as I recall you have to have a pretty clean criminal record as well.

Apparently some lodges make money hosting these classes. I had no idea.

 

[mrpesas]

CHL is the common Texas term. I think other states may use CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon permit). The Texas class is 10hrs long and you have to submit 2 fingerprint cards, one for the state and one for the feds.

 

[jwardl]

Quite a few brothers in my lodge have CHL's (sometimes referred to as CCL's) as well -- including myself.

I think this is less about being Masons and more about being Texans!

 

[Beathard]

We carry into the lodge building then lock them in a secure location in a locked room. No firearms enter the lodge room itself. That would be a Masonic violation.

 

[Bro. Stewart P.M.]

We carry into the lodge building then lock them in a secure location in a locked room. No firearms enter the lodge room itself. That would be a Masonic violation.

That is exactly the same thing that our local police officers (Masons) do when they stop in to visit between shifts.

 

[S.Courtemanche]

I have a CHL and quite a few brothers have them in the lodges I belong to, however we do not carry in stated or called meetings.