re: Any Masons on here?

Am a Mason. No, politics has no bearing on freemasonry or vice-versa.

Prince Hall Masons are recognized by some grand lodges and not by others. The Grand Lodge of Alabama does not recognize Prince Hall Masonry. I am a 5th Generation freemason, and I was taught that Prince Hall Masons were not Masons because they were not evolved from a recognized lodge, regardless of their skin color. There are many clandestine lodges that are not recognized as true Masons. In order to be recognized as a true lodge, that lodge must be recognized by the Grand Lodge of the state.

As I know all the rites and regalia, I could go out tomorrow and start my own lodge. I could confer all my knowledge on people and convince them that they were Masons, but they wouldn't be. If my lodge was not chartered and recognized as a true lodge, none of the people I made into "Masons" would withstand the scrutiny of other true Masons. They could know all the rites and possess all the pins, rings, ties,etc... They still would not be Masons, and I would no longer be one because I broke my oath.