MASONIC Digest Wednesday, 6 Dec 1989 Volume 1 : Issue 4 Today's Topics: Introductions: Ste
MASONIC Digest Wednesday, 6 Dec 1989 Volume 1 : Issue 4
Today's Topics:
Introductions: Steve Gilgut
Prince Hall.
Pledge of Allegiance
Questions from the uninitiated... (a request for
opinions)
Co-Masonry follow-up.
Send all submissions and requests to ptrei@asgard.bbn.com. (From
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and represent only my views at the time of posting - not neccesarily
those of my employer, or of any Grand Lodge.
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Date: Thu, 30 Nov 89 13:18:25 EST
From: gilgut@cg-atla.agfa.com (Steve Gilgut)
Subject: Introduction, My Lodge, and some comments (Prince Hall).
Hi,
My name is Steve Gilgut. I am currently the Jr. Warden of John
Hancock Lodge, in Methuen, Mass. I am also a member of the OES,
Methuen Chapter, No. 204 I am also a member of Lawrence United Lodge,
and I am a Charter member of a new daytime lodge just formed in our
district, which is operating under dispensation from the GL in Boston.
I entered Masonry because my father-in-law interested me in it.
Being somewhat inquisitive I managed to ask him the right questions. I
had heard of Masonry, but I was raised Catholic, and at that time,
Catholics could not be Masons. ½According to the Catholic church|
Anyway, when I found out all the good things Masonry had to offer,
through community work, the Shrine, and such, I decided to join. I
watched for a year before joining the line.
Going through the chairs has taught me a lot these past few, and
fast years which has developed my character a lot. There is a saying
which goes "You get out of Masonry what you put in to it", and I agree
with that. Sometimes I think I live at the Lodge, as our is very
active. Beside Rainbow, DeMolay, OES and Lodge functions and
activities, we have a Bowling league (Yes, we have two Duck Pin Lanes
down cellar), an active Service Committee, and Hall rentals going on
regularly. It is a lot of work, but it is *fun* work, and that's the
best kind.
I have met some of the most incredible people, and in the
strangest places! We put on a Christmas dinner for the needy on
Christmas day. We get a bus, and bring people up from Lawrence, and
people who 'are alone' come, and we have a nice meal, and we give them
donated gifts, like shampoo, deoderant, and the like. I have to say
there is nothing that has ever made my Christmas so good as seeing
these people happy, full, and warm.
On the subject of Prince Hall Masons, there is a Black Lodge in
Lawrence - I presume they are these PH Masons you are speaking of.
Though they are not listed in the Book of Lodges, they meet in the
Lawrence Temple! They have their own Lodge room ½which I have not
seen| and their own regalia. The Lawrence Temple is very pretty and a
fine example of architecture, and I am glad they are able to share it.
We have one Black member in John Hancock, and my wife and I recently
sponsored he and his wife into our Star Chapter. I provided the
candidate instruction to him during his degrees, and we got to know
each other very well. This man has a doctorate! He is a 'true and
trusty friend', and I am proud to sit in Lodge with him. I would
really like to see the Lodges recognized. Yes, it may be tough to make
it happen everywhere, but we have to start somewhere. Why not in Mass?
Whoops... I find myself rambling again... I'll save the rest for
another time.
Fraternally,
Steve
--
S. P. Gilgut, Agfa Compugraphic Div; Wilmington, Mass. (508)658-5600 X5277
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Date: Fri, 1 Dec 89 03:03:55 -0800
From: naylor@brianh.enet.dec.com (Brian Naylor)
Subject: Pledge of Allegiance.
Excellent idea, Peter, and count me in.
On the subject of "The Pledge". I have visited US lodges and
have not been perturbed by this at all. Why should I, when at all
Masonic functions, although not during open lodge, we traditionally
have the "Loyal Toast" to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2nd? I would
not expect a visitor from another country to have to make such a
toast, just as I hope when I visit the US my American Brethren can
understand me not making my pledge to the flag! Respect for each
other's traditions, however, is another thing entirely.
Fraternally,
Brian Lodge Coila St Andrew, 1334, GL of Scotland
½I've never heard the "Loyal Toast", but if it's a toast to the
Sovereign as Protector of the Craft, I would be happy to join in. The
Pledge of Allegiance is just what it says - an act of fealty to the US
federal government, performed in open lodge. It is also quite a recent
innovation. I think it was created in the 20's or 30's, and did not
become widespread until the McCarthy period.|
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Date: 3 Dec 89 10:21 -0800
From: Roger Leroux
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