re: Anybody a Shriner?

Catholics, Jews, Muslims, any man 18 or older who believes in a Supreme Being can petition a Masonic Lodge for membership.

Several years ago, some Baptist minister who had been a Mason started a movement against Freemasonry, claiming it to be of the devil, lucifer, etc.

I've been a Mason since I turned 21 (the old minimum age requirement) and have gone through both the York and Scottish Rites. I've never joined the Shrine simply because my father (a Mason) never did as he couldn't afford it. Back then they demanded a lot of money from members to fund the various Shriners Hospitals, burn centers, etc.

I've never known of a Masonic Lodge, and I've attended dozens around the country, who worshipped anyone other than a Supreme Being (God).

I've never seen any shenanigans going on at any Lodge nor have I seen some of the crazy stuff you hear or read about.

The main reason Masonry has lost a lot of membership is one, back in the day, during the heyday, we did not have 24 hour TV and all the other stuff folks have to do today.

It's easy to be critical of an organization if you don't know anything about it.

I've seen thousands of dollars raised by Masons to aid the sick, those in need, and especially children in need.

Once when I was a kid, and again my father was a Mason, the richest man in town owned a sawmill. When someone (black, white, rich, poor) suffered a housefire, he'd give them enough lumber to rebuild.

If a family, Masonic or not, was down, out, hungry, etc., Masons would pass the hat to help them whether or not they were connected to Masonry or not.

So, having bored you with my thoughts, simply put, Freemasonry is a noble and glorious organization that never asks for publicity for the many things they do for folks.

Like some of the previous posters have stated, both organizations do great works. My grandfather was both a mason and a Shriner. My impression is that it takes up a lot of a person's time. That's why that vast majority of members are retirees.

I think like a lot of Fraternal organizations like Knights of Columbus, Elks, Masons etc, the enrollment has dipped. When I was a kid, everyone's dad seemed to be a KofC member, now not so much. Most college fraternities are based of of Masonry and its charges.
A lot of the propaganda against masons is unfounded, but highly entertaining.

I'm Catholic so I can't be a mason.

They're basically a hate group.

quote:

---

I think like a lot of Fraternal organizations like Knights of Columbus, Elks, Masons etc, the enrollment has dipped. When I was a kid, everyone's dad seemed to be a KofC member, now not so much.

---

I was really saddened to attend a KofC dinner that they'd put on for my son's Cub Scout troop. The Knights were guys in their 70's and 80's and very few in number. I grew up playing KofC sports, going to KofC Summer camp, and going with my dad to the KofC hall to shoot basketball and to shoot pool.

quote:

---

Most college fraternities are based of of Masonry and its charges.

---

Amazing how similar fraternity rituals are, even though each one claims to have a very unique origin (The Crusades, Civil War, Italian Rennaisance, etc.)

quote:

---

Amazing how similar fraternity rituals are

---

Not just similar. In some instances, it's word for word between the fraternity and Masonic rituals; in others, the words may differ, but the symbology is identical. When you look back at the founders of many American college fraternities, you're looking at Freemasons.

Not any proper Catholics. I want nothing to do with the masons.

Besides, I'm not even Scottish.

My Grandfather was a Mason and one of my Uncle's is now. When we cleaned out the family home after my Grandmother passed, he found his Father!s Masonic materials. Ihe became pretty emotional about them.

Early in my career, I worked for the Florida Department of Corrections as a Parole Officer. Much of the upper management of that organization were Masons at the time. I'm pretty sure that if you were or would become a Mason while working ther, they would take good care of you.

Not true. I am one of many Catholic Masons. I have been Master of two different lodges. We require that you believe in God. Your faith is your business.