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Original poster

Freemasons - are you one?

276 replies

JazzyComposition · 12/09/2012 22:31

So what's it all about?

OP posts:
PicklesThePottyMouthedParrot · 12/09/2012 23:15

Aw they sound rather pleasent. Another myth explodes in my head!

McPhee · 12/09/2012 23:16

And don't get me started on the white gloves

They don't stay white!!!

McPhee · 12/09/2012 23:17

The ladies nights are a good laugh.

The men have to sing to you Grin and by god my men can't hold a tune

RubyVaultingGates · 12/09/2012 23:18

I'm a little teapot....

modifiedmum · 12/09/2012 23:18

i still dont get it and my grandad was one.

McPhee · 12/09/2012 23:20

The prince of wales is one

CrackersandCheese · 12/09/2012 23:23

My grandad was one and when he passed my grandma was also looked after financially.
I have a fancy certificate that states his membership and lodge details. More interestingly I have this weird guide to freemasonry that is written in code with letters missing here and there. It describes the rituals and what not Wink

ToothbrushThief · 12/09/2012 23:24

I think it's like any organisation whether that be rugby club, rotary or model train lovers society...

There is a hierachy, a common focus and often your family got you into it.

However FMs have admission criteria which seem cliquey, secret elements and appear affluent. (All a bit suspicious!!) There are a lot in the services (fire police)and law hence the other accusation of corruption.

McPhee · 12/09/2012 23:26

In a way you're right toothbrushthief

If you're in trouble your Brethren will dig you out

seaofyou · 12/09/2012 23:28

Nooooo the Prince of Wales can't be one!!!He's CofE

I'll be watching his handshake and trouser leg from now on on TV!

McPhee · 12/09/2012 23:29

We're CofE too Grin

I think andrew is too, but can't be sure

seaofyou · 12/09/2012 23:35

What about Cameron is he one too?

McPhee · 12/09/2012 23:39

I'm 90% sure he is, as is Boris Grin

Kleptronic · 12/09/2012 23:48

Ok, I'm going to say it, woo watch me burn.

Freemasons. Exclusive men's club. Sexist.

degutastic · 12/09/2012 23:49

My ex was one, and some of his friends who I met were. He was a knob, and so were his freemasonry friends. Shame because I think the canoeing in cloaks thing would be pretty awesome Grin

PatFenis · 12/09/2012 23:50

Most of the men in my family (past and present) are freemasons. My DH was invited to join about 20 yrs ago but it didn't float his boat, he did attend one meeting at the lodge but didn't 'get it' Confused

ColouringIn · 12/09/2012 23:55

My grandfather was one and so was my father in law for many many years. He moved away from his Lodge two years ago and has not bothered rejoining or seeking an intro in his new area. I went to one or two Ladies Nignts with exH (who did not see the point of bei g a Freemason and never was) and coud them good fun but incredibly snobby.

Selks · 12/09/2012 23:56

They attempted to recruit my son when he was at University. I don't know if that happens much at Unis. Maybe they have a stall at Freshers week! Grin

mum4041 · 12/09/2012 23:58

A close family member on my dh's side is one. He has been chief grand bib or something. From the snippets I've seen, they largely they raise money for charity and buy widows flowers at xmas. The women from what I've seen are just invited to "ladies nights" which involve food and dancing.

And there definitely is a handshake.

It sounded to me a bit similar to the Lions. Just a social club for men and the women are expected to make buttys in the back room.

crackcrackcrak · 13/09/2012 00:02

The masons down here wilfully obstruct child abuse police investigations. They also use police contacts to warn mason drug dealers of planned raids.
I have a make friend in a lodge who swallows all the charity guff though.

peanutMD · 13/09/2012 00:02

I have no idea what the Freemasons are but when I told my 80yo great Gran that DS (6) and DP (26) had a 'secret handshake' her reply was

"ooohh no, its not the Freemasons is it? You should steer clear of that!!"

:o

CappuccinoCarrie · 13/09/2012 00:07

I read a book about it recently (had to return it so can't remember the title, will try very very hard to) and you have to apply to join and you're interviewed as to your motives. There is a lot of charitable stuff, but also a lot of ritual and memorising huge amounts of stuff, standing in contorted positions, walking round a room wearing special clothing, saying special words and, yes, the handshake. There is a massive spiritual element to it, you have to commit to believing in a higher power, although its one of those things that you possibly don't realise the full spiritual extent when you join. Yes they seem to be a tremendous resource for good, but also I am very, very suspicious of what else goes on.
Also I understand there are womens lodges now.

Leena49 · 13/09/2012 04:06

Any bloke I ever knew that was a member was a knob. It's meant to be secret but they were such knobs they couldn't even keep a secret.

Thumbwitch · 13/09/2012 04:21

My mum's cousin is one. He doesn't talk about it so I don't know much; but I know the basics that women were banned (maybe women-only lodges now) and that you have to be invited to join by a member; I believe it only takes one member "black-balling" you for you not to be admitted. You have to have an appropriate job and appropriate standing in the community to be accepted.
(My Dad was a bit pissed off that he was never invited to join - not sure he actually wanted to be one, but he would have liked the opportunity to turn them down!)

I don't like the Old Boys' Club network/protection thing they appear to have going, sounds very dodgy.

I have been inside one Freemason's club though - a Christmas dinner in London, I believe it was the Worshipful Company of Candlemakers or somesuch, and we were invited to be "the entertainment" (singing, nothing bad! It was Ladies Night as well) and the building was awesome. And hidden behind a facade, you couldn't see it from the street.

Thumbwitch · 13/09/2012 04:27

Jazzy - if you want to join some kind of social circle, look at the Rotary club or a Lions Club in your area instead. Similar but allow women in, are less exclusive and you don't have to be invited to join. :)
Or there's always the WI... :)